Munich travel guide

Germany

Bavaria's capital pairs grand museums and palaces with beer gardens under chestnut trees. It is orderly and green, with the Alps close enough for a day out.

Essentials

Language
German; English widely spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Plugs
Type F, plus two-pin Type C; 230 V
Emergency number
112 (fire and ambulance), 110 (police)
Tipping
Rounding up or adding about 5 to 10 percent is usual; say the total you want to pay when you hand over money.

Rough daily budget

Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:

Last reviewed: October 2026

Where to stay in Munich

Getting around Munich

The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses are run under one ticketing system, and paper tickets marked for validation must be stamped in the machines before you travel; app tickets need no stamp. The centre and the riverside are easy to cover on foot or by bike.

Best time to visit Munich

May to September for beer gardens and lake swimming; late September to early October is Oktoberfest, when prices and crowds peak.

Top things to do in Munich

What to eat in Munich

Day trips from Munich

Local etiquette

Wait for the green signal before crossing, keep out of marked bike lanes, and expect most shops to close on Sundays. In beer gardens it is normal to share a table if you ask first.

Staying connected

German SIMs need ID verification when activated, EU visitors roam at home rates, and Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés but patchier on public transport.

Staying safe

Munich is one of the calmer big cities in Europe; keep an eye on belongings in crowds, especially during Oktoberfest. Cyclists move fast, so look before stepping into a bike lane.

A local tip

Watch the river surfers on the Eisbach standing wave at the southern edge of the Englischer Garten, when the wave is running.

Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.

Meet people in Munich on Waypacker

Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Munich for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Munich, you could be one of the first hosts.

Questions about Munich

What currency is used in Munich?
Munich uses the Euro (EUR).
What is the emergency number in Munich?
In Munich, call 112 (fire and ambulance), 110 (police).
When is the best time to visit Munich?
May to September for beer gardens and lake swimming; late September to early October is Oktoberfest, when prices and crowds peak.
How much does a day in Munich cost?
Roughly $70-100 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $170-250 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
Is Waypacker free to use in Munich?
Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?
Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
Can I meet locals in Munich without staying with anyone?
Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
Will anyone see my exact location?
No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

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