This guide provides key facts about Munich, plus an interactive map to help you plan your trip. I also share the story of what inspired me to visit Munich.
Located in the Bavarian region of Germany, Munich has a rich history steeped in culture and tradition. During World War II, the city sustained heavy bombing, which destroyed most of it. When it came time to rebuild, instead of going modern like Frankfurt and Berlin, Munich decided to reconstruct its past, bringing to life the charm and character that captivate so many visitors. Today, Munich comes to life with beautiful gardens and parks, stately museums and theaters, lively markets and festivals, and cheerful beer halls and gardens.
The adventures in Germany and Austria marked my 2nd trip to Europe! Why Munich? I had never considered visiting Munich, but when browsing for tours that covered Austria, I came across the Rick Steves’ Europe Best of Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna tour.* It was definitely a great idea to participate in that tour because Munich exceeded my expectations. I greatly enjoyed my time in the city, and it is a place I would love to visit again. From its rich history, showcased in impressive museums and historical sites, to its traditions experienced through numerous cultural festivals and events, Munich is a city that has much to offer visitors.
*I selected Rick Steve’s Europe based on my experience during last year’s Best of Prague and Budapest tour.
The tour started on a Sunday afternoon, so I decided to arrive on the Thursday before to squeeze in a few museum visits and a day trip to Dachau. Well, travel delays and crazy weather (lots of rain and really cold) affected my itinerary, and I wasn’t able to do much on those extra days. Fortunately, I was able to make the journey to Dachau and visit 2 of the museums on my list!
(Stay tuned ~ I will link each site and experience to a destination guide as I publish them!)
The day trip to Dachau was quite the experience; a very poignant, solemn journey. Dachau was the first concentration camp to open in Germany (1933), and today, guests are allowed to visit. Three weeks have passed since I went to Dachau, and I still have difficulty describing and putting into words what I felt when exploring the site.
The great museums, historical sites, and churches I was able to explore in Munich!
Alte Pinakothek (Fine Art Museum)
Munich Museum of Egyptian Art
Munich Residence (Former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria)
St. Peter’s Church
Heilig Geist (Gothic Catholic Church)
Asamkirche (Baroque Church)
Besides those incredible sites, I had the opportunity to experience the Viktualienmarkt and the Deutsches Theater Munchen. The Viktualienmarkt, a giant market in the heart of Munich, quickly became my favorite spot in the city, and I made it a point to stop by every day! The market is overflowing with fresh produce, homemade goods, delicious eateries, colorful flower stalls, and so much more. As for the Deutsches Theater Munchen, that was a pretty awesome experience. The theatre was showing a production of “Murder on the Orient Express” while I was in town, and I am a HUGE fan of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novels!!
Highlights from the Sites
Interactive Travel Map
A map of my adventures in Munich! I prepared this map before my trip and then added the restaurants I visited at the end of my journey. Sites and places I was interested in seeing but did not have time are noted in brown.
Check out this travel guide to learn how to create your own My Maps for your next trip.
Fellow adventurers can use this map as a guide when planning a trip to Munich! Click on each icon to get more information such as address, phone number, and website for each site. You can also select the option to view the site in Google Maps.
Marienplatz Glockenspiel
Similar to my visit to Prague, I was enchanted by Munich’s famous Glockenspiel! Located in Marienplatz Square, this clock performs a spectacular show every day at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM (bonus show at 5:00 PM March through October).
This show recounts two big events in Munich’s history. The top portion shows a jousting tournament, which took place during the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renate of Lorraine (February 1568). Of course, the Bavarian knight wins the match! The bottom shows the Schäfflertanz dance; the story goes that the coopers (barrel makers) danced in the streets to mark the end of a severe plague that affected the city in 1517.
Key Facts
Language: The main language used in Munich is German. During my time there, I generally had no issues communicating, as those working in the hotel, restaurants, and sites spoke some English or Spanish (I’m bilingual, which helps when traveling!).
Weather: Munich’s summers tend to be warm and sunny, while winters are cold with a chance of snow between late November and February. Spring and Fall bring cool, pleasant weather. I visited Munich towards the end of April, and it was a mix of winter and spring. The first few days, daytime temperatures were between 42°F and 54°F, with plenty of rain and wind. During the last 2 days, the weather was perfect; sunny and warm, with temperatures around the mid-70s (F).
Transportation: One thing I loved about Munich was the robust public transportation system, which had a great phone app associated with it. I rode the trams and trains several times during my stay, and overall, I found the service to be reliable and punctual. A big plus was the cleanliness of the trains, trams, and stations.
Currency: The Euro is the main currency in Munich. I ordered cash via Bank of America before the trip, but ATMs are available at the airport and throughout the city. Credit cards are accepted in most locations, but there are a few stalls at the Viktualienmarkt that are cash only. Cash also comes in handy for tipping servers and using public restrooms.
It is recommended that travelers only use ATMs associated with Munich banks, as 3rd party ATMs may not be secure.
Safety: Now, to an important topic everyone has in mind – safety. Is Munich a safe city? Yes, as a solo female traveler, I felt absolutely safe during my 5 days in Munich. I also took public transportation a handful of times, including a train outside the city, and never had any issues.
(Stay tuned for my travel guide providing more information on Munich’s public transportation and the app.)
Are you excited about Munich and ready to book a trip? Visit my posts about the sites and activities you can experience in Munich. These include notes on what to expect, admission discounts, accessibility information, and much more. I also have posts about lodging, dining, and public transportation in Munich. (*COMING SOON*)
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