10 reasons why Munich should be your next travel destination

Look out, Berlin — another of Germany’s busy cities is rapidly becoming the must-visit spot for travelers seeking culture. Munich blends the cosmopolitan with the classical and has buckets of cool. Whether you’re looking to study abroad or seeking some holiday inspiration, here’s why Munich should be your next travel destination.

1. Stunning surroundings

Munich is modern, but is also home to beautiful historical landmarks. For starters, the varied classical architecture, iconic clock tower, and Gothic-style Old Town Hall at Marienplatz all support the rumor that it is one of the most beautiful squares in all of Germany.

2. Endless culture and history

Renowned museums and galleries abound, filled with artworks and curiosities of almost every subject imaginable — including transport and aviation, natural history, ancient statues, science, and both classical and modern art. Get started in Maxvorstadt quarter, home to many of Munich’s major museums.

3. Great places to catch a show

Munich has no shortage of live performance spaces and can keep any theater-lover happy. The Nationaltheater is the place to go for ballet and orchestral performances, while Deutsches Theater has a busy musical theater calendar. Be sure to visit Gärtnerplatztheater too — this beautiful 160-year-old theater has a rich history as an opera and musical comedy performance venue.

4. The unmissable Oktoberfest

At the end of September and into October, Munich transforms into the world’s largest celebration of Bavarian culture. Huge tents filled with long wooden tables pop up across the city, and fairground rides blare with music and sparkle with colored lights. Food vendors dish up delicious traditional fare, and breweries show off their favorite beers.

5. Munich boasts fantastic festivals

Beyond Oktoberfest, Munich hosts an incredible array of events throughout the year. There’s something for everyone — from seasonal markets and traditional craft fairs to flea markets where you’ll find unique trinkets. You can also attend culinary events celebrating all things delicious, and music festivals hosting local and international musicians and DJs.

6. You can surf in the city

Sure, most world-famous surfing hotspots are, of course, by the sea. But, land-locked Munich defies expectations and offers an iconic surfing experience. At the southern end of the Englischer Garten, look for the Eisbachwelle (or, the Eisbach Wave) where surfers can drop in and ride a 1-meter-high standing wave on the Eisbach river.

7. Getting around is easy

Munich might be the third-largest city in Germany, but exploring it is easy with public transport. There are two options for train travel; the above ground the S-Bahn, and the U-Bahn (subway), which connect over 150 stations across the city. Busses and trams connect the districts and suburbs. For shorter journeys, bikes and e-scooters are available.

8. Nature on your urban doorstep

In Munich, you can both live a cosmopolitan life while still getting your nature fix. The city is peppered with green spaces — from tiny green oases to sprawling urban parks like English Garden and Flaucher, which follow the winding Isar River. Each park has its own vibe, so it’s worth exploring a few. For a glimpse of exquisite classical garden design and an actual palace, visit Schlosspark Nymphenburg. Alternatively, take a stroll along the trails surrounding the iconic sports stadium at Olympiapark München, a favorite venue for sporting events and concerts.

9. Access to stunning German countryside

Munich is a great base for exploring the beautiful Bavarian countryside. For example, Starnberg is a lakeside town just a short train ride south of the city, known for its classic Bavarian architecture and views over the region’s mountainous landscape. Here you’ll find peaceful alpine scenery, a quieter pace of life, and plenty of opportunities to hike, cycle, swim, kayak, or cruise on the lake.

10.  There are hidden gems everywhere

Glockenbachviertel is a picturesque and lively area filled with trendy bars and a top spot to find hidden gems. Explore the streets leading away from Gärtnerplatz to stumble across unique cafés, chocolateries, and clothing boutiques. Haidhausen, known as Munich’s French Quarter, has a small-town atmosphere, local restaurants, and family-run stores. Schwabing is the artists’ quarter and is filled with independent galleries, eclectic boutiques, and cafés.