Munich

München

Bavaria's vibrant capital, known for its beer halls, palaces, and the famous Oktoberfest celebration. Home to world-class museums, Marienplatz's Gothic town hall, and the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle nearby, making it the essential Bavarian experience.

Things to do

• Marienplatz and Neues Rathaus — Explore Munich's central square dominated by the stunning Gothic Revival town hall with its iconic glockenspiel that chimes daily at 11am and noon.
• Nymphenburg Palace — Tour this vast Baroque summer residence of Bavarian kings with opulent rooms, gardens, and the Museum of Man to understand royal Bavarian history.
• English Garden — Stroll through one of the world's largest urban parks featuring beer gardens, the Eisbach River where surfers ride standing waves, and scenic meadows.
• Deutsches Museum — Immerse yourself in one of the world's largest science and technology museums with exhibits spanning aviation, engineering, and scientific discovery.
• Neuschwanstein Castle day trip — Take a day train to this fairy-tale 19th-century castle perched above the village of Hohenschwangau in the Alps, inspiring Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• Marienkirche (Church of Our Lady) — Visit Munich's most iconic twin-spired Gothic church dating to the 15th century with its distinctive copper domes and breathtaking interior.
• BMW Museum and Headquarters — Discover the history and future of BMW motorcycles and automobiles through interactive exhibits and the striking futuristic architecture of the brand's Munich headquarters.

Food to try

• Leberkäse — A traditional Bavarian meatloaf made from finely minced pork and beef, typically served warm with sweet mustard and a crusty roll at street stalls and restaurants.
• Weißwurst — A delicate white sausage made from veal and pork, traditionally eaten for breakfast and paired with sweet mustard, pretzels, and a wheat beer.
• Schweinshaxe — A roasted pork knuckle served as a massive, succulent main course with crispy skin, potato dumplings, and rich gravy, iconic at Munich's beer halls.
• Kaiserschmarrn — A fluffy shredded pancake dessert dusted with powdered sugar and served with plum compote, representing Bavarian comfort food at its finest.
• Obatzda and Pretzels — A creamy cheese spread made from aged Camembert mixed with butter and spices, traditionally eaten with fresh pretzels as a snack in beer gardens.
• Beer Hall Experience — Visit legendary halls like Hofbräuhaus to enjoy a Maß (liter) of traditional Bavarian beer with hearty food while experiencing the authentic singing and camaraderie of locals.

Local customs & good to know

• Oktoberfest timing and etiquette — If visiting in September-October during Oktoberfest, book accommodations months in advance, wear traditional Lederhosen or Dirndl, and expect crowded beer tents where standing and singing are part of the experience.
• Greeting customs — Bavarians often greet with 'Grüß Gott' rather than standard German 'Guten Tag,' and a firm handshake with direct eye contact is expected in business and social situations.
• Sunday closures and traditions — Many shops close on Sundays, making Saturday ideal for shopping; Sundays are for leisurely beer garden visits, church attendance, and family time in this traditionally Catholic region.
• Respect for tradition and beer culture — Bavarians take their beer culture seriously—never order a Pils in a beer hall (drink local wheat or lager), respect the beer hall bands, and understand that nursing a beer for hours while socializing is completely normal and encouraged.