Munich, Germany - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: April 9, 2026
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ABOUT MUNICH | SHOULD I GO? | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO STAY | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO PARTY
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Bavaria At Its Best
Munich is found to the southeast of Germany, an hour and a half north-west of the Austrian border. The city is dissected by the Isar river, which flows off to the north and feeds into the Danube.
The city is the capital of the well-known Bavaria region of Germany, famed for their football team, beers, and - no jokes - their sausage. The city is the 3rd largest within Germany and has roughly 1.5 million inhabitants, seemingly all of whom are proud to tell you they come from Bavaria, rather than Germany as a whole.
Much like the rest of Germany, Munich loves to party. It plays host to a vast number of festivals and carnivals throughout the year, none of which are more popular than the world-famous Oktoberfest, which begins at the end of September and welcomes in the month of October with revelry, music, open fires and beer. The event is held annually across the city, with what some would call the main event taking place under the Bavaria Statue within Bavaria Park.
The city of Munich is first mentioned in the history books back in 1158 and quickly expanded, becoming a major player on the Old Salt Route, the historic German salt trade network - by 1175. The name Munich derives from the word 'munichen', meaning 'by the monks', so named due to the monks that populated the original settlement.
Far Out Fairy Tale at Neuschwanstein Castle
My Munich trip starts many, many miles away from the city - in fact, many, many miles away from Germany or even Europe. The story starts in the sensational islands of Hawaii, Oahu.
I was chilling out in our hostel with my cousin Rob when we were greeted by two awesome girls, one from Boston, the other from right here in Munich. Having connected within a short period of time on the picturesque Oahu, we promised we would all meet again, someday, somewhere.
We got a call from Sina (from Munich) telling us Angelica (from Boston) was going to be in the city for a few days, and would we like to come? There was only one answer.
We flew out and chilled in the city for a few days with Sina, waiting to the unsuspecting Angelica to arrive. When she did, Sina met her and me and Rob followed her up the street, tapping her shoulder right outside the Hofbräuhaus, and the madness ensued. We even had our friend Anna from Karlsruhe come to say hi, who we had met in Alice Springs, Australia.
As you can imagine, it was a crazy few days of partying, sightseeing and catching up with old friends from around the world. Together we tried the local delicacies and drinks, toured the city, and had one incredible day's adventure to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
I loved our time in the city. I found it to be upbeat, with fantastic tastes, smells, and vibes wherever we were. The people of Munich were beyond friendly, and it was almost a challenge to avoid having a refreshing cold beer, as everywhere we went we were offered one, even at 9 AM.
So Should I go there?
There are no conditions to this answer. Yes you should, in every sense of the word.
The city is a blend of perfect architecture, beauty, and atmosphere. Everywhere you go within the city you will be bombarded with a sensual overload: the smell of freshly cooked foods from the bakeries, cafes, and restaurants, the tastes of the refreshing cool beer on a hot summers day and the sounds of laughter that reverberate between each bar.
The city has that x-factor that you don’t find in many places. I couldn’t explain exactly what it was about Munich that made it so glorious, it just was. And I think you'll love it too.
For those of you who enjoy a city break, this will hit the spot. It's full-on, with explorations both in Munich and beyond. You're in for a thriller!
There are so many amazing buildings, experiences, and events you really will be left knackered, but also a sense of calmness and pleasure at what you have just achieved and witnessed.
Likewise, if food and drink are your main priorities then Munich will dazzle you with spectacular dishes, whilst the atmosphere in the bars is beyond exhilarating, especially the Hofbräuhaus, which is like nothing I have ever seen on my travels. I think it's where the phrase “There's a fine line between genius and insanity” comes from.
If you are a nature lover, and the city itself is only just part of what you look for in a city break, you will find the surrounding mountains to the south of the city a true pleasure. The views from the top are some of the best I've ever seen, and the hikes leave you breathless in more than one way. The city itself comes complete with rolling green parks, tree-lined lakes, and forests you could happily get lost in.
The city is really easy to get around, so no matter what you want to do or where you want to go, you’ll be able to manoeuvre easily and safely. The main train station is only a short walk from the centre and the city hall, with most things a walkable distance from there. The underground is also a good way to get to the further out areas. The airport is also easily accessible, via the trains or buses that run on a regular basis.
Overall Munich is a fantastic city which I think everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime It should be a case of when to go, not 'should I go?'.
What to do when Backpacking Munich
The city, as you may guess from the above paragraphs, is one of my favourites in Europe. It's packed with a truly vast number of things to do and see, some of which I have already touched upon and others that will be mentioned below:
Neuschwanstein Castle
There really is no other place to start than here at one of the most picturesque castles in the world: Neuschwanstein. When fairy tales dream up wondrous castles, they look like this. In fact, Walt Disney used this castle as the basis of the famous 'Sleeping Beauty' castle that's so iconic at Disneyland and at the start of every Disney movie.
