Munich is most widely associated with the German beer festival Oktoberfest, which brings millions of tourists to the city every year, but by visiting during the off-peak season, you might just capture everything that this wonderful city has to offer.
From its historical centre, to its street markets, churches, museums and parks Munich truly has something for everyone.
There are plenty of things to do for free in Munich. Marienplatz marks the centre of the city and here you can visit the Rathaus (town hall), the Glockenspiel tower the famous town square which is normally filled with street artists and tourists passing through.
The English Gardens are sprawling parklands with a river running through them located right in the city centre. Perfect for a morning stroll, the gardens are filled with cyclists, runners and dog-walkers making the most of this green sanctuary amid the bustling city.
The Viktualienmarkt – farmers market – is the perfect place to stop for lunch and sample some local delights. From fresh fruit and veg, fish, hams and meats, German cheeses, wines and sweets this market has everything your taste buds have been calling out for.
If it’s a view of the city you’re looking for, then there’s nowhere else to go than St. Peter’s Church. There are almost 300 steps up a narrow staircase to the top of the tower, but the panoramic scene of the city centre at the top is more than worth it. St. Peter’s is an iconic historical and architectural landmark and only costs €2 to enter as a tourist.
The Museum Brandhorst (modern art) and the Museum of Man and Nature have entrance fees of just €1 and are the perfect distractions for a rainy day in Munich. The Museum of Man and Nature has a hands-on interactive section and is located close by the Botanical Gardens of Nymphenburg Palace.
These are just a handful of Munich’s main attractions, all of which are within in the city and are reachable by the city’s excellent transport system of overground and underground trains. A 3-day all transport included ticket costs €14 and is well worth the purchase.
Wining and dining in the city-centre can be expensive but if you’re willing to try local German eateries and the sample indigenous beers such as Paulaner, Augustiner and Löwenbräu then things can get a lot cheaper a lot faster.
Visiting Munich on a student budget is entirely possible with a large number of hostels spread throughout the city centre.
If you haven’t got your Electric Picnic ticket, and you’re looking distract yourself from that fear of missing out, flights are only €130 for four days!
Alison Ring