Travel Guide Munich
There's no time to waste. The Bavarian capital has some amazing days in store for all its visitors, as a Munich travel guide will show you. The museum district (which covers a period from antiquity to the present day) and the many galleries will delight art lovers. L'Altstadt (the old town), mostly reserved for pedestrians, offers the most beautiful and imposing buildings of the city to the walkers with of course a bratwurst in the left hand and a mug of beer (munichoise that goes without saying) in the right. For sports enthusiasts,Olympia Park offers a wide range of activities on the site of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Nature lovers will be delighted by theEnglischer Garten (English Garden) and the banks of the Isar River, where Munich's residents gather on weekends for a picnic, a game of soccer, a swim or even... surfing. And when the evening comes, Müllerstrasse sees the beer mugs waltzing around while Maximilianplatz attracts the night owls with its numerous nightclubs. In short, welcome to Munich, a beautiful Bavarian city located at the southernmost tip ofGermany and only a short distance from the Alps.
What to visit Munich?
Suggested addresses Munich
When to go to Munich?
The most pleasant time to discover Munich and its colors is of course from May to October. The temperatures are mild (even hot!), the amount of sunshine is the highest despite the high rainfall in the middle of summer. The beginning of the year is the coolest period... but also the driest.
The countryside is beautiful in autumn if you take a few trips to the region.
November and December are perfect for strolling through the Christmas markets. There is a unique atmosphere during Advent in Germany, but beware of the crowds in the city center, the stores and the markets! The beer gardens are only open on sunny days.
Also keep in mind that the daylight hours decline faster than in France and many travelers from the west are surprised to see nightfall coming so quickly: as a result, you will have to give up many outdoor activities.
Munich and the Alps under the snow are worthy of a fairy tale, but German roads in winter pose a lot of problems for French motorists who often drive without adapted tires.
Finally, theOktoberfest (the Beer Festival, during thesecond half of September) is a peak in the city's tourist activity. If you like beer and such events, go there. If you don't come for the beer, there is no point in coming at this time.
Weather at the moment
The city of Munich is subject to multiple climatological influences. It is located in a transition zone between the humid Atlantic climate and the dry continental climate. The proximity of the Alps and the Danube also influences the climate of the city. The Föhn wind blows warm, dry air into the city from time to time. Munich is also frequently hit by severe thunderstorms. It can be very hot. In winter, the city is often covered with snow, but paradoxically receives very little rainfall.
The euro is the official currency of Germany. The cost of living is similar to that of major Western cities, except for public transportation and restaurants in the evening, which are much more expensive. ATMs are widely available and many establishments accept credit cards.
As a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, Germany allows any EU citizen to stay or reside in the country without any restrictions. A valid identity document is sufficient. The French driver's license is also valid on German soil.
For non-EU citizens, a valid identity card issued by the competent authority of the country of residence. A residence permit is no longer required.
There is no particular risk involved in traveling to Germany. And even if no vaccinations are required, make sure that they are up to date. In any case, the health and hygiene conditions are excellent. For European citizens, goodbye to the E111, E128, etc. forms, the European Health Insurance Card has replaced the multiple forms since 2006! This card guarantees that you will be covered under the same conditions as Germans and that medical expenses will be reimbursed on the spot or very quickly after your return.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Munich? Our advice & tips
There are many tour operators that offer stays. The most common ones are getaways (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights) and long weekends. Prices vary depending on the means of transportation chosen and the time of booking; last minute offers are the most interesting. In Munich, because of the location, there are many cultural trips, but the prices are higher. There are also getaways to visit the surrounding Bavaria.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationIt is very easy to travel alone in Munich. There is plenty of public transportation and hotels to choose from. To avoid wasting too much time waiting in line in front of each monument, consider buying your tickets in advance on the Internet or on site the day before. You can also save time by buying tickets for a few extra euros. Munich is also a great city for families.
Munich has a strong and dense public transport network. Buses and trams share the roadway while the U-Bahn (metro) and S-Bahn (RER) occupy the basement. The rate depends on the distance travelled and the mode of transport. Courteous, smiling, friendly, numerous even on Fridays and Saturday evenings, Munich taxis are simply the opposite of what we know in France and especially in Paris.
