The best time to visit Munich is from late spring to early autumn (May through September) when the weather is pleasant. However, if you want to experience the world-famous Oktoberfest, plan your visit from late September to the first weekend in October.
Notable attractions in Munich include the Marienplatz, the New Town Hall, the Glockenspiel, the English Garden, the Munich Residenz, the Viktualienmarkt, and the BMW Museum. Don't miss out on visiting the iconic Hofbräuhaus beer hall or the stunning churches such as Frauenkirche and Asam Church.
Yes, Munich is very family-friendly with various attractions for all ages. Families can enjoy the Deutsches Museum, Hellabrunn Zoo, the Sea Life Munich, and numerous city parks and playgrounds. The English Garden also offers a lot of open space for children to run around.
Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair) held annually in Munich. It lasts for 16-18 days from late September to the first weekend in October. Yes, if you enjoy lively festivals, beer, and German culture, attending Oktoberfest is a must-do experience. Be sure to book accommodation well in advance as the city gets very busy during the festival.
Munich has an efficient public transportation system that includes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses. You can purchase single tickets or a day pass for unlimited travel within the city. The city is also bike-friendly with a well-developed network of cycle paths.
Popular day trips from Munich include visiting the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, exploring the charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Bavarian Alps, or taking a trip to Salzburg, Austria, which is about a two-hour train ride away.
When in Munich, be sure to try Weisswurst (white sausage) traditionally served with sweet mustard and pretzels, Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), and various types of sausages. Also, indulge in local pastries such as Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and Dampfnudeln (steamed noodle-like dumplings).
Tipping is not mandatory in Munich, but it is customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro at restaurants and cafés. For good service, a tip of 5-10% of the bill is appreciated.
The official language in Munich is German. However, many people working in tourism and hospitality speak English, so visitors should not have too many language barriers while exploring the city.
In Munich, locals appreciate good manners and punctuality. Greeting someone with a firm handshake and making eye contact is customary. Also, it's important to adhere to the quiet hours (usually from 10 pm to 7 am and all-day Sundays), particularly in residential areas.
