Things to Do in Munich

About Munich

Where alpine grandeur meets cosmopolitan sophistication, Munich pulses with a distinctive energy that sets it apart from any other European capital. This is a city that has mastered the art of honoring centuries-old traditions while embracing cutting-edge innovation, creating an intoxicating blend that captivates travelers from their first moment. Beyond its global reputation, Munich reveals itself as a place of unexpected contrasts—where leafy beer gardens sprawl beneath gleaming corporate towers, and world-class museums share cobblestone streets with vibrant neighborhood markets.

Travel Tips

• Public Transport MVV Tickets: Purchase a day pass (Tageskarte) or group ticket (Gruppen-Tageskarte) for unlimited travel on Munich's S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, and buses—it's significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets, and remember to validate your ticket before boarding or risk a €60 fine.

• Cash is Still King: Many traditional Bavarian restaurants, beer gardens, and smaller shops in Munich still don't accept cards, so carry enough cash (euros) with you, especially when visiting popular spots like the Viktualienmarkt or neighborhood beer gardens.

• Beer Garden Etiquette: At traditional beer gardens like the Chinese Tower or Augustiner-Keller, you can bring your own food if you sit at tables without tablecloths, but you must purchase drinks on-site—this local custom can save you money while enjoying Munich's outdoor culture.

• Sunday Closures: Nearly all shops, supermarkets, and malls close on Sundays (except for bakeries until noon and businesses at the Hauptbahnhof), so plan your shopping and stock up on groceries on Saturday to avoid being caught without essentials.

When to Visit

When to Visit Munich, Deutschland

Munich's peak season runs from late April through October, with May-September offering the most reliable weather (15-25°C) but also the heaviest crowds and highest prices, particularly during Oktoberfest (mid-September to early October) when hotel rates triple and the city swells with over 6 million visitors downing Mass steins in massive beer tents. Winter (December-February) brings frigid temperatures averaging -1 to 4°C with occasional heavy snowfall, but the enchanting Christkindlmarkt (late November through Christmas Eve) transforms Marienplatz into a glowing wonderland of mulled wine and handcrafted gifts, while January-February offers rock-bottom accommodation prices and uncrowded museums, though you'll sacrifice outdoor beer garden culture and face grey, short days with sunset around 4:30 PM. The sweet spot for balanced weather, moderate crowds, and authentic local experience is late April through early June or mid-September (avoiding Oktoberfest dates), when temperatures hover around 12-20°C, the English Garden's beer gardens buzz with locals rather than tour groups, and spring blooms or golden autumn foliage enhance the city's baroque architecture. Budget travelers should target November (excluding Christkindlmarkt weekends) or January-March when three-star hotel rooms drop to €60-80 versus €150+ in summer, though be prepared for persistent drizzle and the need to build itineraries around indoor attractions like the Residenz, Deutsches Museum, and cozy traditional Gaststätten serving hearty Schweinshaxe and Käsespätzle.