Munich Travel & Vacation Guide
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Description
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.
Useful information
1.59 million (2025)
1 Euro, € = 100 cents
Police: 110
Fire brigade & Ambulance: 112
Department stores and large shops are open from about 10am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Saturdays from 10am to 6pm, although the larger ones often stay open until 8pm. Grocery shops follow a similar schedule. Most shops are closed on Sundays.
Do & See
Events
Dining
Cafés
Bars & Nightlife
Shopping
Tourist Information
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Munich is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). Spring offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while fall is famous for Oktoberfest, the world-renowned beer festival. Summer is also popular for its warm weather, but it can be crowded and more expensive.
A stay of 3 to 4 days in Munich is ideal to explore the city's main attractions. This allows time to visit landmarks such as Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the English Garden, as well as to take a day trip to nearby attractions like Neuschwanstein Castle or Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.
Munich offers a variety of must-see attractions, including: - Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel - Nymphenburg Palace - The English Garden - BMW Welt and Museum - The Deutsches Museum - Viktualienmarkt, a famous food market - The Residenz, a former royal palace
Munich has an efficient public transportation system, including U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses. A Munich CityTourCard provides unlimited travel and discounts on attractions. Biking is also popular, with many rental options and bike-friendly routes throughout the city.
Munich is famous for its hearty Bavarian cuisine. Be sure to try: - Weisswurst (white sausage) - Pretzels - Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) - Obatzda (cheese spread) - Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) - Local beers, especially during Oktoberfest, such as Helles and Weissbier
Oktoberfest is Munich's most famous festival, held annually from late September to the first weekend in October. Other notable events include the Munich Film Festival in June/July, the Tollwood Festival in summer and winter, and the Christmas markets in December, offering a festive atmosphere and traditional crafts.
Munich is a great base for day trips to explore Bavaria. Recommended day trips include: - Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale castle near Füssen - Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site - The picturesque town of Salzburg, Austria - The scenic Bavarian Alps and Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak - The historic town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site
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