Munich
Germany
Why Munich is a great destination
Munich offers a crowd-light, culture-rich city break where world-class art, beer-garden life and vast green spaces come without the crush.
- Culture without queues: Wander the walkable Kunstareal for the Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne and Lenbachhaus, with €1 Sundays and thoughtful contemporary shows at Haus der Kunst—big-name art minus the bustle.
- Green city living: Swap jammed riverfronts for the Englischer Garten’s meadows, the Isar’s Flaucher gravel banks and Olympiaberg views; cycle up to Aumeister, join relaxed local rituals (FKK sunbathing, designated grilling) and still find space to breathe.
- Authentic Bavarian flavour: Embrace biergarten etiquette—bring your own Brotzeit and buy the beer—at Hirschgarten or the Chinesischer Turm; think pretzels, Obatzda and roast chicken for great value in genuinely local settings.
- Neighbourhoods with character: Café-hop in Schwabing, stroll Haidhausen by the river, find street art and MUCA around Werksviertel-Mitte, then decompress in Nymphenburg’s palace park—a polished city that stays personal and pleasantly uncrowded.
Who should go to Munich?
Munich suits travellers who crave culture layered with green space and an easy-going Bavarian lifestyle. From royal palaces and world-class museums to river meadows and one of the world’s largest urban parks, the city blends history and nature seamlessly. With superb public transport, safe neighbourhoods and year‑round outdoor living, Munich is an effortless city break or a longer, slower stay.
- History lovers: Trace Bavaria’s story from Wittelsbach palaces to Leo von Klenze’s neo‑classical Königsplatz, then confront 20th‑century history at the Haus der Kunst and the NS‑Dokumentationszentrum.
- Art aficionados: Dive into the Kunstareal—from Old Masters at the Alte Pinakothek to cutting‑edge design at the Pinakothek der Moderne and Museum Brandhorst—with many state museums just €1 on Sundays.
- Scenery seekers: Lose yourself in the Englischer Garten—one of the world’s largest urban parks, larger than Central Park—float by the renaturalised Isar, or wander the romantic Nymphenburg gardens.
- Active travellers: Cycle traffic‑free through parks, jog the Isar trails, climb Olympiaberg for Alpine views, and watch year‑round surfers on the Eisbach (swimming only for very strong, experienced swimmers).
- Families: Let kids roam safe, playground‑filled parks, meet deer in the Hirschgarten, and refuel at family‑friendly beer gardens where you can bring your own Brotzeit.
- Foodies & beer lovers: Savour biergarten culture under chestnut trees—share long tables, bring a picnic in self‑service areas, and enjoy a Maß at local favourites like Aumeister or the world‑beating Hirschgarten.
Who should go to Munich?
Munich suits travellers who crave culture layered with green space and an easy-going Bavarian lifestyle. From royal palaces and world-class museums to river meadows and one of the world’s largest urban parks, the city blends history and nature seamlessly. With superb public transport, safe neighbourhoods and year‑round outdoor living, Munich is an effortless city break or a longer, slower stay.
- History lovers: Trace Bavaria’s story from Wittelsbach palaces to Leo von Klenze’s neo‑classical Königsplatz, then confront 20th‑century history at the Haus der Kunst and the NS‑Dokumentationszentrum.
- Art aficionados: Dive into the Kunstareal—from Old Masters at the Alte Pinakothek to cutting‑edge design at the Pinakothek der Moderne and Museum Brandhorst—with many state museums just €1 on Sundays.
- Scenery seekers: Lose yourself in the Englischer Garten—one of the world’s largest urban parks, larger than Central Park—float by the renaturalised Isar, or wander the romantic Nymphenburg gardens.
- Active travellers: Cycle traffic‑free through parks, jog the Isar trails, climb Olympiaberg for Alpine views, and watch year‑round surfers on the Eisbach (swimming only for very strong, experienced swimmers).
- Families: Let kids roam safe, playground‑filled parks, meet deer in the Hirschgarten, and refuel at family‑friendly beer gardens where you can bring your own Brotzeit.
- Foodies & beer lovers: Savour biergarten culture under chestnut trees—share long tables, bring a picnic in self‑service areas, and enjoy a Maß at local favourites like Aumeister or the world‑beating Hirschgarten.
