Munich holidays and city breaks

Oktoberfest:

Each Autumn tourists come from all over the world to dress up in dirndls and lederhosen for the fully immersive experience, millions do it so don’t be shy. Soak up the fun atmosphere that takes over the city from mid September to early October and be sure reserve your spot in the official festival beer tents.

The English Garden:

This 900 acre park in the heart of Munich has plenty of beer gardens and a man made tidal river The Eisbach. Confident surfers among you are invited to ride its waves while competent swimmers can jump in and let the current carry them across the park.

History:

A must for history buffs, Munich is home to many centuries old buildings in the Altstadt or old town. It is also the birthplace of the Third Reich and highlights this dark past with illuminating tours including the haunting Dachau Memorial site.

Culture:

Dance at 6am at the Summer Kocherlball in the English Garden or party carnival style at the Fasching in Spring, it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Munich as there’s always a celebration going on.

Football:

Walk the hallowed home ground of FC Bayern Munich, the first stadium in the world to boast a colour changing exterior. If you’re lucky you might even secure tickets for a game while in town, if not, there’s always the stadium and museum tour.

Marienplatz:

The centre of Munich’s old town. Get here for 11am or 12 noon to catch a sight of the famous Glockenspiel/carillon in Town Hall. The largest of its kind in Germany, the 32 rotating figures and 43 bells perform for 15 minutes each time.

Odeonsplatz:

This historic square in Old Town is home to the city’s top attractions such as The Theatiner Church and The Feldherrnhalle.

Munich Residence:

Explore the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria for under €10 and a free audio guide.

Nymphenburg Palace:

Take a tour of the fairytale summer residence of the Wittelsbach.

Alte Pinakothek and Pinakothek de Moderne:

Visit Munich’s celebrated art museums on a Sunday when entry is only €1 compared to the usual daily rate of €10.

Deutsches Museum:

Explore one of the World’s largest Science and Technology Museums.

The Hofbräuhaus:

Be sure to visit this 16th century three floor beer hall serving local cuisine and beer accompanied by a traditional brass band.

Weisswurst:

This boiled white sausage served in a bowl of water is a lot more pleasant on the palate than the eye.

Schweinshaxe:

A must try when visiting Munich, this crispy skinned Pork Knuckle is served with a potato dumpling and gravy.

Käsespätzle:

Get yourself a bowl of these cheesy noodles often served with a topping of fried onions.

Pretzels:

The twisted dough snack is a staple of all German cities and here in Munich they have their own version called Brezn.

Schnitzels:

This thin meat cutlet breaded and deep fried is perhaps the most iconic of all German foods. Choose from pork, veal or chicken and enjoy with potatoes or noodles.

Schmalznudel:

Join the locals in a deep fried Bavarian donut typically eaten for breakfast.

Sundays:

Don’t plan on buying your souvenirs on a Sunday as most shops close in Munich.

Carry Cash:

Try to carry cash as unlike most other European cities, Munich prefers to receive this currency in bars and restaurants.

Beer Gardens:

Beer gardens allow you to bring your own food, you just need to purchase your beer on the premises.

City Pass:

Grab a Munich Card or Munich pass, both include unlimited public transport and either entry or discounts to all major attractions.

Bikes and E-Scooters:

Both are freely available throughout the city, just make sure to park in the allocated spots.

Buses, Trams, Subway and Suburban Trains:

Munich has an excellent public transport system, if choosing the subway or train make sure to validate your ticket in the station for each journey. If on the bus or tram you can validate on board. A popular bus route for tourists is the Stadtbus 100 as it stops at all museums.