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Grüß Gott!
Grüß Gott!
Welcome to Munich
Welcome to Munich
Bavarian charm, beer, culture and elegance.
Bavarian charm, beer, culture and elegance.
Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is a 1.5-million-strong city where lederhosen meet high-tech, and the air smells of fresh pretzels and pine. It’s a place where history whispers from Gothic spires, the clink of beer mugs fills 500-year-old halls, and the English Garden sprawls bigger than Central Park and even surfers riding its river waves, no less.
From the fairy-tale turrets of Nymphenburg Palace to the roar of Oktoberfest’s tents, Munich marries old-world charm with a modern pulse, like BMW’s sleek showroom gleaming beside Marienplatz’s medieval clock. Whether you’re tracing the somber steps of Dachau, sipping Weißbier in a chestnut-shaded beer garden, or hiking toward Alpine vistas, this is a city that grabs you by the heart and says, “Prost!”—cheers to life, loud and proud.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to Munich This Year
Best Flights to Munich This Year
Munich’s main hub, Munich International Airport (MUC)—named Franz Josef Strauss—is 30 km northeast of the city center, a slick gateway humming with global connections.
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Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London, Paris, or Amsterdam flights cost $50–$200 (1.5–3 hours) with Lufthansa, British Airways, or KLM—directs aplenty; budget carriers like Ryanair or easyJet dip below $100 from hubs like Stansted or Schiphol.
From the U.S.: New York or L.A. to Munich runs $500–$1,200 (9–12 hours) via Lufthansa, United, or Delta—direct from JFK or LAX, one-stop via Frankfurt otherwise.
From Asia: Singapore or Tokyo flights hit $600–$1,300 (13–17 hours) with Singapore Airlines, ANA, or Lufthansa—one stop via Frankfurt or Helsinki; rare directs from Singapore.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Munich costs $900–$1,800 (22–26 hours) via Qantas, Emirates, or Qatar—two stops via Dubai or Doha, no directs Down Under.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Summer (Jun–Aug) and Oktoberfest (late Sep–early Oct) spike demand—book 4–6 months out to keep fares under $800 from the U.S. or $150 from Europe. Shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Oct–Nov) bring milder crowds and fares— snag deals 2–3 months ahead, especially mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) for $50–$200 savings. Winter (Dec–Feb, sans Christmas) drops prices—last-minute steals under $500 from NYC aren’t rare. Watch Lufthansa’s flash sales or Ryanair’s promos for extra chops.
Munich Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From MUC, the S-Bahn (S1 or S8) zips to Hauptbahnhof for €11.60/$12 USD (40 minutes)—trains every 10 minutes, cash or card. Lufthansa Express Bus to the same station costs €11/$11.50 USD (45 minutes)—comfier seats, every 20 minutes. Taxis run €60–€80/$63–$84 USD (30 minutes)—pricey but quick; pre-book via Expedia.
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie passport holders get 90 days visa-free in the Schengen zone—pack proof of onward travel and lodging. Others need a Schengen visa (€80/$84 USD, apply at https://digital.diplo.de/Visa)—check e-visa options.
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Top Places to Stay in Munich
Top Places to Stay in Munich
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Munich offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to Coastal apartments, here are our top recommendations:
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Munich’s digs range from cozy pensions to swanky suites, all steeped in Bavarian flair.
Budget: Wombat’s City Hostel near Hauptbahnhof (€25–€50/$26–$53 USD/night) offers dorms and privates—social vibes, free breakfast. Hotel Dolomit in Ludwigsvorstadt (€60–€100/$63–$105 USD/night) gives clean rooms and tram access—quiet yet central.
Mid-Range: Hotel Torbräu near Marienplatz (€150–€250/$158–$263 USD/night) blends old-world charm with modern perks—steps from the Glockenspiel. Novotel München City in Haidhausen (€120–€200/$126–$210 USD/night) boasts river proximity and a pool—family-friendly.
Luxury: Bayerischer Hof in Altstadt (€300–€600/$315–$630 USD/night) dazzles with rooftop views, a spa, and five-star swagger—Munich’s grande dame. Mandarin Oriental near Viktualienmarkt (€500–€1,000/$525–$1,050 USD/night) oozes elegance—think Michelin dining and plush beds.
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Best Local Food in Munich
Best Local Food in Munich
Munich’s grub is hearty, beer-soaked, and pure Bavaria—here’s your taste tour.
Weißwurst: Veal sausage with sweet mustard—breakfast tradition. Augustiner-Keller (€8/$8.40 USD).
Schweinshaxe: Roasted pork knuckle, crispy and juicy. Hofbräuhaus (€15/$15.75 USD).
Brezn: Giant pretzels—soft, salty, beer’s best mate. Viktualienmarkt (€2/$2.10 USD).