Top things to do in Munich
Munich’s unmissable highlights blend world-class art with vast, lived‑in green spaces. Use this list to capture the city’s essence in just a few unforgettable stops.
- Walk the Englischer Garten from the Chinesischer Turm and Monopteros to the pastoral Nordteil ending at Aumeister.
- Explore the Kunstareal: Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne and Museum Brandhorst, framed by Königsplatz and the Glyptothek.
- Visit Schlosspark Nymphenburg’s Baroque parterres and follies—Amalienburg, Badenburg and Pagodenburg—on a leisurely loop.
- Take in city‑and‑Alps panoramas from Olympiaberg before strolling beneath Frei Otto’s soaring Olympic canopies.
- Hike the renaturalised Isarauen from the Flaucher’s gravel banks, picnicking only in designated Grillzonen along the restored river.
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Top things to do in Munich
Munich’s unmissable highlights blend world-class art with vast, lived‑in green spaces. Use this list to capture the city’s essence in just a few unforgettable stops.
- Walk the Englischer Garten from the Chinesischer Turm and Monopteros to the pastoral Nordteil ending at Aumeister.
- Explore the Kunstareal: Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne and Museum Brandhorst, framed by Königsplatz and the Glyptothek.
- Visit Schlosspark Nymphenburg’s Baroque parterres and follies—Amalienburg, Badenburg and Pagodenburg—on a leisurely loop.
- Take in city‑and‑Alps panoramas from Olympiaberg before strolling beneath Frei Otto’s soaring Olympic canopies.
- Hike the renaturalised Isarauen from the Flaucher’s gravel banks, picnicking only in designated Grillzonen along the restored river.
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3-day Munich itinerary
Day 1: Old town, Hofgarten and the Kunstareal
Settle into Munich’s historic heart and then pivot to its world-class art district. Keep an easy pace: two museums in a day is plenty, and café stops are part of the local rhythm.
- Morning: Stroll the old town: Marienplatz (catch the Glockenspiel at 11:00), Viktualienmarkt for a second breakfast, then meander via the Residenz courtyards to the Hofgarten for boules, live musicians in the Diana Temple and a pocket of calm. If the weather turns, swap in the Residenz Treasury.
- Midday: Head to the Kunstareal (Tram 27/28 to Pinakotheken or Bus 100, the “museum line”). Lunch in Maxvorstadt, then the Alte Pinakothek; note that the Neue Pinakothek is closed and many 19th‑century highlights are shown here in “From Goya to Manet” and at Sammlung Schack.
- Afternoon: Choose either the Pinakothek der Moderne (art/design/architecture) or Museum Brandhorst (Warhol, Twombly). Tip: museums are closed on Mondays; on Sundays state museums are €1 (expect crowds and use lockers for bags—bring a €1/€2 coin).
- Evening: Drift through Königsplatz at golden hour, then dinner nearby or a drink at the Golden Bar in the Haus der Kunst. If you’ve still energy, wander along the illuminated Isar for a quiet city-night walk.
Day 2: River life and palace park
Today is about Munich’s “green living room”: the Englischer Garten, the Isar and the elegance of Nymphenburg. Bring a picnic or plan a beer garden lunch—both are perfectly local.
- Morning: Enter the Englischer Garten by the Eisbach wave (watch, don’t swim—the current is dangerous), then amble to the Monopteros for city views. Seasonal notes: spring magnolias, autumn colour along the Schwabinger Bach, cross‑country skiing here after good snowfall; keep off cycle lanes and respect signed FKK meadows.
- Midday: Lunch at the Chinese Tower beer garden or Seehaus by Kleinhesseloher See; in self‑service areas you may bring your own food (buy drinks on site). Rent bikes and roll north to the quieter meadows—aim for Aumeister if the weather is fine.
- Afternoon: Tram 17 to Schloss Nymphenburg for the formal parterres and the wider landscape park with its follies (Amalienburg, Badenburg, Pagodenburg; separate tickets apply). In winter the canal sometimes freezes for skating; in summer the shaded paths are glorious.
- Evening: Hirschgarten for a relaxed, family‑friendly beer garden and a peek at the deer enclosure. If you prefer a palace sunset, linger by Nymphenburg’s canal as the façade glows and locals sit along the water.
