Munich is much more than just the Oktoberfest or Lederhosen. The beautiful Bavarian capital possesses a mixture of exclusive shopping, art, culture, culinary indulgence, and deep-rooted traditions. Additionally, its residents are famous for being some of Germany's most cheerful people.
Way back in the 8th century, what is now the capital of the Free State of Bavaria was a friar settlement, known as 'zu den Munichen' — to the monks! The city's roots date back to the establishment of a monastery in 1158. Later, in 1506, the oldest German food law was enacted here, which is still valid today — the Bavarian Purity Law.
Schwabing is a good starting point for a tour of the city, traditionally well-known for its many pubs and nightspots. Many students also live here, as the university is just a stone's throw away. When thinking of Nymphenburg, the palace and surrounding villas come to mind, while Haidhausen, which is becoming increasingly popular as a residential area, is more of a cultural and art district. In the city centre, many churches (including the cathedral) and small palaces are open for visitors. The Englischer Garten, Munich's green lung, is a 3.7 square kilometre park in the middle of the city. It borders the Isar river and is popular with joggers, sun worshippers, and anyone who just wants to stroll around or have a picnic.
Munich has come to be associated with Oktoberfest, the Hofbräuhaus, the Olympic grounds, and the Fasching carnival. However, Munich also has an international reputation as a city of both art and culture. Its music scene ranges from classical to jazz and pop. What's more, it boasts numerous museums showcasing impressive collections.
Altes Rathaus
Frauenkirche
Neues Rathaus & Glockenspiel
Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace Day Tour
Fork & Walk Tours
BMW Museum
Dachau Concentration Camp & Memorial Site
BMW Welt
MUCA Museum of Urban & Contemporary Art
GOP Varieté Theater München
Eisbachwelle
ESO Supernova Planetarium
Umadum Ferris Wheel
Kreativquartier
Alte Pinakothek
Pinakothek der Moderne
Museum Brandhorst
Haus der Kunst
Olympiapark München
Lenbachhaus
Allianz Arena & FC Bayern Experience Centre
Nymphenburg Palace
Residenz München
Deutsches Museum
Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism
Beer & Oktoberfest Museum
Gray Line Sightseeing Bus
Hellabrunn Zoo
St Peter's Church
Englischer Garten
Münchner Eiszauber
Christkindltram
Munich offers a large selection of events when it comes to art, music, sports and traditional festivals. The Oktoberfest stands out as the world's largest beer festival, with a smaller-scale version held in April.
Additionally, the city hosts the Munich Film Festival, showcasing international cinema, the vibrant Tollwood festival in summer, and the iconic German Christmas markets during the holiday season.
Oktoberfest
Märchenbazar
Magdalenenfest
MCBW — Munich Creative Business Week
Munich Art & Design Market
Munich Opera Festival
Munich Mash
Christopher Street Day
Schwabing Christmas Market
Pink Christmas Market
Munich's Advent Spectacle & Medieval Christmas Fair
Holiday on Ice
Munich Midsummer Night's Dream
Spring Festival
Strong Beer Festival
Auer Dult Pottery Market
Town Foundation Festival
Tollwood Summer Festival
Tollwood Winter Festival
BMW International Open
While Munich is renowned for its beer culture, Bavarian cuisine offers a diverse range of delights beyond brews. The Schwabing district and Marienplatz are two standout neighbourhoods to explore dining options.
When it comes to local cuisine, one highly recommended dish is Schweinshaxe, a succulent roasted pork hock typically served with sauerkraut and Knödel, traditional boiled dumplings. For those with a sweet tooth, the German apple strudel or the iconic Lebkuchen, especially at Christmas, is a must.
Hofbräuhaus
35 milli(m)eter München
Paulaner am Nockherberg
Bratwurstherzl
Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom
Donisl
Käfer Bistro
Museumsstüberl
Das Weinheim
Enter the Dragon
La Pizza Rossopomodoro
JaVi
Aloha Poke in der Maxvorstadt
Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant
Königlicher Hirschgarten
Brenner Operngrill
Park Café
Waldwirtschaft Großhesselohe
Andechser am Dom
Löwenbräukeller
Herrschaftszeiten — Paulaner im Tal
Restaurant Pfistermühle
Alte Utting
The aroma of freshly-baked pastries and strong coffee permeates the pavements of Munich, enticing pedestrians from all walks of life to come and enjoy some of the famous Bavarian delicacies in a comfortable and refreshing environment. The cafe menus in Munich range from the tried and tested classics such as the traditional fried dough of Frischhut to the more modern innovations from Maelu, where colour and taste collide to create some dazzling sweets. The juxtaposition of tradition and innovation seems to be perfectly balanced in Munich, as does the mix of ingredients which are often sustainably sourced in most of the better known cafes. Everything has a story in Munich, just ask the barista.
Café am Beethovenplatz
Cafe Glockenspiel
Schmalznudel — Cafe Frischhut
Cotidiano Gärtnerplatz
Rischart Café Marienplatz
Cafe Fräulein
Gartensalon
HeimWerk Glockenbachviertel
Cafe Luitpold
VogelMaier Kaffeerösterei
Cafe Jasmin
Mary's Coffee Club
Two in One — Store & Coffee
Cafe Lotti
Eiscafe Eismeer
Maelu
Football players, musicians, and media elite, Munich's nightlife is swarming with celebrities. The city offers a large selection of trendy bars & nightclubs, not to mention iconic beer halls and gardens, which you simply cannot leave the city without visiting.
