Munich is the capital of Bavaria, and a prosperous city with a strong sense of tradition. Beer halls, grand palaces and big museums sit beside leafy parks and a river you can swim in.
It is clean, orderly and relaxed. The Alps are close, so it is also a good base for a day in the mountains or a lake.
How many days: 3
Three days covers the old town, a museum or two, a beer garden and a day trip. Two works for a quick visit.
Day trips go to the castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, the Alpine town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the lakes south of the city. Trains and organised tours are available.
What to do in Munich
- Walk through Marienplatz
- The main square of the old town, with the neo-Gothic town hall and its famous clock show. The surrounding lanes are full of shops and cafes.
- Relax in the English Garden
- One of the largest city parks in the world, with lawns, a stream and beer gardens. Surfers ride a standing wave in the river.
- Visit a beer garden
- The beer garden is a Bavarian institution. Many allow you to bring your own food, so a picnic is a good option.
- Tour the Residenz
- The former royal palace has opulent rooms, a treasury and a courtyard. It is a good option for a wet day.
- See Nymphenburg Palace
- A baroque summer palace with large formal gardens and a canal. Combine with a stroll in the park.
- Explore the Viktualienmarkt
- A daily food market in the centre with stalls selling cheese, sausages, fruit and flowers. A good lunch stop.
- Visit a museum
- Munich has strong museums for art, science and technology. The Deutsches Museum is one of the largest science museums in the world.
- Take a day trip to the mountains
- Trains reach the foothills of the Alps in an hour or two. It is a good chance for a lake swim or a short hike.
- Visit the Olympiapark
- The site of the 1972 Games has a hill, a tower with city views and a large park. Locals use it for walking, sledging in winter and open-air events.
- See the Frauenkirche
- A twin-towered brick cathedral and the symbol of the city. A short climb gives a view over the roofs towards the Alps.
What to eat and drink
- Weisswurst
- A white veal sausage, traditionally eaten in the morning with sweet mustard and a pretzel. A Bavarian breakfast tradition.
- Pretzels
- Large soft pretzels are sold everywhere and go well with beer. Eat them fresh.
- Schnitzel and roast pork
- Hearty meat dishes served with potatoes and cabbage. Perfect after a day outside.
- Beer
- Munich has a long brewing tradition and local breweries still dominate. Beer is served in large glasses, called a Mass.
- Bakeries
- German bakeries offer excellent bread and cakes. A good option for breakfast or a snack.
- Apple strudel and cake
- Sweet pastries are part of the afternoon coffee ritual. Try a slice in a traditional cafe.
Getting around
The old town is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Trams, buses and the U-Bahn and S-Bahn work together on one ticket system.
Cycling is popular and the city is flat, with many marked lanes. Bike rental is easy to find.
Trains connect Munich to Salzburg, Vienna, Zurich and the Alps. Check regional passes before you buy individual tickets.
Good to know
- Oktoberfest takes place from late September into early October. It is hugely popular, and accommodation books out months in advance.
- Most shops close on Sundays and public holidays. Plan supplies in advance.
- Swimming in the river is popular in summer, but currents can be strong. Check local signs.
- Winter has a lovely Christmas market atmosphere, but it is cold. Pack warm layers.
- Tap water is safe to drink. Carry a bottle and top it up at the fountains in parks and squares.