Munich Unpacked: Make the Most out of your Trip to Bavaria

Marvelous Munich: the city that so effortlessly mixes its old Bavarian culture with its diverse modern population. Famed for being the city of beer, most notably at its world-famous annual Oktoberfest, and a dedicated footballing culture, Munich is a vibrant and modern city with a wealth of history and charm. With beautiful green spaces throughout the city, local beer gardens, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, Munich is a thriving city with so much to see and do.

Munich Sightseeing Tips

Getting Around: Munich's downtown center is pretty manageable on foot, so you won't really need to use the metro too often. The city's trams connect all of the main sights, including the gardens. To get further out of the city you can use the extensive train network.

City Tour Card: If you plan to go to a number of museums and move around the city easily (perfect if you are limited on time) then the City Tour Card is for you, giving you unlimited use of the city's transport network and discount to up to 70 attractions.

Sunday Free-Day: Sundays are a great day to explore the city's attractions when most galleries and museums cost just 1 euro entry. This does mean they can be extremely busy, so you may want to go early!

Oktoberfest: Every September the city attracts thousands of tourists from around the world looking to celebrate the Bavarian festival, Oktoberfest. It's a great and momentous time to visit the city, but be aware that hotels can raise their prices and you will need to book flights and accommodation well in advance.

Attractions in Munich

Munich has a powerful ancient and modern history that includes its prominent Bavarian rulers, scientific and technological discoveries, and the origins of the Nazi party. As a result, the city greatly educates its population and visitors about the past and remembers all of its history, art, culture and discoveries through its incredible museums. The city is also a prominent footballing capital in Germany, and its stadium is a great way to experience Munich's modern culture.

Be sure to check out these must-see sights during your time in Munich:

Deutsches Museum: The stunning Deutsches Museum is located on the Isar River and features a wealth of intriguing and informative science and technology exhibits. The area also makes for a perfect stroll along the water.

Englischer Garten: Take a long walk or even cycle through the city's green English Garden, a collection of pretty lakes, large green spaces for picnics, and beer gardens. Perfect in the summer, the garden will often host events and live music for visitors.

Viktualienmarkt: Take a trip to Munich's historic farmers' market, which has been in existence as a market since 1823. Not only can you shop for delicious local food but you can also enjoy a tasty lunch of freshly prepared finger food or some local beer at one of the beer gardens.

Nymphenburg Palace: Nymphenburg Palace (the Castle of the Nymph) is a stunning baroque palace that was once the summer house of the rulers of Bavaria, the House of Wittelsbach. It's name comes from the long-awaited birth of the heir to the throne, Max Emanuel, who was born in 1662.

Residenzmuseum: Also once the home of the Wittelsbach Bavarian rulers, Residenzmuseum is a grand palace and museum complex that has been open to public since 1920. Explore the incredible furnishings in the interior and stunning gardens that surround the residency, which is beautiful in the summer.

Allianz Arena: The large football stadium, the Allianz Arena, is the first stadium in the world with full color changing exterior, and is home to the city's two very famous football teams - Bayern Munich and TSV 1860. Take a tour of the stadium and its grounds or try to catch a game!
 

Shopping in Munich

As a large and prominent city in Germany, Munich has a number of popular shopping streets and destinations. The city offers everything from high-end boutique stores and department stores, to rustic and local markets. Shop to your heart's content at the array of shopping locations in the city:

Maximilianstrasse Boulevard: Get your fill of international designer boutiques and one-off German brands on Maximilianstrasse Boulevard - perfect for luxury goods and accessories.

Funf Hofe: If you prefer to enjoy all of your favorite shops in one place, head to Funf Hofe. This beautiful piece of architecture is most well-known for its large shopping center inside with international and German brands on offer.

Viktualienmarkt: Try local delicacies at the local Viktualienmarkt, a beautiful food shopping area with tasty German food. Wander around and try to taste, and buy, as much of it as you can!

Kaufingerstrasse, Marienplatz & Neuhausser: If you are only in Munich for a short time and want to find some beautiful goods, head to one of the above pedestrian shopping areas with boutiques and some designer stores. The areas are also great for walking and people watching.

