Things to Do in Munich

About Munich

Munich runs on contradictions—medieval towers next to modern museums, BMWs parked outside traditional bakeries, opera houses beside beer gardens where strangers bond over pretzels. The Isar River cuts through Bavaria's biggest city. Church bells echo across cobblestone squares each morning while locals in lederhosen drink alongside international visitors in beer halls that have operated for centuries. The rhythm here is different. Business meetings pause for afternoon coffee in sunlit plazas, and baroque churches fill with evening concerts. Nobody rushes. You'll find the good spots in those contradictions: sleek galleries standing beside medieval architecture, traditional routines mixed with forward-looking energy. The city protects its past while building its future. The beer gardens matter most. Shared tables, shared stories. That is where Munich works—strangers talk, locals welcome outsiders, and the formality drops after the first liter. Alpine views frame the southern skyline. The cobblestones have stories. But Munich doesn't trade on nostalgia—it just lives comfortably with what came before while moving ahead.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a Munich City Tour Card for unlimited public transport plus museum discounts. The efficient U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram system connects all major attractions. Validate tickets before boarding or face €60 fines. Consider renting a bike – Munich has 1,200km of cycling paths.

Money: Germany uses the Euro. While cards are widely accepted, carry cash for beer gardens, markets, and smaller establishments. Expect to pay 5-15% tips at restaurants by rounding up or leaving coins. ATMs (Geldautomat) are plentiful but may charge foreign transaction fees.

Cultural Respect: Punctuality is sacred – arrive exactly on time for appointments. Maintain quiet voices on public transport and avoid loud conversations on Sundays. When toasting with beer, make eye contact and say 'Prost!' Never toast with water, as it's considered bad luck.

Food Safety: Munich's food safety standards are excellent. Tap water is safe and high-quality. Try traditional beer gardens serving Schweinshaxe and pretzels. Book restaurant reservations in advance, especially during Oktoberfest. Grocery stores close early on Sundays and holidays, so plan accordingly.

When to Visit

Munich's appeal shifts beautifully with the seasons, each offering distinct experiences. Spring (March-May) brings mild temperatures of 8-18°C with moderate rainfall (40-60mm monthly). Cherry blossoms bloom in the English Garden while accommodation prices remain 20-30% below peak season. Summer (June-August) is prime time with temperatures of 15-24°C and occasional afternoon showers (70-100mm monthly). This coincides with peak pricing – expect 40-50% higher rates, especially during Oktoberfest (mid-September to early October). Autumn (September-November) offers the iconic festival season with comfortable 5-15°C temperatures and increasing rainfall (45-65mm). Hotel prices spike 60-80% during Oktoberfest but drop significantly afterward. Winter (December-February) transforms Munich into a Christmas market wonderland with temperatures of -3 to 5°C and light snow (35-45mm precipitation). Accommodation costs drop 35-45% below summer rates. Budget travelers should visit November through March (excluding Christmas markets period). Families prefer May-September for outdoor activities. Culture ensoiasts will love the quieter winter months when museums and concert halls take center stage. Oktoberfest lovers must book accommodations 6-12 months in advance and budget significantly higher for this iconic experience.