Munich Travel Guide
Munich blends Bavarian tradition with modern creativity. Picture beer gardens shaded by chestnut trees, world class museums, grand palaces and a tech scene that hums along with a relaxed, green city rhythm. From the bells of Marienplatz to surfers on the Eisbach, Munich is easygoing, cultured and full of good taste.
When to Visit Munich?
Spring brings blooming parks and beer gardens coming back to life, while early autumn offers crisp air and festival energy. Summer is lively and warm, perfect for lakes and outdoor dining. Winter is cold yet magical, especially around the Christmas markets. Oktoberfest runs from late September to early October and sends prices and crowds up, so plan early. Curious to go deeper on seasons and events in Munich? Read: When to Visit Munich.
How to Get to Munich?
Munich Airport MUC is a major European hub with plenty of direct flights. High speed trains connect Munich to Berlin, Frankfurt, Vienna and Zurich, and regional lines make day trips simple. Long distance buses are a budget friendly option on routes across Germany and Central Europe. In the city, the MVV network of U Bahn, S Bahn, trams and buses is reliable and safe. Want a dedicated transportation playbook? Read: How to Get to Munich.
Things to Do in Munich?
- See Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall for a classic first impression of Munich.
- Stroll the English Garden and watch river surfers ride the Eisbach wave near the park entrance.
- Tour Nymphenburg Palace and its gardens to trace the city’s royal roots.
- Dive into science at the vast Deutsches Museum, great for families and curious minds.
- Wander Viktualienmarkt for produce stands, deli counters and a relaxed beer garden.
- Explore Munich Residenz for opulent rooms and the shimmering Treasury.
- Visit BMW Welt and the BMW Museum to peek at design, engineering and automotive history.
- Climb the tower of Frauenkirche or St Peter’s Church for sweeping city views.
- Take a sobering day trip to Dachau Memorial Site to reflect on history.
- Plan a fairy tale day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle for alpine scenery and romance.
What to Eat in Munich?
Munich cuisine is hearty and satisfying. Try Weisswurst with sweet mustard before noon, a crisp Brezn pretzel and creamy Obatzda at a beer garden, and pork knuckle with crackling skin. Sample Leberkäse in a roll, roast chicken at a fest and apple strudel or Kaiserschmarrn for dessert. Pair it all with Helles or Weissbier, and when you want a soft drink, order a Spezi. Hungry for a full foodie checklist and where to find each dish in Munich? Read: What to Eat in Munich.
What to Buy from Munich?
Bavarian keepsakes feel both traditional and stylish. Look for hand painted beer steins, Dirndl or Lederhosen accessories, Nymphenburg porcelain, Dallmayr delicacies, gingerbread hearts from festivals, Christmas ornaments from winter markets and FC Bayern Munich gear. For a curated shopping map of Munich’s best streets and stores, plus price tips, Read: What to Buy from Munich.
Munich Nightlife
Evenings in Munich start in beer halls like Augustiner and Hofbräuhaus, then shift to modern brewpubs, cocktail bars in Glockenbach and Schwabing, and late night clubs clustered in creative districts. Summer nights spill into beer gardens with chestnut shade by day and soft lights after dusk. Want bar routes, dress codes and door tips for Munich? Read: Munich Nightlife.
Munich Festivals and Trade Fairs
| Event or Festival | Month | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oktoberfest | Sep to Oct | The world’s most famous beer festival in Theresienwiese with tents, rides and Bavarian folk style. |
| Munich Film Festival | Jun to Jul | Screenings, premieres and industry talks across city cinemas. |
| Frühlingsfest Spring Festival | Apr to May | A smaller spring version of Oktoberfest with tents and rides. |
| Tollwood Summer | Jun to Jul | Cultural fair with food stalls, concerts and eco focused crafts. |
| Tollwood Winter | Nov to Dec | Winter edition with shows and a festive market feel. |
| Auer Dult | May, Aug, Oct | Traditional market held three times a year on Mariahilfplatz. |
| BAUMA Construction Fair | Apr every 3 years | Giant trade fair at Messe München focused on construction machinery. |
| EXPO REAL | Oct | Major property and real estate trade fair at Messe München. |
Munich Public Holidays and Important Days
| Date | Observance |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 6 | Epiphany Bavaria |
| Mar or Apr | Good Friday and Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May or Jun | Ascension Day and Whit Monday |
| May or Jun | Corpus Christi Bavaria |
| Aug 15 | Assumption of Mary selected municipalities including Munich |
| Oct 3 | German Unity Day |
| Nov 1 | All Saints’ Day Bavaria |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Second Day of Christmas |
Essential Tips for Your Munich Trip
- Validate tickets when required on S Bahn and U Bahn to avoid fines.
- Expect many shops to be closed on Sundays, plan grocery runs on Saturday.
- Reserve early for Oktoberfest and big trade fairs to secure rooms at fair prices.
- Carry a debit or credit card, yet keep some cash for markets and small kiosks.
- Mind bike lanes and look both ways, cyclists move fast in Munich.
- Dress in layers, weather can shift from sunny to breezy quickly.
- Tipping is modest, round up or add about 5 to 10 percent in restaurants.
- English is widely spoken, a few German phrases still go a long way.
- Bring a reusable bottle, tap water is safe and tasty.
- Use day or group tickets on MVV for easy and economical transport.
Munich rewards slow travel with its parks, palaces and a culinary scene that feels welcoming from the first bite. If the city’s mix of culture and comfort speaks to you, start sketching that itinerary now. For a hand picked route through icons and hidden corners, Read: Places to Visit in Munich.