Riem Arcaden: Stroll through glass stores and glamorous boutiques at Riem Arcaden, one of the most lavish shopping malls in Germany. Explore the over 100 boutique stores from international and local sellers.

Munich Restaurants

Germans love their food, and it's all about the hearty potatoes and the juicy beef here. The city is filled with street food and delicious local cuisine everywhere you look! What's more, as a particularly gourmet city in Germany, Munich also offers a healthy number of fine dining restaurants ranging in style from traditional Munich fare, including Tellerfleish, to experimental international cuisine and seafood.

Bayerischer Donisl
If it's classic hearty German fare you are after, then Bayerischer Donisl is the restaurant for you. Try some traditional wiener schnitzel, washed down by some local beer, as you admire the historic building set in the heart of Munich's Marienplatz. After 6pm, the Alpine music kicks in to really add to the atmosphere.

Cafe Glockenspiel
With views across Munich's Marienplatz and to its famous Glockenspiel attraction, Cafe Glockenspiel is more about the location that it is about the food - although you can enjoy affordable European and German dishes in this popular spot. If you want to catch views of the famous Glockenspiel, then make sure you arrive at eleven for some brunch just beforehand as seats can fill up.

Tantris
If you are looking for a taste of the unknown, Tantris is for you. A haute cuisine establishment run by international chef Hans Haas that offers an array of tantalizing dishes, all set to impress and satisfy with everything from shellfish to wild game. The chef is one of the only chefs in Munich to have two Michelin stars and so it's always best to book a table for an evening here.

Welser Kuche
Have some fun at the banquet-style restaurant Welser Kuche. The restaurant, which is located in a medieval cellar, offers cozy German meals straight from the 16^th century - and specifically from the cookery book of the Welser family, a wealthy family that controlled trade routes around the world. Expect tasty German meats and be sure to book in advance.

Hofbrauhaus
Hofbrauhaus is one of the city's true remaining examples of a traditional beer hall, with long tables stretching to where the local Alpine bands are playing. It's more of an establishment for drinking and singing, but they do serve up some delicious pork shoulder - the perfect meal to accompany a stein!

Austernkeller
Austernkeller (Oyster cellar) is one of Munich's best seafood restaurants. While the city is a little ways away from the sea, this top-rated restaurant really does serve up the best seafood in the city, delivered fresh to their door. Enjoy the Bavarian decor and the cozy atmosphere, as well as the delicious crab cake and scampi.

Hotels in Munich, Germany

Munich is a large city with hundreds of options in regards to the ideal accommodation. Whether you want to stay in a large luxurious hotel or a smaller friendly guesthouse, there's something for everyone in Munich.

Mandarin Oriental Munich - Stay in the stunning masterpiece that is the Mandarin Oriental Munich, just a few minutes walk from the Hofbrauhaus (see restaurants) and the glamorous shopping district of Maximilianstrasse (see shopping). Despite its location to all of the city's top sights, the hotel itself is tucked away on a quiet street so you can be sure you enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in your luxury room.

Bayerischer Hof - Enjoy quaint and luxurious rooms in this elegant guest hotel, that has been run by the same family for generations. The decor incorporates both the hotel's incredible history and modern comforts. Bayerischer Hof is located within close proximity from the city's popular attractions, such as Marienplatz station, Church of the Lady and a number of museums.

Platzl - This practical hotel located close to the Marienplatz and other central attractions offers comfortable and modern rooms with a number of excellent amenities, such as room service, laundry, and currency exchange.

Torbrau - The oldest hotel in Munich, Torbrau was first established back in 1460 and has been growing ever since. All of the city's primary attractions are within walking distance, and the hotel offers not only an incredible history but also impeccable comfort.

Muenchen Palace - Stay close to the historic center at Muenchen Palace, a luxury hotel with modern amenities, including a marble bathroom and parquet floors. Located on the upper banks of the River Isar, you can enjoy the hotel's relaxing gym and spa in the heart of Munich.

Want More Munich?

Did we miss one of your favorite attractions, restaurants, or hotels on this list? Let us know below in the comments, or connect with us on social media! Auto Europe is also available by phone, 24/7 and toll-free at 1-888-223-5555.