Visiting Munich: the basics

Are you planning an adventure to visit Munich this year? I guarantee you that you won’t be disappointed. I have had the privilege of living in this beautiful city since the end of 2018 and am still constantly enchanted with all that it has to offer. 

Munich is a clean city with all of the charm that an old city has to offer. Walking around the old town will feel as if you’ve stepped onto the set of an old movie. The architecture is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo style up against its more modern districts, elegantly wrapped into one exquisite masterpiece. From the historical beer halls to the Hard Rock Cafe and from domed cathedrals to modern art museums, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip.

When is the best time to visit?

It really depends on your interest and what experience you’re looking for. 

If you want to come for a festival or event, these are a few popular options:

• Fasching – Carnival season (January-February in Munich)
• Oktoberfest (end of September-early October)

• Weihnachtsmärkte – Christmas markets (mid November-late December)

*Summer time has a variety of different types of festivals as well.

If you’re choosing your trip based on the seasons, summer is often the most popular time for visitors. The weather is warm and sunny throughout the day and slightly cooler most nights. Visiting the lakes surrounding the city or opting for a day hike to the alps (just an hour away) are great options. Cooling off under the umbrellas of one of the many beer gardens is also a popular treat during the warm parts of the day. 

If you’re a sports fanatic, attend a Bayern soccer game at the end of summer or early autumn in the Allianz Arena.

Autumn is a beautiful time to see the changing leaves.  October/November is a shoulder season for many people to travel, which means there are often less crowds and lines. Overall, prices for hotels and car rentals are cheaper. This can be a great time to visit for a less crowded visit. 

Winter can also be a less popular time to travel overall, aside from Christmas time. Strolling through the streets in December can be wonderfully romantic. The buildings and streets are decorated for the holidays and various markets with little wooden stalls offer warm drinks and treats throughout the city. 

Spring is known as another shoulder season for travel. The summer tourists have not yet arrived. Nature puts on a show in spring as the flowers and trees begin to bloom post winter. 

Less is more

Germans are a practical bunch. You won’t find a huge variety of fashion options here, especially in the colder months. This means that you can easily get away with packing basics. Stick to solid, neutral colors, nice jeans or chinos and limited prints. I typically wear simple dresses through the summer. Leave the high heels at home and opt for the comfortable walking shoes. Weather in the summer is usually sunny and warm, whereas spring and autumn are more unpredictable with rain and cold fronts. Bring a light daypack for walking around the city with an umbrella and layers for abrupt changes in temperature. Winter is usually moderate, with occasional snow. A medium-heavy jacket, scarf, hat and gloves will easily get you through. Regardless of the season, the nights are usually significantly cooler than the days. Bringing an extra layer of clothing out to dinner will help you not to freeze on your way back to your hotel. 

Currency

Euros are the main currency of Germany and most European Union member countries (i.e. France, Spain, Austria). I do not recommend exchanging your currency at airports or various city locations. Exchange facilities in Europe often take a huge percentage of your money, giving you back only a portion, sometimes 50%, of what you could receive with a direct conversion minus fees. Instead, I recommend just using your bank card to withdraw a large, but not extreme, sum from the atm. The withdrawal fees are usually much cheaper than the money you would lose in exchanging cash. Credit and debit cards can be used in most places. Many credit cards, especially specific travel cards, do not charge international fees. 

Transit

The train, tram and bus system is extensive and affordable and can all be used with a single ticket. Multi day, week and month passes are available. All types of transit run frequently throughout the day and on a limited schedule through the night. I would not recommend renting a car unless you intend to take many day-trips out of the city. Parking in the center district can become quite pricey. Most hotels do not offer free parking.

Safety for Female Solo Travelers

I find Munich both in the city and suburbs to be extremely safe. I have never encountered any issues with being followed or harassed in any form. Of course there are always exceptions. Being aware of your surroundings and using good judgment is important especially in tourist areas, around train/bus stations and less populated areas at night. While Germans are not a very smiley bunch on principle, they are kind-hearted and helpful in answering questions and providing assistance if you do ask for help. Many people of all ages speak English well, although they will usually tell you their English is bad (it isn’t). If you are looking to be around other travelers, I would encourage booking a hostel or hotel in the city center. Otherwise, for a quieter, cheaper and less social experience, booking accommodation in a small village/suburb can be equally lovely. If you are on a budget, booking in a village outside the city is also a great option. The transit system is easy to use, affordable and quick. There are many beautiful small towns in the surrounding regions of the city. I would encourage everyone to embark on a solo trip through Munich.

LGBTQ+ Community

Germany, as a whole, has a progressive mindset on sexuality and inclusivity. It often tops lists as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. However, I have heard that some regions, often in small or remote towns could still be uncomfortable for same sex couples. Sticking to the cities is a safe choice. Munich has a rich art and classical music history and culture. Looking for a place to stay? The Glockenbachviertel neighborhood is Munich’s official LGBTQ district. It’s also an excellent place for brunch and bars. July is pride month if you happen to be visiting in the summer.