If you’ve been to Berlin and think you know Germany, Munich will completely surprise you. The two cities are day and night — Berlin is edgy and alternative, while Munich is polished, traditional, and, honestly, a little bit golden. I mean that literally: the cream-coloured buildings with their gilded details give the whole city a warm, almost regal glow that I wasn’t expecting.
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and the home of Oktoberfest, so yes, beer is a very big deal here. But there’s so much more to this city than steins and pretzels — baroque palaces, world-class museums, one of Europe’s best urban parks, and a food scene that goes well beyond sausage. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, this Munich bucket list covers everything you need to see, do, eat, and experience.
VISITING MUNICH: THE ESSENTIALS
Transport / Munich is well connected by air and rail. Trains from Frankfurt take around 3 hours and from Vienna around 4 — book in advance on Trainline for the best fares. Flying in? Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups so you’re not hunting for taxis after a long flight.
Tours / Munich rewards a guided tour. Here are the best ones:
Viktualienmarkt: 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour Munich
Munich Third Reich & WWII Walking Tour
Dachau Concentration Camp Half-Day Tour from Munich
Munich Hop-On/Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour – 24h/48h Ticket
FC Bayern München Football Tour
Munich: An Evening of Bavarian Beer and Food Culture
Stay / From lively hostels near the Hauptbahnhof to boutique hotels in Schwabing, Munich has options at every budget. Search Munich hotels here.
Car Rental / Planning a day trip to Neuschwanstein, the Bavarian Alps, or Lake Starnberg? Hiring a car gives you a lot of freedom. Compare prices on DiscoverCars.
Connect / Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSIM — I use Sim Local and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU.
Get Insured / Things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.