Is Munich Expensive to Visit? My Honest Review & Cost Breakdown 2025

Whenever people ask me about Munich, one of the first questions is always the same: “But isn’t Munich super expensive?” And honestly, I get it. Even within Germany, Munich has this reputation, that it’s a city where you need deep pockets to live or even just to visit.

I’ve been to Munich a few times now, both as someone who grew up in Germany and more recently as a traveler coming back for Christmas and summer trips. And since so many of you have been asking about prices, I thought it was finally time to put together a little cost breakdown of my own trips. That way you can get a realistic idea of what to expect and see if Munich really deserves its “expensive” label.

In this guide on ‘Is Munich Expensive’, I’ll walk you through some of the biggest costs (like hotels, food, and activities) and share exactly what I spent on my most recent trip to Munich.

Is Munich Expensive – My Experience & Quick Answer

Since I grew up in Germany, I’ve visited Munich a few times, first with my family when I was younger, and more recently as a proper tourist. My last trips included a summer visit a couple of years back and, just this past winter, a big Christmas road trip through Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, and of course Munich.

Having seen Munich in different seasons and compared it to other big German cities, I feel like I can give you a pretty good answer to the “is Munich expensive?” question. And my honest answer is: yes, a little. 

Compared to Berlin or Cologne, I’ve always found Munich to be slightly pricier, especially when it comes to accommodation, restaurants, and activities.

That being said, it’s not “USA-expensive,” if you know what I mean. You’re not going to pay €8 for a latte, and museum tickets or attractions are still relatively affordable. It just adds up quicker than in other German cities.

The good news? It doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of planning (and depending on the time of year), you can absolutely keep it budget-friendly. I’ve managed to find decent hotel rooms for around $60 a night, and a fresh sandwich from a German bakery will only set you back about $4. So yes, Munich leans on the pricier side, but it’s still very possible to do it on a budget.

1. Hotels & Accommodation in Munich

What I spent on hotels in Munich (Christmas trip):

Hotel: Maximilian Munich
Total cost: $297 per night × 3 nights = $891 total
Split between 2 people: around $445 per person for the weekend

So yes, Munich hotels can get pricey, especially around Christmas or Oktoberfest. For this trip, we wanted something a little more special, so we stayed at the Maximilian Munich, which was on the higher end of what I’d usually pay. But since it was a festive trip, we decided to treat ourselves.

That said, Munich doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve stayed at more affordable places before, and one of my favorites is the Gambino Hotel Munich, which is still modern and stylish but usually comes in well under $100 a night. I’ve also stayed at the Leonardo Hotel Munich City South, which is another good mid-range option that tends to be cheaper than staying right in the city center.

💡 Important tip: Prices in Munich can change drastically depending on the time of year. During Oktoberfest, hotels often sell out months in advance and can be double (or even triple) the normal price. The same goes for the Christmas season, when everything is extra festive but also extra expensive. If you’re visiting during these times, definitely book early.

2. Food & Drinks

What I spent on food & drinks: around $50–60 per person per day (this includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and snacks).

When it comes to food, I always try to strike a balance between going out for nice meals and just grabbing something simple. I’m definitely not the kind of traveler who needs three sit-down restaurant meals a day, it’s not necessary, and honestly, I don’t want to spend that much money either.

In Munich, I usually mixed things up. One day, we’d head to a beer garden for lunch and a couple of beers in the sun, which meant I’d keep breakfast cheap. Another day, maybe we’d splurge on a proper café breakfast, and then I’d grab something light and inexpensive for lunch. Dinner, though, is usually when I treat myself to a sit-down restaurant.

For quick and budget-friendly meals, bakeries are my go-to. German bakeries are everywhere, and they’re practically a cultural institution. You’ll find croissants, pastries, danishes, and proper sandwiches, and most of the time I’d spend no more than $5 per person.

Munich can definitely go both ways here. If you want to splash out, there are Michelin-starred restaurants and fancy rooftop bars. But if you’d rather keep it affordable, bakeries, cafés, and casual beer gardens will keep your costs reasonable. Personally, I prefer to mix both depending on the day, and that $50–60 range per day felt pretty accurate.

3. Transportation Cost

What I spent on transportation in Munich: around $10 total for the whole weekend (trams and local trains).

Transportation costs in Munich were basically non-existent for me because I love walking everywhere. If you’ve read any of my other travel guides, you’ll already know this about me, I truly believe the best way to explore any city is on foot (and yes, I’ll die on that hill).

To make that possible, I usually book my hotel somewhere in or near the city center so I can walk to most places. In Munich, that worked out perfectly. I only hopped on the tram or local train a couple of times, for example, when visiting Nymphenburg Palace, but for the rest of the weekend, I just strolled through the city.

