Munich
Munich
Short overview
Bavaria's capital pairs beer halls and baroque churches with world-class art, leafy parks and Alpine views on clear days. Come for the beer gardens and museums — and expect high hotel prices and a very orderly pace.
Best times to go
May – July
Beer garden season in full swing, long evenings and swimming in the Eisbach and Isar.
Late September – October
Oktoberfest brings huge crowds and prices, then October settles into golden autumn calm.
Good for
beer lovers, art fans, families and anyone who likes a clean, safe and easy city break.
Skip if
you're on a tight budget during Oktoberfest, or you want gritty nightlife — Munich is polished and pricey.
Things to do
Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel
The heart of the old town, where the town hall's mechanical figures dance at 11 am and noon.
1–2 hours
Free (€6.50 for the tower)
Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel
The heart of the old town, where the town hall's mechanical figures dance at 11 am and noon.
1–2 hours
Free (€6.50 for the tower)
Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel
The heart of the old town, where the town hall's mechanical figures dance at 11 am and noon.
1–2 hours
Free (€6.50 for the tower)
English Garden
One of the world's biggest city parks, with river surfers, meadows and the Chinese Tower beer garden.
2–4 hours
Free
2–4 hours
Free
Nymphenburg Palace
The summer palace of Bavarian royalty, with lavish rooms, a carriage museum and huge gardens.
2–3 hours
€15–20 combined ticket
2–3 hours
€15–20 combined ticket
Cheapest
€
50
/week
Free parks, churches and markets, plus Sunday €1 museum entry.
Best value
€
180
/week
The Residenz, Nymphenburg, BMW Welt and a walking tour.
Splurge
€
750
/week
A Neuschwanstein day tour, opera tickets and a private brewery tour.
Cheapest
€
50
/week
Free parks, churches and markets, plus Sunday €1 museum entry.
Best value
€
180
/week
The Residenz, Nymphenburg, BMW Welt and a walking tour.
Splurge
€
750
/week
A Neuschwanstein day tour, opera tickets and a private brewery tour.
Cheapest
€
50
/week
Free parks, churches and markets, plus Sunday €1 museum entry.
Best value
€
180
/week
The Residenz, Nymphenburg, BMW Welt and a walking tour.
Splurge
€
750
/week
A Neuschwanstein day tour, opera tickets and a private brewery tour.
Food and drink
Bavarian food is hearty and meat-heavy, best enjoyed in beer gardens where you can even bring your own picnic.
Breakfast
Cheapest
Pretzel and coffee
A fresh Brezn from any bakery, often with butter.
€
4
Best value
Weißwurstfrühstück
Veal sausages, sweet mustard, a pretzel and a wheat beer — traditionally eaten before noon.
€
14
Splurge
Café brunch
A big spread of breads, cheeses, eggs and coffee in Schwabing or Glockenbach.
€
18
Breakfast
Cheapest
Pretzel and coffee
A fresh Brezn from any bakery, often with butter.
€
4
Best value
Weißwurstfrühstück
Veal sausages, sweet mustard, a pretzel and a wheat beer — traditionally eaten before noon.
€
14
Splurge
Café brunch
A big spread of breads, cheeses, eggs and coffee in Schwabing or Glockenbach.
€
18
Breakfast
Cheapest
Pretzel and coffee
A fresh Brezn from any bakery, often with butter.
€
4
Best value
Weißwurstfrühstück
Veal sausages, sweet mustard, a pretzel and a wheat beer — traditionally eaten before noon.
€
14
Splurge
Café brunch
A big spread of breads, cheeses, eggs and coffee in Schwabing or Glockenbach.
€
18
Lunch
Cheapest
Leberkässemmel
A thick slice of warm meatloaf in a crusty roll, from a butcher's counter.
€
5
Best value
Viktualienmarkt lunch
Grab sausages, cheese or soup from the stalls of the city's open-air market.
€
12
Splurge
Beer garden lunch
Roast chicken, potato salad and a litre of beer under the chestnut trees.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Leberkässemmel
A thick slice of warm meatloaf in a crusty roll, from a butcher's counter.
€
5
Best value
Viktualienmarkt lunch
Grab sausages, cheese or soup from the stalls of the city's open-air market.
€
12
Splurge
Beer garden lunch
Roast chicken, potato salad and a litre of beer under the chestnut trees.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Leberkässemmel
A thick slice of warm meatloaf in a crusty roll, from a butcher's counter.
€
5
Best value
Viktualienmarkt lunch
Grab sausages, cheese or soup from the stalls of the city's open-air market.
€
12
Splurge
Beer garden lunch
Roast chicken, potato salad and a litre of beer under the chestnut trees.
€
22
Dinner
Cheapest
Käsespätzle
Soft egg noodles baked with cheese and crispy onions, the ultimate comfort food.
€
15
Best value
Beer hall dinner
Roast pork with dumplings and a Mass of beer at a traditional brewery hall.
€
30
Splurge
Fine dining in the old town
Modern Bavarian tasting menus at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants.
