Honestly, Munich was never on my list. I had zero interest in Germany — if anything, I even felt a little hesitant about it. I just couldn’t picture myself travelling to this country anytime soon.
But then, in the summer of 2022, the famous €9 train ticket appeared — the one that let you travel all over Germany for next to nothing. I paired it with a super cheap flight from Galicia, and suddenly found myself Googling what hidden gems Bavaria had to offer. And that’s how I ended up here, writing a guide about the best things to see in Munich, the top day trips from the city, and how to plan your travels around this beautiful region.
The craziest part? Two years later, I fell in love with a German guy — and somehow Germany became a must-stop on all my Europe trips. So yes, you can expect more stories from this country, which you’ll be able to read here.
Munich is so much more than just history and beer (though yes, they’re definitely part of its identity). It’s a cultured, elegant, spotless, and well-organised city — with that distinct Bavarian charm that makes it truly stand out. For me, starting my German adventure here was the perfect choice, and in this guide I’ll share how to make the most of this little gem.
When to visit Munich?
The truth is, you can visit Munich any time of the year — it’s beautiful in every season. But if you ask me when’s the best time to go, I’d say spring and autumn.
The weather in Bavaria is much kinder during these seasons — the days are longer, the light is softer, and it’s perfect if you’re planning to combine the city with a few escapes to nearby lakes or mountains.
How to get to Munich?
Munich has a privileged location in Europe — almost right in the heart of the continent — which makes it super easy to reach, whether you’re flying in or travelling overland.
How to get to Munich in Train or Bus
If you’re travelling around Europe, the most practical and comfortable option is usually the train. But if your priority is keeping costs down, buses are the cheapest alternative. For both options, I always check Busbud.
💡 Tip: Deutschlandticket
The €9 ticket I mentioned earlier is now called the Deutschlandticket. As of 2025, it costs €58 per month and is still an amazing option if you’re planning to explore Germany. This pass covers buses, metros, trams, and regional trains across the whole country. The only downside? It’s sold by calendar month (from the 1st to the 30th/31st), not from the day you activate it.
Get to Munich by plane
Munich International Airport (MUC) is very well connected, though it’s not exactly the cheapest if you’re looking for low-cost airlines. You can get to the city centre on the S-Bahn (lines S1 or S8), which take you straight to the Hauptbahnhof, the main train station. The ticket costs around €11, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
💸 Money-saving tip: If you’re looking for low-cost flights, I recommend checking options to Memmingen (about 1h30 from Munich, with a direct bus connection) or Nuremberg (also around 1h30 by train — and you can take the chance to explore the city too).
-> To find cheap flights, I always check Skyscanner, using flexible dates and separate legs.
Where to stay in Munich?
Munich has plenty of accommodation options, but picking the right area can make your trip much more comfortable and enjoyable. Here, I’ll share my recommendations based on my own experience and give you options for different budgets:
Altstadt / Old Town
Ideal if you want to be close to most of the attractions and not rely on public transport. However, accommodation here tends to be a bit more expensive.
- No budget worries: Beyond by Geisel (right in Marienplatz) or Do & Co; both with a Michelin-starred touch.
- Tight Bugdget: Hotel Sendlinger Tor
Schwabing
A trendy, youthful neighbourhood with cafés, bars, and nightlife. It’s close to the Englischer Garten, but for everything else, you’ll need to get around by public transport or bike.
- Best option: Andaz Munich Schwabinger
- Budget friendly option: Flemings Hotel o Novotel Suites, ambos por casi 100 EUR la noche.
Hauptbahnhof / Central Station
It’s a less picturesque area, but very convenient for those who want to focus on day trips.
- Coolest option: 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, unique design.
- Backpacker option: Wombat’s Hauptbahnhof, highly rated and from €26 per night.
I chose Wombat’s City Hostel Werksviertel, which is close to the East train station and worked perfectly for the trips I had planned. I really liked the hostel — highly recommend it!
💡 Tip: Book in advance, especially during summer and Oktoberfest, because prices go up and the best options get snapped up quickly.
Things to do in Munich: Must-See
Tours around Munich
Munich is full of history, legends, and little details that you’d easily miss if you’re just wandering around on your own. I always recommend booking a free walking tour. This time, I went with Explora Munich, which offers tours in both Spanish and English. Besides getting to know the city, you hear stories and curiosities that don’t appear in regular guidebooks.
💡 Tip: Book directly through their website to avoid extra fees.
If walking isn’t your thing and you’re looking for a different alternative, this bike tour with beer stops (very German) seemed super fun to me.
Marienplatz and the New City Hall
This is the true heart of Munich. Marienplatz (the main square) is surrounded by iconic buildings: the New Town Hall, the Old Town Hall (now a toy museum), restaurants, and shops.
