What do you think is more challenging, strapping on Lederhosen for the first time or planning your trip to Munich? If you are already comfortable in your trousers but you’re struggling with your trip, we’re here to help you out.
Before you head out to explore the heart of Bavaria, let us provide you with some much-needed stats like who likes to visit, why people are obsessed with the city, what not to do, and where a Munich tour guide can make the most out of your trip.
Already feeling a rush of anticipation when thinking about your upcoming travels? Then keep reading!
Welcome To Munich, The World City
Munich is the third largest city in Germany (after Berlin and Hamburg) and the 11th largest city in the European Union. In 2021, over 3 million visitors crossed Munich off of their travel bucket list, and this number has been on the rise again, with overnight stay numbers in 2022 nearing pre-pandemic levels.
Despite Munich’s small population, Germans call it “Millionendorf” (a village of a million people) due to its easy going atmosphere and heartwarming people. No wonder it was ranked as one of the most friendly destinations in Europe. With that in mind, let’s dive deeper into why Munich is such a sensation to us.
Travel fact: The city was also ranked the second most friendly place to study in Germany and 11th on the Quality of Life Index in 2023 worldwide.
At A Glance: Tourism Statistics In Munich
- Munich typically sees 1.7 million to 2.4 million MICE (business visitors) each year.
- In 2022, Munich had over 16 million overnight stays - twice as many as in 2021.
- Tourist Arrivals climbed up to 6.9 million in 2022 - circa 80% of 2019.
- The number of monthly tourists was over 719,000 in October 2022, very close to pre-pandemic times (733,000 in 2019)
Why We Love Munich
Munich is an urban gem for all the right reasons. Let’s plunge into why Munich likes to take the throne on every “Germany-top-destination”-list.
- Green Spaces - Whether you fancy feeling like a prince strolling through the Munich Botanical Garden, or crave soaking up the energy of the English Garden, there is no shortage of marvelous nature.
- Rich Cultural Heritage - History lives and breathes through the many museums, so dive in and experience Munich’s past in the German Museum or immerse yourself in the city’s presence in the Pinakothek der Moderne!
- Bavarian Traditions - Munich would not be Munich without Dirndl, Lederhosen, Beer Culture, and, of course, the Oktoberfest.
- Innovation And Technology - Also called the European Silicon Valley, Munich is known for its solid economic network with companies like BMW or Siemens.
- Music and Opera - Home to extraordinary musicians like Richard Strauss, Munich’s classical music scene is vibrant and draws in countless visitors to the Bavarian State Opera every year.
- Sports Culture - Having one of the biggest soccer clubs in the world with FC Bayern München as their figurehead, Bavarians are very proud of their sporting success and equally proud of their astonishing arena.
P.S: This is not only on the list because it’s my favorite soccer team, I promise!
Travel Tip: Munich is also known as a true fashion hub! With brands like Bogner, Allude Cashmere, or Etienne Aigner, there are plenty of boutiques that will make your fashion heart pound faster!
The Stay
A symphony of history and modernity, Munich’s charm is unbeaten. This is why these enchanting arrays of overnight destinations should definitely be on your list!
- Schloss Nymphenburg
- Viktualienmarkt
- Ludwigsvorstadt-Isar Stadt
- Schwabing
- Marienplatz
The Food
Hungry from exploring the city? There are some must-have foods that you should try out!
- Weisswurst - A classic staple in Munich cuisine, this customary sausage holds a special place in the heart of every Bavarian.
- Schweinshaxe - This traditional roasted pork is as hearty and flavourful as it looks!
- Leberkäse - Also spelled Leberkäs or Leberkaas, this delicious meatloaf is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Fun Fact: Despite having the German names for cheese and liver in its name, it does not contain either of those.
- Spaetzle - These irregularly shaped noodles are loved in Bavarian cuisine for their rich versatility since they can be served alongside meat, as a soup, or baked as a gratin.
- Knoedel - Similar to Spaetzle, the versatility of these Bavarian dumplings makes them a beloved dish among Germans. Sweet or savory? Knoedel does both!
Travel tip: Don’t know what to try out first? Then contact our expert guides, who will help pave the way for a mouth-watering trip through Munich!
The Weather
With its mild spring, warm and pleasant summer, colorful autumn, and chilly winter, Munich’s annual weather gives plenty of reasons to visit throughout the year. When should you visit, you ask? Since every season has its charm, it’s really up to what you want to get out of your journey! In any case, here’s what's coming for you:
- -3°C - 24°C (25°F to 75°F) is the average temperature throughout the year.
