Is Munich Worth Visiting?
Are you wondering if Munich is worth adding to your Germany itinerary? We can help you there!
Munich is an incredible place to visit. As the third-largest city in Germany, it is home to plenty of museums, world-class attractions, gorgeous green spaces, and incredible eateries.
We have been to Munich several times with the kids. And we always look forward to going back whenever we travel to Germany.
So YES! We would definitely have to say it is worth visiting.
Ready to learn more? Let’s jump right in!
Is Munich Worth Visiting?
YES! Munich is most definitely worth visiting!
Whether you have a few hours or several days, there is so much to see and do in this incredible city, no matter what your interests are.
Munich Pros and Cons – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of visiting Munich:
Things We Liked
Things We Did Not Like
What is Munich Known for?
Munich is best known for Oktoberfest, where beer and celebration are the main attractions every year.
Something I wasn’t aware of, is that Munich is actually a hub for big companies and new tech businesses.
But what we really remember when thinking about Munich, is the architecture. The city has a lot of old, beautiful buildings, like the Neues Rathaus and Nymphenburg Palace, that are quite photogenic.
How Much Time Do You Need In Munich?
In our opinion, you need at least 3-4 full days in Munich to get a real appreciation for all the city has to offer.
3 days (or more) is enough time to see the best highlights in Bavaria’s capital including the old town, a couple of the most popular museums, the fabulous Nymphenburg palace, and the BMW world.
However, if you only have one day in Munich, this will give you enough time to explore the old town, see the iconic clock tower in Marienplatz, do a little shopping, visit the Market, and have a fantastic meal in one of the oldest eateries in town.
Is Munich Walkable?
Yes, Munich is quite walkable. The city centre is compact, making it easy to explore on foot.
We found that many of Munich’s main attractions, like Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, and numerous museums, are close to each other.
Walking around, you’ll also enjoy lots of pedestrian zones that are free from car traffic, which really makes strolling around the city pleasant and safe.
And if you need to go further, the public transportation system is top-notch, linking the wider city efficiently.
Why is Munich Worth Visiting?
We absolutely LOVE Munich. The following is a list of why we think this city is definitely worth adding to your travel plans:
1. There Are a Ton of Family-Friendly Attractions
As Bavaria’s capital city, Munich is home to over 30 attractions that are both popular and family-friendly.
From different museums to castles, parks, markets, and zoos, you should have no problem finding an attraction that your family will love.
2. There are Amazing Castles to Visit Nearby
Germany is known the world over for its fabulous castles and palaces.
If you are interested in adding a castle to your itinerary, then you will be happy to know that there are 5 castles in the city and at least 10 castles (including Neuschwanstein, Nuremberg Castle, Linderhof Palace, and Burghausen Castle) that are under a 2-hour drive from Munich.
Many of the castles can also be reached by bus, or you can purchase tickets for a guided tour that will take you to see them.
3. Munich is Safe to Visit for Families
Considering how large Munich is, it is generally a safe city to visit, with few travellers experiencing problems.
Munich does not have an issue with violent crime, nor is there much concern for muggings or pickpocketing.
In fact, during our last visit to Munich, we were out on the town quite late with the kids and didn’t feel at all unsafe.
4. Munich is Home to Some Amazing Museums
Munich is home to some world-class museums that should definitely be included in your Munich itinerary.
With over 60 museums covering a variety of themes, you should have no problem choosing a couple that your family will enjoy.
From BMWs to art, history, toys, natural sciences, fashion, and so much more, many of the museums are either designed for children or have hands-on exhibits that would be perfect for young kids to explore.
5. There Are Plenty of Incredible Day or Weekend Trip Opportunities
Not only is Munich an absolutely incredible city to explore, but you can also venture out on some pretty epic day trips.
With gorgeous medieval castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites, half-timbered old towns, and scenic national parks, there are a ton of outstanding destinations all just a short drive outside the city.
Head over to Stuttgart for the awesome car museums, or to Schwangau to see some fairytale castles. And if you love outdoor adventure, you can also head into the Alps for some hiking or skiing, or to the Zugspitze Cable Car for some fantastic views.
6. Munich Hosts Many Fantastic Festivals
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Munich is the Oktoberfest capital of Germany!
In fact, every year over six million people from all over the world flock to Munich to enjoy the live music, camaraderie, and of course, the Bavarian Beer.
