Munich is much more than just the Oktoberfest or Lederhosen. The beautiful Bavarian capital possesses a mixture of exclusive shopping, art, culture, culinary indulgence and deep-rooted traditions. Additionally, its residents are famous for being some of Germany's most cheerful people.
München Tourismus
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.
München Tourismus
Munich has come to be associated with Oktoberfest, the Hofbräuhaus, the Olympic grounds, and the Fasching carnival. However, Munich also has an international reputation as a city of both art and culture. Its music scene ranges from classical to jazz and pop. What's more, it boasts numerous museums showcasing impressive collections.
Werner Boehm/München Tourismus
Old Town Hall & Toy Museum
Natalia Michalska/München Tourismus
Frauenkirche
Luis Gervasi/München Tourismus
Neues Rathaus & Glockenspiel
Tommy Lösch/München Tourismus
BMW Museum
S. Müller/München Tourismus
BMW Welt
MUCA/München Tourismus
MUCA Museum of Urban & Contemporary Art
GOP Varieté Theater/München Tourismus
GOP Varieté-Theater München
Werner Boehm/München Tourismus
Eisbachwelle
München Tourismus
ESO Supernova Planetarium
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Umadum Ferris Wheel
Christian Kasper/München Tourismus
Alte Pinakothek
Christian Kasper/München Tourismus
Pinakothek der Moderne
Christian Kasper/München Tourismus
Museum Brandhorst
W. Boehm/München Tourismus
Haus der Kunst
Christl Reiter/München Tourismus
Olympiapark München
Sigi Mueller/München Tourismus
Lenbachhaus
Tommy Loesch/München Tourismus
Allianz Arena & FC Bayern Experience Centre
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Nymphenburg Palace
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Residenz München
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Deutsches Museum
Jens Weber/München Tourismus
Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism
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Beer & Oktoberfest Museum
GreyLine/München Tourismus
Gray Line Sightseeing Bus
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Hellabrunn Zoo
Jan Saurer/München Tourismus
St Peter's Church
Luis Gervasi/München Tourismus
Englischer Garten
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Münchner Eiszauber
Dominik Parzinger/München Tourismus
Munich offers a large selection of events when it comes to art, music, sports and traditional festivals. The Oktoberfest stands out as the world's largest beer festival, with a smaller-scale version held in April.
Additionally, the city hosts the Munich Film Festival, showcasing international cinema, the vibrant Tollwood festival in summer, and the iconic German Christmas markets during the holiday season.
Christian Kasper/München Tourismus
Oktoberfest
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Märchenbazar
MCBW 2020/München Tourismus
MCBW — Munich Creative Business Week
Werner Boehm/München Tourismus
Munich Opera Festival
Munich Mash/München Tourismus
Munich Mash
München Tourismus
Christopher Street Day
Thomas Gieáner/München Tourismus
Schwabing Christmas Market
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Pink Christmas Market
Flughafen München/München Tourismus
Christmas & Winter Market at the Airport
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Munich's Advent Spectacle & Medieval Christmas Fair
MorrisMacMatzen/München Tourismus
Holiday on Ice
Christian Kasper/München Tourismus
Spring Festival
Munich Löwenbräukeller/München Tourismus
Strong Beer Festival
Werner Boehm/München Tourismus
Auer Dult Pottery Market
B. Roemmelt/München Tourismus
Town Foundation Festival
Bernd Wackerbauer/München Tourismus
Tollwood Summer Festival
R. Kunert/München Tourismus
Lange Nacht der Musik (Long Night of Music)
BMW Group/München Tourismus
BMW International Open
Christian Kasper/München Tourismus
While Munich is renowned for its beer culture, Bavarian cuisine offers a diverse range of delights beyond brews. The Schwabing district and Marienplatz are two standout neighbourhoods to explore dining options.
When it comes to local cuisine, one highly recommended dish is Schweinshaxe, a succulent roasted pork hock typically served with sauerkraut and Knödel, traditional boiled dumplings. For those with a sweet tooth, the German apple strudel or the iconic Lebkuchen, especially at Christmas, is a must.
