Munich is a city of contrasts: historic beer halls and cutting-edge art, centuries-old palaces and buzzing markets. Whether you’re here for Oktoberfest or strolling through peaceful gardens, Munich will charm you with its mix of tradition and modern ...
Sections
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🏰 Things to See & Do
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🛎️ Places to Stay
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🍴 Things to Eat & Drink
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đźšž Day Trips & Excursions
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🎉 Seasonal & Special Experiences
🏰 Things to See & Do
Munich has no shortage of sights—grand squares, royal palaces, and leafy parks. Take your time to explore both the big landmarks and the little details that make the city so special.
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The heart of the city with a famous clock show. Go at 11am or 12pm to catch the figures dance.
Marienplatz & Glockenspiel
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Bigger than NYC’s Central Park, it’s perfect for walks, picnics, or even watching surfers ride the Eisbach River.
English Garden (Englischer Garten)
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A sprawling baroque palace with gorgeous gardens. Rent a bike to cover more ground—it’s huge.
Nymphenburg Palace
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Outdoor food market full of local specialties. Perfect for lunch on the go (try the fresh pretzels!).
Viktualienmarkt: historic open-air market in Munich
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Car lovers and design fans will geek out here. It’s sleek, interactive, and very “Munich modern.”
BMW Museum
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Massive science and technology museum. Great if you love hands-on exhibits or are traveling with kids.
Deutsches Museum
🛎️ Places to Stay
Munich’s hotels range from cozy boutique stays in Old Town to sleek modern towers. Staying near Marienplatz puts you in the action, while neighborhoods like Schwabing give you more local flair.
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If you want to splurge in Munich, this is the spot. Open since 1841, it’s hosted everyone from kings to rock stars. The hotel blends old-world elegance with modern luxury—think chandeliers and marble halls paired with a rooftop pool and skyline views...
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
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Sleek, modern, and ridiculously convenient, Marc is just a short walk from Munich’s main train station. The vibe is minimalist but welcoming—bright rooms with plush bedding, rain showers, and a fantastic breakfast spread (locals rave about it, too). ...
Marc MĂĽnchen
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This hotel doesn’t take itself too seriously—in the best way. Each room is filled with playful design touches (velvet couches, bold wallpaper, quirky art) that nod to Munich’s royal past with a cheeky twist. There’s a funky bar, a vinyl lounge, and e...
The Royal Bavarian
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Colorful, creative, and set in Munich’s bohemian Schwabing district, this boutique hotel has a youthful spirit. The rooms are playful (some with swings or bunk beds), and the lounge areas are designed for hanging out. You’re in a lively neighborhood ...
Hotel Schwabinger Wahrheit
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This family-run gem is Bavarian through and through. Just steps from Hofbräuhaus and Marienplatz, it’s a perfect home base for exploring the Old Town. Expect warm hospitality, alpine-inspired rooms with wood accents, and a hearty breakfast buffet tha...
The most famous beer hall in the world, and yes, it’s absolutely touristy—but it’s also a Munich rite of passage. Steins the size of your head, live oompah bands, waiters in lederhosen, and communal tables where you’ll probably make new friends wheth...
Hofbräuhaus
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true local favorite. This sprawling beer garden under giant chestnut trees feels like Munich summer at its finest. Order a MaĂź (liter of beer) of Augustiner straight from the wooden barrel and pair it with pretzels or roast chicken. You can bring you...
Augustiner Keller
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Tucked beside Frauenkirche cathedral, this cozy spot is known for its rich Andechser monastery beers and hearty Bavarian food. Their Schweinebraten (roast pork with crispy crackling) is legendary. Perfect for warming up after exploring the Old Town o...
Andechser am Dom
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Imagine Harrods Food Hall but Bavarian. This historic gourmet store has been around since the 1700s and is packed with fine cheeses, chocolates, cured meats, coffee, and wine. Even if you don’t splurge, wandering the aisles feels like a treat. Grab a...
Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus
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Right in the middle of Munich’s central food market, this is the perfect place to mix and match. Pick up snacks from the surrounding stalls—sausages, cheeses, fresh bread, fruit—and then settle in at the communal tables with a cold beer. It’s casual,...
Viktualienmarkt Biergarten
đźšž Day Trips & Excursions
Munich makes the perfect base for exploring Bavaria. Hop on a train or bus and you’ll find castles, lakes, and mountain views straight out of a fairytale.
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The fairytale castle that inspired Disney. Perched high in the Bavarian Alps, it looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. The inside tours are quick but worth it, and the MarienbrĂĽcke bridge has the best views. Pro tip: book tickets in ad...
Neuschwanstein Castle
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A powerful and sobering visit, just a short train ride from Munich. Walking through the grounds and exhibitions is heavy but incredibly important for understanding history. Plan for a few quiet hours afterward to process—many visitors head to a nearb...
Just about an hour by train, NĂĽrnberg blends medieval charm with serious history. Wander the Old Town, explore the Imperial Castle, and check out the bustling Hauptmarkt square. The city is also home to the Documentation Center, which provides deep i...
Nuremberg, Germany
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A relaxing escape only 30 minutes from Munich, loved by locals for swimming, boating, and lakeside dining. On a sunny day, the water sparkles with the Alps in the background. Pack a picnic or rent a bike to circle part of the lake—it’s the kind of lo...
Lake Starnberg
🎉 Seasonal & Special Experiences
Munich knows how to celebrate. From the world’s biggest beer festival to cozy Christmas markets, there’s always something festive happening here.
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The world’s biggest beer festival, held every fall at Theresienwiese. Expect massive tents, lederhosen and dirndls, carnival rides, and liters of beer flowing all day. It’s crowded but unforgettable. Pro tip: go early in the day for a calmer vibe, or...
Oktoberfest
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From late November through December, the city transforms into a winter wonderland. The main Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz sparkles with lights, mulled wine, and handmade ornaments, but don’t miss the medieval market near Odeonsplatz for something c...
Viktualienmarkt Christkindlmarkt
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Munich is home to the Bavarian State Opera and one of Europe’s best orchestras. Catching a performance in the National Theatre is a breathtaking experience (even if you’re not usually an opera fan). Tickets sell out quickly, so book ahead if this is ...
Music metropolis Munich | simply Munich
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A cultural festival held twice a year: summer in the Olympic Park and winter at Theresienwiese. Expect live music, art, food stalls from around the world, and a strong focus on sustainability. It’s like Munich’s artsy, alternative side compared to Ok...