Things To Do
in Munich
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, blends royal architecture with a lively modern culture. Its skyline features the iconic Neues Rathaus on Marienplatz, while hidden courtyards and beer gardens reveal a warm, neighborly charm. The city is renowned for beer halls, world-class museums, and the seasonal energy of Oktoberfest and summer festivals.
Outside the center, lush parks and easy access to the Bavarian Alps make Munich a gateway to both culture and nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty Bavarian breakfast at a local café, indulging in pretzels and Weisswurst. After breakfast, stroll through Marienplatz, the heart of Munich, and marvel at the stunning New Town Hall and the Glockenspiel. Take your time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and watch the clock chime at 11 AM.
In the afternoon, visit the famous Viktualienmarkt, a bustling food market where you can sample local delicacies and fresh produce. Afterward, explore the nearby Asam Church, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture that will leave you in awe. Don’t forget to stop by the historic Hofbräuhaus for a refreshing beer and some traditional Bavarian music.
Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk through the Altstadt, where the streets come alive with lights and sounds. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, trying dishes like Schweinshaxe or Sauerbraten. Finally, immerse yourself in the nightlife by visiting a beer garden or a local bar to experience the city’s vibrant social scene.
Begin your day at the Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest galleries in the world, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the Rococo period. Spend a couple of hours admiring works by renowned artists like Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt. The serene atmosphere will inspire your appreciation of art as you wander through the elegant halls.
Head over to the nearby Lenbachhaus, which houses a remarkable collection of works from the Blue Rider movement. After immersing yourself in modern art, take a break at their café, enjoying a slice of cake and coffee in a tranquil setting. Continue your cultural exploration by visiting the Museum Brandhorst, known for its contemporary art collections.
For dinner, choose a restaurant that specializes in modern Bavarian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary twists. After your meal, consider catching a performance at the Bayerische Staatsoper, where you can enjoy world-class opera in an iconic setting. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the nearby Maxvorstadt district, filled with charming bars and cafes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🍺Beer (0.5L) in a pub | $4-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-180 |
| 🚆One-way public transit ticket | $3-4 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Efficient public transport and high safety standards
- Rich cultural heritage with world-class museums
- Vibrant beer halls, beer gardens, and dining options
- Easy access to the Bavarian Alps for day trips
- Tourist crowds in central areas, especially at peak times
- Higher prices in the city center
- Winter darkness and cold can be challenging for some visitors
- Language barriers may be noticeable in less touristy areas
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like ...
- "Könnten Sie mir helfen?" - Could you help me?
Places to Visit in Munich
Visit one of these nice places.
The city’s central square with the Gothic façade and clockwork Glockenspiel, especially atmospheric at dusk.
Distinct twin-tower silhouette rising over the old town; great skyline shots from the riverbank or Viktualienmarkt.
Lush green spaces, winding streams, and people-filled beer gardens—ideal for candid and landscape photography.
Baroque palace and manicured gardens offering regal architecture and reflecting pools for composition-sharp images.
Cranes of architecture and sweeping park vistas; the Olympic Tower provides panoramic city views.
Colorful stalls, fresh produce, and daily life scenes—excellent for vibrant street photography.
Food in Munich
Munich Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Veal sausage traditionally eaten before noon with a pretzel and sweet mustard; best enjoyed in a classic beer hall or at a Bavarian breakfast.
Must-Try!
Crispy roasted pork knuckle served with gravy, dumplings, and red cabbage; a Bavarian staple in beer halls and steakhouses.
Large soft pretzel with a glossy crust; perfect for snacking with mustard and beer.
Thin-crusted breaded cutlet, commonly served with potatoes or spaetzle; widely available in traditional and modern eateries.
Fluffy shredded pancake dessert sprinkled with powdered sugar and fruit compote; a popular finish in many restaurants and cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic daily market near Marienplatz offering fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, and ready-to-eat Bavarian treats; great for sampling local snacks and picnic supplies.
Multicultural market with organic foods, crafts, and live performances during its summer and winter editions.
Vibrant areas where you can find a variety of street foods, from currywurst to international bites, especially in warm months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting goes a long way; use Sie for strangers and formal situations, du with friends and younger people with consent.
Punctuality is valued in business and social settings; plan to arrive on time.
Share tables when full, keep voices moderate, and toast with a clink of glasses. Smoking is generally restricted to designated areas.
Quiet conversations on public transport; avoid blocking pathways; dispose of trash in bins and respect local norms in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Munich
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is common; for good service, you may add a bit more. Cash tips are often given directly to the server, even when paying with card.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in larger establishments. Contactless payments are prevalent in most shops and transport nodes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours; outdoor beer gardens, lakeside swims, and outdoor markets. Thunderstorms are possible in the afternoons.
Mild to cool with colorful fall foliage; Oktoberfest energy in late September/early October in full swing; comfortable for walking tours.
Cold but festive; Christmas markets light up the city, and indoor museums provide warmth and culture; occasional snow adds to charm.
Milder temperatures and fresh blossoms; great for garden visits, city strolls, and early-season outdoor dining.
Munich at Night
Hiking in Munich
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular day-trip peak with a cog railway to the summit and expansive alpine views.
Ridge hike near Aschau with cable car access and scenic expanse.
Gentle trails around the lake with scenic views and easy access from the city.
A variety of alpine and lakeside hikes offering tranquil scenery and refreshing air.
Spectacular limestone gorge near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, ideal for a full-day excursion.
Airports
How to reach Munich by plane.
Major international hub about 28 km northeast of the city; excellent rail and road connections to the city center.
Regional hub about 1.5–2 hours by high-speed rail to Munich; serves international and domestic flights.
Allgäu Airport serving several European destinations; about 2 hours by train/car from Munich.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong regional identity with traditional customs and language influences.
Large universities (LMU, TU Munich) contribute to a vibrant, educated population in Maxvorstadt and surrounding areas.
Significant Turkish, Italian, Greek, and Eastern European communities alongside a growing expatriate scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Highly popular; Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich are major clubs with a strong local following.
Skiing and snowboarding in the Bavarian Alps during winter; opportunities for day trips and guided tours.
Active local clubs with professional leagues and community participation.
Extensive bike-friendly infrastructure supports urban cycling and scenic rides around the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Munich.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most menus offer vegetarian options; look for seasonal vegetable dishes, pretzels with obatzda, and dumplings with mushroom fillings.
Several restaurants provide vegan mains, salads, soups, and dairy-free desserts; ask staff about oil usage and egg/dairy in sauces.
Many places can accommodate gluten-free requests; inform servers about cross-contamination and opt for gluten-free bread or potatoes as sides.