Day 3: Olympiapark, hidden gardens and street art
Blend Munich’s post‑war optimism with neighbourhood greens and contemporary creativity. Pack layers—open hills and lakes feel cooler, and evenings can turn crisp even in late spring.
- Morning: Olympiapark loop: walk under Frei Otto’s canopies, climb the Olympiaberg for skyline‑and‑Alps views, or take the Olympiaturm. Seasonal extras: Tollwood Festival (summer), cherry blossoms on the hills (spring), lake ice‑skating (when officially open in winter).
- Midday: U3 to Olympiazentrum then U5 to Ostbahnhof for Werksviertel‑Mitte—street art, creative spaces and easy lunch options; ride the Umadum Ferris wheel if you like city panoramas. Alternatively, BMW Welt/–Museum pairs neatly with the Olympic story if you prefer design and engineering.
- Afternoon: Westpark, a local favourite: wander the Thai Sala, Nepalese Pagoda and rose garden; in summer, check the open‑air cinema schedule. Quiet alternative: Luitpoldpark’s Luitpoldhügel for broad views and a more low‑key neighbourhood vibe.
- Evening: If it’s a warm evening, finish at the Isar’s Flaucher gravel banks for a sunset picnic; grilling is allowed only in signed zones—take all rubbish with you. Cooler nights: try a cosy Wirtshaus in Haidhausen or a contemporary show at Haus der Kunst, then a nightcap back by the river.
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Food and drink in Munich
Munich’s food culture blends hearty Bavarian classics with relaxed beer‑garden rituals and market‑fresh snacks. Expect generous portions, simple ingredients done well, and plenty of lager served by the litre. It’s social, seasonal, and best enjoyed outdoors when the sun shines.
- Weißwurst & Brezn – Veal sausages served before noon with sweet mustard and a soft pretzel; a cosy late‑morning bite in traditional cafés or Wirtshäuser.
- Schweinshaxe – Crispy pork knuckle with crackling, often with sauerkraut or potato dumplings; best in lively beer halls with communal tables and clinking steins.
- Obatzda – Creamy cheese spread with paprika, onions and chives, scooped up with pretzels; quintessential beer‑garden Brotzeit in the self‑service area.
- Helles or Weißbier (Maß) – Munich’s pale lager or cloudy wheat beer, poured by the litre under chestnut trees; a slow, sociable pause in beer gardens or bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Munich top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Munich
Munich’s food culture blends hearty Bavarian classics with relaxed beer‑garden rituals and market‑fresh snacks. Expect generous portions, simple ingredients done well, and plenty of lager served by the litre. It’s social, seasonal, and best enjoyed outdoors when the sun shines.
- Weißwurst & Brezn – Veal sausages served before noon with sweet mustard and a soft pretzel; a cosy late‑morning bite in traditional cafés or Wirtshäuser.
- Schweinshaxe – Crispy pork knuckle with crackling, often with sauerkraut or potato dumplings; best in lively beer halls with communal tables and clinking steins.
- Obatzda – Creamy cheese spread with paprika, onions and chives, scooped up with pretzels; quintessential beer‑garden Brotzeit in the self‑service area.
- Helles or Weißbier (Maß) – Munich’s pale lager or cloudy wheat beer, poured by the litre under chestnut trees; a slow, sociable pause in beer gardens or bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Munich top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Munich
Choosing where to stay in Munich is about picking the area that fits your trip, not the hotel brand. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct feel—from museum-lined boulevards to leafy parks and village-like quarters. Use this quick guide to match vibe to priorities.
- Altstadt–Lehel — Historic heart and elegant streets; best for first-timers and history lovers who want to walk to the Residenz, Hofgarten and the Isar, with calm nights but higher prices.
- Maxvorstadt (Kunstareal) — Museum quarter with uni buzz, galleries and cafés; ideal for culture fans and solo travellers, well connected by U-Bahn and lively without being rowdy.
- Schwabing — Leafy, bohemian vibe beside the Englischer Garten; suits park lovers and night owls, with indie boutiques, bars and relaxed café culture.
