Munich: travel guide
The capital of Bavaria is a fascinating and dynamic city, rich in history, museums and art and characterized by a frenetic nightlife and entertainment which culminates in the most popular festival, the Oktoberfest. Here are some travel tips if you want to visit Germany’s third city and discover the rest of the beauties of Bavaria with its main city.
General informations
A large metropolis in Southern Germany, Munich is one of Germany’s leading economic centers. Heavily hit by bombings during the Second World War, the city was reborn after the war, establishing itself as the cultural center and economic hub of the country. The 1972 Olympic Games helped restore the city to its central role in world tourism and today Munich hosts thousands of tourists every year. To get to Munich the fastest way is by plane. Franz Josef Strauss International Airport is one of the main European hubs. In about 40 minutes by train, bus or taxi you will reach the city center. For those arriving by train, the city of Munich is well connected to the main European and German cities.
To move around the city you can rely on the efficient and extensive public transport system consisting of the subway, trams and buses.
When to go to Munich? The city lends itself to tourism throughout the year. But be careful of low temperatures! If you don’t like the cold, the ideal is to visit the city in summer or early autumn. Winters in the city are quite harsh but during the Christmas period Munich, like most German cities, is dressed up in lights and decorations that make it irresistible! This season, a visit to one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe is unmissable. For those who want to immerse themselves in Bavarian tradition, the ideal is to visit the city during the Oktoberfest which takes place between the end of September and the beginning of October!
What see
The city of Munich offers countless attractions for all types of travellers. A visit to the city can only start from the central and iconic Marienplatz. The central square of Munich is a crucial hub among the most beautiful monuments of the city. Here you will find the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with its unmistakable Gothic style and the carillon that plays three times a day to cheer tourists and visitors. For an unmissable view of the old city I recommend you climb the 85 meter tower. At Marienplatz you will also find the Madonna Column and the Fischbrunnen fountain. On the side of the square the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) has stood for over 500 years, closing the square to the east. Leaving this side you will reach the Viktualienmarkt, over 22,000 square meters of stalls and stands of various types where tourists and citizens meet to buy the delicacies of Bavarian cuisine. Also ideal for street food lovers!
A few steps from Marienplatz you can reach another unmissable place: the Hofbräuhaus brewery. Founded in 1589, this beautiful brewery is one of the most famous in the world. The large rooms welcome around 35,000 people every day to savor the delicacies of its cuisine and of course enjoy the excellent beer!
Another focal point of the city is the Odeonsplatz, an elegant square surrounded by monumental buildings and a few steps away is the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world, an ideal oasis of peace especially in summer.
There is no shortage of religious buildings in Munich. The Cathedral of Munich stands with its high towers (it is possible to go up with a comfortable lift to the South tower) and despite its sober and unpretentious style it is certainly worth a visit! At least to admire the so-called devil’s footprint, a footprint that according to legend was left by the devil while he fled.
Within walking distance you will also find the sumptuous Churches of St. Micheal and Saint Peter. From the latter’s tower (56 metres) it is possible to admire one of the most beautiful views of the city.
Lovers of royal palaces cannot miss a visit to the Münchner Residenz, the royal residence of the Bavarian sovereigns until 1918 as well as the summer residence, Nymphenburg Castle, a few steps from the city.
Munich is also one of the capitals of the automotive industry. The BMW brand was born here. For enthusiasts, a visit to BMW Welt is essential. This elegant, modern design building is located within walking distance of the automaker’s headquarters and the BMW Museum. We are in front of the Olympic Park in Munich, another place to absolutely visit. In this exhibition hall you will find a large display of the brand’s vehicles, various types of displays, shops, etc. The BMW Museum just a few steps away will take you back to the years that made this brand one of the most important in the world.
Another museum not to be missed is the Deutsches Museum, a huge museum complex that houses one of the largest science and technology collections in the world.
Other tips
One of Bavaria’s highlights is its food. Bavarian gastronomy is full of delicious recipes that you can enjoy in one of the many restaurants in the city. Among the most famous are Augustiner am Platzl, Ratskeller and Servus Heidi.
For shopping lovers the main streets are Neuhauserstrasse, Kaufingerstrasse, Theatinerstrasse and Leopoldstrasse.
Where stay? My advice falls on the splendid Hotel Sofitel Munich Bayerpost. A few steps from the station, this historic building has been expertly restored offering a chic and design environment like its splendid rooms and suites.
Any other advice? Discover the numerous locations just a few kilometers from Munich, easily reachable in a few hours by car. Among the trips out of town that I recommend there are certainly Nuremberg, the Dachau concentration camp, Innsbruck and the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle.