TZ München/München Tourismus
Hofbräuhaus
35 milli(m)eter/München Tourismus
35 milli(m)eter München
Nockerberg/München Tourismus
Paulaner am Nockherberg
Uhl/München Tourismus
Bratwurstherzl
Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom/München Tourismus
Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom
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Donisl
Bistro im Feinkostladen/München Tourismus
Käfer-Schänke
Bier & Keller/München Tourismus
Museumsstüberl
Das Weinheim – Gastronomie und Handel GmbH/München Tourismus
Das Weinheim
blogwithlove/München Tourismus
La Pizza Rossopomodoro
Rainer Germann/München Tourismus
JaVi
Aloha Poke/München Tourismus
Aloha Poke in der Maxvorstadt
Schwarzreiter/München Tourismus
Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant
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Königlicher Hirschgarten
brennergrill/München Tourismus
Brenner Operngrill
Park Cafe/München Tourismus
Park Café
mapio/München Tourismus
Waldwirtschaft Großhesselohe
mux dot de/München Tourismus
Andechser am Dom
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Löwenbräukeller
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Herrschaftszeiten — Paulaner im Tal
Airbräu/München Tourismus
Airbräu
Pfistermühle/München Tourismus
Restaurant Pfistermühle
Peter Neusser/München Tourismus
Alte Utting
München Tourismus
The aroma of freshly-baked pastries and strong coffee permeates the pavements of Munich, enticing pedestrians from all walks of life to come and enjoy some of the famous Bavarian delicacies in a comfortable and refreshing environment. The cafe menus in Munich range from the tried and tested classics such as the traditional fried dough of Frischhut to the more modern innovations from Maelu, where colour and taste collide to create some dazzling sweets. The juxtaposition of tradition and innovation seems to be perfectly balanced in Munich, as does the mix of ingredients which are often sustainably sourced in most of the better known cafes. Everything has a story in Munich, just ask the barista.
Wo Deutschland am schönsten isst/München Tourismus
Café Marais
Go Yellow/München Tourismus
Cafe Glockenspiel
S3 Media/München Tourismus
Schmalznudel — Cafe Frischhut
Cotidiano/München Tourismus
Cotidiano Gärtnerplatz
Allerlei GGMTours/München Tourismus
Rischart Café Marienplatz
Cafe Fräulein/München Tourismus
Cafe Fräulein
lamoodfood/München Tourismus
Gartensalon
Christian Kasper/München Tourismus
Cafe Luitpold
Vogelmaier/München Tourismus
VogelMaier Kaffeerösterei
Cafe Jasmin/München Tourismus
Cafe Jasmin
Mery Reif/München Tourismus
Mary's Coffee Club
F_ck the falten/München Tourismus
Two in One — Store & Coffee
Cafe Lotti/München Tourismus
Cafe Lotti
Maelu/München Tourismus
Maelu
München Tourismus
Football players, musicians, and media elite, Munich's nightlife is swarming with celebrities. The city offers a large selection of trendy bars & nightclubs, not to mention iconic beer halls and gardens, which you simply cannot leave the city without visiting.
Daniel Schvarcz/München Tourismus
Falk's Bar
Missmilla GmbH/München Tourismus
Milla
PUSSER'S New York Bar/München Tourismus
Pusser's
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Zephyr
Schumann's GmbH/München Tourismus
Schumann's Les Fleurs du Mal
Nina Vogl/München Tourismus
Café Kosmos
Backstage Concerts GmbH/München Tourismus
Backstage
NV Club/München Tourismus
NV Club
089 Bar & Lounge GmbH/München Tourismus
089 Bar
Pacha/München Tourismus
Pacha
Weinbar Griabig/München Tourismus
Weinbar Griabig
Frisches Bier/München Tourismus
Frisches Bier
Rose Bar/München Tourismus
Juliet Rosé Bar
Peter Sechehaye Public Relations/München Tourismus
Grapes Wine Bar
Neuraum/München Tourismus
Neuraum
Geheimtipp München/München Tourismus
P1 Club
Press Kilians Munich/München Tourismus
Kilians Irish Pub
München Tourismus
A visit to Munich is not complete without a good shopping spree. Maximilianstraße, Theatinerstraße, Residenzstraße, and Brienner Straße are the go-to spots, boasting popular department stores and a collection of chain outlets conveniently located in the pedestrian precinct.
