Munich is famous for its beer halls, restaurants, Neo-Gothic architecture, Oktoberfest, and Christmas markets. This is one of my favorite cities in Central Europe, so I’ve created the ultimate Munich trip planner to help you plan an epic trip.

The Ultimate Germany Travel Guide

Pro Tip: Cash is king in Munich. Credit cards are usually accepted in international hotel chains, high-end restaurants, and boutique or department stores. But be prepared to pay with cash everywhere else.

Munich is also a great “home base” for exploring more of Central Europe. So if you have time, here are the best weekend getaways from Munich.

Here’s the ultimate Munich trip planner!

When To Go

June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for high prices and crowds. Book your accommodation and tours as early as possible to save money and ensure availability. Summer has warm daytime temperatures in the 80s, but the evenings can be chilly, so bring a light jacket.

December is also a peak travel month because of the holidays, Christmas markets, and festivities. So if you plan to visit this month, bundle up, and book early.

Oktoberfest is from the end of September through early October. If you want to partake in this world-famous event, book your accommodation at least a year in advance and your tables as soon as possible. The rest of September and October is a shoulder season. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. Accommodation rates will drop, and the crowds will have thinned.

November and January – March is the off-season when you can have Munich practically to yourself. Snow is expected from November – March, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many tour companies and restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance. You can also score great accommodation deals during these months.

April and May are shoulder months when wildflowers and the city’s gardens start attracting visitors again. Daytime temperatures will be in the 40s – 70s, and you’ll want layers for the cold mornings and evenings. Rain is common during these months, so always have a rain jacket.

What To Do

Do a walking tour of the Old Town.

See the Glockenspiel show at the Neues Rathaus.

Have a picnic in the Englischer Garten.

Explore the Marienplatz.

Do a beer tour.

Shop at the Naschmarkt.

Climb to the top of St Peter’s Church.

Marvel at the Frauenkirche.

Tour the BMW Museum.

Explore Olympiapark.

Have a drink at Hofbräuhaus.

Tour the Alte Pinakothek, one of the world’s oldest art galleries.

Where To Eat

German: Halali ($$$$), Alter Simpl ($$-$$$), Gorreshof ($$-$$$).

My Favorites: Augustiner (Beer Hall, $$-$$$), Tantris (International, $$$), Hans im Gluck (American, Bar, $$-$$).

Breakfast: Caffe Da Me ($$-$$$), California Bean ($$-$$$), Trachtenvogl ($$-$$$).

International: Ruen Thai (Asian, $$-$$$), Nero Pizza (Italian, $$), Cotidiano (Mediterranean, $$-$$$).

Fine Dining: Johannas (International, $$$$), Essence (French, $$$$), Atelier (European, $$$$).

Cheap Eats: Hofbrauhaus (Beer Hall, $$), Mr. Pancake (American, $), Schmalznudel – Cafe Frischhut (Cafe, $).

Where To Stay

I stayed at the Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, a lux, trendy hotel that’s owned by Hyatt.

Munich has incredible accommodations for every budget and preference. So from boutique hotels to modern retreats to historic mansions, I’ve rounded up the best hotels and vacation homes in Munich.

Best Day Trips

Neuschwanstein Castle: This is the most famous castle in the world, and it’s just a short drive from Munich. Be sure to walk across the Queen Mary Bridge, have lunch in the town at the base of the castle, and walk up to the Hohenschwangau Castle.

Salzburg: Located just a short drive or train ride from Munich, Salzburg is the perfect city for a day trip. When you’re here, the top activities to do are a walking tour of Salzburg’s Old Town, visiting The Sound of Music filming sites, riding the Festungsbahn funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, and touring the Stiegel brewery.

Nuremberg. This is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria that’s famous for its beautiful Gothic buildings. The best things to do here are to walk along the preserved walls of the city and explore the castle in the city center that gives you incredible views.

The Eagle’s Nest. Also known as the Kehlsteinhaus, this mountaintop fortress in Austria was once a meeting place for Nazi party members. Now, it’s a stunning landmark with a restaurant, beer garden, and some of the best views in the country. The Eagle’s Nest is closed in the winter.

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This Munich trip planner is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Munich trip planner are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Munich trip planner are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this Munich trip planner.