The New Town Hall is famous for its carillon; it chimes at 11 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm with a meaningful dance of the clock statues. There’s also a viewpoint that costs €6.50.
Frauenkirche (The Cathedral)
The most iconic cathedral in Munich. It’s called the Cathedral of Our Lady, named for the exhaustive reconstruction work carried out by women (previously, there was a basilica on the site). Its history and legends make it unmissable. Entry inside is free, but climbing the tower costs €7.50.
Englischer Garten and the Eisbach Surf Wave
This huge park is Munich’s green lung. You can have a picnic, go for a walk, or rent a bike. But the most curious thing? The surf wave on the Eisbach, where local surfers take on the current right in the city centre. This only happens in Munich!
Viktualienmarkt
An open-air market with food stalls, a bakery, fruits, cheeses, and decorations. Perfect for breakfast, grabbing a coffee, and mingling with the locals. Open every day except Sunday, it’s ideal for trying authentic Bavarian food.
Residenz of Munich
It’s a luxurious tour that combines history, art, and architecture. The Bavarian monarchy lived here for over five centuries. It’s one of the largest palaces in the world, with more than 100 rooms.
The ticket price depends on how much you want to explore; a standard ticket costs €10, and entry to the theatre only is €5.
I also noticed that there are classical music concerts at the Palace, and I just have to recommend them!
Asamkirche –The rococo church
A rococo gem right in the city centre, created by the Asam brothers for their private worship. Today it’s open to the public and free to enter. Its interior details are stunning: every corner tells a story of devotion and Baroque art.
Traditional Beer Halls
Munich and beer are inseparable. You can visit Hofbräuhaus, Augustiner Keller, or a less touristy local brewery. Enjoy live Bavarian music, the authentic atmosphere, and traditional dishes like Weißwurst.
Hofbräuhaus is the most famous; it was founded by the king and visited by the nobility for many years. Over time, it became so popular that it opened its doors to the public and remains one of the most popular spots today. You can even take home a Munich souvenir beer mug!
Allianz Arena (if you like football or architecture)
The home stadium of Bayern Munich, impressive both inside and out. You can buy access to the grounds and the museum here. If you’re a student, wait until you get to the ticket office to apply for a discount.
Theatinerkirche y Odeonsplatz
An important Baroque church and an elegant square inspired by Florence, Italy. Perfect for appreciating historic architecture and learning about notable figures from Munich — like Empress Sissi, who received the sacraments in this church.
Peterskirche or St Pedro's Church
It’s the oldest church in the city; visiting the interior is free, and it has an interesting mix of Gothic and Baroque styles.
The real gem is in its viewing tower, famous for offering one of the best 360° views of the city. From up there, you can see Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, and, if the day is clear, even the Bavarian Alps. Access to the tower is purchased at a ticket office outside the church and costs €5.
Nymphenburg Palace
It was the summer residence of the Bavarian royal family and is one of the largest palaces in Germany. Its Renaissance façade and Baroque-style gardens are impressive — perfect for a stroll and taking photos.
General admission costs €8 , though you can also opt for a combined ticket that includes the museums and pavilions within the park.
That said, I wouldn’t put it on the must-see list if you only have a few days in the city. It’s a bit far from the centre, and the interior exhibition isn’t as spectacular as other European palaces. But if you have some extra time and enjoy gardens and royal history, it can make a lovely half-day plan.
Day Trips from Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle
The famous castle that inspired Disney for Beauty and the Beast is about a 2-hour train ride from Munich. Although it’s usually packed with tourists, it really looks like it came straight out of a fairytale.
The entrance costs €21 and allows you to go inside the castle. Seeing it from the outside and even walking to the Marienbrücke bridge is free. If you want to skip worrying about transport, you can book a tour like this one.
Dachau – Concentration Camp
A long but necessary visit. The Dachau Concentration Camp is just a 30-minute train ride from the city. It’s one of the most important visits to understand the history of World War II and the suffering of the Jewish people in Germany.
Entry is free, but you can book a guided tour to better understand the history.
Lakes in Baveria (Starnberg o Tegernsee)
If you love nature, escape to one of the Bavarian lakes. Starnberg is just 30 minutes from Munich, and Tegernsee about an hour. In summer, you can swim or rent a boat, and in winter, the snowy landscapes are postcard-perfect.
Ready to discover Munich!
I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas and tips to make the most of your trip to Munich and its surroundings. The city is much more than beer and castles: it has history, surprising corners, huge parks, and unique experiences that will stay with you forever.
To follow my travels in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@guadiviajando), and I also invite you to subscribe to the newsletter to access maps and information that doesn’t make it to the blog.
Note: some of the hotels, tours, or experiences mentioned include affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep travelling and creating guides like this. Thank you!
Guadi.