And even if you are visiting Munich with kids, this iconic folk festival is considered a family event, with kids of all ages welcome.
The locals even dress their small children in traditional German Dirndls and Lederhosen for the festivities!
Other noteworthy festivals going on throughout the year include Frühlingsfest (spring festival), Kocherlball, Stadtgründun, and of course the Munich Christmas Markets.
7. You Can’t Beat the Delicious Food and Beer
Oktoberfest, and beer gardens in general, are nothing without the food and beer!
So it should come as no surprise that Munich serves up some pretty tasty delicacies.
From Weißwürste (boiled, white veal sausage) and Schweinshaxe (Braised pork knuckle) to Leberkäse (a loaf-formed sausage), and of course Brezeln (pretzels), there is no way that you will go hungry!
🍺 Fun Fact: Munich is home to the oldest continuously brewing brewery in the world. Augustiner Bräu has been producing the finest beer in Germany since 1328!
8. Munich is One of the Best Places to Go Shopping in Germany
Munich is actually home to one of the largest and oldest pedestrian areas in Europe.
With a length of almost 3 km, Munich’s pedestrian-only area takes up almost the entire inner city. And of course, this is where you will find the best shopping in the city!
The famous Maximillanstraße is where all the high-end boutiques can be found, while the area around Marienplatz is the best place to shop for souvenirs.
9. Munich is Filled with History
Founded in 1158, Munich was actually a major power center for the ruling dukes of Bavaria.
As a result, you will find many beautiful historic sites (as well as some with a darker past) that you can explore throughout the city.
But what makes Munich even more interesting, is how the city is able to balance old-world traditions with a modern way of life.
Case in point, if you head over to the incredible BMW World, you will find the best in modern architecture, innovation and technology.
10. Gorgeous Lakes and Mountains Are Located Just Outside of the City
Munich is actually a very green city.
With many public parks, the Isar River (where you can actually try your hand at SURFING), the iconic English Garden, and 4 major lakes just outside the city, Munich is perfect for those who love outdoor adventure.
The mountains are also close enough to visit for the day.
Go for a summer hike, or do some skiing or snowboarding in the winter.
Whatever your preference, a visit to Munich would not be complete without exploring all the natural areas around the city.
Where to Stay in Munich
Depending on your budget, Munich offers a wide variety of accommodations.
From hotels to small inns and guesthouses, hostels, and private vacation rentals, you are sure to find the perfect place to stay during your visit to Munich.
Just a word of warning, Munich is one of the most expensive cities in Germany to stay in.
As a result, you will have no trouble finding luxury hotels, but if you are looking for budget accommodations, it may be more difficult.
Luxury
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Right in the centre of Munich, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with awesome city views and a top-floor spa.
Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
A blend of modern style and historic architecture, this hotel features a relaxing spa and is only minutes away from the central train station.
Moderate
Marc München
A modern hotel with well-appointed rooms, just a short walk from the main train station and city center attractions.
Mercure Hotel München City Center
Offering spacious rooms and an awesome beer garden, this hotel is conveniently close to shopping and popular attractions.
Budget
Jedermann Hotel
While just outside the Old Town, this budget-friendly option is clean with simple rooms and easy access to public transport and the city center.
Motel One München Sendlinger Tor
A stylish yet affordable hotel, located in a vibrant area close to plenty of cafes and shops.
🚨 Pro Tip – Be sure to secure your hotel well in advance, as Munich books up extremely fast. The best hotels are pretty much guaranteed to sell out, especially during the high season (June-August) or during Oktoberfest (mid-September to October).
Best Time To Visit Munich
The best time to visit Munich is definitely during the summer months.
This is when the weather is perfect for strolling through the streets or people-watching in the parks, the markets come alive, and it is easiest to enjoy the outdoor attractions.
Of course, if you are looking to experience Oktoberfest, then you would need to visit in the Fall.
We have visited Munich in the summer and in the winter for the Christmas Markets. And to be quite honest, both were equally fabulous.
I don’t think that you could go wrong in any season!
Just keep in mind, the best times to visit Munich are also the busiest, and the most expensive.
Be sure to book your reservations and accommodations well in advance to avoid disappointment, as everything fills up pretty quickly during peak season.
What is the Weather Like in Munich?
Munich has a continental climate, meaning its weather can vary quite a bit.
Summers are warm with temperatures often reaching the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24°C), perfect for enjoying outdoor cafes and city parks.