Traditional Bavarian Dishes to Try
Traditional Bavarian Dishes to Try
Obatzda: Creamy cheese spread with paprika—smear it on rye for a wonderful snack. Wirtshaus in der Au (€6/$6.30 USD).
Sauerbraten: Marinated beef roast, sweet-sour gravy. Best served with roast potatoes. Head to Ratskeller (€18/$18.90 USD).
Käsespätzle: Cheesy egg noodles, crispy onions. A wonderful carb hit to fuel your day. Head to Augustinerkeller (€12/$12.60 USD).
Apfelstrudel: Apple pastry with vanilla sauce—winter warmer. Café Kreutzkamm has the best around (€5/$5.25 USD).
Best Restaurants in Munich
Best Restaurants in Munich
Augustiner-Keller (Arnulfstraße): Beer garden legend—sausage platters (€15/$15.75 USD mains)—rustic and rowdy.
Wirtshaus in der Au (Lilienstraße): Dumpling heaven—Schweinebraten shines (€16/$16.80 USD mains)—cozy vibes.
Ratskeller (Marienplatz): Vaulted cellar—roast duck rules (€20/$21 USD mains)—history on a plate.
Tantris (Schwabing): Michelin-starred—artful tasting menus (€150/$157.50 USD)—splurge-worthy.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Max Pett (Pettenkoferstraße): Plant-based Bavarian—vegan schnitzel (€14/$14.70 USD)—fresh and filling.
Prinz Myshkin (Hackenstraße): Veggie haven—goulash twist (€16/$16.80 USD)—arty and green.
Staying Connected in Munich
Staying Connected in Munich
Best eSIM Providers for Munich
Vodafone and Telekom blanket Munich with 4G/5G—solid in the city, patchier in Alpine outskirts. Airalo’s “Germany” eSIM (5GB, $20, 10 days) suits short hops—activate before landing. Ubigi’s plans (500MB for $3, 10GB for $30) flex for longer stays or data hogs. Hotel Wi-Fi’s free but sluggish in budget spots—luxe joints charge €10–€15/$10.50–$15.75 USD daily for speed. Mobile’s your lifeline!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Munich, Germany and the entire EU, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Munich
Best Attractions in Munich
Must-Do in Munich: Unmissable Experiences
Munich’s a treasure chest—here’s what you can’t skip, packed with juicy details.
Marvel at Marienplatz
Why: The city’s medieval soul—Glockenspiel chimes at 11 AM and noon, spinning tales of knights and coopers.
Details: Free, 24/7—spend an hour wandering; nearby St. Peter’s tower climb costs €3/$3.15 USD, 306 steps for Alpine views.
Tip: Hit the morning show—fewer crowds, golden light on the Rathaus.
Sip in Hofbräuhaus
Why: The world’s most famous beer hall—oompah bands, a liter of HB sloshing in your stein.
Details: Free entry, open 9:30 AM–midnight; Mass (1L) beer €10/$10.50 USD. Takes 1–2 hours with a meal.
Tip: Snag a shared table—locals love a chat over pork knuckle (€15/$15.75 USD).
Roam the English Garden
Why: Europe’s biggest urban park—surfers shred the Eisbach wave, nude sunbathers dot the lawns.
Details: Free, 24/7—needs 2–4 hours to explore; bike rentals €10/$10.50 USD/day near the entrance.
Tip: Grab a Weißbier at Chinesischer Turm (€8/$8.40 USD)—summer vibes peak here.
Tour Nymphenburg Palace
Why: Baroque grandeur—Wittelsbach royals’ summer pad, with swan-filled canals and a carriage museum.
Details: €15/$15.75 USD (full access), 9 AM–6 PM summer, 10 AM–4 PM winter; 2–3 hours to soak it in.
Tip: Stroll the gardens free—Amalienburg’s mirrored hunting lodge is a hidden gem.
Reflect at Dachau
Why: Haunting history—Germany’s first Nazi concentration camp, now a stark memorial.
Details: Free entry, €3/$3.15 USD audio guide; 9 AM–5 PM. Half-day trip (20 km from Munich, S2 train €6/$6.30 USD round-trip).
Tip: Go early—quiet reverence beats the afternoon bus tours.
Explore BMW Welt
Why: Futuristic showroom—cars gleam, engines hum, a peek at Bavarian innovation.
Details: Free entry, €10/$10.50 USD museum; 9 AM–6 PM. Takes 1–2 hours; U-Bahn to Olympiazentrum.
Tip: Time it with a factory tour (€9/$9.45 USD)—book ahead for engineering nerdery.
Climb Frauenkirche Towers
Why: 360° Munich—red roofs, Olympic spires, and Alps on clear days.
Details: €7.50/$7.90 USD, 10 AM–5 PM (seasonal); 20-minute climb, 86 meters up.
