Munich
Germany
Backpacking Munich
Information on Munich, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, and home to centuries-old buildings with unique Bavarian heritage. It is the largest city in southern Germany and 3rd overall in Germany. Munich is famous for its annual 2 week beer drinking festival called Oktoberfest. If you’re not there during the festival it’s not to worry as all the Oktoberfest beer brewers have beer houses open all year, where you can get the food and the huge beers and the festive experience. The city is host to a beautiful historic city center, large parks and gardens, hearty German food, and beer halls filled with friendly people. Located an hour away from the Alps, the city is also known for it’s gorgeous museums and royal palaces. At night you’ll find the streets energized with activities and social life. Outside of Munich you will find gorgeous villages, the Neuschwanstein castle, the inspiration for Walt Disney’s castle, and the beginnings of the Alps. Traveling around Munich will give you a different look at German culture. The city has a lot to offer backpackers & travelers and is also an incredible base for people visiting other places in Bavaria. The must see’s and do’s below are no where near complete but we can help fill in your travel itinerary with other top spots!
Must See
Marienplatz - The main square of Munich and the hub of the Old Town for over 900 years. The Square is lined with historic sights and the quirky Glockenspiel – a cuckoo clock-style statuette show that takes place on the front wall of the New Town Hall each day. Designed in a Neo-Gothic style, the New Town Hall was built around the turn of the 20th Century, and its ornamental touches and spires are striking.
Nymphenburg Palace - Built as a summer home for royalty located on spectacularly landscaped grounds on Munich’s west side. The original residence was one solitary Italian villa-style mansion, but generations of residents extended the palace’s facade to its current sprawling version. The palace, its gardens, and surrounding park remind many of Versailles.
Must Do
Oktoberfest - Mid/late September to early October is when the Oktoberfest takes place. With both beer and traditional German food available in huge abundance, there are few places with at atmosphere quite like it. If you are someone who enjoys their beer and likes a lively party atmosphere, there isn’t a better time to visit Munich.
Hofbräuhaus - Munich is home to the original Hofbräuhaus. It was founded in 1589 by the Duke of Bavaria, and is home today to a year-round Oktoberfest atmosphere featuring classic Bavarian cuisine, traditional music, and fun times with a crowd full of international tourists and locals alike.
Nightlife
Munich is a good mix between pubs, breweries and clubs, being one of the larger German cities. There are so many famous breweries and pubs here that we recommend spending nights in Munich listening to the live music drinking beer opposed to going clubbing as the late night party scene is much better in many other cities. If you do want to go listen to dj’s and dancing then we can recommend two districts Schwabing and Glockenbachviertel where you can find clubs that are still a good time!
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