Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20–40 | €70–130 |
| Food | €12–22 | €25–45 |
| Transport | €5–9 | €10–18 |
| Activities | €0–8 | €10–25 |
| Drinks | €5–11 | €12–22 |
| Daily Total | €42–90 | €127–240 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone — most nationalities get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period
- Munich Airport (MUC): S-Bahn S1 or S8 to Hauptbahnhof (45 min, €12). Lufthansa Express Bus to Hauptbahnhof (45 min, €13)
- Passport valid for 3+ months beyond departure. EU/EEA citizens need only a national ID card
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is excellent — Munich water comes from Alpine springs. Drink it freely
- Munich is one of Germany's safest cities. Standard pickpocket awareness at Oktoberfest and Hauptbahnhof area
- Emergency 112. Pharmacies (Apotheke) marked by red A signs. Klinikum rechts der Isar for emergencies
Getting Around
- MVV runs U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. Single (inner zone): €3.70. Day ticket: €8.80. Group day: €17.80 (up to 5)
- The city centre is very walkable — Marienplatz to English Garden is 10 minutes on foot. Trams are scenic alternatives
- Cycling is excellent — flat terrain, dedicated lanes. MVG Rad bike share (€1 unlock + €0.08/min) or rent from shops (€15/day)
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and BayernWLAN hotspots in public buildings and some U-Bahn stations
- EU roaming works at home rates. Otherwise, Aldi Talk, Lebara, or O2 prepaid SIMs from €8 at supermarkets or electronics shops
- Download MVV app for transport, DB Navigator for trains, and Google Maps offline for navigation
Money
- Cash is more important in Munich than most European cities — many beer halls, markets, and smaller restaurants are cash-preferred or cash-only
- ATMs (Geldautomat) everywhere. Use Sparkasse, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank ATMs. Avoid Euronet tourist machines
- Tipping: round up or add 5–10%. Tell the waiter the total amount you wish to pay — do not leave cash on the table
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential — Munich weather is Alpine and changeable. Even summer evenings can be cool (15°C). Warm jacket for Nov–Mar
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and beer garden gravel. Smart-casual for nicer restaurants
- An umbrella or rain jacket year-round — Munich gets sudden showers. A reusable bottle for excellent tap water
Cultural tips
Beer Culture
A Maß (1 litre) is the standard beer hall order. Augustiner is the local favourite, followed by Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, and Löwenbräu. Clink steins looking people in the eye — bad luck otherwise.
Shared Tables
In beer halls and beer gardens, sharing tables is normal and expected. Ask "Ist hier noch frei?" (is this seat free?) and sit. You may end up having the best conversation of your trip with a Bavarian stranger.
Food Rules
Weisswurst is eaten before noon only — never in the evening. Peel it, dip in sweet mustard. Never put ketchup on a Weisswurst. Obatzda (cheese spread) comes with pretzels. These traditions are taken seriously.
Grüß Gott
"Grüß Gott" (greet God) is the Bavarian hello — used instead of "Hallo." In shops, restaurants, and elevators. Locals appreciate the effort. "Pfüad di" or "Servus" for goodbye.
Bavarian Identity
Bavaria considers itself distinct from the rest of Germany. Locals are proud Bavarians first, Germans second. Lederhosen and Dirndl are worn seriously at festivals and some beer gardens — not costumes.
Sunday Quiet
German Sundays are quiet — almost all shops are closed. Restaurants, beer gardens, and museums are open. Plan your shopping for Saturday. Sunday is for beer gardens, parks, and church bells.
