Munich is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. The ochre facades of the churches, the pastel colours of the stone and the monuments give it a very Italian air. It's a curious mix of this great city, so Germanic and so Latin at the same time. It would be enough if it were just a little less rigorous to make you feel like you were in Italy. A surprising, endearing, seductive city with its large and wide arteries of a great capital, its sumptuous monuments, its luxurious shops, its typical brasseries in the shade of the arcades. The streets are huge, the pedestrian is king and cars are forbidden in the old historical centre. There is no need to travel many kilometres to sunbathe on the lawns of a park, fish for trout in the river or swim in the land of five lakes. Munich is a city of culture, with the old town and its many internationally renowned museums attracting thousands of tourists from all over Europe and beyond. Munich is a city with an artistic and cultural tradition that has developed over the centuries, especially during the reign of Ludwig I of Bavaria. Once the permanent residence of the powerful Wittelsbach dynasty, which ruled Bavaria until 1918, it has acquired magnificent architectural works in which all styles are mixed, from rococo to baroque, Renaissance, Jugendstil or Art Nouveau... But Munich is also a place to stroll along the Isar, in the alleys of the English Garden or to sip a beer on the terraces of the Biergarten in summer. In winter, the authentic Gasthöfe(inns) will welcome you in a popular and festive universe. Originally, Munich, München in German, takes its name from Mönchen (monks) who lived there in the 12th century. It is the third largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg (1.54 million inhabitants at the last census). Munich is of course famous for its traditional beer festival(Oktoberfest in German) which takes place every year from the end of September to the beginning of October, an institution. Most of the buildings date from the 19th century, especially from the reign of Maximilian II. The Allied bombing in 1945 caused great damage to the city, but it was completely and remarkably renovated during the American occupation. Munich is internationally known for its collections of ancient and classical art. The Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Brandhorst Museum and the Lenbachhaus are among the most renowned museums in the world. The Deutsches Museum (German Science and Technology Museum) is one of the most visited museums on the continent, with more than one million visitors per year. Munich has long been an important economic centre in Germany and Europe, home to major companies such as EADS, Siemens, Allianz, BMW, Hypovereinsbank and Münchner Rückversicherung. The industry is focused on tourism, vehicle and machine construction, electronics and the software industry

What to visit Munich?

When to go to Munich?

The most pleasant time to discover Munich and its colors is of course from May to October. The temperatures are mild (even hot!), the amount of sunshine is the highest despite the high rainfall in the middle of summer. The beginning of the year is the coolest period... but also the driest.

The countryside is beautiful in autumn if you take a few trips to the region.

November and December are perfect for strolling through the Christmas markets. There is a unique atmosphere during Advent in Germany, but beware of the crowds in the city center, the stores and the markets! The beer gardens are only open on sunny days.

Also keep in mind that the daylight hours decline faster than in France and many travelers from the west are surprised to see nightfall coming so quickly: as a result, you will have to give up many outdoor activities.

Munich and the Alps under the snow are worthy of a fairy tale, but German roads in winter pose a lot of problems for French motorists who often drive without adapted tires.

Finally, theOktoberfest (the Beer Festival, during thesecond half of September) is a peak in the city's tourist activity. If you like beer and such events, go there. If you don't come for the beer, there is no point in coming at this time.

Use the map to see the lowest prices at a glance:
See prices on map

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Weather all year round

The city of Munich is subject to multiple climatological influences. It is located in a transition zone between the humid Atlantic climate and the dry continental climate. The proximity of the Alps and the Danube also influences the climate of the city. The Föhn wind blows warm, dry air into the city from time to time. Munich is also frequently hit by severe thunderstorms. It can be very hot. In winter, the city is often covered with snow, but paradoxically receives very little rainfall.

Jan.
-5° /
Feb.
-5° /
Mar.
-1° /
Apr.
/ 14°
May
/ 18°
June
11° / 21°
Jul.
13° / 23°
Aug.
12° / 23°
Sept.
/ 20°
Oct.
/ 13°
Nov.
/
Dec.
-4° /
Budget

The euro is the official currency of Germany. The cost of living is similar to that of major Western cities, except for public transportation and restaurants in the evening, which are much more expensive. ATMs are widely available and many establishments accept credit cards.

Procedures

As a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, Germany allows any EU citizen to stay or reside in the country without any restrictions. A valid identity document is sufficient. The French driver's license is also valid on German soil.

For non-EU citizens, a valid identity card issued by the competent authority of the country of residence. A residence permit is no longer required.

Health

There is no particular risk involved in traveling to Germany. And even if no vaccinations are required, make sure that they are up to date. In any case, the health and hygiene conditions are excellent. For European citizens, goodbye to the E111, E128, etc. forms, the European Health Insurance Card has replaced the multiple forms since 2006! This card guarantees that you will be covered under the same conditions as Germans and that medical expenses will be reimbursed on the spot or very quickly after your return.

How to go to Munich? Our advice & tips

There are many tour operators that offer stays. The most common ones are getaways (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights) and long weekends. Prices vary depending on the means of transportation chosen and the time of booking; last minute offers are the most interesting. In Munich, because of the location, there are many cultural trips, but the prices are higher. There are also getaways to visit the surrounding Bavaria.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

It is very easy to travel alone in Munich. There is plenty of public transportation and hotels to choose from. To avoid wasting too much time waiting in line in front of each monument, consider buying your tickets in advance on the Internet or on site the day before. You can also save time by buying tickets for a few extra euros. Munich is also a great city for families.

Munich has a strong and dense public transport network. Buses and trams share the roadway while the U-Bahn (metro) and S-Bahn (RER) occupy the basement. The rate depends on the distance travelled and the mode of transport. Courteous, smiling, friendly, numerous even on Fridays and Saturday evenings, Munich taxis are simply the opposite of what we know in France and especially in Paris.

Organize your trip with our partners Munich
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Munich travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Munich

Hôtel de ville de Munich. Mapics
Hofgarten. Lawrence BANAHAN - Author's Image
Bain de soleil au bord de l'Isar. Lawrence BANAHAN - Author's Image
Munich vue depuis l'Olympiaturm. Lawrence BANAHAN - Author's Image

Discover Munich

When to travel?

The most pleasant time to discover Munich and its colors is of course from May to October. The temperatures are mild...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

The city of Munich is subject to multiple climatological influences. It is located in a transition zone between the h...
Read more about it

Budget

The euro is the official currency of Germany. The cost of living is similar to that of major Western cities, except f...
Read more about it

Formalities

As a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, Germany allows any EU citizen to stay or reside in the count...
Read more about it

Health

There is no particular risk involved in traveling to Germany. And even if no vaccinations are required, make sure t...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

It is very easy to travel alone in Munich. There is plenty of public transportation and hotels to choose from. To av...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

There are many tour operators that offer stays. The most common ones are getaways (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and...
Read more about it

Getting around

Munich has a strong and dense public transport network. Buses and trams share the roadway while the U-Bahn (metro) an...
Read more about it

Send a reply