The castle was commissioned in 1868 by King Ludwig II, who was, without question, mad. Neuschwanstein was envisioned as the King's retirement palace'; somewhere he could retire away from the people and live out his life in relative solitude. However, he never saw its completion as he died in 1886.
Since his death, this private home of a very eccentric king has been on display and is now one of the most visited tourist sites in Germany.
Neuschwanstein overlooks the small town of Hohenschwangau in the northern foothills of the Bavarian Alps. These mountains are yours to wander once you’ve been around the castle, and you cannot pass up on that opportunity. They are home to some of the most gorgeous mountain views I’ve ever seen, with world-class scenery all around. You also get some of the best views of the castle from up in the mountains. It truly is breathtaking.
The castle itself has to be one of the most elaborate designs on the planet, in location, size, shape, and height. Inside is no different, with a clash of eclectic styles throughout the building; from courtyards to banquet halls, no two rooms have the same feel. The connecting corridors are the size of most people’s houses, and the lavish taste and style is the only thing that has a running theme throughout. The ceilings are phenomenal, and the chandelier and artwork rival that of the Sistine Chapel.
Every fibre of your body tells you this was owned by a man who loved to show off, throw massive celebrations and enjoy the inner circles of royalty and the high classes. However, this may not be the case. The design, the grandeur and the eccentric nature of the building all really do support the idea that he was. in fact, mad.
Whilst loved by many, he was known as the mad king, and it is hard to argue this case when you see this building. For someone so controversial in life and death, his legacy cannot be disputed; this castle is a one-off and a masterpiece, both inside and out.
When it comes to transport here, you have the option of two trains, both of which go to Hohenschwangau and take around 2 hours 20 minutes from Munich. Your other option is bus or car, which will be an hour quicker, traffic dependant.
Ticket prices differ dramatically depending on how you approach the castle. Your first option is to take a full day’s tour from Munich, which includes entry to the castle and a guide. This will also mean you miss the long queues to get in, which you will want to do. Tickets for this vary depending on your desired levels of comfort and exclusivity, from €35 (£30) to €150+ (£130).
Your other option is to make your own way to the castle, and purchase tickets in the town of Hohenschwangau. This will involve the queues and a lot of waiting around, but does mean ticket prices are very reasonable at just under €14 (~£12).
Do your research and make a decision based on that and your budget, as a lot of people don't have time to wait in the queues, whereas others do, and prefer some leisure time touring at their own pace.
Hofbräuhaus
The Hofbräuhaus is something we could have put under any section of this blog really, be it this, or the food, or the party section. And truly whilst it would happily come under both those categories, it is way more than just somewhere to eat or drink; it is entertainment at its best, and after Neuschwanstein castle my number one experience in Munich.
This gigantic food hall is one of the most German experiences you could undertake outside of the Berlin Christmas Markets. As you enter the hall you will be met with a wave of sensational smells, a buzz of excitement, a waft of amazing foods, and the sense that you’re the only sober person in the building, including the staff. But don’t worry, you won’t be sober for long.
You grab one of the massive banquet tables on one of the many levels (if you can find room), and instantly are drawn to the stage area where people in lederhosen are performing with massive Indiana Jones-style whips, dancing around like a drunk uncle at a wedding party, whist the waiters and waitresses carry trays of steins around the room, dodging the mayhem and madness that has engulfed the building.
The band will also kick in during the night, putting on traditional German music whilst you tuck in and devour some of the best foods you can imagine. There is no other place like it, and before you know it you'll be pissed as an angry frog and dancing around the room with everyone else, enjoying one of the best nights out you have ever had.
Great food, fantastic beers, epic entertainment and all set in a wonderful building, you’ll thank us for this recommendation. Maybe not the following morning, but you cannot miss out on this night.
New Town Hall and the Rathaus-Glockenspiel
The New Town Hall is located in the beautiful Marienplatz, which is the central hub of Munich. Brimming with beautiful restaurants, cafes, bars, churches, and of course the Town Hall itself - complete with Rathaus-Glockenspiel, a clockwork display that tells two different stories over 15 minutes.
The New Town Hall was originally built in 1867 and completed in 1874, with later extensions being added to deal with the rising demand from the city due to the rapid rise in population. The wonderful neo-gothic exterior tells the tale of the Wittelsbach royals throughout their dynasty.
The Town Hall is the administrative building for the city and seat of the mayor so whilst the outside is a majestic, picturesque display, the inside is very mundane, in that it really is an office building.
