Things to do in Munich

Planning your trip to Munich

Best time to visit

May to September brings warm weather for beer gardens, the English Garden and day trips into the Alps. Oktoberfest, which starts in late September and runs into early October, is a huge draw, but hotel prices climb and the city is crowded. December's Christmas markets make winter a good option too, especially combined with the nearby mountains.

How many days you need

Two to three days covers Marienplatz and the old town, the Residenz, the Nymphenburg Palace, the art museums of the Kunstareal and an afternoon in the English Garden. Add a day each for day trips such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg or the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.

Getting around

The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses are efficient, and the S-Bahn connects the airport to the center. The old town is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Regional trains make day trips into Bavaria and to Salzburg straightforward, and group day tickets can be good value if you are traveling with others. Validate paper tickets before boarding.

What to skip

If you are visiting for Oktoberfest, book accommodation early and aim for weekday mornings, when the tents are easier to get into without a reservation. Beer halls right on Marienplatz are the busiest; the city's beer gardens offer the same tradition in a more relaxed setting.