Munich city breaks have something to offer for all the family. Whether you are looking to explore the historical spots, catch some live music, visit the Olympic Park or go crazy at the Oktoberfest beer festival, Munich has something for everyone.
The Bavarian capital in the South of the country, Munich is a wealth of historical sites. Essential spots to explore are the Jewish Museum, the English Gardens, Hitler's Eagles Nest and the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace with its near 500 acre park gardens. For those keen on historical buildings, the Neuscwhanstein Castle is just a few hours' drive from Munich. Many people also take in a visit to the site of the Dachau concentration camp.
The city centre has everything you would expect from a large, bustling European hot-spot. It is a rich city with up-scale shopping and lots of fine restaurants and bars to sample the Bavarian cuisine. There are also a number of art galleries and museums; particularly worth a visit is the huge City Museum, just minutes from the Town Hall. The Olympic Park with its observation tower makes a fine day out for the kids, while the famous Romantic Road is the perfect day out for couples. For the car enthusiasts out there, a trip to the BMW factory and museum is a fascinating day out.
If you are a fan of some slightly more physical activity, why not go south to the Alps near Garmisch for mountain walking and skiing. Munich is superb for a short break at any time of the year and easily accessible from the UK with train transfer from the airport into the city. Simply fly into Munich airport MUC or into nearby Memmingen FMM.
Weather
Travellers looking for warmer evenings should aim to be there between June and August where temperatures hit the mid 20s. January is the coolest time, but that may mean you'll get a bargain.
Events
The famed Oktoberfest takes place between late September and mid October, a 16 day festival of Bavarian beers and culture. For the more refined tastes, the Munich Opera Festival is usually held in July and is free to all. The "Auer Dult" is an authentic Bavarian market and fair that takes place three times a year in different Munich locations. Check closer to the time for exact dates. The Tollwood Summer Festival is like a combination of all three and more. Running from the end of June to July in the Olympic Park, Tollwood features music, comedy, great food and a variety of live performances.
Any time of year is a good time of year to visit Munich, as there is simply so much variety. If you are planning a trip to Munich this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket`s search tool to find the cheapest deals.
Best of Munich city breaks for...
- Families: Kids are amazed by the gargoyles and dragons studding the neo-Gothic New City Hall on Marienplatz square. The glockenspiel that springs to life here at 11am and noon is toytown Bavaria at its best.
- Nightlife: The vaulted Hofbräuhaus is the classic spot to enjoy banter and oompah-pah music, as dirndl-clad waitresses bring Mass litres of beer, pork knuckles and humungous pretzels to the table. Every day is like Oktoberfest here!
- Active types: Pedal through the English Garden, Munich's three-mile ribbon of greenery and one of the world's biggest city parks. As you cycle through meadows and woods, you might spot - surely not! - office workers sunbathing naked on their lunch break and daredevil surfers on the Isar River.
- Shopping: Fashion, fine porcelain, strapping lederhosen - you'll find the lot in the Altstadt's elegant streets. The main drag is Maximilianstrasse, a catwalk to designer fashion. Walk its length to reach the chic Funf Höfe arcades, where Prada-clad ladies do lunch.
- Romance: Swim back to a more romantic age at the Müller´sches Volksbad, Munich's grand Art Nouveau public baths on the banks of the River Isar. It's a joy to swim beneath the high ceilings embellished with stucco and murals.
Getting into Munich from Munich Airport - Cheap and frequent S1 and S8 trains whisk you to Marienplatz and the Hauptbahnhof (main station) in around 40 minutes.
- Some hotels run an airport shuttle service. An alternative is the comfy, inexpensive Lufhansa Airport Bus which runs to the Hauptbahnhof in 45 minutes.
Getting around on weekend breaks in Munich - On foot: The compact, sight-packed Altstadt is made for walking. Why not join one of the free English-language walking tours that begin on Marienplatz?
- Public transport: Cheap and efficient U-Bahn trains, trams and buses make getting around a breeze on short breaks in Munich. Save euros with a 24-hour pass.