€
160
Dinner
Cheapest
Käsespätzle
Soft egg noodles baked with cheese and crispy onions, the ultimate comfort food.
€
15
Best value
Beer hall dinner
Roast pork with dumplings and a Mass of beer at a traditional brewery hall.
€
30
Splurge
Fine dining in the old town
Modern Bavarian tasting menus at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants.
€
160
Dinner
Käsespätzle
€
15
Soft egg noodles baked with cheese and crispy onions, the ultimate comfort food.
Beer hall dinner
€
30
Roast pork with dumplings and a Mass of beer at a traditional brewery hall.
Fine dining in the old town
€
160
Modern Bavarian tasting menus at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants.
Cheapest
€
170
/week
Bakery breakfasts, butcher's snacks and beer garden picnics.
Best value
€
340
/week
Beer hall meals, market lunches and a few café brunches.
Splurge
€
850
/week
Wine bars, fine dining and the best beer halls in town.
Cheapest
€
170
/week
Bakery breakfasts, butcher's snacks and beer garden picnics.
Best value
€
340
/week
Beer hall meals, market lunches and a few café brunches.
Splurge
€
850
/week
Wine bars, fine dining and the best beer halls in town.
Cheapest
€
170
/week
Bakery breakfasts, butcher's snacks and beer garden picnics.
Best value
€
340
/week
Beer hall meals, market lunches and a few café brunches.
Splurge
€
850
/week
Wine bars, fine dining and the best beer halls in town.
Don't leave without trying
Don't leave without trying
Schweinshaxe
A whole roasted pork knuckle with crackling skin, served with potato dumplings and dark beer gravy.
Schweinshaxe
A whole roasted pork knuckle with crackling skin, served with potato dumplings and dark beer gravy.
Where to stay
The Altstadt is central and walkable, Maxvorstadt is near the museums, and Haidhausen or Schwabing feel more local.
Cheapest
Hostel near the Hauptbahnhof
Big, social hostels next to the main station with easy connections everywhere.
€280/week
/night
€
40
Cheapest
Hostel near the Hauptbahnhof
Big, social hostels next to the main station with easy connections everywhere.
€280/week
/night
€
40
Best value
Design hotel in Maxvorstadt
Smart rooms close to the Pinakothek galleries and the university district.
€980/week
/night
€
140
Best value
Design hotel in Maxvorstadt
Smart rooms close to the Pinakothek galleries and the university district.
€980/week
/night
€
140
Splurge
Luxury hotel on Maximilianstraße
Five-star rooms on Munich's grandest street, with a rooftop pool and spa.
€3,360/week
/night
€
480
Splurge
Luxury hotel on Maximilianstraße
Five-star rooms on Munich's grandest street, with a rooftop pool and spa.
€3,360/week
/night
€
480
Unique stay
Traditional Bavarian guesthouse
Wood-panelled rooms above a family-run inn with its own beer garden.
€1,050/week
/night
€
150
Unique stay
Traditional Bavarian guesthouse
Wood-panelled rooms above a family-run inn with its own beer garden.
€1,050/week
/night
€
150
Unique stay
Traditional Bavarian guesthouse
Wood-panelled rooms above a family-run inn with its own beer garden.
€1,050/week
/night
€
150
Getting around
Munich's U-Bahn, S-Bahn and trams are fast, clean and punctual. The centre is easy on foot or by bike.
Public transport
Coverage
MVV runs U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses on one ticket. The S-Bahn reaches the airport and lakes outside the city.
Single ticket
€
4.10
Weekly pass
€
20
Which modes are available?
U-Bahn and S-Bahn
Trams
City bikes
Public transport
Coverage
MVV runs U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses on one ticket. The S-Bahn reaches the airport and lakes outside the city.
Single ticket
€
4.10
Weekly pass
€
20
Which modes are available?
U-Bahn and S-Bahn
Trams
City bikes
Car rental
Car usefulness
Not needed in the city. Rent one for the Alps, lakes or castles, and use public transport in town.
Price
€
50
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
28
/day
Street parking is limited and metered; garages cost €25–35 a day. Use park-and-ride on the edge of town.
Car rental
Car usefulness
Not needed in the city. Rent one for the Alps, lakes or castles, and use public transport in town.
Price
€
50
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
28
/day
Street parking is limited and metered; garages cost €25–35 a day. Use park-and-ride on the edge of town.
Cheapest
€
20
/week
A weekly M-zone pass and lots of walking.
Best value
€
55
/week
A weekly pass plus the S-Bahn to and from the airport.
Splurge
€
380
/week
Taxis around town and a rental car for Alpine day trips.
Cheapest
€
20
/week
A weekly M-zone pass and lots of walking.
Best value
€
55
/week
A weekly pass plus the S-Bahn to and from the airport.
Splurge
€
380
/week
Taxis around town and a rental car for Alpine day trips.
Cheapest
€
20
/week
A weekly M-zone pass and lots of walking.
Best value
€
55
/week
A weekly pass plus the S-Bahn to and from the airport.