Tip: Skip rainy days—visibility’s key; pair with Viktualienmarkt below.
Check out our Munich collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
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Protecting Your Trip to Munich
Protecting Your Trip to Munich
Munich’s one of Germany’s safest cities—petty theft’s the main worry in tourist traps like Marienplatz. Clinic visits start at €50/$53 USD—more at private spots or rural clinics. Insurance covering health, cancellations, and gear runs 5–7% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 jaunt. Have a look at the great options below that fit adventurers and suits city slickers alike.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Munich
Practical Tips for Munich
Best Time: Summer (Jun–Aug) for warm parks, Oktoberfest (Sep–Oct) for revelry—book early; spring (Apr–May) or fall (Oct–Nov) for mild weather, fewer crowds. Winter (Dec–Feb) glows with Christmas markets—Jan’s quiet and cheap.
Getting Around: U-Bahn/S-Bahn day pass €9.20/$9.65 USD—covers all zones; bikes €15/$15.75 USD/day from Hauptbahnhof. Taxis start at €5.50/$5.80 USD—€15–€25/$15.75–$26.25 USD for short hops. Walk Altstadt—compact and cobbled.
Currency: Euro (€); $1 USD = ~€0.95. Cards work everywhere—cash for markets, small bars; ATMs charge €2–€5/$2.10–$5.25 USD.
Pack: Layers, comfy shoes, rain gear—Munich’s weather flips fast; dirndl or lederhosen for fest vibes.
Munich Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Munich Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Schwabing’s Luitpoldpark: Skip the crowded English Garden for this leafy Schwabing gem, where locals jog past chestnut groves and a hilltop pavilion offers Alpine glimpses. Free, open 24/7—perfect for a picnic with a €3/$3.15 USD pretzel from nearby stalls. Hit it at dusk for quiet vibes.
Day Trip to Andechs Monastery: A 40-km train ride (S8, €6/$6.30 USD round-trip) lands you at this 15th-century brewery-monastery above Ammersee lake. Sip monk-brewed Dunkel (€4/$4.20 USD) and savor Schweinshaxe (€12/$12.60 USD) in a beer garden far from Oktoberfest’s roar. Allow 4–5 hours; hikes nearby add adventure.
Westend’s Café Jasmin: Ditch touristy Marienplatz cafés for this retro haunt in Westend, where 1950s velvet chairs and €2.50/$2.63 USD espressos draw artists and old-timers. Open till 10 PM—try the Apfelstrudel (€4/$4.20 USD) and eavesdrop on Bavarian banter.
Why It’s Worth It: These spots swap Munich’s postcard crowds for local soul—parks with skyline views, a beer-soaked monastery escape, and a quirky café where you’re not just another tourist.
Munich Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Munich Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: A firm handshake and eye contact are standard—say “Guten Tag” (Good day) in formal settings. Locals are warm but reserved; use “Sie” (formal “you”) until invited to “du.”
Dress: Casual works in beer gardens (jeans, sneakers), but smart-casual (collared shirts, no shorts) fits upscale restaurants or churches like Frauenkirche. Pack layers—Munich’s weather flips fast.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Raise your stein and say “Prost!” before drinking—eye contact is a must for toasts. Join shared tables at beer halls like Hofbräuhaus; it’s a social norm.
Don’t: Tip excessively—round up to the nearest euro (e.g., €10.50 to €11) for good service; overtipping feels awkward. Avoid jaywalking—Germans stick to crosswalks.
Respect: Be punctual for tours or meetups; tardiness is frowned upon. Keep noise low in residential areas—Munich values Ruhezeit (quiet time) after 10 PM.
Festival Highlights
Oktoberfest (late September–early October): The world’s biggest beer bash—lederhosen, dirndls, and Weißwurst galore. Book tents early; mingle with locals over a Mass (liter of beer) to feel the Gemütlichkeit (cozy camaraderie).
Christkindlmarkt (December): Christmas markets glow with mulled wine and gingerbread. Stall chats over Glühwein build bonds—try “Frohe Weihnachten” (Merry Christmas).
Blend In: Learn a few German phrases—“Danke” (thank you), “Bitte” (please)—and nod politely at strangers in smaller settings. Showing respect for Bavaria’s traditions, like toasting properly, wins smiles.
Let the Good Times Roll in Munich
Let the Good Times Roll in Munich
Munich’s a city that pours you a cold one and pulls you into its story—Gothic spires to beer-soaked benches, palaces to parks where surfers ride. From Marienplatz’s chime to Dachau’s silence, it’s a blend of joy and depth that sticks with you. Book your flights smart, pick a stay that fits your soul, savor a Weißwurst sunrise, and chase its must-dos with this guide—flights, hotels, eSIMs, and insurance all sorted. You’re ready to raise a stein to Bavaria’s finest this season—Munich’s waiting!
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