Additionally, the neighbourhoods of Gärtnerplatz, Glockenbach, Haidhausen, and Schwabing are dotted with boutique shops offering trendy clothing, jewellery, Bavarian traditional attire, handicrafts, and souvenirs. And of course, don't miss out on the local and international delicacies available at iconic spots like Dallmayr, Käfer, and Viktualienmarkt.
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Oberpollinger
Outletcity Metzinger/München Tourismus
OutletCity Metzingen
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Ingolstadt Village
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Stachus Passagen
München Tourismus
The Pedestrian Area
Baureferat/München Tourismus
Tal Straße
München Tourismus
Maximilianstraße
München Tourismus
Hofstatt
München Tourismus
Fünf Höfe
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Olympia-Einkaufszentrum
City of Munich/München Tourismus
Viktualienmarkt
München Tourismus
München Tourismus
Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
The Franz Josef Strauss Airport, situated approximately 40 kilometres north of Munich, offers convenient transportation options. The quickest route is by train, with a journey time of around 35 to 40 minutes from München Hauptbahnhof station. Alternatively, travellers can take the Airport-City bus, which departs every twenty minutes from Hauptbahnhof as well.
In terms of amenities, Munich airport stands out as one of the best in Germany. It features tax-free shops, cafés, restaurants, recreational areas, lounges and a spa offering massage services. As a bustling European hub, it serves major airlines including Lufthansa, TAP, KLM and others.
Address: Flughafen München, Nordallee 25, Munich
Email: info@munich-airport.de
Phone: +49 89 975 00
Website: www.munich-airport.com
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Passport & Visa
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Germany, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling.
For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
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Website: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en
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München Hbf Central Station
München Hbf is the largest and busiest station in the city. It serves as a railway station with underground S- & U-Bahn platforms, tram and bus connections.
Facilities at the station include shops, restaurants, free Wi-Fi, luggage lockers and parking. For added comfort, there's also a lounge and the München Hotel within the premises.
Address: Bayerstraße 10A, Munich
Email:
Phone: +49 302 970
Website: www.bahnhof.de/en/muenchen-hbf
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Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Munich is during the spring and summer months when the weather is more pleasant. Additionally, the first weeks of September, before Oktoberfest begins, present opportunities for enjoyable events, including festivals and concerts.
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Tourist Information
The primary tourist information office is located within the town hall. Here, visitors can receive assistance regarding activities, transportation options, accommodation, and obtain city maps.
Address: Neues Rathaus, Marienplatz 8, Munich
Email: tourismus.gs@muenchen.de
Phone: +49 89 233 965 00
Website: www.munich.travel/en/pois/things-to-do/tourist-information-marienplatz
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Public Bicycles
You can explore Munich by bicycle for a low fee. Munich's public bicycles are accessible to everyone at central locations. To access them, simply download the MVG app and register.
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Email: rad@mvg.de
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Website: www.mvg.de/services/mvg-rad.html
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Public Transport
Munich's public transport system, boasting a large network of underground trains, buses, and public bicycles, is known for its efficiency. Getting around the city is considerably easier using public transportation compared to navigating by car.
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Phone: +49 800 344 226 600
Website: www.mvg.de
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Taxi
All registered taxi drivers have a numbered identity card on display for passengers. There are reputable taxi companies as well as apps like Uber and Bolt.
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Phone: +49 89 216 10
Website: www.taxi-muenchen.de
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Post
Besides handling letters and parcels, larger post offices in Munich also provide services and advice to customers. Many of them have a small shop offering postal and writing supplies. Smaller post offices with mailboxes and stamp machines are also spread throughout the city, ensuring nationwide service accessibility.
Address: Deutsche Post Filiale, Karlsplatz 9 a Lotto-Toto im UG Stachus Passagen, Munich
Email:
Phone: +49 228 433 31 12
Website: www.deutschepost.de
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Pharmacy
Pharmacies in Germany typically operate every day of the week. However, most of them are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Some chains may offer vending machines with essential items or have select locations open 24/7 to provide continuous access to medications and healthcare products.
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Website: www.aponet.de/apotheke/notdienstsuche/munich
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Telephone
Country code: +49
Area code: (0)89
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Electricity
Germany operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. The plug types as in most European countries are C and F.
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Website: www.muenchen.de/leben/strom-erdgas-fernwaerme-wasser/strom
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