Munich
Munich is where traditional Bavaria meets modern Europe. Beer gardens under chestnut trees, lederhosen at Oktoberfest, and pretzels the size of your face — but also world-class museums, a vibrant arts scene, and easy access to the Alps. The English Garden is bigger than Central Park and has a surf wave in the middle of it. And Neuschwanstein Castle is just a day trip away.
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Munich travel FAQ
How many days should I spend in Munich?
3–4 days is ideal. Day 1: Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel at 11am, Viktualienmarkt for lunch, and the Residenz. Day 2: English Garden (watch the surfers at the Eisbach wave), Nymphenburg Palace, and a beer garden in the evening — Augustiner-Keller is perfect. Day 3: BMW Museum or Deutsches Museum, then Olympiapark. Day 4: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hours by train). Don't skip the beer halls — Hofbräuhaus is touristy but an experience.
What should I know about Oktoberfest?
It runs mid-September to early October (not actually in October). Entry to the festival grounds is free — you pay for food and beer. A Mass (1-liter beer) costs about €14–15. Getting a seat in the tents is the hard part — weekends are near-impossible without a reservation (which are for groups of 10+). Go on a weekday before 3pm for the best chance. Dress up in traditional clothes (dirndl/lederhosen) — it's more fun and you'll fit in. Book accommodation months in advance.
Is Munich a good base for Alps day trips?
Absolutely. Neuschwanstein Castle is 2 hours by train to Füssen, then a bus to the castle. Zugspitze (Germany's highest peak) is 90 minutes to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then a cable car to the top. Salzburg, Austria is just 90 minutes by train. Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden is 2.5 hours. Even Innsbruck, Austria is within day-trip range. The Bayern ticket (€29 for up to 5 people) covers unlimited regional trains for a day — an incredible deal.