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Munich, the capital of Bavaria is truly one of Europe’s finest. Although its worldwide claim to fame is its annual Oktoberfest, a festival based primarily on beer, the city offers far more than that year-round. The buildings from centuries ago, the museums, the amazing urban parks and its relaxed beer culture are what makes Munich so popular. This Munich Travel Guide is designed to help you get the most from your time in Bavaria. Munich has so much to offer visitors, making it a very worthwhile travel destination.
Getting In
By Air – If you are arriving by air into Munich then it is almost certain that you will fly into Munich International Airport. Located 28.5km outside the city, public transport is a necessity to reach Munich. The S-Bahn, one of Munich’s underground train systems, will take you from the airport to both major train stations, Hauptbahnhof and Ost Bahnhof as well as Marienplatz, Munich’s central square. This journey takes just under forty minutes and costs €11.60 one-way.
By Land – Most arriving by land, either by rail or bus, will arrive at Hauptbahnhof station. Similar to travelling by air, this station is likely to be your first point in Munich. From there, there are many underground lines and you can get to practically any area of the city in a short space of time. Walking is also an option. Marienplatz is a twenty-minute walk from the station.
Where To Stay
Despite having quite an extensive public transport system, it is possible to minimize how often you need to use Munich’s underground. Staying within close proximity to Marienplatz, the city’s centre square is vital to doing so. Even though some attractions will still remain out of walking distance, it will certainly limit how often you will need to use public transport. Munich is quite a beautiful city to walk around. Taking the underground for every journey means missing so much of the city.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend a hotel or hostel. I stayed at the Meininger Hotel Center, near Hauptbahnhof. It was a longer walk than I expected to reach what could be considered the city centre. As well as this, the hostel had many flaws. These included; no personal sockets in the dorm room, a bar that never opened and charging €4 for a bottle of water. I would not recommend it. There are almost certainly better places to stay in Munich in regards to both location and facilities.
When To Go
Munich is most definitely a city best visited when the sun is shining. That way you can make use of all the tranquil parks and incredible beer gardens the city has to offer. May through to September offers the best weather, although to almost completely avoid the rain you will want to visit between July and September. From March until May sees fewer tourists visit Munich with temperatures still being comfortable. Should you wish to visit during October and see Munich’s world-renowned Oktoberfest, expect higher prices and a much higher demand for accommodation.
What To Do
Dachau Concentration Camp
Taking the twenty-five-minute train journey to visit Dachau Concentration Camp could well be the highlight of your entire time in Munich. Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp, opening in 1933. The purpose of Dachau was to enforce labour and imprison Jews as well as prisoners from Germany, Austria and other nations that Germany occupied or invaded. As you would expect, a visit to Dachau is not easy. It can be tough hearing or reading the stories of what happened there. Much of the camp has been destroyed since its liberation in 1945 but there is still more than enough available to visitors, including the gas chambers, to make it a very worthwhile visit.
Visiting Dachau Concentration Camp is free. There is a €4 charge should you wish to use an audio-guide, something I definitely recommend. Guided tours are also available throughout the day. Expect your trip to Dachau, including travelling to and from the camp to take just over half a day.
Marienplatz
Munich’s vibrant main square, located in the heart of the city’s old town is the perfect place to begin your visit. The stunning architecture of New City Hall with its 300-foot long, elaborately decorated front dominates your eye-line with its statues and arches. The tower at New City Hall houses a clock that puts on a show every day at both 11 am and 1 pm. 32 life-size figures reenact famous events in Bavarian history. In the centre of the square is Mariensaule (The Column of St. Mary) and on the east side, there is Munich’s Old Town Hall. This was in use until 1874 when the building was deemed too small. It was also completely destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt using the original plans and neo-gothic style. Today it houses Munich’s toy museum.
Munich Residenz
Munich Residenz is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach Monarchs of Bavaria. It is also the largest city palace in Germany. Since 1920 the Munich Residenz has been opened to the public in the form of a museum. Much of the furniture, paintings, tapestries and treasures remain still in their original place. Visits tend to take just over a couple of hours. Admission costs €11 for a combined ticket for both the residence museum and treasury. Whilst it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, in my opinion, its central location makes it a must-see.
Nymphenburg Palace
This palace, which is one of Europe’s largest, was the summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria. The palace features an incredible banquet hall as well as being surrounded by an extensive, beautiful garden. During the summer months, you can buy a combined entrance ticket for €11.50. This includes entrance into the palace, the Marstallmusuem (Museum of Carriages and Slays) and the four park palaces. During the winter months, the park palaces are closed and tickets cost €6.
Relax in one of Munich’s Parks
When the sun shines in Munich, locals go to one of two places. Either they visit one of the many incredible beer gardens the city has or they soak up the sun in the parks dotted across Munich. The English Garden is by far the most popular. One of the world’s largest urban parklands is spread across 900-acres. As well as many green areas to choose from, there is a Japanese Tea Room, a Chinese Tower and the second largest beerhall in Munich. Other popular options include Hofgarten and Rosengarten. Expect to see both locals and tourists there with their picnics, beers included, making the most of the good weather. The English Garden especially should be visited year-round. The park has enough to keep visitors busy on even the gloomiest of days.
Visit a Bierhaus or Biergarten
You may not be lucky enough to visit Munich during its famous beer festival Oktoberfest, however, that doesn’t mean you should avoid visiting one of the cities beerhalls or beer gardens. The Hofbrauhaus is the city’s most famous and in turn, most popular. Augustiner Braustuben is slightly off the beaten track yet retains a great atmosphere. Hirschgarten is the largest beer garden in the world, with seating for a whopping 8,000 guests. Max E is the backpacker’s recommendation. Its close proximity to the university makes it popular amongst students. Everywhere you look in Munich there is an amazing place to grab a beer. Their beer culture could very well top anywhere else in the world.
Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt or Victuals Market is a farmers market located on Marktplatz. Formerly situated in Marienplatz, the market became too large and was moved to its new location. Every day, locals and tourists gather here to eat and drink some of the fresh and delicious food available. Fresh food is available in abundance as well as a number of small restaurants. The quality of food there is not to be underestimated. It is no surprise that on weekends especially, locals pack out the place with a beer in one hand and a plate of delicious food in the other.
Other Note-Worthy Attractions in Munich
Deutsches Museum
Frauenkirche
Olympiapark
Allianz Arena
BMW Museum
Karlsplatz
Bavarian National Museum
See Opera at Bayerische Staatsoper
Alte Pinakothek
Where To Eat
There is certainly no shortage of fantastic food in Munich. To read all about the best local favourites the city has to offer, click here.
What To Avoid
Eating/Drinking at Marienplatz
Even though you will inevitably pass either through or by this plaza many times during your visit to Munich, I suggest avoiding eating and drinking here at all costs. As is always the case, central squares tend to mean higher prices and lower quality. Marienplatz is certainly worth visiting and marvelling at the architecture. There is no need to add in an inflated food or bar bill to that.
Whilst Munich might not be a city I will return to in a hurry, I found it an excellent place to visit. I was content with what I saw there and the city was not the most budget-friendly. This will stop me from returning in the near future. Unless of course, I find myself with a chance to visit during Oktoberfest. With so much to see and do, including visiting the must-see, Dachau, your visit to Munich will be, like mine, an unforgettable one. Hopefully, this Munich travel guide will assist you whilst planning your visit to this historic city. Filled with good food, amazing sights and some of the best beer you can find, Munich is sure to be a memorable notch on your travel belt.
To read more about Munich, including the best food the city has to offer, click here.
Munich looks so nice – I have had this place on my list for Oktoberfest too!