Gärtnerplatz District
Falk's Bar
Milla
Pusser's
Zephyr
Schumann's
Für Freunde
Café Kosmos
Backstage
NV Club
Call me Drella
089 Bar
Pacha
Weinbar Griabig
Frisches Bier
Juliet Rose Bar
Cafe Bangkok
Grapes Wine Bar
Neuraum
Kilians Irish Pub
A visit to Munich is not complete without a good shopping spree. Maximilianstraße, Theatinerstraße, Residenzstraße, and Brienner Straße are the go-to spots, boasting popular department stores and a collection of chain outlets conveniently located in the pedestrian precinct.
Additionally, the neighbourhoods of Gärtnerplatz, Glockenbach, Haidhausen, and Schwabing are dotted with boutique shops offering trendy clothing, jewellery, Bavarian traditional attire, handicrafts, and souvenirs. And of course, don't miss out on the local and international delicacies available at iconic spots like Dallmayr, Käfer, and Viktualienmarkt.
Oberpollinger
OutletCity Metzingen
Ingolstadt Village
Stachus Passagen
The Pedestrian Area
Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus
Viktualienmarkt
Tal Straße
Maximilianstraße
Hofstatt
Fünf Höfe
Olympia-Einkaufszentrum
Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
The Franz Josef Strauss Airport, situated approximately 40 kilometres north of Munich, offers convenient transportation options. The quickest route is by train, with a journey time of around 35 to 40 minutes from München Hauptbahnhof station. Alternatively, travellers can opt for the Airport-City bus, which departs every twenty minutes from Hauptbahnhof as well.
In terms of amenities, Munich airport stands out as one of the best in Germany. It features tax-free shops, cafés, restaurants, recreational areas, lounges, and a spa offering massage services. As a bustling European hub, it serves major airlines including Lufthansa, TAP, KLM, and others.
Address: Flughafen München, Nordallee 25, Munich
Email: info@munich-airport.de
Phone: +49 89 975 00
Website: www.munich-airport.com
More Information:
München Hbf Central Station
München Hbf is the largest and busiest station in the city. It serves as a railway station with underground S- & U-Bahn platforms, tram and bus connections.
Facilities at the station include shops, restaurants, free Wi-Fi, luggage lockers, and parking. For added comfort, there's also a lounge and the München Hotel within the premises.
Address: Bayerstraße 10A, Munich
Email:
Phone: +49 302 970
Website: www.bahnhof.de/en/muenchen-hbf
More Information:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Munich is during the spring and summer months when the weather is more pleasant. Additionally, the first weeks of September, before Oktoberfest begins, present opportunities for enjoyable events, including festivals and concerts.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
More Information:
Tourist Information
The primary tourist information office is located within the town hall. Here, visitors can receive assistance regarding activities, transportation options, accommodation, and obtain city maps.
Address: Neues Rathaus, Marienplatz 8, Munich
Email: tourismus.gs@muenchen.de
Phone: +49 89 233 965 00
Website: www.muenchen.travel/pois/muenchen-tipps-fuer/tourist-information-marienplatz
More Information:
Public Bicycles
You can explore Munich by bicycle for a low fee. Munich's public bicycles are accessible to everyone at central locations. To access them, simply download the MVG app and register.
Address:
Email: rad@mvg.de
Phone:
Website: www.mvg.de/services/mvg-rad.html
More Information:
Public Transport
Munich's public transport system, boasting a large network of underground trains, buses, and public bicycles, is known for its efficiency. Getting around the city is considerably easier using public transportation compared to navigating by car.
Address:
Email:
Phone: +49 800 344 226 600
Website: www.mvg.de
More Information:
Taxi
All registered taxi drivers have a numbered identity card on display for passengers. There are reputable taxi companies as well as apps such as Uber and Bolt.
Address: Taxi-München eG: Engelhardstraße 6, Munich
Email: facebook@tmeg.de
Phone: +49 89 216 10
Website: www.taxi-muenchen.de
More Information:
Post
Besides handling letters and parcels, larger post offices in Munich also provide services and advice to customers. Many of them have a small shop offering postal and writing supplies. Smaller post offices with mailboxes and stamp machines are also spread throughout the city, ensuring nationwide service accessibility.
Address: Deutsche Post Filiale, Karlsplatz 9 a Lotto-Toto im UG Stachus Passagen, Munich
Email:
Phone: +49 228 433 31 12
Website: www.deutschepost.de
More Information:
Pharmacy
Pharmacies in Germany typically operate every day of the week. However, most of them are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Some chains may offer vending machines with essential items or have select locations open 24/7 to provide continuous access to medications and healthcare products.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website: www.aponet.de/apotheke/notdienstsuche/munich
More Information:
Telephone
Country code: +49
Area code: (0)89
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
More Information:
Electricity
Germany operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. The plug types as in most European countries are C and F.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website: www.muenchen.de/leben/strom-erdgas-fernwaerme-wasser/strom
More Information: