Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Munich

Munich is a lively place year-round, but is especially so during the latter half of September, and beginning of October, when the city hosts Oktoberfest (which draw huge crowds and cause hotel rooms to fill up far in advance. The Christmas markets held in December have a warm atmosphere, while the English Garden, the city's main park, is wonderful anytime from April to October.

As the capital of Bavaria, Munich has much to offer. We recommend at least 3 nights, to familiarize yourself with the city, see its main sights (including those beyond the center), taste traditional Bavarian cuisine in a traditional beer hall or garden, and visit the palaces, castles, preserved medieval towns, and Alps in the area.

With over six million revelers, and several beer pipelines, Oktoberfest is a party like no other. Entrance is free, but everything from accommodations to seats in the massive beer tents sell out far in advance, so we recommend making arrangements to visit as soon as possible. If booked sufficiently far ahead of time, we're happy to provide a tour of Oktoberfest, complete with spots and food in one of the main beer tents.

While sizable, many of Munich's attractions are within walking distance of each other. For those more distant, such as BMW World or the Olympic Stadium, you can enjoy the city's extensive public transportation, including the S-Bahn (light rail) and U-Bahn (subways). Of the city's zones, the central M Zone covers most of what you would want to see. One ticket is good for everything, and can be purchased from blue machines at many bus and streetcar stations, and all S- and U-Bahn stations. A single ticket is 3.30 EUR and a day ticket is 7.80 EUR.

While Germany isn't the cash-only economy it used to be, it's still a very good idea to have cash on hand, especially if you're eating out. Avoid using the blue-and-yellow Euronet ATMs, and if an ATM asks if you want to be charged in Euros or your own currency, select Euros to avoid paying a useless fee. We recommend asking accommodations staff for recommended places to exchange money.

Munich may be famed for beer and sausage, but there is no shortage of alternatives, whether vegetarian/vegan, raw, gluten-free, or kosher, even at ordinary cafes and restaurants. We're happy to recommend places for you, such as Max Pett and Gratitude.

Even in a country as safe as Germany, Bavaria stands out, with the lowest crime rate of any of the country's states. Considered one of Europe's safest cities, Munich is no exception, but as with any big city, watch your possessions when you're in a crowded place.