Plan Your Munich Holiday: Best of Munich
Explore Munich
Essential Munich
Things to do
Food & drink
How to Enjoy Oktoberfest Year Round in Munich
- Seehaus im Englischen Garten767In Munich they love their beers so much you can get one right in the middle of its most famous park. The upscale Seehaus in this palatial lake-side park has a rambling beer garden and tables along the placid waters of the Kleinhesseloher See. On my last visit, I got a frosty mug, a heaping plate of currywurst and fries, and even made a couple of new friends at the convivial spot.
- Hofbräuhaus31,518Quick: close your eyes and picture an old-school German beer hall. What do you see? I’m guessing exactly this place. Founded by a Bavarian Duke in 1589, this spot was originally part of a brewery and everyone from Mozart to Lenin has sat on the long wooden benches sipping a lager under the soaring ceiling adorned with baroque frescoes.
- Löwenbräukeller475This rambling old-school beer hall and beer garden has some beautiful spaces to enjoy your brew. Come for the beer, which they brew themselves, including a really lovely, crisp, half-dry Pilsner that I loved. Then stay for the music—a band plays live Bavarian tunes six days a week. The food is excellent too—think, seasonal, elevated local classics. My recommendation—the weisswurst, the traditional white sausage of Munich, with a nice, spicy mustard.
- Tap House - Camba Bavaria158This cosy basement spot owned by a certified beer sommelier opened a decade ago with a modest goal: to be the ultimate destination for beer lovers. At any given time, you’ll find some 200 different options to sip here, both hyper-local choices and varieties from around the globe. I love to chat with the staff, all beer aficionados, and try a truly unique or even experimental beer that I wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world.
- M'Uniqo Rooftop Bar94Right, so stick with me on this one. Yes, it’s a hotel bar, and an Italian/Mediterranean themed one at that. But the beer is good and the view alone—with the skyline of Munich at your feet and the snow-capped Alps on the horizon—is worth a visit. And the part I love most is that this is where locals grab a drink after work; I often start my evening here just to take in the scene.
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Munich Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Munich
Jermaine M
Eating out might get expensive in Munich. Remember the secret of Bavarian beer gardens, though: You are allowed to bring your own food!
Elena Z
Munich is a typically efficient German city. Follow the orderliness, and you'll blend in well.
Irmie E
While in Munich, a visit to the Viktualienmarkt, the local Farmers Market, is a must. But wear comfortable shoes for all the walking you do as you visit the various booths.
Rambling Lawyer
The Munich Christkindlmarkt is one of the largest in the world, but actually there are about two dozen Christmas Markets in Munich and its surroundings alone. A good source of information about what's coming up is muenchen.de.
Alex90028
Basically, we can not predict the weather. Last year it was hot in the spring and rather cool in the summer. Could be the opposite this year. Best advice is to go with layers: T-shirt and shorts would usually be fine, but have a jacket with you in case of cooler nights.
Margaret K
Getting around Munich is easy on public transportation. If you are going to be in the city several days, you can get a 3-day pass for use on all trains, subways, buses, and trams.
Jermaine M
One of the first reasons that many visitors come to Munich is the world-famous Oktoberfest, but while Munich beers are definitely excellent, the city offers much more to discover — both in winter and in summer — including the charming historical center, the beautiful green areas, and many art galleries.
Margaret K
According to polls, Munich is the German city that most Germans would like to live in, if they could. It actually is composed of several smaller towns, and since no buildings taller than the tallest church steeple are allowed according to building code, the center feels like a town.
Jermaine M
One reason that more and more people move to Munich is the high quality of life you can enjoy here. Bavarians just know how to take good care of their environment! Take for example the beautiful urban parks where you can enjoy a variety of different sports, or just relax after work in clean, peaceful surroundings. Furthermore, Munich is only a 1-hour train ride away from the Alps and beautiful lake regions. In short, anybody who loves nature and outdoor activities is bound to love Munich!
Drachsi
Munich is a well known and popular destination for people from all over the world. With a friendly relaxed living style, and plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages, Munich has it all.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Munich International Airport is located 18 miles (30 kilometers) northeast of Munich. The S1 and S8 S-Bahn trains depart for the city center every 20 minutes. The journey takes around 45 minutes.
car
Munich is well connected with other cities in Germany and Austria by the German autobahn network.
train
Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is conveniently located in the center of Munich and well connected to Munich's excellent public transport network.
bus
Long-distance buses from other European cities (notably the Balkans and Central Europe) provide an inexpensive way to travel to Europe. Buses arrive at Munich Central Bus Station.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Munich from overseas, visit the Federal Foreign Office for information
When is the best time to visit?
