The Essential Guide to Munich, Germany

Beer, lederhosen, and Oktoberfest are just a few cultural cornerstones that travelers associate with Munich. But there’s a lot more to the Bavarian capital than its traditional charm.

Often overshadowed by its hip younger sister, Berlin, Munich also has plenty of modern museums and theaters, opera houses, and literature festivals. The city also has a cutting-edge culinary scene, which is just as much a part of Munich’s identity as its centuries-old taverns and historic beer halls.

For many, the city represents the polished, affluent side of Germany—and it’s easy to see why. Maybe it’s the designer boutiques that line the Maximilianstraße (a storied avenue known for its luxury shops), or the parades of BMWs, Mercedes, and Porsches that rev through the streets. But beneath the cosmopolitan surface of the city lies a deep-rooted history shaped not by luxury, but by the rhythms of rural life.

Munich was founded by Benedictine monks in the 12th century, who favored the area’s prime geographic position and established a marketplace there. It gets its name from the term “mönche,” a German word that means “home of the monks.”

For centuries, farmers, craftsmen, and traders shaped the city’s character. Today, traces of its agrarian past can be found woven into daily life. For example, locals gather in beer gardens shaded by chestnut trees that were once planted to cool underground beer cellars—an age-old tradition. “You have to visit at least one beer garden, ideally in [the park] Englischer Garten,” says Kate Mann, a Munich expert and writer whose blog Munich Bites covers all things related to the Bavarian capital. “They’re such a great introduction to Bavarian culture and cuisine.”

And though the city’s identity is tied to its raucous annual beer bash, Oktoberfest, there’s so much more to this underrated German metropolis, and there’s really no bad time to visit. In the summer, you can leave the city in any direction and within an hour, find yourself in quiet mountain villages or lakeside retreats. In winter, skiing in the nearby Bavarian Alps is more than just a weekend activity—it’s practically a mandatory part of Münchner culture.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Munich, Germany.

Best Hotels

The Rosewood

The Rosewood Munich opened in 2023, offering a modern yet timeless take on luxury hospitality. Housed in a beautifully restored former bank, it draws a discerning, design-conscious crowd with ethereal interiors and outstanding on-site pâtisserie.

Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, by Hyatt

There are plenty of reasons to love the Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, but its 22,000-square-foot spa might top the list. It’s one of the largest indoor wellness spaces in Germany and spans two floors, and has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Add to that the sleek, well-designed rooms and The Lonely Broccoli—a modern meat restaurant with plenty of personality—and you’ve got a stylish city stay. Check out the herb garden and bee hives on the rooftop while you’re there.

The Charles Hotel

The Charles Hotel is a contemporary art deco masterpiece situated in Munich’s Maxvorstadt district, nestled next to the Old Botanical Garden. It opened in 2007 and has 160 spacious rooms and suites, a renowned Italian restaurant called Florio, and the city’s longest indoor pool.

Hotel Bayerischer Hof

Munich and Hotel Bayerischer Hof are inseparable. Established in 1897 and still family-owned by the Volkhardts, this iconic hotel has major character: it’s been the setting for iconic national TV shows and regularly hosts international celebrities. Naturally, it even has an in-house cinema, designed by architect and art collector, Axel Vervoordt. The rooftop is an ideal place to enjoy the sunset amid stunning city views.

Haus im Tal

Just a stone’s throw away from the culinary hub of Viktualienmarkt, this boutique hotel is a perfect pick for design lovers. Mann says she loves the “chic Haus im Tal, with its cozy rooftop bar and friendly young team.” During their stay, travelers will notice things like stainless steel coffee makers in their rooms, beautifully tiled jacuzzis, attentive staff, and a delightfully relaxed atmosphere.

Best Things to Do

Swim, walk, or take a boat on the Isar.

Water has always played a surprisingly large role in everyday life in Munich. After the famous inner-city surfing spot Eisbachwelle recently closed, the Isar has become even more popular. In the summer, visitors can choose from an ice-cold mountain water dip or a slow drift on their backs down the large stream with stunning views of the historical inner city.

