In Munich, where you sleep decides how much of the city you see on foot. These are the areas we recommend, and who each one suits.
€€€€€€ Price levels compare the areas within this city.
01
Altstadt €€€ Higher prices
Best for: First-timers
Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt and the Hofbräuhaus on foot. Central and pricey.
02
Maxvorstadt €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: Museum lovers and students at heart
The art museums, the university and good cafés, close to the old town.
03
Haidhausen € Lower prices
Best for: Couples and value
Charming streets across the Isar, with local restaurants and better prices.
Hotel shortlists
Three picks per question, chosen with our selection criteria, with price ranges and what nobody tells you.
The 3 best hotels near MarienplatzComing soon
The 3 best luxury hotels in MunichComing soon
The 3 best value hotels in HaidhausenComing soon
Airport to city
01
S-Bahn S1 or S8 ≈ 40 min
About 40 min to Marienplatz
Frequent and direct to the centre.
02
Airport express bus ≈ 45 min
About 45 min to the main station
Comfortable with luggage.
03
Taxi or private transfer ≈ 40 min
About 40 min
Taxis are expensive here; a booked transfer costs less.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions everyone asks before going, answered straight.
01Is Munich safe for tourists?
Yes, Munich is one of Germany's safest cities. During Oktoberfest, watch for pickpockets and heavy drinking in the crowds. As in all German cities, don't walk on the bike lanes.
02When is the best time to visit Munich?
May to September is ideal for the beer gardens. Oktoberfest runs from late September to early October: book months ahead, as prices soar. December brings some of Germany's best Christmas markets.
03What language is spoken in Munich?
German, with a strong Bavarian accent. English is widely spoken. Locals greet with "Servus" or "Grüß Gott".
04How many days do you need in Munich?
Three days is ideal for the city and its beer culture. With more time, add Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg, the Dachau Memorial or the Zugspitze.
05What are the top 10 attractions in Munich?
Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel
Frauenkirche
Munich Residenz
English Garden and the Eisbach surfers
Viktualienmarkt
Nymphenburg Palace
Hofbräuhaus
BMW Welt and Museum
Deutsches Museum
Olympiapark
06Which of these attractions can you visit for free?
Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel show, the Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt and the English Garden with its river surfers are all free. So are the Hofgarten and Odeonsplatz, the richly decorated Asamkirche, the Nymphenburg gardens (the palace is paid), the Olympiapark grounds and BMW Welt (the museum is paid). The Hofbräuhaus is free to enter; you only pay for the beer.
07Which museums are worth visiting in Munich?
The Alte Pinakothek (Old Masters) and the Pinakothek der Moderne are the art highlights, with symbolic entry prices on Sundays. Add the Deutsches Museum of science and technology, the BMW Museum, the Residenz and its Treasury, and the Lenbachhaus (Blue Rider).
08What are the locals like in Munich?
Bavarians are friendly and proud of their traditions: you'll see people in lederhosen and dirndls at festivals. In beer gardens it's normal to share tables, except those marked "Stammtisch", reserved for regulars. Shops close on Sundays. When paying, round up 5–10%.
09What is the typical food in Munich?
Try Weisswurst (white sausage) with sweet mustard and a pretzel, traditionally before noon, Schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle), Obatzda (cheese spread), Leberkäse and roast chicken. For dessert, Kaiserschmarrn or Apfelstrudel. Beer comes by the Mass (one litre); a Radler is beer with lemonade.
10Where should you stay in Munich?
The Altstadt (old town) is the most central, at higher prices. Maxvorstadt, the museum and university district, is mid-range. Haidhausen is local and cheaper, near the Isar river.
Staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you fly. No plastic card, no shop at the airport: you land, switch it on and you're online.
Low cost: plans for a few days usually cost far less than roaming
Coverage in every destination on tips2trip, and worldwide
Data from the moment you land: maps, ride apps and your bookings
Book your airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in advance and forget about the taxi queue, the bargaining and the 'where do we go now?'. When you walk out of arrivals, someone is already waiting with a sign with your name on it, helps you with the bags and takes you straight to the door.
Fixed price, agreed before you travel
Flight tracking: they wait if you're delayed
Child seats and vans for families or groups on request
