Is Munich Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

One of my favorite cities to visit in Germany is definitely Munich. And as someone who grew up near Cologne, it honestly hurts me a little to say this, but I have to admit that Munich is the most beautiful of all our major German cities.

The city has everything: a picture-perfect old town, stunning palaces and castles, and so much greenery that it feels almost unfair to the rest of Germany. 

I’ve visited Munich several times now, both in summer and around Christmas, and every time I’m reminded why I love it so much. The culture in Munich and Bavaria in general feels so different from where I’m from that, even as a German, I catch myself feeling like a proper tourist.

I know a lot of travelers head to Munich for Christmas markets, Oktoberfest, or summer beer gardens, so I figured it’s time I finally put together some guides. 

In this article, I’ll answer the most basic question: Is Munich worth visiting? I’ll share what I personally love about the city, but also a few things I didn’t enjoy as much so you can decide for yourself whether to add Munich to your Germany itinerary.

Is Munich Worth Visiting – My Experience & Quick Answer

I’ve been to Munich a few times now. Since I grew up in Germany, it was one of those major cities I got to visit once when I was younger, and then more recently I returned for both Christmas and a summer trip.

I honestly really enjoy Munich and Bavaria in general, because it feels like the region with the most “classic” German culture, if that makes sense. 

Compared to where I’m from, Munich is full of old architecture, people still wear traditional clothes, the food is hearty and local, and of course, the beer gardens and beer halls are second to none.

When I visited in winter, Munich felt straight-up magical. Standing in Marienplatz with the giant town hall looming over the sparkling Christmas tree is exactly how I want my German Christmas to be. And because Munich feels so traditional, the Christmas markets here have that rustic, authentic charm (unlike in Berlin, where they can sometimes feel a little more commercial).

In summer, Munich was just as special. I basically lived in the beer gardens, wandered endlessly around the old town, visited Nymphenburg Palace, had beers along the Isar River, and even watched the surfers at the Eisbachwelle in the English Garden. 

Honestly, I enjoyed Munich just as much in the summer as I did in winter and I think that says a lot about the city. If I can have a great time no matter the season, that’s a solid thumbs up in my book.

What I Really Like About Munich Germany

History and Culture in Munich

From my experience, Munich and Bavaria in general have some of the deepest cultural roots in Germany. Every time I visit, it honestly feels (and yes, a little cheesy) like stepping back in time. 

You see locals still wearing traditional clothes, cobblestone alleyways winding through the old town, and these massive churches and palaces towering over everything. Where I grew up in Germany, you don’t really see that as much, so visiting Munich always feels like experiencing a more “stereotypical Germany”, and I love that.

Beer & Food in Munich

The food culture here is just unbeatable. For me, that includes the beer gardens. There’s nothing better than sitting outside with a cold beer and a plate of hearty Bavarian food, it just hits the spot every single time. 

But Munich isn’t only about rustic charm; it’s also Germany’s poshest big city. So, I also love going to a fancy rooftop bar when I’m here. Munich pulls off both traditional and modern food and drink scenes equally well.

Day Trips from Munich

As much as I enjoy Munich itself, one of its best perks is how many incredible day trips you can do from here. I’ve gone to Neuschwanstein Castle (yes, the famous fairytale one), visited Dachau concentration camp, and even hopped across the border to Salzburg, Austria. Using Munich as a base made it really easy to explore way beyond just the city.

Christmas Markets in Munich

Since I grew up in Germany, I’ve been to more Christmas markets than I can count, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, you name it. But Munich always stands out to me. I’m a huge fan of Christmas in Germany (arguably it’s when the country feels its most magical), and the markets are a big part of that. You just don’t get that same cozy, authentic atmosphere anywhere else in the world, well, except maybe Austria or Switzerland.

And honestly? Munich has some of the best Christmas markets in Germany. From the big, glittering one on Marienplatz in front of the New Town Hall to the smaller, more local-feeling ones in neighborhoods like Haidhausen, they all have their own charm.

Oktoberfest

For many of you, and honestly for me too, one of the biggest reasons Munich is worth visiting is Oktoberfest. Now, confession time: I’ve actually never been to the original Oktoberfest in Munich, only to the smaller copycat versions in other cities (which are still fun, but not quite the same). The real thing is still very high up on my bucket list!

What I Don’t Like About Munich

Munich Can Be A Bit Posh at Times

I hate to lean into stereotypes, but there’s definitely a certain reputation people from Munich (and Bavaria in general) have in the rest of Germany. Let’s just say, sometimes it feels like people have their noses a little higher up than in other cities. Not everyone, of course, but I’ve noticed it a few times and it matches the stereotype more than I’d like to admit.

