Located in the east of Germany, Munich is the capital of Bavaria. A cosmopolitan city, exciting to discover where the charm of the old center, the respect of the Bavarian traditions and the dynamism of the youth are mixed together!
Would you like to find out more about this city? Are you planning to visit and would like to prepare your stay as well as possible? In this special guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this very special city.
> Why should you visit Munich?
> When should you go to Munich?
> How to find the best price for a plane ticket to Munich?
> Where to sleep in Munich?
> How to get around Munich?
> How to prepare your stay in Munich: what are the essential activities?
> Where to eat in Munich?
> Budget your trip to Munich
> Practical information for your vacations in Germany
> What else should you see in Germany?
Why should you visit Munich?
Munich, a city of about 1.5 million inhabitants, is located in the east of Germany, in the heart of Bavaria. It is a tourist region, where you can find a summary of all the pleasures of Germany:
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- beautiful landscapes ;
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- dynamic and attractive cities;
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- a strong regional culture:
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- very good food and very good beer.
In short, there is everything to enjoy for a weekend away from France, or for a week’s vacation to discover this region.
Munich is also a good gateway to other cities, such as Berlin, which is only a few hours away by train, Nuremberg or Prague. The Czech capital is only a few hundred kilometers away. In short, Munich has many advantages.
When should you go to Munich?
You could almost say that Munich is the gateway to Eastern Europe. The temperatures are quite similar to those in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and further afield. Therefore, we recommend you to visit Munich:
From May to September: temperatures often flirt with 25 degrees on average. This makes for a really nice stay.
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- December to February: If you are a Christmas fan, this is the best time to discover the city in its transformation. Decorations, Christmas market, snow… It’s all here!
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- March – April and October – November: these are probably not the best times to go. The weather is not very nice, the sky is gray and the temperatures are quite variable.
How to find a plane ticket to Munich at the best price?
You’ve decided that Munich is your next destination? Now you have to find out how to get there. If you are leaving from Berlin or Prague, the car or the train are preferable. From other major cities such as Paris, Amsterdam or even Ljubljana, you’ll have to fly instead.
Munich’s Franz-Josef-Strauß airport is an international airport with excellent connections. From CDG or Schiphol, or even from Tallinn, it takes between 1h30 and 2 hours of flight time, for a total budget of about 150 euros round trip (provided you book in advance).
Where to sleep in Munich?
As everywhere in Germany, the big cities are particularly well organized. Thus, there are many accommodation options, such as:
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- AirBnBs;
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- Youth hostels;
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- Hotels.
AirBnB
Renting an accommodation in Munich with AirBnB is an increasingly popular option. It is a good opportunity for visitors, especially families and friends, to have a place of their own. There are many offers, while prices vary. You can find apartments for 2 or more at 60 – 80 euros per night. But you can also find some for more than 100 or 120 euros.
Youth hostels
Are you a backpacker traveling with your backpack on your back? Are you looking for an inexpensive option to make the most of your stay in Bavaria?
We suggest you take a look at our selection of the best youth hostels in Munich. You’ll find some of the best value accommodation in a great location.
Be careful though. As you might expect, hostels don’t offer really premium services. You will probably sleep in a dormitory and breakfast will not be included.
Hotels
Renting a hotel room in Munich is of course possible. In our selection of the best hotels in Munich, you will find a listing of 10 premium hotels offering quality accommodation.
Rooms at all prices, in hotel complexes located in the center as well as on the edge, but never too far from the main activities. The ideal way to get organized.
How do I get around Munich?
Getting around Munich is not very complicated. There are 12 streetcar lines in the city that allow you to get from A to B with ease. Four of these lines are operational at night. Munich has a great bus network, with 70 lines that crisscross the territory, 6 of which also operate at night.
Finally, Munich has its own subway system. 8 lines in total, with 96 stations. You can buy day tickets (9 euros for the city, 12 euros for the city and its surroundings). The 3-day ticket costs 16 euros and can only be used in the city center.
Preparing your stay in Munich: what are the must-do activities?
Going to Munich is the assurance of living some experiences that you would never have been able to discover, live or do in France or elsewhere. Here is an overview of some of the main activities to do in Munich.
Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest is THE party in Munich. The Oktoberfest is organized every year in October and allows thousands of people to meet and enjoy a few intense days, marked by a rather high consumption of beer and pretzels. To go there is to discover the traditional Munich.
Marienplatz
Marienplatz is the main square of the city. A square dominated by the Neues Rathaus, a building of almost 10.000m2, which has about 400 rooms. This is the place where you will inevitably pass through. Don’t hesitate to stop and take some nice pictures.
National Theater
The National Theater of Munich is located on the Max-Joseph-Platz. It is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It is home to
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- The Bavarian State Ballet;
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- Bavarian State Opera;
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- The Bavarian State Orchestra.
You can discover it during a guided tour or a performance!
Christmas market
Every year there are several Christmas markets in Munich. From December to mid-January, you can stroll through the streets, drink a beer, eat a good currywurst (or other) and discover the beautiful decorations and other art objects, worked by hand by the best craftsmen of the city.
Bayern Munich match
Bayern Munich is one of the most powerful soccer clubs in the world. To go there is to enjoy the fervor of the locals, their love for their colors. If there is a home game and you like sports, this is a good opportunity to discover what the German fans are worth.
Where to eat in Munich?
Visiting yes, but eating is just as good. In a specially dedicated article, we talk about the best restaurants in Munich. In this content you will find a list of the best restaurants in the city.
Places where you can eat local, typical dishes at the best price. Real institutions where we really invite you to visit during your stay. Amongst them, the Spatenhaus an der Oper, the Pescheria or the Preysinggartent!
budget your trip to Munich
Munich is a fascinating city, rich in culture and history. Unfortunately, this often translates into high prices. Fortunately, there are a few tricks to reduce the cost of your stay. If you’re planning a budget trip to Munich, here are some tips to help you save money:
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- Look for hotels outside the city center. This will help you avoid tourist taxes and often give you better value for money.
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- Avoid touristy restaurants and look for local restaurants instead. The prices are often lower and the quality is better.
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- Munich has many free or inexpensive museums. Take the opportunity to visit as many cultural sites as possible!
By following these tips, you should be able to enjoy your stay in Munich without breaking the bank. For the rest, you should budget around 80 euros per day, all inclusive, to make sure you enjoy the city. This budget can rise to around 100 euros depending on your desires and habits.
Practical information for your vacation in Germany
Before you leave, make sure you find out about a few essential points, including what to do in case of a problem. We tell you all about these important points, in the continuation of this article.
Is Munich a dangerous city?
Munich is considered to be a very safe city. The crime rate is relatively low. However, this should not make you forget the basics. Like anywhere, you will find people who are likely to steal your things. However, if you are careful, you will have absolutely no problems.
What language is spoken in Munich?
In Munich, German is the first language. English is also spoken. The city is very touristy and Germans are quite good at learning and speaking foreign languages. Thus, you will have no trouble making yourself understood.
What to do in case of a problem?
Have you seen a problem? You have encountered a problem? Here are the numbers to call if you are ever in need:
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- Firemen and SAMU (in case of vital emergency only): 112;
- Standard medical emergencies, non-life threatening: 116 117;
- Police: 110.
What else should I see in Germany?
Are you visiting Munich and would like to discover more about Bavaria? The city of Nuremberg, which is not so far away (170km), is worth a visit. You can also go to Regensburg. Other historical sites include Neuschwanstein Castle, the Könisee lake or a visit to Rothenburg or der Tauber. A lot of nice visits, for a particularly rich and dense stay!
Foire aux questions
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What is Munich known for?
The city of Munich is known for the Oktoberfest (beer festival), the Marienplatz or the Bayern soccer club. But the Bavarian capital has a lot more to offer, you just have to be really interested in its history!
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Do they speak English in Munich?
Yes, English is spoken in Munich. Indeed, if German is the main language, the locals master perfectly the language of Shakespeare. Whether in hotels or restaurants, everything will be translated.
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Is Munich an affordable city?
It is estimated that you will need to spend between 80 and 120 euros per day to enjoy Munich. The city is not more expensive, nor less expensive than any other major European city. In the end, it all depends on your habits.