This section only covers transport within Munich though. For day trips, like Neuschwanstein Castle or Salzburg, I booked organized tours, so I’ve added those costs under “Activities.” Of course, renting a car for day trips is also an option if you prefer a little more flexibility.

4. Activities in Munich

What I spent on activities (per person, approximate):

Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip: $100
Salzburg Day Trip: $100
Dachau Concentration Camp: $50
Museums & Tours in Munich: $50
Total: Around $300

Activities in Munich are where the bulk of your budget can go, but honestly, they’re worth every penny. On my most recent visit, I didn’t do all of these again (since I’d already done them before), but if you’re visiting Munich for the first time, chances are you’ll want to pack in as many as possible.

The big-ticket items are the day trips: Neuschwanstein Castle is basically a must, Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is incredibly moving and important to see, and Salzburg is so easy to reach that it would be a shame not to add it to your itinerary. Inside Munich itself, there are plenty of smaller but still fun activities too, like touring the Munich Residenz, popping into museums, or visiting BMW World if cars are your thing.

Personally, I’d rather save money on accommodation and spend more here, because these experiences are what you’ll remember most from your trip. 

If you’re planning your activities in advance, I really recommend booking through GetYourGuide. I’ve used them all over Germany and found it the easiest and most reliable way to book tours.

5. Seasonal Extras (Oktoberfest & Christmas Markets in Munich)

A lot of people, me included, come to Munich with a special festivity in mind, whether that’s the world-famous Oktoberfest or, like me last year, the cozy Christmas season. I personally had the best time here at Christmas because I’m a sucker for German Christmas markets. They’re rustic, authentic, twinkly, and full of mulled wine and sausages, basically everything I love wrapped in fairy lights.

• Christmas Markets: Christmas markets themselves don’t cost anything to enter. You can technically just wander around enjoy the atmosphere for free. Realistically though, you’ll want to eat and drink. I usually budget around $5–6 per item, so an evening at the markets ends up being maybe $25–30, which also doubles as dinner. Not bad for an entire evening of festive fun.
  
• Oktoberfest Munich: Oktoberfest, on the other hand, is a bit of a different story. I haven’t been myself (yet!), but here’s what you should know: there’s no entrance fee, so you can wander the festival grounds for free. But once you step into the big beer tents, things add up quickly. Expect to pay around $15 for a beer (but hey, it’s a full liter) and a similar amount for a hearty meal. How much you spend is really up to you and how many liters you can handle.

One important thing to note for both: Accommodation. During Christmas markets, prices are a little higher. During Oktoberfest, they skyrocket. Hotels in Munich can sell out a year in advance for Oktoberfest, so if you’re planning to go, book as early as humanly possible.

FAQs About Travel Cost Munich Germany

Where should I visit, Munich or Berlin?

Tough call. If it’s your first time in Germany, I’d lean towards Munich. It has that “stereotypical German” vibe (which is really Bavarian) with beer gardens, traditional outfits, castles, and mountains.

Is Munich worth visiting?

Absolutely. If you’re coming from overseas (say the USA or Australia) and only have time for one city, Munich is an excellent choice. It’s charming, walkable, and gives you that classic “Germany” feeling.

When is the best time to visit Munich?

If you’re not fussed about Oktoberfest or Christmas, I’d say spring has perfect sightseeing weather without extreme crowds. That said, Christmas in Munich really is magical, with its traditional architecture, cozy atmosphere, and some of the best Christmas markets I’ve ever visited.

Is Christmas in Munich worth it?

100% yes. Christmas in Germany is always special, but Munich takes it up a notch. The markets here are super charming, and the whole city feels like it belongs in a snow globe.

Final Thoughts: Is Munich Expensive for Tourists?

In short, yes, Munich is a little pricier than other German cities like Berlin or Cologne. That’s just the reality. But it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can keep costs down by:

• Staying a little outside the city center.
  
• Grabbing cheap meals from bakeries instead of sitting down for every meal.
  
• Picking and choosing which activities to splurge on.

For reference: my last Munich weekend trip came to around $750 per person, but that was because I splurged on a pricier hotel. If I’d stayed somewhere more budget-friendly, I could have kept it closer to $500.

I hope this breakdown on is Munich expensive gives you a good idea of what to expect cost-wise and helps you plan your own Munich adventure.

Check Out My Other Munich Travel Guides

Is Munich Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Munich: My Munich Season Guide

Things to Do in Munich: My Favorite Activities

Is Munich Expensive: My Munich Budget Guide

3 Days in Munich Germany: Munich 3 Day Itinerary

Food in Munich: A Munich Restaurants Guide

Where to Stay in Munich: My Favorite Areas & Hotels