Munich

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Travel in Munich

The largest city in all of Bavaria, as well as the capital city, München is a must-do on the European checklist. It's not only drenched in history and stunning architecture, but it also plays host to one of the biggest festivals in the world, Oktoberfest. Come for the beer, stay for the beer.

FAST FACTS
Airport: Munich International Airport
Time from airport to city: 45 minutes
Cost in taxi from airport to city: €50-60, up to €80 in heavy traffic
Public transport types: underground train, suburban train, tram, bus
Single day train cost: €6.40
Average taxi rate: €2 per kilometre

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Things to do in Munich

Wander through the English gardens

This stunning 900-acre park stretches from Munich's city centre all the way to the northeastern city limits. It's one or the largest urban parks in the entire world, and while you walk or bike (hire one!) you'll pass by sunbathing beauties, outdoor beer gardens, temples and even river surfers (ask about The Eisbach). A must-do in Munich.

Get a pork knuckle and stein at the Hofbräuhaus

The Hofbräuhaus is a beer hall to remember, and perhaps the most famous on earth. When you walk in, you're blasted with live Bavarian music, outfits, chatter and the glorious scent of pork knuckles and beer. If you're going with a friend, split the knuckle, as it's a pretty penny and you'll probably only get through half of it anyways (who knew pigs had such large knuckles?).

Spend an afternoon at the Marienplatz

Essentially, Marienplatz is the centre of Munich. It's the main square, and it's not only filled with absolutely stunning gothic architecture, but with live street musicians, beer gardens, restaurants, shops and more. You could spend an entire week wandering the square alone.

Visit the Dachau concentration camp

Dachau is not an easy day out, but we think it's a necessary one. This was the first of the Nazi concentration camps opened in Germany, and when you visit its grounds, you'll walk away with a much greater knowledge of German history and the terror of the Nazi reign. Not for the faint of heart.

Get in touch with German food trends at the Viktualienmarkt

The Viktualienmarkt is one of Munich's biggest daily food markets, and it's held in a square in the centre of the city. You can spend an entire day here, from an early-morning fruit shop, to a coffee at a café, to shopping around the stalls for exotic fruits and fresh vegetables, to topping the day off at one of the many Bavarian beer gardens.

Top Attractions in Munich

There are so many various attractions in Munich, it may take a few days to get a glimpse of it all. We have selected our top 5 favourites for you, read on!

St Peter's Church

The Kirche St. Peter is one of Munich's most recognised landmarks. It's the oldest Roman Catholic church in the city, and is known by locals as Alter Peter, which means Old Peter. You can head to the church not only for its gorgeous Bavarian Romanesque architecture, but also for the view you'll get of the city when you walk up to the tower.

Olympiapark

This area of Munich is actually the Olympic Park that was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Today, it serves as a giant recreational facility, with a pool, pathways, jumps and more. If you don't want to get athletic, just go for the view of the Munich skyline and the mountains in the distance.

Glockenspiel Am Rathausturm

This is the main tourist attraction in the heart of the city centre, Marienplatz. It was constructed back in 1908 and is the first part of the New Town Hall, which is also well worth exploring. Every day at 11am, 43 bells chime and the building comes to life. It's something you want to see (well, hear) while in Munich.

Nymphenburg Palace

The "Castle of the Nymph" is one of the largest Baroque structures in Munich. It's in the west of the city, and we recommend hiring a bike and riding out for a morning or afternoon visit. Beautiful grounds and a good break from the hustle and bustle of the city.