Long considered as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Munich somehow manages to maintain an almost village feel, despite a population of almost one and a half million. A global financial and publishing hub people from all over the world live and work in the city - high migration and a large expatriate community are a testament to this.
Once the birthplace and home of composing greats Mozart, Wagner and Strauss, the city remains a major cultural centre with numerous opera houses and theatres continuing the cities contribution to modern music theatre.
Heavily damaged during allied bombing in World War II the streets are a fusion of restored pre-war buildings and impressive modern architecture neither of which detract from Munich’s aesthetics.
Munich Information
Population: Approx. 1,330,440
Time Zone: UTC +1/+2
Languages: German (official), Swiss, English
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Currency Exchange: Purchase your EUR cash and travellers cheques before you leave Australia
Munich Climate
Munich’s continental climate is exposed to high levels of rainfall and extreme temperature changes as a result of it’s proximity to the northern edge of the Austrian Alps which are just 50km away. Winter temperatures range between -3°C (27°F) and 4°C (39°F), with consistent snowfall in January. Summer experiences the highest rainfall with July averaging 127mm. Daytime temperatures reach 22°C (72°F) and fall to 12°C (54°F) overnight.
Munich Airport
Name: Munich Airport
Website: http://www.munich-airport.de/en/
Partner Airline: Etihad Airways
Car Rental: Mates rates on all car hire with our preferred partners
Around Munich
Oktoberfest is arguably the most famous of Munich’s attractions. Located in the centre of Munich at Theresienwiese, the 16-day festival attracts more than five million people each year. It goes without saying that the festival is one of the best times of year to visit and also one of the busiest; book your flights to Munich and accommodation early.
With 34 beer tents it’s not uncommon to hear the likes of “so many beer tents, so little time” - if in doubt, pay a visit to the Schottenhammel. The oldest and largest tent, the festival kicks off from here when the Mayor taps the first keg at 12 noon.
A tour of St Peters Church is a great way to burn off those Oktoberfest beers. Take the 306 stairs to the top of Alter Peter (old Peter as the locals call it) to take in sweeping views of the city and beyond. Inside the church, the gilt and gem covered skeleton of St Munditia, the patron saint for spinsters can be viewed at the side altar. It’s estimated the Christian martyr died around 310 AD in Rome and a visit to the site located at Rindermarkt 1 makes for an interesting historical experience.
With seven exhibition houses showcasing more than 90 years of BMW heritage a trip to BMW headquarters has become one of Munich’s most popular attractions, even for the non-enthusiasts. BMW Welt (world) gives a fascinating behind the scenes glimpse of automobile production. Here you can watch the assembly line and learn about the buildings innovative architecture. Am Olympiapark 2.
Surrounding Area
A two-hour train ride will have you arriving at Neuschwanstein Castle – a must see day trip for anyone visiting Munich. The inspiration for the castle in Walt Disney’s sleeping beauty; it lives up to every bit of your imagination. You can easily spend a day wondering through the princely rooms and there is plenty of accommodation in nearby townships for those wanting to stay.
Holiday Inn Munich City Center
4 Star Property
Holiday Inn Munich City Center is located within walking distance of the Marienplatz and the English Garden and approximately 25 miles from Munich Airport. Hotel amenities include the 14 conference rooms, Hoch - the Bar, Spices - the Restaurant, Bierstube (Bavarian-style restaurant), and indoor swimming pool.
Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center
4 Star Property
Whether traveling for business or fun,Courtyard by Marriott makes all of your travels successful by providing exactly what you need: spacious,thoughtful guest rooms;a hot breakfast buffet and services that help you be more productive and comfortable.
LeMeridien Munich
4 Star Property
Opposite the main railway station, Le Meridien Munich is located in the heart of Munich and approximately 22 miles from Munich International Airport. Many of the citys main attractions, including the Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, the Bavarian State Opera, and the Hofbraeuhaus, are within walking distance.
Four Points by Sheraton Munich Central
4 Star Property
The in 2010 newly renovated Four Points by Sheraton Munich Central is less than a mile from Munichs pedestrian zone, two miles from the German Museum, and approximately 28 miles from Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport. The Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest) is only 50 meters from the hotel.
Hilton Munich City
4 Star Property
The 480-room Hilton Munich City is located right in the heart of downtown and offers modern and comfortable accommodation. A direct connection to a suburban train station provides fast and easy service to the airport and the main train station.
Dining
For a traditional Bavarian meal there is no better place than Augustiner Bräustrüberl. Enjoy generous serves of typical Munich food – white sausage with sweet mustard and an oversized pretzel is a typical local’s choice. What’s more, the in-house butcher guarantees the quality of the meat making it fantastic value for money. Located at Landsberger Str. 19, it’s the oldest brewery in Munich.
The cheapest way to eat in Munich is by visiting the open air market of Viktualienmarkt. The popular food market is open each day from 8am, selling everything from fish and cheese to fresh flowers and fruit. Afterwards take your basket of gourmet goodies to one of Munich’s many beer gardens. Provided you purchase drinks on site, the owners are happy for you to bring your own food. The city itself is home to around 20, including perennial favourites the Englischer Garten and Hirschgarten.
Munich is home to more than its fair share of sophisticated eating houses and a trip to Tantris restaurant is no exception. The eight course degustation menu is German gastronomy at its best. If four hours of eating is a little out of your reach try something from the internationally themed a la cart menu. Food at the restaurant changes regularly to reflect seasonality and quality of produce but you can expect to find menu staples of duck, veal, lobster and lamb. Treat yourself at Johann-Fichte-Str. 7.
Shopping
Neuhauser and Kaufinger streets (strasse) run through the city centre and are home to numerous shops stocking popular international brands. Channel old world glamour at cosmopolitan German department store, Operpollinger. Here, the white-gloved concierge will open doors to a world of Burberry, Gucci and Prada. Get your luxury brand fix along Maximilian Street where you can shop designer boutiques Bulgari, Dior and Louis Vuitton.
Before leaving Munich make sure you head to Hermann Geschenke. Pick up kitsch Bavarian souvenirs like right of passage steins (beer mugs), cuckoo clocks and music boxes. Located at Neuhauser Str. 2.