- Neuhausen–Nymphenburg — Quiet, residential charm near Nymphenburg Palace park and the Hirschgarten; great for families and longer stays, with easy tram links into the centre.
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Where to stay in Munich
Choosing where to stay in Munich is about picking the area that fits your trip, not the hotel brand. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct feel—from museum-lined boulevards to leafy parks and village-like quarters. Use this quick guide to match vibe to priorities.
- Altstadt–Lehel — Historic heart and elegant streets; best for first-timers and history lovers who want to walk to the Residenz, Hofgarten and the Isar, with calm nights but higher prices.
- Maxvorstadt (Kunstareal) — Museum quarter with uni buzz, galleries and cafés; ideal for culture fans and solo travellers, well connected by U-Bahn and lively without being rowdy.
- Schwabing — Leafy, bohemian vibe beside the Englischer Garten; suits park lovers and night owls, with indie boutiques, bars and relaxed café culture.
- Neuhausen–Nymphenburg — Quiet, residential charm near Nymphenburg Palace park and the Hirschgarten; great for families and longer stays, with easy tram links into the centre.
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Good to know before you go to Munich
Munich is easy to navigate, with excellent public transport, clear signage, and compact neighbourhoods that are pleasant to explore on foot or by bike. A few planning details—costs, seasons, and local etiquette—make visits smoother and can save money.
- Affordability: Mid-to-high by German standards—think €12–20 for a main in a beer hall, €4–5 for a beer, mid-range hotels €120–200 (hostels €25–45), with big savings from free parks and €1 entry to state museums on Sundays.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable, MVV (U-/S‑Bahn, trams, buses) is fast and integrated with day tickets, cycling is easy, and for day trips regional trains (e.g., Bayern-Ticket), coaches, lake boats (Starnberger See/Ammersee, seasonal) or a car for the Alps work well.
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, museums and by younger locals—simple German greetings are appreciated.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe and comfortable for families and solo travellers; use standard pickpocket caution on public transport and at festivals, keep off cycle lanes when walking, and avoid swimming in fast currents like the Eisbach/Isar outside designated areas.
- Crowds: Peak time is June–September, during Oktoberfest (late Sep–early Oct) and Advent markets; it’s quieter in January–March, so book ahead for weekends and arrive early for hotspots like the Englischer Garten and major exhibitions.
Good to know before you go to Munich
Munich is easy to navigate, with excellent public transport, clear signage, and compact neighbourhoods that are pleasant to explore on foot or by bike. A few planning details—costs, seasons, and local etiquette—make visits smoother and can save money.
- Affordability: Mid-to-high by German standards—think €12–20 for a main in a beer hall, €4–5 for a beer, mid-range hotels €120–200 (hostels €25–45), with big savings from free parks and €1 entry to state museums on Sundays.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable, MVV (U-/S‑Bahn, trams, buses) is fast and integrated with day tickets, cycling is easy, and for day trips regional trains (e.g., Bayern-Ticket), coaches, lake boats (Starnberger See/Ammersee, seasonal) or a car for the Alps work well.
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, museums and by younger locals—simple German greetings are appreciated.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe and comfortable for families and solo travellers; use standard pickpocket caution on public transport and at festivals, keep off cycle lanes when walking, and avoid swimming in fast currents like the Eisbach/Isar outside designated areas.
- Crowds: Peak time is June–September, during Oktoberfest (late Sep–early Oct) and Advent markets; it’s quieter in January–March, so book ahead for weekends and arrive early for hotspots like the Englischer Garten and major exhibitions.
Best time to go to Munich
Munich is a year-round destination: outdoor parks and beer gardens shine from spring to autumn, while winter brings cosy museums and festive markets. Expect warm summers, crisp autumns, and cold, sometimes snowy winters; crowds peak in high summer and at Oktoberfest.
- High Summer (June–August): Warm to hot, long days; busiest time with packed parks, beer gardens and events; energetic, outdoor vibe.
- Autumn & Oktoberfest (September–early October): Cool, golden and photogenic; extremely crowded and pricey during Oktoberfest, calmer before/after; festive, traditional mood.
- Advent & Winter (late November–February): Cold, short days with possible snow; moderate crowds except for lively Christmas markets; cosy, culture‑first atmosphere with skating and winter walks.
