Are you planning to visit Munich and wondering what to do in this beautiful city? Look no further! There are plenty of exciting things to see and do in Munich, from exploring its rich history and culture to enjoying its famous beer gardens and outdoor spaces. In this guide, I’ll highlight some of the top attractions and activities that you simply can’t miss during your visit to Munich. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to visit Munich, the vibrant heart of Bavaria!
Table of Contents
- How to get to Munich
- Where to Stay in Munich
- Oktoberfest in Munich
- Things To See in Munich
- Day Trips
How to get to Munich
Salzburg to Munich
I had planned to take a Blablacar to visit Munich because I figured it would be cheaper, but I couldn’t find any at the correct time because I had planned to meet a friend at a certain time to stay at their place for my stay. I ended up taking the DB train to Munich which cost about 37 euros. Probably would have been cheaper if I had booked in advance but this is what I get for waiting till the last minute. I ended up on the express train straight to Munich but there is also a local train that makes all the stops that may have been cheaper.
Where to Stay in Munich
Munich during Oktoberfest is extremely busy and expensive, so finding accommodation during this time will either be very expensive or far away. Many people I talked to decided to camp at nearby sites and take the metro into Oktoberfest, which is still quite expensive but cheaper than the alternative. Luckily one of my friends that I was going to Oktoberfest with had another friend that lives in Grafing, a nearby town only 30 minutes by train into Munich. This is where I stayed for the 2 nights I spent to visit Munich for Oktoberfest. The 30 minute commute wasn’t too bad and I also saved a ton of money by not staying in Munich.
Oktoberfest in Munich
Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest and most well known festivals that you should definitely experience at least once. Also known as Wiesn to the locals, Oktoberfest is mostly in September and ends the first week of October. It goes over 3 weekends and is an extremely popular and busy event for the whole area. The festival is held in Theresienwiese, also known as Theresa’s Meadow, and can be easily accessed using the metros. As one of the most popular events in Germany, there are a number of things you cannot miss at Oktoberfest in Munich. And be sure to plan your visit early in order to get the best deals on table and hotel reservations!
Where to get the dirndl and lederhosen
Many people at Oktoberfest were wearing the traditional outfits, however, many people were also not wearing it. Buying a dirndl or lederhosen can easily set you back a couple hundred dollars. So the best option, especially if you do not see yourself wearing these outfits every again, would be to rent them by the day. In Munich, Bavarian Outfitters is a great place to rent from. The dirndl will be about 50 euros and the lederhosen will be about 35 euros, for the lederhosen and shirt it will be 55 euros. You are able to pick up the clothes the day before you plan to wear them, and then return before 11am the day after.
Finding a table at Oktoberfest
The tents at Oktoberfest fill up very quickly, especially on the weekends. It is best to go early in the day on a week day to easily find a table. There are several tents spread out in the area. In each tent there is an area for reserved tables, which is mostly empty during the day, and then areas for tables that don’t require a reservation. The tables that don’t require a reservation fill up very quickly so you may have to make a couple laps around the tents to find a table that is open.
When I went, my friends and I decided to share a table with a another group of people so it all worked out well. After a certain time, the table may turn into a reservation only table so the staff will come and kick you out again. This is usually in the evenings and by then you can crash at any table to order drinks and just walk around.
In addition to drinks, there are also men and women walking around selling pretzels. You are also able to order food at certain tables or certain times.
Oktoberfest vibe
The evenings get very crowded and the tents get more drunk. The music and the overall vibe is incredibly energetic and a ton of fun. I spent most of my time in the Hofbrau tent and they played a mix of German music and English music. There is a lot of dancing, stomping, and talking. I truly had a blast.
Outside of the tents there are several festival rides including rollercoasters, Ferris wheel, and other amusement park rides. They have food stands that you would typically find in an amusement park. The whole area gets very crowded, lively, and fun.
Things To See in Munich
Neues Rathaus and Marienplatz
Neues Rathaus is a stunning gothic-style building in the heart of Munich that serves as the city’s town hall. It’s located in Marienplatz, the central square of the city, and is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The building’s architecture is impressive, featuring ornate details, a clock tower, and a courtyard with a fountain.
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church is one of the oldest and most iconic churches in Munich. It’s located in the city center and has a tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The interior of the church is also quite impressive, featuring intricate frescoes and a Baroque altar.
Viktualienmarkt food market
The Viktualienmarkt is a lively food market located in the heart of Munich. It offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods, as well as a number of restaurants and cafes. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite to eat or to do some shopping for local specialties.
Hofbräuhaus Munchen
Hofbräuhaus Munchen is one of the most famous beer halls in Munich. It’s been around for over 400 years and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city’s beer culture. The hall is has a lively atmosphere, traditional Bavarian music, and of course, its delicious beer. This is a must add for your visit to Munich.
Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum is one of the largest science and technology museums in the world. It’s located on an island in the Isar River and features a wide range of exhibits on everything from astronomy and aviation to chemistry and computer science. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, especially for families with kids.
BMW museum
The BMW museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the famous German car brand. It’s located near the company’s headquarters in Munich and features a wide range of exhibits on BMW’s cars, motorcycles, and technology. Visitors can also take a factory tour to see how BMW cars are made.
English Garden
The English Garden is a large public park in Munich that’s known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. It’s home to a number of walking and biking trails, as well as a lake, a beer garden, and several historic monuments. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors in the heart of the city.
Day Trips
Neuschwanstein Castle
Otherwise known as Bavaria’s fairytale castle, this is only an hour and a half drive away from Munich by car. But if you’re like me and are an anxious driver, then there are also trains from Munich to the castle.
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle
There are several trains leaving throughout the day to Neuschwanstein Castle. The best way to navigate the train schedule is by checking on the DB (Deutsche bahn) website and entering Munich to Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau. Here you are able to see the available trains and buses at the designated times, which pretty much runs all day. I’d recommend going earlier in the day since it does take nearly 3 hours by train to get there. I would also recommend getting the Bavaria Day ticket which is 27 euros for the full day with access to all transportation you need to reach Neuschwanstein Castle. For more information and to buy online, please check https://www.bahn.com/en/offers/regional/regional-day-ticket-for-bavaria.
In short, this is generally how to get to Neuschwanstein Castle:
- Take the train from Munich to Füssen. There may be a train change at Buchloe depending on which train you take from Munich.
- From Füssen, take a bus 78 or 9651 to Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau. It should be a fairly short ride, less than 10 minutes.
- From the bus stop, you can walk up to the castle, take a carriage, or take the shuttle bus (which is not included in you Bavaria day ticket).
Entry into Neuschwanstein Castle
You are able to buy tickets from the online store here: https://shop.ticket-center-hohenschwangau.de/Shop/Index/en/39901. Definitely try to book the tickets in advance because they do sell out quickly (especially for the weekends) as the Neuschwanstein Castle is a popular tourist destination. The tickets cost 17.50 euros and you will get a QR code in an email. Once you arrive at the castle, show the QR code at the entrance and you’re good to go!
If they are all sold out online, you are also able to purchase tickets in person at the Hohenschwangau ticket office nearby the castles. Get there early because there are only a certain number of tickets available each day.
Where to Next?
By now you may think I went to Neuschwanstein Castle myself, but no. I didn’t have the time to visit the castle or do any major sight seeing around the city. Next time I definitely plan to set aside time to properly visit Munich. I had solely come for Oktoberfest and then had to return to Berlin for the Berlin marathon, which my dad was running! There, I met up with my parents, which you can read all about in this blog post. I was lucky enough to have my parents join me on my travels, so our next stop was Dresden. An underrated East German city, but beautiful nonetheless.
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