Splurge
€
380
/week
Taxis around town and a rental car for Alpine day trips.
Total costs
Everything you’ll spend once you’re there, per person. Getting there isn’t included.
Cheapest
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€25–€35
Accommodation
€35–€50
Getting around
€4–€6
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€74–€111
PER WEEK
€520–€780
Per person outside Oktoberfest. During the festival hotel prices can double or triple.
Cheapest
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€25–€35
Accommodation
€35–€50
Getting around
€4–€6
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€74–€111
PER WEEK
€520–€780
Per person outside Oktoberfest. During the festival hotel prices can double or triple.
Cheapest
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€25–€35
Accommodation
€35–€50
Getting around
€4–€6
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€74–€111
PER WEEK
€520–€780
Best value
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€45–€65
Accommodation
€120–€160
Getting around
€6–€10
Activities
€20–€35
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€201–€285
PER WEEK
€1,410–€2,000
Per person outside Oktoberfest. During the festival hotel prices can double or triple.
Best value
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€45–€65
Accommodation
€120–€160
Getting around
€6–€10
Activities
€20–€35
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€201–€285
PER WEEK
€1,410–€2,000
Per person outside Oktoberfest. During the festival hotel prices can double or triple.
Best value
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€45–€65
Accommodation
€120–€160
Getting around
€6–€10
Activities
€20–€35
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€201–€285
PER WEEK
€1,410–€2,000
Splurge
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€110–€170
Accommodation
€350–€550
Getting around
€30–€60
Activities
€70–€140
Miscellaneous
€25–€40
PER DAY
€585–€960
PER WEEK
€4,100–€6,720
Per person outside Oktoberfest. During the festival hotel prices can double or triple.
Splurge
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€110–€170
Accommodation
€350–€550
Getting around
€30–€60
Activities
€70–€140
Miscellaneous
€25–€40
PER DAY
€585–€960
PER WEEK
€4,100–€6,720
Per person outside Oktoberfest. During the festival hotel prices can double or triple.
Splurge
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€110–€170
Accommodation
€350–€550
Getting around
€30–€60
Activities
€70–€140
Miscellaneous
€25–€40
PER DAY
€585–€960
PER WEEK
€4,100–€6,720
Good to know
What to expect, what to avoid, and what nobody tells you before you go.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Beer gardens, museums, parks and Bavarian tradition.
Catches visitors off guard
High hotel prices, Sunday closures and how quiet it gets at night.
Common misconception
Oktoberfest isn't the best time to visit — summer beer garden season is far better value.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Beer gardens, museums, parks and Bavarian tradition.
Catches visitors off guard
High hotel prices, Sunday closures and how quiet it gets at night.
Common misconception
Oktoberfest isn't the best time to visit — summer beer garden season is far better value.
Watch out for
Oktoberfest prices
Hotels sell out and triple in price during the festival. Book months ahead or stay outside the city.
Bike lanes
Don't walk in the red bike lanes — cyclists move fast and won't hesitate to ring.
Sunday closures
Shops close on Sundays. Museums are open, though, and many charge just €1.
Watch out for
Oktoberfest prices
Hotels sell out and triple in price during the festival. Book months ahead or stay outside the city.
Bike lanes
Don't walk in the red bike lanes — cyclists move fast and won't hesitate to ring.
Sunday closures
Shops close on Sundays. Museums are open, though, and many charge just €1.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Three days for the city, plus a day or two for Neuschwanstein, the lakes or Salzburg.
How do I get from the airport?
The S1 and S8 S-Bahn lines reach the centre in about 40 minutes for €13.
Can I visit Neuschwanstein from Munich?
Yes. Take the regional train to Füssen (about 2 hours) with a Bayern-Ticket, and book castle tickets online ahead.
Can I bring food to beer gardens?
Yes, at traditional beer gardens you can bring your own food — you just need to buy drinks there.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Three days for the city, plus a day or two for Neuschwanstein, the lakes or Salzburg.
How do I get from the airport?
The S1 and S8 S-Bahn lines reach the centre in about 40 minutes for €13.
Can I visit Neuschwanstein from Munich?
Yes. Take the regional train to Füssen (about 2 hours) with a Bayern-Ticket, and book castle tickets online ahead.
Can I bring food to beer gardens?
Yes, at traditional beer gardens you can bring your own food — you just need to buy drinks there.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). Use bank ATMs and avoid independent machines with high fees.
Cards vs cash
Cards are widely accepted now, but many beer gardens and bakeries still prefer cash.
Tipping
Round up or add 5–10% and tell your server the total when paying.
Tourist tax
Munich adds a 5% accommodation tax to most hotel bills.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). Use bank ATMs and avoid independent machines with high fees.
Cards vs cash
Cards are widely accepted now, but many beer gardens and bakeries still prefer cash.
Tipping
Round up or add 5–10% and tell your server the total when paying.
Tourist tax
Munich adds a 5% accommodation tax to most hotel bills.
Ready to pick your next destination?
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Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.