Munich is on the Pricey Side

Munich is also one of the most expensive German cities I’ve visited. From hotels to restaurants to just your average daily spending, I almost always end up paying more here compared to places like Cologne or Hamburg. It’s not enough to ruin the trip, but it’s definitely something to budget for.

Things to Do in Munich Germany

Wander the Old Town: Munich’s Altstadt is such a joy to explore. I love strolling through the cobblestone streets, taking in the mix of little alleyways and grand architecture. The real highlight for me that amazes me every time is Marienplatz with the massive, New Town Hall.

Viktualienmarkt: This is one of my favorite spots in Munich. The Viktualienmarkt is basically a big farmer’s market right in the old town, but with a distinctly Bavarian twist. I always end up sampling local specialties here like sausages, cheeses, and baked goods.

Nymphenburg Palace: I’ve been to Nymphenburg Palace a few times now, and it’s stunning. The gardens are perfect for a summer stroll, though I can imagine it looks just as magical in winter when it’s dusted with snow. Either way, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Day Trips from Munich: One of the best things about Munich is how many fantastic day trips you can do. I’ve been to Neuschwanstein Castle (the Disney one, basically), Dachau Concentration Camp (somber but important), and we even hopped over to Salzburg, Austria, where they filmed The Sound of Music. Each trip was so worthwhile and made Munich an even better base.

Rooftop Bars: I’m a sucker for a good rooftop at sunset, and Munich has plenty. Sitting with an Aperol Spritz on a warm summer night, looking out over the city, is honestly one of my favorite memories. My top picks are Frau im Mond and Dachgarten auf dem Gasteig.

BMW World & Museum: I’m not exactly a car fanatic, but I still had a great time here. They’ve got everything from classic models to futuristic concept cars, and it’s surprisingly fun to see. If you’re traveling with kids (especially ones into cars), this is a solid stop.

Best Places to Stay in Munich Germany

If you’ve read any of my other travel guides, you probably know by now that I’m a huge fan of walking everywhere when I travel. For me, exploring a city on foot is always the best way to get to know it. 

That’s why I always make sure to stay somewhere in the city center, so I don’t have to start my day by figuring out trams or the subway. Nothing kills the morning vibe faster than waiting underground for a U-Bahn (even though public transport in Munich is really good) when I could already be sipping a cappuccino in a café around the corner.

Munich has some fantastic neighborhoods that are central yet still feel distinct. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Old Town (Altstadt), you’re right in the middle of all the action, steps away from Marienplatz. But I also really like Maxvorstadt, a trendy, artsy area that’s still within walking distance of the Old Town. 

Another of my favorite areas in Munich to stay is Haidhausen, a super charming neighborhood filled with leafy streets, cafés, and bars, and also very central. Whenever I stay in Munich, I always make sure I’m in one of these three areas.

Here are a couple of hotels I can recommend if you want to stay in the heart of it all:

Book Here: Cortiina Hotel Munich

Book Here: Maximilian Munich

FAQs About Is Munich Worth Visiting

When is the best time to visit Munich?

Honestly, it depends on what you’re after. I’ve been to Munich in both summer and winter, and each has its charm. Neuschwanstein Castle in the summer is gorgeous, but seeing it dusted with snow in the winter feels straight out of a fairytale. You can’t go wrong either way.

Are there good Christmas markets in Munich?

Serious question? Munich has some of the most rustic, authentic, and atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany. The one right in front of the Town Hall is especially magical with the towering tree, glowing lights, and that classic Bavarian vibe.

Is Christmas in Munich worth it?

Definitely. Munich is such a traditional and cultural city that Christmas here feels charming and authentic, more “old-world Europe” than “over-the-top Santa spectacle.”

What is the best hotel in Munich?

There are plenty of great options, but my favorite so far is the Maximilian Munich. It’s cozy, beautiful, and in a fantastic location within walking distance of most major sights.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Munich

Overall, I’m a huge fan of Munich, and if I’m being honest, I think it’s one of the most worthwhile cities to visit in Germany. When people imagine “typical Germany,” they’re usually picturing Bavaria: castles, mountains, traditional clothes, beer gardens, sausages, and pretzels all of which Munich delivers in spades.

Even for me as a German, coming here feels like stepping into another world as cheesy as it sounds. I’m always blown away by the architecture, the palaces, and the energy in the beer halls and how much more cultural and traditional it feels here.

So, is Munich worth visiting? For me, it’s a clear yes, 100 times yes. It’s beautiful, cultural, traditional, and probably exactly the Germany you want to experience.

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