Winters are cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, and snow is common.
Spring and fall are mild but can be unpredictable, so we would recommend packing layers if you’re visiting during these seasons.
How to Get to Munich
Munich is extremely easy to get to whether you are travelling domestically, or coming in from abroad.
By Plane
Munich’s Franz Josef Strauß Airport is the main international airport serving Munich. It is the second busiest airport in Germany and one of the busiest in Europe.
Once you arrive in Munich, you can either rent a car, take a shuttle service, or hop on public transportation to get to your final destination.
🚍 Book your Munich Airport Transfer Service here.
By Bus
ZOB Munich is a coach service that offers direct access to a network of destinations throughout Germany and Europe.
With many served by daily departures, travelling into Munich from Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart or Dusseldorf is extremely easy.
In fact, travelling from other European cities like Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague or Budapest, is also possible using ZOB Munich.
🚌 Purchase your Munich Coach Bus Tickets here.
By Train
The Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) is the main arrival and departure point for international trains from all over Europe.
Conveniently, you will also find all S-Bahn lines, as well as some Bus/Tram and U-Bahn lines, that will connect you to other areas in the city.
By Car
Germany is a very driveable country (Hello Autobahn!). You will not find it too difficult to get to Munich from other parts of the country or even the surrounding areas.
Driving Times:
- Berlin to Munich – 585 km (5 hours and 44 minutes)
- Frankfurt to Munich – 393 km (3 hours and 58 minutes)
- Stuttgart to Munich – 232 km (2 hours and 19 minutes)
- Innsbruck to Munich – 165 km (1 hour and 53 minutes)
🚗 Find the best rates for Munich rental cars here.
How to Get Around Munich
There is a wide variety of transportation options available in Munich.
So, depending on how far you are travelling and what your budget is, you will be able to find a way to get from point A to point B quite easily.
Public Transportation
Munich’s network of subways (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses make it easy to get anywhere in the city.
A single ticket can be used across all these options, and day passes offer unlimited rides, making them great for tourists.
On Foot
Of course, the best way to get around the old city is on foot.
With many of the popular attractions located close to one another, it’s pretty easy to just walk from place to place, and admire the scenery as you go.
By Bike
Munich is bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes and plenty of bike rental shops. It’s a scenic way to see the city and good for short distances.
In fact, many locals prefer this form of transportation.
Munich actually has an extensive bike lane network, including several routes through parks and along the river, that make it easy and safe to ride.
During your visit, you can either choose to rent bicycles, or you can try out one of the city’s bike-sharing initiatives.
🚲 Book a Guided Bicycle Tour of Munich here.
By Car
Most people will agree, that driving around Munich should really be avoided.
Between traffic, parking issues, and pedestrian-only areas of the city, driving is usually no quicker than taking public transportation.
Of course, if you are looking to take a day trip outside the city, then renting a car may be necessary.
Rideshares and taxis are also an option but can get quite expensive.
Visiting Munich – FAQs
Munich stands out as one of Germany’s most liveable cities, attracting tourists with its iconic Oktoberfest, numerous beer gardens, world-class attractions, and stunning architecture.
Yes, Munich is great for kids, with plenty of parks, interactive museums, and family-friendly attractions like the Deutsches Museum and Hellabrunn Zoo.
Yes, Munich is worth visiting for a day. You can explore major sites like Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and the English Garden, giving you a taste of its charm and history.
Absolutely, Munich is magical at Christmas with festive markets, sparkling lights, and a cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect holiday destination.
It depends on your interests: Berlin is great for arts, history, and nightlife, while Munich is more about tradition, architecture, and nature. Both are worth a visit.
Yes, English is widely spoken in Munich, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels.
Yes, visiting Munich can be quite expensive, especially in terms of accommodation, dining, and entertainment in central areas.
In Munich, you can say “Hallo” for a casual hello, or “Grüß Gott” which is a traditional Bavarian greeting.
Is Munich Worth Visiting – Final Thoughts
So, is Munich worth a visit? Absolutely!
It’s a place where you can enjoy good food and culture, experience nature, and just have a relaxed time.
Munich is home to a ton of interesting attractions, and some pretty cool views to take in. It’s easy to get around, and there’s plenty to see and do.
Whether you’re after a laid-back stroll or some fun activities, Munich has got you covered.
In other words, we would totally recommend adding Munich to your Germany itinerary.
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