Ask a traveller to describe the European city of their dreams, one that perfectly combines centuries-old heritage with modern-day spirit, and, chances are, they’re talking about Munich.
The capital of Bavaria has more to offer than steins of beer and dirndls, though that element of the city’s character is undeniably charming.
Munich is a city with a rich history coursing through its central old town, as well as a deep connection to art, cutting-edge design, and celebrated cultural events. And its historic past melds perfectly with its innovative present. The landmarks of Nymphenburg Palace are as striking as the stands of the Viktualienmarkt.
The history-rich architecture of Munich stands alongside great examples of modern urban design. And that’s not even mentioning the city’s proximity to the Bavarian Alps and lakes, which are great for the adventurous traveller to explore. In Munich, a carefully moustachioed man sits at a café table next to a pedal-to-the-metal professional. The city is a destination for all styles of travellers, at all times of the year.
Why Munich Should Be on Your Travel Radar
In Marienplatz, the central square of the lively inner-city, the Gothic spires, boutique shops, and buskers all set the stage for an exhilarating version of the city’s pulse. Every day, visitors crowd into Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel, the delightful show of figures and chimes that plays out on the New Town Hall’s stunning clock tower. The Frauenkirche’s famous twin domes rise in the distance, adding their outlines to the skyline and representing Munich’s profile.
Next door, the Viktualienmarkt lures culinary connoisseurs with a range of delicacies from Bavarian sausages to cheeses, seasonal fruits and fragrant plants, and blooms. Anyone with a soft spot for the arts will be more than satisfied in the Kunstareal, home to a string of Europe’s premier galleries, with grand giants like the Alte, Neue, and Pinakothek der Moderne holding court here.
Those who like to learn a place’s history are likely to make a beeline for Nymphenburg Palace, an unmissable Baroque fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens, rooms, and chapels that tell tales to this day.
Seasonal Highlights and Events
Munich has a way of showing off, year-round, the kind of personality that makes you fall in love with it. Every season has something special and unique to offer. Spring brings out the colours with flourishing parks and gardens, along with the famous beer gardens, as they reopen with locals and visitors alike quenching their thirst with a cold beer under the first rays of sunshine.
Summer turns Munich into one giant, sunny playground—ride a bike in the vast English Garden, sunbathe at the Isar River, or attend an open-air concert. Come fall, everyone hits Oktoberfest, the world’s most renowned beer festival. The extravagant beer party is a giant celebration of traditional Bavarian culture and lifestyle with its music, dirndls, lederhosen, pretzels, and, of course, beer.
When winter covers the city with snow, Munich shimmers like a festive holiday postcard. The roofs are dusted with snow, the Christmas markets shine with lights and handmade holiday gifts, and the smell of roasted nuts and wine spices up the air.
The mountains are just a quick drive away, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of what the Bavarian Alps have to offer, skiing and enjoying the magic that the snow brings to winter.
Day Trips and Alpine Adventures
One of the best things about Munich is its convenient location in the heart of Bavaria. The stunning Bavarian Alps are just a quick train ride away, making Munich a gateway to nature. The winter season is ideal for skiing and snowboarding as the mountains come alive with skiers and snowboarders.
The warmer months offer hiking and exploration through the beautiful nature. If you’re a romantic at heart, then the Neuschwanstein Castle is a sight not to be missed. The royal palace, which sits on a precipice of a hill, was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
The castle sits above the two rural valleys and offers the perfect view to take in its beauty. Munich is close to towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a sleepy ski and snowboard village filled with Christmas charm, plus a short distance to Berchtesgaden, a beautiful town located in a national park, and a perfect distance to the Eagle’s Nest. If you’re looking to escape, then the serene town of Lake Tegernsee is perfect for relaxing with clear waters and a sleepy town.
Getting There and Around
Getting to Munich is a breeze, whether travelling from the U.S., other parts of Europe, or even farther away. Munich International Airport is a major hub for countless international flights operated by airlines like Lufthansa. The airport is located only a 30-minute train ride from the city centre, making your arrival in Munich easy.
Once you have arrived in Munich, getting around is just as simple. Munich offers a clean, efficient, and integrated public transportation system that includes U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. You can easily get around Munich by using any or all of these services. Travelling to destinations outside of the city centre is hassle-free via regional trains, rented buses, or rental bicycles and cars.
To truly enjoy your visit, consider acquiring a München Card or CityTourCard. They offer you unlimited free travel and discounts at many tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more.
More to Explore
While Munich is big enough to keep visitors busy with sights, culture, and gastronomy for days, it also serves as the perfect base for day trips for anyone eager to plunge deeper into Bavaria. It doesn’t take long on a train or bus in just about any direction to get completely off the beaten path.
Wine connoisseurs might consider heading north to Franconia to see the region’s picturesque vineyards and famous walled-in towns. For visitors interested in the arts, there’s the Munich Film Festival and the Long Night of the Museums, two major events that attract visitors from all across the continent.
Whether you’re seeking scenic countryside, historic landmarks, or unique local experiences, Munich’s central location and excellent transport links make it easy to expand your adventure beyond the city limits without missing a beat.
Plan Your Trip to Germany Today
There’s something for everyone in Munich. As a connoisseur of historic architecture, a reveller in traditional cultures, and a lover of the fresh Alps combined with rib-sticking Bavarian food, Munich has all your travel fantasies covered, as well as a whole lot more. It is a city that effortlessly mingles old-world nostalgia with a contemporary vibe, and you can relish its changing hues with every season.
Make sure your Munich itinerary touches on your must-visit destinations, and with good reason. You are sure to return with a bundle of stories, your pocket loaded with memories, and a definite hankering for more.
