The Beer capital of the World.

Famous for Oktoberfest, Munich is right at the heart of Europe. With cannabis getting legalized in Germany in 2024, Munich is sure to be a top destination for travelers, though it isn’t clear yet whether or not tourists will be able to even access legal cannabis.

Munich is one of the most prosperous cities in Europe. It’s the capital of the German state of Bavaria and it is the center of the German car, entertainment, and beer industries. Bavaria was once an independent kingdom, and thus, Munich has quite a few palaces and exquisite museums.

Munich’s Food Scene is Finally Taking Off

Not so log ago, a trip to Munich would mean eating mostly Bavarian fare. But these days, you can find all kinds of restaurants, from Italian paninis in the Viktualienmarkt to Boba tea shops, you can find whatever you are looking for.

The beating heart of the city is Marienplatz. It’s a large square just in front of the city hall where many tourists gather daily at 11am to watch the Glockenspiel – figures dancing to the tune of the clock bells. You can meander about this area to view great shops and well dressed locals. Just off the square you’ll find the Viktualienmarkt, an open air vendor area selling honey, beer and brats, fresh juices, and lots of local produce. There is a great coffee shop here too. Keep in mind, at peak meal times here the crowds can be wild.

Museums, Parks, and Pubs.

There are almost too many museums in Munich. If you are looking for something regal you can visit the Bavarian crown Jewels at the Residenz museum right off Odeonsplatz. You can also hop on an S-bahn (trolley) and check out the beautiful gardens at Nymphenburg palace. If you are looking for more traditional museums you can wander over to the Museum area – Maxvorstadt – and see the Egyptian museum, the Alte Pinakotek (traditional art), and the Glyptotek all clustered together. Car Lovers can check out BMW world.

Near Odeonsplatz there is a peaceful little green space to take a break. In summer, the days are long, so you can enjoy a beer or two over in the English Garten and take in some rays.

The Hofbräuhaus is a bit chaotic, just head inside and take an open seat. A server will come greet you in time. American guests might be a bit flummoxed at the speed of service. It’s a super crowded and chaotic place, you will get your beer, but you may have to wait a bit longer than you typically would in an American restaurant.

Hot tips

– The English Garden is Munich’s answer to central park. Head over here to see surfers in action.

– The Hofbräuhaus is the most most visited beer hall – it’s usually packed in here, but it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir!

– Keep some coins on you! Toilets, if you even find one, are going to charge you 70 cents to 1 euro.

– Signage is pretty bad in the Central Train station. Make sure you have a map, or directions written down in detail. (saving them as a screenshot before our move is a great way to do it as most travelers will need some time to get a temporary sim card.)

– In many parts of Germany, Sundays are days of rest. Most businesses and shops are CLOSED! You will find restaurants and some museums stay open in Munich, but if you are planning side trips, keep this in mind! For example, if the airline loses your luggage, and you arrive on a Saturday night, you might have to wait until Monday to buy some clothes…

– Many day trips are available from Munich. You can visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Teeganersee, and cities like Ulm, Augsburg, Regensburg, Salzburg, and Oberammergau.