Thankfully, then, the outside turns into an entertainment venue daily at 11 AM, 12 PM and 5 PM, when the wonderful Rathaus-Glockenspiel chimes out over the city with a short show from figures that dance from the clock, providing a spectacle for the amused onlookers below.
At some point during your time in the city, you will more than likely wander through Marienplatz and you will gaze at this staggering beautiful building. There is no real need to spend too much time there, but we do recommend popping into the cafes opposite when you can relax, grab a nice bite to eat and enjoy the architecture of one of Munich’s finest and most loved buildings.
St. Peter's Church
In the southeast corner of Marienplatz, one street back, you will be drawn to the beautiful St Peter’s Church, whose spire dominates the skyline of Munich far above the New Town Hall and the Munich rooftops.
Whilst the church itself is a magnificent show of wealth and grandeur, with golden arches leading from entrance to altar, this isn't the pièce de résistance of St Peter’s. That comes in the form of the tower, which you can climb and look down over the wonderful city of Munich.
It is that view that makes St Peter’s the star of the show in Munich. With uninterrupted views for miles upon miles, you can not help but fall in love with the city and, of course, the church that grants this unique view.
The entrance to the church is only €3, so get inside and climb the tower - all 299 steps - for the best panoramic views in Munich.
Frauenkirche
Bear with me now, it's another church.
Located just off the northwest side of Marienplatz, this impressive church, much like St Peter’s, stands tall over the city with its two towers rising high above the rooftops.
The two dome-capped towers are an icon of the city and can be seen from miles around. But the building you see today is very different from the original design from 1240. That design was destroyed by a bomb strike in 1945 and was rebuilt after the war.
After that bombing, the one surviving part of the building happened to be the most famous part, known as the Devil's Footprint. The small indentation of the Devil’s Footprint in the entrance lobby has many tales of how the devil came to be at the church’s door, and all stories end up with an interpretation of a tricked and angry devil, deceived by the church and its designers.
Inside is a fabulous vast open space, with a number of pillars and columns staggered throughout. The mainly white interior sparkles around the room up to some of the tallest ceilings. It is a truly beautiful interior with an inviting look into the history of the church in Munich.
Munich Olympic Park
Munich Olympic Park is located in the Oberwiesenfeld area of Munich, just to the northwest of the centre. The vast park was built for the 1972 Olympics, but now houses stadiums, swimming centre, concert halls, museums cafes, bars and restaurants, to name a few.
You can take guided tours around the park, or you can go it alone as we did, wandering around the large open spaces and enjoying a break from city life, sapping up that fresh air and imagining the atmosphere that must have rocked the park back in the summer of 1972.
If you wish to take part in some of the additional extras the park provides, such as the roof climb over the stadium, abseiling or other adrenaline sports, then it's best to book prior to your arrival at the park. Tickets really do depend on what you want to do, so its best to head online and check out their site.
Overall I found it to be a really enjoyable few hours chilling in the park, with a bite to eat around the lake and enjoying the refreshing fresh air. It’s well worth coming up here, even more so when you combine your trip to the park with the next item on our list, as they are only a short walk from each other
BMW Museum
For any car enthusiast, no matter your preference, the BMW museum is a must-do whilst you’re in Munich - home of BMW. It is a well thought out museum running back through time looking into everything B-M.
It isn't just the cars that impress, it's the whole museum from start to finish. From the large entrance, with its stunning walkway that runs overhead and leads the way onwards, things just get better.
The cars make up the bulk of the museum, and they do steal the show. There is, though, so much more to this museum than just the cars. The engines, the films, the designs, and the overall feel to the place is unlike any museum I have ever been to. It was actually fun, with some brilliant interactive displays to engage you further into the world of BMW.
Admission to parts are free, however, should you wish to go further into the museum you will be looking at paying €10 (£8.70), which I feel is great value for money despite a few people saying its overpriced.
Allianz Arena
Home of Bayern Munich FC and one of the two stadiums used for the German National team, this massive 75,000 seater stadium lies on the north of the city, with a direct link to the centre provided by the train line that stops directly outside the stadium.
Opened in 2005, the Allianz Arena can boast being the first stadium in the world to have fully changeable colours on its exterior. Whilst beautiful to see and an impressive feat of engineering, I only suggest coming here during match day. We headed out to the stadium to check it out, and, well, there is nothing to do. It’s in the middle of nowhere, and there is nothing within walking distance that is open.
Gameday here would be epic, a great buzz and sense of pride from the people of not only Munich, but Bavaria as a whole. Expect lots of entertainment on and off the pitch.
Bavaria Park and the Bavaria Statue
Unveiled in 1850 after years of design and manufacturing, this wonderful bronze statute stands aloft the Bavaria Park, in front of the Ruhmeshalle (Hall of Fame). It is also the location for the main Oktoberfest party.
