First time in Munich: Top tips from sightseeing to dining

If this is your first time in Munich, you’re in for a treat: the capital of Bavaria is a sprawling city that blends a rich history with contemporary design, culture, and cuisine. From baroque palaces to rolling city parks, from traditional beer halls to renowned modern art, there is no shortage of things to explore in the city. With even more to see further afield, Munich is a gateway to the breathtaking Alps, stunning lakes, and iconic castles. Discover the best things to do in Munich, including must-see attractions, fascinating neighborhoods, and how to use public transportation in this first-timer’s guide.

Munich: Tips for first-timers

One of the most important things to know about Munich is that its public transportation system will get you around the city with ease, using a modern network of subway trains, trams, buses, and more. The Munich CityTourCard is perfect for first-time visitors and offers free or discounted admission to many top attractions. If you’re in Munich on a weekend, keep in mind that shops and pharmacies remain closed on Sundays. Make sure you have some cash with you, as cards aren’t accepted everywhere — the Oktoberfest is a prime example.

Best time to visit

Near the southernmost point of Germany and not far from the majestic Alps, Munich benefits from warmer average temperatures than cities further north. Although a popular destination, this city is not always as crowded as others in Europe. However, the range of things to do in Munich for first-timers means it’s essential to book tickets for the most popular attractions well in advance. This is especially true in the summer and during Oktoberfest, arguably the best time to visit Munich.

Spring

Spring in Munich lasts from March to May and is a delight to experience. Locals gather for coffee or cocktails along the Isar River, and the city’s many parks and palace gardens are filled with colorful flowers. From castles to canals, a bike tour of Munich will showcase the city’s emerging glory.

Summer

Summers in Munich can be hot. Fortunately, the city has hundreds of public fountains, many of which invite residents and visitors to dip their toes in or run through them. Outdoor pools cool thousands during the day before outdoor cinemas show movies late into the night. Summer is a busy season for visitors, so booking tickets for Munich’s most popular attractions in advance is necessary.

Fall

Every year in late September, the spectacular Oktoberfest begins. This internationally renowned event attracts around six million visitors annually for two weeks of merriment in grand beer tents and on thrilling carnival rides. From September to November, the fall season turns Munich into a celebration of crisp leaves and warm pumpkin soup, making it a wonderful time to visit for the first time.

Winter

Winter in Munich brings with it a cozier atmosphere. The city fills its vast historical squares with enticing and traditional Christmas markets, and its taverns and bars become even more inviting in cooler temperatures. With the potential for a dusting of snow, Munich becomes a paradise for winter sports, both in the city and the Alps.

Munich’s must-visit attractions

Some of the best places to visit in Munich are so emblematic that first-time visitors simply can’t miss them. If you haven’t walked through the English Garden or listened to the chimes of the Town Hall on Marienplatz?

Marienplatz Glockenspiel

The iconic Glockenspiel is a large mechanical clock located on Marienplatz atop the New Town Hall. Famous for its life-size figures, it comes to life throughout the day and depicts moments in Munich’s history in a playful, traditional style.

English Garden

A must-do in Munich and even more extensive than New York’s Central Park, the English Garden demonstrates the German commitment to rest and relaxation. Visitors can take a boat ride, stop by the Japanese Teahouse, watch surfers ride the legendary Eisbach wave, or refresh at ornate beer gardens.

Munich Residenz

Once the opulent home of Bavaria’s monarchs, this former royal palace is now a fascinating museum. The magnificent rooms, halls, and collections of the Munich Residenz are open to the public daily. Visitors can also enjoy evening concerts at the Cuvilliés Theater, a traditional ‘rococo ’-style venue within the museum complex.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps and accessible by private or public transportation from Munich, the stunning, fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle has a fascinating real-life history. It is said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at the original Disneyland and is recognizable worldwide.

BMW Museum and BMW Welt

The BMW Museum is a must-do in Munich for car enthusiasts. Even if you’re not a car fan, this deep dive into the history of one of Germany’s most famous exports is as interesting as it gets. Located near the Olympic Park in an iconic building known locally as the ‘Salad Bowl,’ the BMW Museum also features the latest innovations in motoring.

Best neighborhoods to explore in Munich

While most visitors will pass through the postcard setting of the iconic Old Town, Munich’s most popular neighborhoods include Altstadt-Lehel, Schwabing, Glockenbackviertel, and Nymphenburg. Green, pleasant, creative, and bustling, history and culture are everywhere.

Altstadt-Lehel

Also known as the Old Town, this centrally located neighborhood is the heart of Munich and home to many of the city's top attractions, including Marienplatz. It’s always bustling with visitors enjoying the fascinating history and architecture.

Schwabing

A haven for artists and intellectuals alike, Schwabing’s bohemian streets are a hub of art, nightlife, and the obligatory beer gardens during the summer.