Haus der Kunst

Haus der Kunst is not quite a hidden gem, but a sometimes underrated art institution of international magnitude. Located in a monumental neoclassical building originally commissioned in 1933, this museum is distinct in that it doesn’t have its own permanent collection. This allows it to host highly dynamic, large-scale exhibitions with flexible programming. Since 2011, the museum’s former air-raid shelter in the basement has hosted rotating video art exhibitions from the Goetz Collection—curated and co-organized within the Haus der Kunst. It’s worth a visit just for the juxtaposition of highly modern art and historical architecture.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is affectionately called Munich’s “fifth season,” and it attracts millions of visitors each year—and for good reason. Visiting this festival feels like stepping into a parallel universe at times. Traditional Bavarian fare like roast chicken, pork knuckle, pretzels, and sausages is served everywhere, and many visitors dress in traditional clothing. Table reservations are often the only way to sneak into a packed tent. For a more old-fashioned and calmer version of the festival, the Oide Wiesn (Bavarian for “old Oktoberfest”), located at the end of the fairground, provides a bit of a throwback experience.

But if all this seems a bit overwhelming, Frühlingsfest might just be for you. This spring festival is much smaller and typically more affordable, but with the same great local food and the same (read: large) amount of beer. Avoiding Oktoberfest will also guarantee you experience less crowded trains, cheaper hotel rates, and an overall easier experience.

Viktualienmarkt

While this place is certainly on many visitors’ radar, enjoying an Aperol spritz or a glass of wine here on a weeknight will have you feeling like a local in no time. And where else do culinary vendors call themselves “Flower Elly” or “Fish Witty?”

Englischer Garten

Englischer Garten is not only Munich’s biggest park, but it also has charming beer gardens, beautiful monuments, and mountain river streams—this park is the green soul of the city. It stretches out over 900 acres, making it larger than Central Park. There’s even a nudist area, a long tradition in Germany.

Biergartens

Some sights are chronically overrun or simply don’t live up to their hype. Bavarian beer gardens never disappoint, and they are a staple in Munich. Maybe their magic lies in the sounds that the pebbles make while you walk over them to the beer benches situated under large trees, or the fact that guests are allowed to bring their own food (but you may not want to, given their usually excellent menus). I recommend visiting Augustiner-Kelle, among the oldest and most popular beer gardens in Munich, located by the Chinese Tower in Englischer Garten.

Best Shopping

Dallmayr Delicatessen

Stepping into Dallmayr feels like entering Munich’s version of Harrods Food Hall—but with over 300 years of Bavarian tradition. Just steps from Marienplatz, this historic delicatessen (which is one of the largest in Europe) has everything from caviar and truffles to a house-roasted signature coffee. Baroque interiors and white-glove service complete the experience. Go on a weekday morning to beat the crowds.

Ludwig Beck

Dating back to 1861, Ludwig Beck is a Munich institution located right on Marienplatz, across from the Glockenspiel. Once a fine textiles shop, it’s now a refined department store with a curated clothing selection, Europe’s best indie music, and an exceptional range of global beauty brands on the ground level. Sophisticated, selective, and oh-so Munich.

Maximilianstraße

Munich’s schickeria (jet set) crowd has made a name for itself since the 1980s. Maximilianstraße exemplifies this luxury-oriented, Porsche-driving, and tennis-playing side of the city with upscale boutiques, grand bars, and theatre houses. Most establishments are set inside stately 19th-century buildings that feel more like grand salons than storefronts. It’s worth a stroll and a look-see, even if Chanel and Dior are not in the budget.

Fraunhoferstraße

Nestled in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, the area is dotted with independent boutiques, record stores, curated vintage emporiums, and design-forward concept shops. It’s the kind of place where you shop for ethically made linen pants, artisanal chocolate, and hand-thrown ceramics—all set along the Isar river.

Lodenfrey

For all those brave souls taking on Oktoberfest in lederhosen, Lodenfrey has the right fit. This traditional Alpine luxury store and label sells trachten (traditional Bavarian clothing) with a modern twist. Its name is derived from the word loden, a local textile made with specially treated wool that’s often used in traditional coats and jackets.