The towering statue of a woman alongside a lion has the meaning of strength, power, and glory for Bavaria, and is something worth seeing. The park itself is a sea of tranquillity - unless you rock up for the Oktoberfest, in which case it will be a sea of beer, drunken antics, and lederhosen.
Where to Stay Whilst Backpacking Munich
As with any major city in Europe, there are a staggering number of hostels, hotels, Airbnbs, and apartments that crisscross the city. You will find accommodation in any location with varying degrees of comfort, which also leads to varying prices.
Hostels tend to range around the €29 (£25) a night mark, which is expensive but that is due to where you are. Hotels again depend on location and style, and you could easily spend hundreds of euros a night if you wanted(and had deep enough pockets).
As always we have to give a shout out to Airbnb, who have you covered across the city. The prices tend to range from €29 (£25) to €75 (£65) when it comes to Airbnb in the city, which again is about right when you look at what you get for your money.
But the biggest shout-out goes out to the hostel we stayed at, Wombats City Hostel Munich, which was legendary. This hostel cost €29 (£25) a night and easily jumps into my top two hostels in Europe along with The Flying Pig Downtown in Amsterdam. I can't decide which one takes the top spot, but I loved it here at Wombats. It had everything: spacious rooms, comfy beds, great communal areas, friendly, funny, helpful and knowledgeable staff and set in wonderful, clean surroundings.
The best thing, if it is possible to beat all of the above, was its location. We only had to lug our bags a few metres from the train station to the hostel, which was a big help after a long day travelling. Not only that, but the hostel is a short 15-minute walk to the wonderful New Town Hall and Marienplatz. If hostels are your thing, then this is your home for however many nights you are in Munich.
Where to Eat When Backpacking Munich
Munich does love its meats, so vegans especially are going to struggle in certain places. One of the specialities of the city, as mentioned at the top of the blog, was the white sausage. I'm not sure how many types of sausage we were offered or tried, but the one that sticks out was the white sausage. It is a little like Marmite, you either love it or hate it and unfortunately, I was not a lover of the white sausage (I mean, I'd heard the rumours... -Charlie). Thankfully though, I wasn't left wanting for food!
When it comes to places to eat, we tried a few and I can tell you now, we were impressed. I will, however, start with somewhere so good we have already given it a full write up, and that’s the Hofbräuhaus. The food is beautiful here, a little corner of German heaven.
But it isn't about the food, it’s about the overall experience within the food hall. No matter where you sit, which floor you're on or how far from the madness and mayhem you are you'll be drawn in and be given a lesson in German dining. For more on this amazing place click up to the what to do section.
The one place in Munich I found that is vegetarian and vegan-friendly is called Sababa, which was located just to the south of Marienplatz. With salad, falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh dishes, it really has a dish for everyone. The service was fantastic and the smells were incredible, and there's a homely feel to the place. It wasn’t like the other restaurants, and with its help-yourself salad cart it just felt like you were in your own kitchen. A great place with beautiful foods.
Where to Drink and Party when Backpacking Munich
Where do we start with a city that throws more festivals than any other? A place famous worldwide for a party named after a month and a location where ordering a pint is laughed upon. We start with the best, and that’s the Oktoberfest.
Full disclosure: I wasn't here for Oktoberfest, and it remains on both our bucket lists. However, our mates from the city rave about it so much we can't not mention it. It sounds like an absolute blast, a wave of carnage terrorising a city. I think we would see a very different side to Munich if we did manage to get over there for the festivities. Just pray for us when we go, I think we might need it.
Next has to be, once again, the Hofbräuhaus. The drinks are so good in here and it's impressive just watching the masses of beers being taken to the respective tables, but when it’s on its way to your table, it's even better. The steins come in droves and they don’t stop. Before you know it you’ve had 4 or 5 and your feeling well on your way to being pissed, and the next thing you know you're dancing on the tables, dressed in some local's gear and joining their table trying it on with their daughter.
But on a serious note, for more on this amazing place click up to the 'What to Do' section.
Next up is the wonderful Augustiner-Keller, just north of the train station, and what awaits you inside is so unexpected. It is almost like you’ve been transported to an underground cave, with long tables stretching into the half-barrel-shaped rooms. It really is strange, but wonderful.
The beer again comes in steins which, let’s be honest, is just a better way to drink anyway. It’s a great place with a brilliant atmosphere. The building is designed for great acoustics so if you hear of a live band at the Keller, we suggest you go. The staff were quality and made the evening a pleasurable one during our time at this crazy, wonderful place. It is worth the short walk from the city centre, that’s for sure.
What You'll Need to Blend
A touch of snobbery about being from Bavaria, not Germany
A love of that white sausage (OHH YEAH)
Hatred of any building over 100 metres tall
A decent pair of lederhosen for when you’re out-out