Nymphenburg

Home to the Nymphenburg Palace, this leafy suburb is defined by greenery, tranquil canals, and impressive architecture.

What to eat in Munich

Bavaria is home to some of Germany’s most emblematic culinary exports, such as pretzels, knödel (dumplings), and beer. It’s no surprise that the food in Munich is some of the best and most authentic in the country—perfect for any first-timer looking to sample what Bavarian cuisine has to offer.

Main dishes to try

Weißwurst - A white susage of veal and pork, traditionally eaten in the morning with sweet mustard.
Kartoffelsalat – Bavarian potato salad with vinegar, oil, and onions.
Brez’n – Soft, salty, and freshly baked pretzels, perfect with a stein of beer.
Dampfnudeln – Steamed dumplings served as a main course or dessert, depending on the accompanying sauce.
Apfelstrudel – A classic dessert of spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, baked in thin layers of dough.

Getting to Munich

Any first-timer’s guide to Munich should point out that the city is easy to get to. The Franz Josef Strauss Airport serves international routes and is located about 30 km (19 miles) northeast of the city center. Munich is well-served by the high-speed rail system, which connects the city to Germany, France, Austria, and Italy in just a few hours.

Flying into Franz Josef Strauss Airport

Munich International Airport is a modern, well-connected airport served by S-Bahn (city train) lines from the city center. These lines run every five to ten minutes, making the trip a breeze in about forty minutes. There are various airport transfer options to the city center, including a Lufthansa Express Bus between the airport and the main train station, as well as private transfers.

Munich Central Station

Located on the western edge of the city center, Munich Hauptbahnhof has over 30 platforms serving local, national, and international trains. From here, you can easily travel anywhere in the city and take day trips throughout Bavaria.

Getting around

Once you arrive, getting around Munich is easy with a dense transportation network of trams, trains, and buses. The transportation of choice will take visitors to Munich’s must-see attractions and hidden gems. The city center is pleasant to explore on foot.

Exploring Munich on foot

Walking around the city center is a pleasure, especially if it’s your first time in Munich. Explore at your own pace, mixing history, galleries, and parks with the occasional café or beer garden for a break. Whether you join a walking tour led by locals or discover the many aspects of the city on your own, walking gives you a true sense of Munich’s essence.

Public transportation in Munich

Munich’s public transportation system is fast, clean, and efficient. Trains, buses, and trams can get you to all the sights on your must-see list in Munich. The Munich CityTourGuide Card covers both bases, offering free, unlimited transportation for the duration of your visit, and discounted admission to many top attractions.

What to avoid in Munich

While the annual Oktoberfest is a seasonal must-do in Munich, the event is extremely popular and draws huge crowds, especially on weekends. Hotel rooms can sell out months in advance, and the beer halls fill up quickly. If a drinking festival isn't your thing, no matter how iconic, then avoid this time of the year. If you are determined to go, remember that the event opens at noon. Arrive early, and you'll have a much easier time finding a table, as well as quieter rides and attractions. Throughout the year, Marienplatz also fills up with people wanting to see the Glockenspiel, so try to time your arrival for early morning or late afternoon.

FAQs about visiting Munich for the first time

How many days should I spend in Munich as a first-time visitor?

There are so many things to do in Munich for first-timer visitors that you can easily spend two to four days enjoying the attractions in the city center. You may want to extend your trip with a visit outside the city to the Alps or Neuschwanstein Castle.

Do you tip in Munich?

Tipping is not mandatory in Munich, and gratuity is generally included in most restaurant prices, but small tips for good service are always appreciated.

What’s a good area to stay in Munich?

The Old Town of Munich, known as Altstadt-Lehel, puts you right in the middle of the city’s history and close to the main attractions. Demand is high, and hotel prices reflect this, so visitors may want to stay in the more bohemian Schwabing district or the leafy, relaxed Haidhausen. Both are easily accessible by public transportation. If you want to be close to the best nightlife and hip restaurants, stay in the Glockenbackviertel instead.

What are the best free things to do in Munich?

Many of Munich's must-do attractions, from the sprawling English Garden to the bustling Marienplatz, are public spaces and, therefore, free things to do in the city. One of the most cost-effective things to know about Munich is that many of the major museums are free on Sundays or offer admission for as little as €1. While the BMW Museum has an entrance fee, BMW Welt is free to visit.

Is one day in Munich enough?

While there is undoubtedly far too much to see in Munich in just one day, an organized tour by bike, bus, or boat will show you the main attractions. These tours can help give you a clear perspective on the city’s history and architecture without taking up too much of your time.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance in Munich?

From traditional Bavarian fare to international favorites, Munich offers a wide variety of cuisine, especially during the summer and public holidays. Apps like OpenTable can help you discover great restaurants and ensure you have a seat when lunch or dinner rolls around.