Best Nightlife

Schumann’s

A quintessential Munich experience, Schumann’s provides guests with a view of the gorgeous Odeonsplatz, the city’s public square. This inner-city gem exudes an Old World elegance. The menu has a wide range of classic cocktails, crafted to perfection by founder (and former model) Charles Schumann—there are also servers in white jackets, high ceilings, and marble everywhere.

Bar Centrale

Going to Bar Centrale feels like the best kind of happy accident. Its location in the historic Lederer Street with its cobblestone alley and sign that reads “pastry shop” in old-fashioned font, makes it feel like it’s stuck in the Middle Ages in the best way possible. But the interior of Bar Centrale, however, feels like 1970s Italy, where espresso meets negronis at all times of the day.

Lucky Who

Lucky Who blurs the line between dinner, drinks, and nightlife. Situated near elegant Maximilianstraße, this is where Munich’s creative and media crowd mingles. The moody, upscale setting is accented with splashes of gold and velvet, and you can expect things like truffle pasta, steak, and craft cocktails on the menu. It transforms into a swanky, DJ‑driven scene on the weekends.

Alte Utting

Ever wondered what a ship on a railroad bridge would look like? Alte Utting has the answer. Mann calls it “Munich’s quirky bar on a landlocked boat.” Somewhere between a bar, a restaurant, and—well—a boat, guests will find a more creative, grungy side to the city here. Beautiful panoramas of the city and river abound.

Frau im Mond

Rooftop bars might not be a typical Munich experience, but this spot begs to differ. Frau im Mond, which translates to “woman on the moon,” provides its guests with a lounge ambience, spectacular city views over the Isar, and sunlit outdoor seating. Check out the Deutsche Museum below, a world-renowned natural history museum.

Best Restaurants

Resraurant Tantris DNA

Tantris DNA opened in 1971, and its interiors are a loving homage to the groovy decade. Its original chef, Eckart Witzigmann, became the first German person to helm a restaurant with three Michelin stars, Aubergine. Nowadays, Tantris DNA—a sister restaurant—is more casual but still high-end, and has a creative à la carte dining that focuses on the city’s culinary heritage (hence, “DNA”).

Mural

Mural may not be your traditional Bavarian inn, but it’s the perfect place to have a Michelin-starred meal in an industrial chic space that’s been seamlessly integrated into the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art. Almost all items on the menu are locally sourced: from the orange wine to the creative five-course menus.

Max Emanuel Brauerei

Max Emanuel Brauerei provides a glimpse into modern Bavarian restaurants—the kind with those familiar chestnut trees in the beer garden, and where families ask for an extra toddler chair on weekends. This spot is located in Munich’s student district, Maxvorstadt, and serves Alpine cuisine with an upscale twist. Try the crispy backhendl (rotisserie chicken), or kaspressknödl (cheese dumplings) for a vegetarian option.

Julius Brantner Brothandwerk

Julius Brantner is part of a new wave of upscale artisanal bakeries, and its slow-fermented sourdough creations are just as amazing as their artsy presentation. Mann says the bakery’s “rye loaf with fermented organic apples” is one of her absolute favorites. But really, anything is worth the wait in this shop, which focuses on quality over having a large selection.

Nari Pizza Atelier

Some people refer to Munich as the northernmost Italian city, and Munich’s pizzas may just be up there with some of the best pies made by the Neapolitan masters. This new and very hot addition, sited in the hip Fraunhoferstraße, serves creations such as “Gen-Z-Pizza” and “Basic Bitch” in a stainless steel studio. The furniture is for sale too. Owner Kimo Kanoui studied mechanical engineering back home in Italy and built much of the interior décor himself.

Best Time to Visit

Deciding on when to visit Munich will mostly depend on the activities you are planning to do, or planning to avoid. Are you looking to dive into the buzz of Oktoberfest season? Then aim to visit in late September to early October, as the festival usually starts around Sept. 20. Make sure to book your stay early to avoid overpriced hotels and long commutes.

