Munich

Munich is a city of charming contradictions. It's the heart of traditional Bavaria in Germany, where beer is culture and lederhosen aren't just for costumes, but it's also a sleek, modern, and incredibly efficient metropolis. The vibe is "Gemütlichkeit"—a unique German word for a feeling of coziness and warmth—mixed with a palpable sense of order and prosperity. It's clean, green, and often more relaxed than visitors expect.

Munich offers several standout reasons to put it on your list. First, access to culture is phenomenal; you can spend days wandering through the art collections in Maxvorstadt, from Old Masters to modern design. Second, it's the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, making stunning nature and fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein an easy day trip. The beer garden culture, though, stands out as a major draw. It's not just a tourist trap; it's a way of life here. Grabbing a one-liter Maß of Helles beer and a pretzel in the English Garden on a sunny afternoon is a core Munich experience you just can't replicate.

Bavarians can seem a bit reserved at first glance, but they're genuinely proud of their city and traditions, and warm up quickly. Don't be shy about sharing a beer garden table; it's expected and a great way to meet locals. While German is the official language, you'll find English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and in the service industry. Still, learning a few phrases like "Grüß Gott" (a common Bavarian greeting) and "Danke" (thank you) goes a long way and is always appreciated.

Bavarian cuisine is hearty, satisfying, and very pork-forward. You absolutely have to try a few things while you're here. You absolutely have to try Schweinshaxe (a massive, crispy pork knuckle) and Weißwurst (a traditional white veal sausage eaten before noon with sweet mustard). Of course, you can't leave without having a giant Brezn (pretzel). For a fantastic culinary overview, the Viktualienmarkt is an excellent choice—an open-air food market with dozens of stalls selling everything from cheese and sausages to fresh juices and lunches. A meal at a traditional beer hall will typically cost you between €15-€25. Expect to pay around €5-€7 for a half-liter of beer in a city center beer garden. During Oktoberfest, a one-liter Mass will cost between €14.50 and €15.80.

Munich's infrastructure is, in a word, superb. The public transport system (MVV) is a marvel of German efficiency—it's clean, punctual, and connects the entire city with a network of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses. A car isn't necessary here. Internet is fast and reliable, and you'll find modern amenities everywhere. The city is incredibly clean and well-maintained. The only real shock might be the cost; it's one of Germany's most expensive cities, so be prepared for higher prices on things like accommodation and dining.

You'll most likely fly into Munich Airport (MUC), or Franz Josef Strauß Airport. From there, getting to the city center is incredibly easy. The S-Bahn (suburban train) is often the easiest option. Both the S1 and S8 lines head directly into the city, taking about 35-40 minutes to reach Marienplatz (the main square). It's efficient and straightforward, with a single ticket costing around €13.60. The Lufthansa Express Bus is another solid option that goes to the Hauptbahnhof (main train station). Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are available, but a taxi to the city center can cost between €60-€110, depending on traffic and service (some fixed-rate services may offer lower prices). Note that Uber in Munich operates through a licensed taxi fleet, rather than private drivers.

The public transport system, the MVV, is your best friend in Munich. It's a unified system, so one ticket works for the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. Get a Tageskarte (day ticket)—a Single-Tageskarte Zone M costs €9.70, or a Gruppen-Tageskarte Zone M for up to five adults costs €18.70, which is a great value if you're traveling with others. For most tourist activities, a ticket covering Zone M is all you need. Remember to validate your ticket in the blue stamping machines before you board for the first time! Central areas like the Altstadt are very walkable, and bike sharing is also incredibly popular and a great way to see the city.

Munich is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Germany and Europe. It's generally very comfortable to walk around, even at night. The primary risks are the same as in any major city: be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist spots like Marienplatz and on public transport. While there aren't any specific neighborhoods to avoid entirely, like anywhere, just be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night around the Hauptbahnhof area, where you might encounter more transient individuals.