Travel blogs, travel photos and features from Munich, the capital of Bavaria
Munich Travel Guide
The ultimate guide to the coolest things to do and see in Munich, Germany
Munich is often the city most international visitors closely associate with Germany and German culture. It’s the capital of Bavaria and so the Bavarian culture in Munich is pretty strong—and that’s what you think of when you think of Germany: bratwurst, lederhosen, drindls, Oktoberfest. It’s all here in Munich. Start here with my basic Munich travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Munich travel blogs.
Munich is best experienced either in full summer to make the most of the outdoor spaces and longer days, or in snowy winter when everything is blanketed in snow and residents seek out the cozy cafes, beer gardens, and bars. Of course, Oktoberfest is another very popular time to visit Munich, but be prepared for much higher hotel rates and bigger crowds than usual.
Cool Things To Do
Munich has plenty of typical tourist attractions, such as the Marienplatz, the Neues Rathaus with its famous clock tower and the BMW museum, but there is certainly more to the city beyond this.
The English Garden— Germany’s largest city park with loads of open space to go cycling, for a run or even surfing! At the Eisbach on the River Isar that runs through the park, surfers come from all over the world to try out this endless wave. Have a go (if you dare) or just watch the hot shirtless guys fall in the water over and over again and get your fix of Schadenfreude.
Cafe Katzentempel —Hang out with some fur babies while having vegan Kafee und Kuchen at this nice place in the hip Maxvorstadt district. Don’t worry; the cats are well cared for and even have their own room only they can retreat to, but they you might get lucky and have one sit on your lap to be petted. There are plenty of other great places to eat vegan in Munich, especially in this cool part of town.
€1 entry at museums —On Sundays, many of the city’s best museums offer entry for only €1. Try the Alte Pinakothek for its impressive collection of European art, something a bit more modern at Lenbachhaus, and some unusual sculpture and displays of rarer musical instruments at the Bayerisches National Museum.
Munich is a great city to walk around, so taking a walking tour is an excellent way to orient yourself and get to know a bit more about its history, food and art scenes. Many tours offer invaluable insights into the local Bavarian culture that you just can’t get from a guidebook or wandering around on your own, so considering taking a tour while in Munich. And remember, you can always reward yourself with a drink in one of the city’s many beer gardens afterwards!
Munich has a number of great things to see and do for LGBT tourists. In the winter time, during Christmas, Munich hosts a Pink Christmas Market where drag queens perform every night and the shops sell quirky gay souvenirs. Typical of many German gay bars, you’ll find dark rooms often in the basement. Many of Munich’s gay bars are located near Sendlinger Tor. Check out popular choices like Bau and Nil.
The best hotels in Munich are going to be convenient to the Old Town where most of the historical attractions (and beer gardens) are located.
Recommended hotels:
The Westin Grand – This high-rise hotel in the Bogenhausen district is a 6-minute walk from Arabellapark U-Bahn stop and is a popular choice for those looking for a bit of affordable luxury. Upgraded rooms provide access to a 23rd-floor lounge with free breakfast, Wi-Fi and an amazing panoramic view over Munich. There’s also a day spa with an indoor pool, a sauna and a 24-hour fitness room.
Deutsche Eiche – Hotel Deutsche Eiche is right in the center of Munich and within walking distance to Munich’s most popular gay bars. It’s just a 10-minute walk to Marienplatz Station. The hotel also features a large, 3-floor gay sauna which is open late and attracts a diverse and fun mix of both locals and tourists.
It’s always best to consider booking a hotel in Munich in advance. I’ve found that using Booking.com, Agoda.com or Hotels Combined can be useful for finding last-minute deals.
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