Munich, Germany
Munich is the kind of city where you can admire baroque architecture in the morning and enjoy a stein in a centuries-old beer hall by afternoon.
Our experience
Munich was our Bavarian touchpoint in March 2025 — a night at the Boutique Hotel Atrium before catching the train to Vilshofen to begin our Danube cruise. The capital of Bavaria is a handsome, prosperous city that balances grand history with easygoing charm: ornate squares, beer halls and gardens, world-class museums, and the Alps a short ride to the south.
Even on a brief stay, Munich’s blend of tradition and sophistication shone through. It was the ideal launch point for the river journey ahead.
Munich’s Oktoberfest was first held in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Despite the name, most of the festival now takes place in September.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Marienplatz — the historic heart of Munich, home to the New Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel.
- English Garden — explore Munich’s enormous city park, including the famous Eisbach river wave where surfers ride year-round.
- Hofbräuhaus München — experience one of Munich’s most famous historic beer halls and a classic taste of Bavarian beer culture.
- Nymphenburg Palace — visit the grand former summer residence of Bavaria’s rulers and its extensive palace gardens.
- Munich Residenz — explore the lavish former royal palace of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers in the center of the city.
- Neuschwanstein Castle — make a day trip south from Munich to one of Germany’s most famous castles, surrounded by Alpine scenery.
Our pro tip
Even on a short stop, we’d center ourselves near Munich’s old town or the main train station so the major sights are easy to reach on foot or by public transit. Munich is also a perfect springboard for the Bavarian Alps, castles, and onward train journeys — as we found when continuing to the Danube cruise ports.
If you want to stay where we did, check Boutique Hotel Atrium on Klook, located close to Munich Central Station and within easy reach of the historic center.
For one of Munich’s classic day trips, check this Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Tour from Munich on Klook, which combines two of Bavaria’s best-known royal palaces in a full-day excursion.
If Bavarian beer culture is high on your list, check this Munich Beer, Oktoberfest Museum & Hofbräuhaus Tour on Klook.
If you’re specifically planning a September visit for Oktoberfest, check this Oktoberfest Day Tour in Munich on Klook.