Munich: Everything You Need To Know

This vivacious German town is festive all year round. Words Megan Arkinstall, illustrations Lauren Merrick

Welcome to München

The capital of Bavaria may be one of Germany’s major metropolises but it has the feeling of being a small city, hence its nickname ‘Village of a Million People’.

Getting to and from the airport (around 35 kilometres north of the city centre) is simple with two public transport options.

The Lufthansa Airport Bus departs every 20 minutes between 6am and 10pm, takes around 40 minutes, and costs $16 one-way and $26 return.

The S-Bahn (suburban train) has two routes that run between the airport and city centre every 10 minutes from 5am–1am. It takes 38–48 minutes to the city and cost $18 per adult. The ticket is valid for use on the entire network (trains, trams, buses) until 6am the following day.

Getting out and about

By train/bus/tram:
The public transport system in Munich is efficient and comprehensive (exactly as you would you expect from a German city, nein?).
The U-Bahn is the inner-city subway and runs services every five to 10 minutes. For all the stops in between you can hop on a Metrobus or a tram (Strassenbahn), which run every 10–20 minutes.
A one-way ticket costs $2 (up to four stops), but we recommend an inner zone day ticket for $9 or a three-day ticket for $23.
Make sure you validate your tickets or you can be fined up to $60.
By foot:
Don your sandals (with or without socks) because most of the must-sees are within walking distance in the city’s Old Town – Marienplatz and its famous Glockenspiel, the National Theatre, the Royal Residence and so on – and there’s a plethora of stunning baroque and gothic architecture to marvel at.
We recommend jumping on a free walking tour to hear fascinating stories of the city’s history (you simply tip at the end). Try SANDEMANs, which departs from Marienplatz twice daily.
newmunichtours.com
By bicycle:
Or if you prefer two wheels, you’re in luck – Munich is an über-bike-friendly city with around 1200 kilometres of cycle lanes and 22,000 bike stands.
If you want to join a tour, Mike’s Bike Tours has been around for 20 years.

Sightseeing

You’ve probably heard of the Englischer Garten (English Garden) but what about…

The Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism:
Only opened in May of this year, this poignant minimalist museum is located on the former site of the Nazi party headquarters in Konigsplatz and was intentionally designed in stark contrast to the neo-classical buildings of Hitler’s liking.
It examines the rise of the Nazi party and how Munich was its foundation through displays of photos, footage and audio guides. (If you have a spare day, try to make it out to Dachau also.)
www.ns-dokumentation szentrum-muenchen.de/centre
Bier und Oktoberfest Museum:
Located down a winding laneway between Marienplatz and Isartor is Munich’s oldest townhouse, which has a history dating back to 1340.
It has been beautifully restored and now displays a small permanent exhibition on Bavarian beer and the 200-year-old tradition of Oktoberfest, along with beer tastings and an historical kitchen serving traditional Bavarian specialties.
Entry is $6, guided tour is $7.50.
bier-und-oktoberfest museum.de/en
Pinakothek der Moderne:
With more than 80 museums in Munich, the choice is overwhelming. But if it’s modern art you’re after, the choice is easy: Pinakothek der Moderne (Modern Picture Gallery).
Located in Kunstareal (Museum District), this sleek, contemporary building holds four impressive collections – arts, graphics, architecture and design – from the 20th century to today from the likes of Picasso to Warhol.
Entry is $15.
pinakothek.de/en

Shopping

Wiener Platz:
As opposed to the popular Viktualienmarkt (still worth a visit!), Wiener Platz is a small and less touristy market square, about 15 minutes on the tram east over the river.
It has a village-like atmosphere and a host of cute stalls selling food and flowers, boutiques, cafés and beer gardens.
Kaufingerstraße/Neuhauser Straße:
Between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz, these two pedestrian-only streets join together to become Munich’s main shopping area, home to brand names such as H&M and Zara, to Gucci and Burberry.
But make sure you look down the sidestreets, too, as there are plenty of hidden stores for you to splash your cash.
Feinkost Käfer:
This is where the big wigs shop for their gourmet goods. In fact, this well-known delicatessen has one of the most exclusive and expensive tents at Oktoberfest.
Come here to browse delicious fresh produce including meat, seafood, caviar, more than 350 types of cheese, thousands of bottles of exquisite wine, 40 types of bread, gourmet condiments, oils, and so on.
We suggest you stock up on picnic supplies, then head across the river (about a 15–20-minute walk) to Englischer Gartens for a lazy afternoon basking in the sun and people watching (don’t be surprised if you see people with liberal views on clothing wandering around!).
en.feinkost-kaefer.de

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Eat & drink

Glockenbachviertel:
This quiet borough located next to the Isar River is one of the city’s hippest hoods, home to a host of trendy bars, restaurants, cafes and shops.
It’s the perfect spot to relax away from the rowdy beer halls; its centre, Gartnerplatz, is handsome with flower beds, fountains and stretches of grass for people to recline on.
Cafe am Beethovenplatz:
Located in the Belle Epoque Mariandl Hotel built over 100 years ago, Munich’s oldest concert cafe is likened to a Viennese coffee house.
Boasting high ceilings decorated with ornate stucco, parquet floors and wooden panelling, the cosy cafe is popular for the classical music and jazz that is played here on a daily basis.
mariandl.com
Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl:
Fancy trying a ’wurst? A short walk from Marienplatz by the Frauenkirche (cathedral), this cosy and cute tavern is the place to sample Bavarian cuisine including wursts (sausages) of all sorts; the menu has hardly changed since it opened in 1893 so it’s an authentic feed.
bratwurst-gloeckl.de
Beer halls:
Even if you aren’t a beer lover, a visit to one of Munich’s 200 or so beer halls/gardens is a must and you won’t be hard-pressed to find somewhere to purchase a pint and a pretzel.
The most famous is Hofbräuhaus, founded as a brewery for the royal residence in 1589; it later became a regular site for several Nazi meetings (the painted ceilings feature hidden swastikas) and is now an always-buzzing place of joviality with oompah bands, servers in traditional dress and hearty Bavarian food.
Another popular place to yell “Prost!" is Chinesischer Turm (Chinese beer garden), a huge outdoor beer garden in the leafy Englischer Gartens, with a 1790 pagoda-style wooden tower that was destroyed in WWII, but rebuilt in 1952. Or savour a stein at Augustiner Keller; opened in 1812, the beer is served straight from wooden barrels.

Where to stay

If you want to be able to walk everywhere, base yourself in the Old Town, the heart and soul of Munich.
Our picks to stay:

Louis Hotel:
Also on the edge of Viktualienmarkt, the elegant Louis Hotel – part of the Design Hotels group – is located in a 100-year-old building revamped by local architects.
Each of its 72 rooms is individually designed with custom-made furnishings, resplendent in handcrafted wood and stone. There’s a Japanese restaurant and rooftop bar.
From $236 a night; louis-hotel.com
Mandarin Oriental:
Tucked away in a quiet side street, in the centre of Old Town, the recently renovated Mandarin Oriental has spacious rooms and suites; some overlooking the city, others overlooking Hofbräuhaus’s beer garden, all boasting large marble bathrooms.
There’s a rooftop pool, Turkish steam bath and Finnish sauna, and the soon-to-be-opened restaurant from acclaimed Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
From $928 a night; mandarinoriental.com/munich

Helpful phrases

Hello = Hallo/Guten Tag (Good Day)
Please/Thank you = Bitte/Danke
How much does that cost? = Wieviel kostet das?
Where’s the bathroom? = Wo ist das WC?
Do you speak English? = Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Cheers! = Prost!

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

Five-minute guide to Munich