- July ( hottest month) with an average of 17.5°C (64°F)
- January (coldest month) with an average of -1°C (30°F)
- 950 mm (average rainfall) per year. The wettest month is May, with an average of 40mm of rain.
Travel Tip: If you visit Munich in the fresher months of the year, don’t forget to check out the spectacle of the Munich Christmas Market. Enjoy your Glühwein (mulled wine)!
Who Else Loves Munich?
Not only do the 6 million + expected numbers of Oktoberfest every year speak volumes, but by being number 20 of the most visited cities in all of Europe, we can confidently say that tourism is a thing in Munich!
Interested to know which nationality also loves to visit Munich? Coming in at number 1 is…
- USA - Leading the list, over half a million Americans (531,984 to be precise) wanted to visit Munich back in 2019
- Italy - Coming in at number two, 287,713 Italians were eager to visit Bavaria’s capital in 2019.
- UK - 273,458 Brits and Northern Irish chose Munich as their destination in 2019.
- Austria - As Germany’s direct neighbor, 271,961 Austrians had Munich on their bucket list in 2019.
- Switzerland - Rounding up this list with another neighboring country, 252,394 travelers from Switzerland found their way into Munich’s streets.
Quick Munich Travel Trends
- 2.1 Nights: Average Overnight Stay
- 11°C: Average Temperature
- July-September: Peak tourist season
- 4.4%: Percentage that tourism contributed to Munich’s GDP in 2019
Travel Truth
Tourism definitely has its place in Munich, although the city sometimes grapples with negative repercussions:
- Tourism spreading outside of known areas proves difficult for residents
- Oktoberfest is losing its original value due to massive commercialization
- Overcrowded places, especially during peak tourists seasons
- Increasing unfriendliness towards foreigners
Life In Munich: What To Expect In The City Of Captivating Contrasts
Now that you know about the ins and outs of Munich, it’s time to show you how to get around while there:
- Public Transport - whether it’s U-Bahn, S-Bahn, or Tram, public transport will bring you to your destination, guaranteed!
Important Travel note: Tickets must be bought before starting your ride!
- Walk - Munich’s inner city circle is predestined for walking around, so bring your favorite pair of boots!
- Taxi - Readily available in the city, Munich’s cream-colored taxis are a convenient alternative to get around with ease and privacy.
Travel Tip: Use the extensive transportation network and visit places like Neuschwanstein or Salzburg. Seems cool? Contact a Munich tour guide for a day trip outside the city!
Do's & Don'ts
To ensure you’re on the right track when visiting, here are some things to consider;
What To Avoid: Red Flags For Travelers
In Germany, we have a saying that goes: “Zu gut um wahr zu sein” (which translates into: “too good to be true”). Does that count for Munich as well? Well, let’s see how the city performs safety-wise.
Is Crime high in Munich?
To get this out of the way: crime in Munich is extremely low. In 2021, Munich was even awarded the 8th safest city in the world, which says a lot. Currently, Munich has a safety index of 20.77 which is considered very low. In comparison, Munich has better crime rates than cities like Tokyo, Vienna, or Copenhagen.
Sounds pretty convincing, I know. Still, looking out for these things when you visit would be best.
- Fake train tickets & inspectors - a typical scam, people will either sell you a fake ticket or trick you, by saying yours is fake. Always buy your tickets at official vendor machines or on the official website. If someone immediately argues that your ticket is invalid and wants you to pay directly, it’s probably a scam.
- Watch out for your pocket - this goes without saying, but always keep your personal belongings close to you, especially near and around Central Station.
If you’ve reached this part of the page, you probably already envision yourself trying out Weißwurst (again, no ketchup!), cheering at a remarkable FC Bayern München win in the Allianz Arena (or is it only me?), or perusing through the beautiful English Garden.
However, you could also be caught in a web of endless tabs, the fear of being lost in translation, or despair about not crossing everything out on your Munich bucket list.
This is why we’re here. Our private Munich local guides will roll out the carpet of knowledge for you, so you can walk the streets of Munich without fear of getting lost or missing out on this one thing you've always wanted to do. Going with a tour guide, you’ll experience will be something like this:
- An exclusive tour without any strangers
- Feel like a local by getting extensive, first-hand knowledge and exposure to hidden gems
- Save precious time to really enjoy what you came for - enjoying the city
- Avoid unwanted encounters due to language barriers
- Customize your private tour so that it fits your needs
So, what are you waiting for? Make your trip to the heart of Bavaria an unforgettable one! Our Munich tour guides will be an excellent first step!
P.S Looking to travel with companions? The more, the merrier! Share this post with your friends and get them just as excited about touring Munich as you are.