Best time to go to Munich
Munich is a year-round destination: outdoor parks and beer gardens shine from spring to autumn, while winter brings cosy museums and festive markets. Expect warm summers, crisp autumns, and cold, sometimes snowy winters; crowds peak in high summer and at Oktoberfest.
- High Summer (June–August): Warm to hot, long days; busiest time with packed parks, beer gardens and events; energetic, outdoor vibe.
- Autumn & Oktoberfest (September–early October): Cool, golden and photogenic; extremely crowded and pricey during Oktoberfest, calmer before/after; festive, traditional mood.
- Advent & Winter (late November–February): Cold, short days with possible snow; moderate crowds except for lively Christmas markets; cosy, culture‑first atmosphere with skating and winter walks.
Share Munich with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Munich
By Air
- Munich Airport (MUC): Main hub, 38 km north-east of the centre.
- S-Bahn S1/S8 to Marienplatz/Hauptbahnhof: 35–45 minutes, every 10 minutes.
- Lufthansa Express Bus to Hauptbahnhof: 35–45 minutes, every 15 minutes.
- Taxi/ride-hail: roughly 35–50 minutes, traffic dependent.
- Memmingen Airport (FMM): Low-cost carriers, ~110 km west.
- Direct shuttle to Munich ZOB/Hauptbahnhof: 1 h 30–1 h 45.
- Train via Memmingen station: about 1 h 40–2 h.
- Alternatives within ~2 hours:
- Salzburg (SZG): Trains via Salzburg Hbf to Munich Hbf 1 h 45–2 h 30.
- Nuremberg (NUE): U-Bahn to Nürnberg Hbf + ICE to Munich: 1 h 50–2 h 15 total.
- Innsbruck (INN): Trains to Munich Hbf 1 h 55–2 h 30.
By Train
- Main station: München Hauptbahnhof (Hbf); secondary hubs: München Ost and München-Pasing.
- Frequent long-distance services (ICE/IC/EC/Railjet) to major cities. Typical fastest journey times:
- Berlin: 3 h 50–4 h 15
- Frankfurt: 3 h–3 h 25
- Nuremberg: 1 h–1 h 15
- Stuttgart: 1 h 35–2 h
- Cologne: 4 h 20–4 h 45
- Hamburg: 5 h 45–6 h 20
- Vienna: ~4 h (Railjet, direct)
- Salzburg: ~1 h 30 (direct)
- Zurich: ~4 h (direct)
- Innsbruck: 1 h 45–2 h 10 (direct)
- Paris: ~5 h 45–6 h (direct TGV/ICE, limited daily)
- Prague: ~5 h 15–6 h (usually 1 change)
- Milan: ~7 h–7 h 30 (via Brenner)
- Budapest: ~6 h 30–7 h (via Vienna)
- Tickets: Deutsche Bahn (DB) and partner operators; seat reservations recommended on busy routes.
By Coach
- Munich Central Coach Station (ZOB), Hackerbrücke: 10-minute walk or 1 S-Bahn stop from Hbf.
- Major operator hub (e.g., FlixBus) with frequent services:
- Salzburg: ~2 h
- Vienna: ~5–6 h
- Prague: ~5 h
- Zurich: ~4 h 30–5 h 30
- Nuremberg: ~2–2 h 30
By Car
- Motorways to Munich:
- A9 (from Nuremberg/Berlin), A8 (from Stuttgart/Salzburg), A95 (from Garmisch-Partenkirchen), A96 (from Lindau/Zurich), A94 (from Passau), A92 (from Deggendorf/Munich Airport), A99 ring road.
- Typical drive times (without heavy traffic): Salzburg 1 h 30; Nuremberg 1 h 45–2 h; Stuttgart 2–2 h 30; Zurich 3 h 30–4 h; Vienna 4 h 30–5 h.
- Practical notes:
- Low-emission zone within the Mittlerer Ring requires a green emissions sticker.
- Peak congestion on the A8 and A99; consider park-and-ride at outer S-/U-Bahn stations.
- Austria/Switzerland motorways require vignettes; additional tolls (e.g., Brenner Pass) may apply.
- Winter tyres are mandatory in wintry conditions in Germany.
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