For a taste of the best that Germany’s Bavarian region has to offer, Munich is packed with great food, flavours and attractions. To soak up all you can on one of the best European city breaks out there, we’ve rounded up what to see in Munich for an amazing long weekend in Germany.
Munich’s name comes from “Monche”, the old German term for monks and the city’s religious and historical legacy is on full display as you wander around its streets.
From its origins as a Benedictine monastery and being ruled by kings, to becoming a city that offers the best of modern architecture and amazing museums. Today, this city is the ultimate blend of European culture. Discover where to see the best of it with our Munich city break guide!
If you set sail on our Hull to Rotterdam route, reaching this iconic German city for a Munich weekend break is around a day’s drive away with an eight-hour journey via the A3 motorway. This journey will take you through Bavaria’s scenic sights like its famous Black Forest which you may want to explore en-route!
What to Do in Munich
One of the best things to do in Munich is the Hirschgarten, Munich’s largest beer garden and one of the biggest in the world. This outdoor spot features seating for more than eight thousand people and its grounds were originally a hunting space for Munich’s nobility.
You can see a nod to this attraction’s history in the form of the deer enclosure in the outdoor area, making it a great location to enjoy a cold drink or two.
For a cultural destination among Munich tourist attractions, the Pinakothek der Moderne is one of the world’s largest museums for new and old art. This gallery opened in 2002 and features works from Picasso, Warhol and Matisse – it is located in the city’s “Kunstareal” or museum quarter so be sure to explore this area when looking for the best things to do in Munich.
You may want to visit during Oktoberfest if you’re planning on partying your way through your Munich sightseeing schedule. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest times of year in the city so be sure to book your accommodation and travel well ahead of time.
Getting around Munich
Along with exploring on foot, Munich’s public transport makes navigating the city simple. Since 2019, rental e-scooters have been a popular way to get around in Germany so anyone over the age of 14 may want to explore Munich this way.
Munich’s U-Bahn is another great way to get around as its subway network connects lots of the city’s main attractions. This network is divided into Munich zones and Zone M is where you’ll find lots of the city’s central sights.
Munich’s Weather
If you’re looking for the warmest Munich weather when you visit, July is the month to go. The coldest time of year is between November and March when average daily highs are under 7°C.
Visiting the traditional Christmas markets is a great way to see some of the city’s traditional heritage during the colder months but make sure to wrap up at this time of year with temperatures dipping as you wander around.
Best Places to Stay
For your long weekend in Munich, our picks for the best places to stay are in the historical Aldstadt or Old Town and Haidhausen, known as the French Quarter.
For a combination of great shopping, stunning architecture and royal history, Aldstadt is the place to be with plenty to do nearby – the Mercure in this area is a conveniently located stay for city breaks with prices from £100 per night.
If you want a relaxing stay in one of the city’s quieter areas, Haidhausen is close to the river and packed with comfortable places to stay like the Hotel Prinz München at around a cost of £125 per night.
Where to Eat in Munich
This European destination is a culinary hotspot and it’s definitely worth sampling some of the best German dishes at the best restaurants in Munich while you’re in town.
Augustiner Klosterwirt serves up traditional German dishes with Bavarian interiors over two floors. The pork roast and great German beer with apple strudel to finish are a local favourite.
Or to enjoy a meal at another of the best places to eat in Munich, Haxnbauer is located in a fourteenth-century site and known for delicious pork knuckles and its “haxen” or veal joints so be sure to pay a visit while you’re in Munich!