Many visitors come to visit to celebrate the city’s famous Oktoberfest but, if you want to avoid crowds, between March and May is an ideal time. Fall’s crowds have long gone and summer's peak season hasn't yet begun. Average high temperatures are the high 40s °F (10 C) in March and high 60s °F (19 C) in May.
Get around
walking
Munich’s largely traffic-free city center is best explored on foot.
public transit
The city’s dense public transportation system consists of suburban trains (S-Bahn), underground trains (U-Bahn), streetcars (Tram), and buses. There is only one ticket system, called MVV, which means you can use all modes of transportation with the same ticket. If you plan to use the system several times in one day, buying a day ticket can save you money
bike
With its network of bike paths, Munich is a very cyclist-friendly city. The local dockless bike-sharing scheme is called Call-A-Bike.
taxi
Taxis are generally easy to find at ranks, train stations or on the street.
ridesharing
Uber is available in Munich on your smartphone.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Central European Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
In Germany, the standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The plug type is F and has two round parallel pins.
What is the currency?
The Euro
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Restaurant
A tip of around 10 percent is expected.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking beer and wine is 16 years old. For other drinks, it is 18.
Cheers the right way
When you are toasting your companions with a drink, make eye contact and say a hearty “prost” as you clink glasses — clink with the bottom of your glass
Share table space
At many Munich restaurants, especially beer gardens, you are expected to share tables with other diners so don’t take up too much space.
Table manners
Wait for everyone in your party to get their food and say “Guten Appetit” before tucking in.
Be on time
Germans are punctual and showing up late is considered rude.
Public transit
Let passengers off before boarding. Offer your seat to elderly and pregnant people and to those with disabilities.
Walking
Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.
Munich travel advice
Location Preferences
According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying in central areas such as Marienplatz, Altstadt, or near Munich Hauptbahnhof for convenience in accessing tourist attractions and public transport. Some travelers have also found the Ostbahnhof area favorable due to its newer hotels and proximity to public transport.
Hotel Recommendations
For many users, Hotel Torbrau is favored for its traditional German ambiance and central location, making it walkable to many sites. The Hotel Schlicker is also frequently recommended for its prime location and traditional feel. Additionally, the Eden Hotel Wolff and Arthotel Munich are mentioned for their good services and central locations.
Budget Considerations
Travelers have called out that hotel prices can vary significantly, with some budget options like the Motel One offering basic, affordable accommodation. During events like trade fairs, prices can increase substantially, so booking ahead is advisable.
Specific Needs
For travelers seeking specific amenities, like self-service laundry, it's suggested to verify directly with the hotel or consider nearby laundromats as not all hotels provide these facilities.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?General Overview
According to forum posts, Munich has an extensive public transportation network including S-Bahn (suburban trains), U-Bahn (subway), trams, and buses. The system is interconnected, allowing easy transfers between modes.
Specific Lines and Routes
Some travelers mentioned specific lines like the U3 subway line which connects Marienplatz to Olympiazentrum, close to the Olympic Park and BMW Museum. For airport transfers, the S1 and S8 S-Bahn lines connect Munich Airport to major stations like Hauptbahnhof and Ostbahnhof.
Tickets and Accessibility
Travelers have discussed various ticket options such as day tickets and the Bayern-ticket for regional travel. The public transportation system is accessible with ticket machines offering instructions in multiple languages, making it easier for non-German speakers to navigate.
Special Considerations
During events or maintenance, adjustments are made such as replacing S-Bahn trains with buses. Travelers are advised to check current conditions and maps for any temporary changes.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Day Trip Recommendations
Some travelers recommended Zugspitze as a day trip destination from Munich, highlighting the availability of snow even when other areas are off-season. The Garmischer Ski-Ticket for 60 EUR covers transportation and access to the mountain. Moreover, Nuremberg was suggested for its walkable city center and historical museums, easily reachable by train within two hours.
Historical and Scenic Options
For those interested in Bavarian villages and historic sites, places like Tegernsee and Bad Tölz were mentioned favorably, offering typical regional architecture and potentially a Christmas market. Additionally, Regensburg and Salzburg were noted for their beautiful centers and rich history, accessible within a reasonable train journey time.
Art and Culture
For art enthusiasts, day trips to areas associated with the Blue Rider Group were proposed. Places like the Schlossmuseum Murnau and the Franz Marc Museum in Kochel offer significant collections of expressionist art.
