Munich holidays

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival and is celebrated around the world. But Munich is where this fine excuse to drink beer first started. Join the revellers in Munich over two weeks each year – usually at the end of September to early October, but check the dates before you travel – for parades, music, food and drinking. You don’t need tickets, but it can get busy, so book a table in a festival tent ahead of time to make sure you get in.

A long-held tradition in Munich is a twice-daily glockenspiel show in Marienplatz. As the bells of a mechanical clock on the town hall begin to chime, 32 life-sized figures act out a story. It’s a quaint and slightly kitsch way to spend 15 minutes. Marienplatz is at the heart of the old town, so stop here to see many other landmarks during your city break in Munich. Climb the New Town Hall’s tower for fab views too.

The Eisbach River in the Englischer Garten has gained a worldwide reputation for river surfing. In fact, experienced surfers have been doing it for decades. It’s brilliant fun to watch, and you can catch surfers navigating the currents and rocky riverbed in all weathers. Quite a crowd of spectators can gather – try to join them on your trip to Munich.

The Eisbach River in the Englischer Garten has gained a worldwide reputation for river surfing. In fact, experienced surfers have been doing it for decades. It’s brilliant fun to watch, and you can catch surfers navigating the currents and rocky riverbed in all weathers. Quite a crowd of spectators can gather – try to join them on your trip to Munich.

Good for: Nightlife, restaurants, multicultural, central location

Wander through streets lined with art nouveau buildings, visit the green oasis of the Englischer Garten, relax in bohemian cafes and unearth paper-bound treasures in indie bookshops. Schwabing-Freimann is where to stay in Munich to be near boutiques, wine bars and student life.

Good for: Restaurants, bars, shopping, green space

Munich’s centre of art, culture and knowledge, Maxvorstadt is one of the best areas to stay in Munich. Brimming with museums, galleries and universities, this neighbourhood is home to the architectural marvel of the Siegestor arch. You’ll also find Munich's art district, Kunstareal, here. Bustling Turkenstrasse is lined with quirky shops and cafes, while Konigsplatz is a spot to watch concerts during the summer.

Good for: Culture, galleries, shopping, restaurants

Travelling with kids? The best things to do with family in Munich include museums like the Deutsches Museum and outdoor adventures at West Park. Spark young imaginations with a guided visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, or run around the gardens of Nymphenburg Palace. Hellabrunn Zoo is always a winner too.

Potter around the city’s shops for big-name brands, Bavarian clothes and local foodie delicacies. Shopping in Munich starts in Marienplatz, the square in the city’s historic centre. Designer goods and locally made crafts can all be found here. Don’t miss the Viktualienmarkt, a famed local market selling food, beer, cheese and flowers.

The sense of history is palpable as you walk through Munich’s streets. The Munich Residenz is a majestic palace worth a tour. There’s a choice of museums in Munich too, and Pinakothek der Moderne is a favourite for its contemporary and modern art. Lager fan? The Beer and Oktoberfest Museum is for you.

Although it has a quiet side, Munich is renowned for its beer halls and clubs. Hofbrauhaus is the most famous beer hall in Munich, with a history dating back over 400 years. Lowenbraukeller and the pretty Cafe Gans am Wasser are other great options. There’s a cluster of clubs in Munich around Maximiliansplatz, or head to Jazzbar Vogler for sultry jazz in a speakeasy.

Restaurants in Munich serve traditional Bavarian cuisine and other flavours unique to the region. Augustiner Keller is a time-honoured option for local cuisines, while modern Bavarian tapas are served at Bapas. Munich’s dining scene has an array of international flavours too – try the Michelin star-adorned Turkish restaurant Pageou or the eccentrically styled Mexican restaurant Blitz.

Wandering through Englischer Garten, one of the world’s largest urban parks, is a great way to start if you’re looking for free things to do in Munich. Football fans can watch the FC Bayern Munich team train for free at their training ground on Sabener Strasse; you’ll need to check the practice schedule ahead of time. Visiting in August? Catch a free outdoor concert in Olympiapark.