Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Munich, Germany
Bavaria's capital, and a well-placed connecting point between northern Europe and the Alps.
Munich pairs a compact, walkable old town with a strong beer-hall and beer-garden tradition, and sits close enough to the Alps for a day trip into the mountains. Its central European position and major airport make it a convenient stop between northern Europe and destinations further south.
Best time to visit
May–September brings the warmest weather for beer gardens and the surrounding lakes; late September is also Oktoberfest, if you don't mind the crowds.
Top attractions
- •Marienplatz and the New Town Hall's Glockenspiel
- •The English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world
- •Nymphenburg Palace and its grounds
- •The Deutsches Museum, one of the world's largest science and technology museums
- •A day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or the Bavarian Alps
Practical tips
- •The S-Bahn (lines S1 and S8) connects Munich Airport (MUC) to the city center (Marienplatz) in about 40–45 minutes.
- •Beer gardens generally allow you to bring your own food if you buy drinks there — a long-standing Bavarian tradition worth knowing.
- •Book Oktoberfest-season accommodation many months ahead — prices and demand spike hard in late September.
Frequently asked questions
What airport serves Munich?
Munich's main airport is Munich International Airport (MUC).
When is the best time to visit Munich?
May–September brings the warmest weather for beer gardens and the surrounding lakes; late September is also Oktoberfest, if you don't mind the crowds.
Is Munich a good place to meet someone flying from a different city?
Bavaria's capital, and a well-placed connecting point between northern Europe and the Alps.
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