Spring sees beautiful city walks and moderate temperatures, especially after April, while summer is considered the start of swimming season, when locals usually take dips in the Isar or the surrounding lakes. Munich winters have the best shows and operas. The city’s famous Christmas markets also take place in the winter, and provide Munich with an atmosphere of preholiday coziness.

How to Get There

Munich is primarily served by Munich Airport (MUC), located about 20 miles outside the heart of the city, or a 30-minute drive by car. You can also take the bus or the Munich U-Bahn (the subway), a ride that will take you about 40 minutes on either mode of transportation. If you’re coming in on a Ryanair flight, you’ll probably be landing in Memmingen Airport (FMM) in nearby Memmingen, Germany—the train ride from here will take you about 90 minutes.

German train service provider Deutsche Bahn provides quick connections to and from all other German cities and collaborates with Austrian and Swiss providers for easy transfers. The central station, Munich Central Station, is usually quite busy and lies within walking distance of the most important attractions of the city.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Glockenbachviertel

The name of this area translates to “Bell Stream Quarter” and it’s in Munich’s Isarvorstadt area. “Glockenbachviertel” refers to a city creek that still runs underground, and a bell foundry that was located here many centuries ago. Nowadays, the neighborhood is known for its vivid nightlife, the city’s LGBTQ+ community, and the health store-lined Fraunhoferstraße that leads straight to the Isar.

Old Town

Residents and visitors alike can be found strolling through the cobblestone streets of Munich’s Old Town. Most of the big brand shopping is found here, as well as major attractions like Frauenkirche (a gorgeous church), Viktualienmarkt, and Marienplatz. The famous Town Hall with its animated clock tower will chime and put on a charming little show at 11 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. Pro tip: go up to the tower of St. Peter’s Church nearby for gorgeous views of the city.

Schwanthalerhöhe

Commonly referred to as the “west end,” Schwanthalerhöhe is considered one of the more recent additions to Munich’s ever-growing cityscape. This area is a more relaxed district, with a residential feel. But there are some great food options in the neighborhood, including Park Korean Eatery, as well as the cutest coffee shops in the city. Try Mira Cafe, which doubles as an art gallery and record store.

Schwabing

Once upon a time, Schwabing was the epicenter of Munich’s 1970s Bohemian movement, and you can still find traces of its hip history at places like Café Münchner Freiheit or Michelin-starred Tantris. Nowadays, the western part of Schwabing is in especially high demand, not only because of its relaxed charm, but also because of its eye-catching art deco facades and proximity to the centrally located Englischer Garten.

Giesing

An up-and-coming neighborhood, Giesing is attracting more and more young people due to its moderate prices and creative hubs like Gans Woanders, a community-funded venue with live music, comedy, and a café all year round. Once a worker’s district,  industrial buildings inhabited by coworking spaces, bakeries, and pizza places make it a must-see for a truly comprehensive perspective on Munich.

How to Get Around

• The Munich U-Bahn and S Bahn: Munich’s subway system is easy to navigate and is a convenient way to get around the city. Expect lots of liveliness around Oktoberfest and to hear heavy Bavarian accents over the speaker announcements. If you need to reach a place just outside the city, you can hop on the S-Bahn, which serves the areas surrounding Munich. It’s a cheap and easy way to get to outdoor attractions such as Lake Starnberg, Kloster Andechs, or Wolfratshausen.
• Tram: Munich tram lines cover most of the inner city and are just as convenient as they are nostalgic. Thirteen lines cover 50 or more trams are added during Oktoberfest season. Watch out for cars, as Munich drivers are notoriously fast and furious, and the stops are sometimes very close to main streets.
• Bus: With StadtBus (serving local city routes), MetroBus (specializing in higher traffic routes) and ExpressBus, Munich is well connected via bus. You can hop on any with an Münchner Verkehrsund Tarifverbund (aka MVV) pass.
• Taxis and ride-hailing services: In the unlikely case that public transport fails you, taxis are widely available. Uber is commonly used in Munich for late-night and weekday rides.
• Bicycles: Munich is fairly bike-friendly, and MVV has an app where you can rent e-bikes and e-scooters. You can also rent longer-term options at places like Swapfiets or at independent bike shops around the city.