Lake Visits
Lastly, for scenic lake views and short hikes, Spitzingsee, Alpsee, and Hopfensee were among the lakes recommended, providing manageable walking routes and picturesque settings.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Passport Control Efficiency
According to forum posts, Munich Airport is known for its efficiency in handling passport controls, which typically adds only 5 to 10 minutes to the connection process. Travelers have noted that passport controls are managed by state police, ensuring minimal delay due to staffing issues.
Security Checks
Some travelers mentioned that security checks at Munich Airport are not typically required for passengers transferring within the Schengen area, such as flights from the US or within the EU. However, most arrivals from regions like Asia, South America, or Africa will need to undergo security checks when transferring flights.
Inter-Terminal Transport
Travelers have called out the ease of moving between terminals at Munich Airport. There is a shuttle bus service available that operates frequently and quickly connects different terminals without the need for passport control, especially useful for passengers not entering the Schengen zone.
Connection Time
For many users, the minimum connection time officially supported by Munich Airport is 30 minutes, which is generally sufficient due to the airport’s efficient layout and processes. Even during industry turmoil, passengers on tightly scheduled connections have successfully made their flights.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Arrival and Timing
According to forum posts, arriving early at the Oktoberfest tents, especially around 10 AM on less busy days like weekdays, is advised to secure a spot. For weekends or holidays, some travelers suggested getting there at opening time due to increased crowds.
Tent Selection and Reservations
Travelers have called out that while reservations are not necessary for entry, they can enhance the experience by ensuring a seat during busy times. It is recommended to explore different tents early in the day to decide which one suits your taste, as each tent has its unique atmosphere and offerings.
Alternative Attractions
For those seeking a quieter experience, the Oide Wiesn area offers traditional and less crowded settings. This area is particularly recommended for families or those preferring a more relaxed atmosphere.
General Tips
Some users suggest wearing comfortable shoes due to the extensive walking and standing involved. Additionally, exploring the fairground attractions beyond the beer tents, such as carnival games and food stands, is recommended to fully experience Oktoberfest.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Tour Options
According to forum posts, popular tours for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich include Grayline and Radius Tours. Both tours are frequently recommended by travelers for their convenience and comprehensive coverage of the area.
Booking Advice
Some travelers suggested that if you're planning to visit the castle, booking tickets well in advance is crucial, especially if opting for a group tour, as these tours often include pre-arranged entry tickets, which can save time and avoid the disappointment of sold-out slots.
Additional Tour Features
For those interested in seeing more than just Neuschwanstein, Grayline also offers a tour that includes Linderhof Palace and a stop at Oberammergau, providing a more extensive exploration of the area's attractions.
Transportation and Accessibility
Travelers have called out that using public transport like the Bayern Ticket can be a more adventurous but hectic option. It involves taking a train to Füssen followed by a short bus ride, offering a more hands-on approach to reaching the castle compared to the structured convenience of a tour bus.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?City Exploration
Some travelers recommended exploring central Munich during a layover, particularly the area around Marienplatz, which can be accessed directly by S-Bahn trains from the airport. The journey takes about 45 minutes one way, allowing for approximately 5-7 hours of sightseeing time, depending on the layover duration.
Local Cuisine and Relaxation
For those preferring to stay close to the airport, the Airbräu brewery at Munich Airport offers a convenient spot to enjoy local beer and food. During summer, there's also an outdoor beer garden available.
Nearby Towns
Alternatively, the nearby town of Freising, which is a short 20-minute train ride away, provides a quaint and less crowded alternative. Freising is home to Weihenstephan, the oldest brewery in the world, adding a unique historical flavor to your brief visit.
Practical Tips
Travelers should ensure they are aware of the train schedules back to the airport, especially considering potential delays. Checking www.mvv-muenchen.de for public transport details is frequently advised to avoid missing return flights.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Ticket Purchase Options
For many users, purchasing tickets directly from the official Neuschwanstein Castle website (hohenschwangau.de) is recommended. However, tickets often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Some travelers mentioned that tickets for popular dates are typically gone weeks in advance.
Alternative Booking Methods
According to forum posts, if direct booking is unavailable, tickets can sometimes be obtained through tour operators like Radius Tours or Gray Line. These tours often include transportation from major cities like Munich and may provide a hassle-free option, albeit at a potentially higher cost.
On-site Ticket Purchase
A few travelers have called out that a limited number of tickets, known as Restkarten, might be available on the day at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau village. Arriving early to purchase these tickets is advisable, as they are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?