What you need to know before you go
How to get around
The easiest way to get around Munich is to use the interconnected system of U-Bahn (metro), buses and trams operated by the VMMFares are based on zones. A single adult ticket for a journey within the city of Munich, known as zone M, currently costs €3.90. Be sure to keep your validated ticket until the end of your journey, in case you are checked by inspectors. If you are heading to the suburbs beyond the city, you can take the S-Bahn, and for journeys further afield in Bavaria and beyond, there are regional trains and the ICE, the intercity express. You may also prefer to rent a car.
The currency
Germany uses the Euro (EUR). As of September 2024, 1 USD was worth €0.91.
International Adapters You Will Need
German sockets accept two types of plugs: the type C plug, which is simple and has two round pins, and the type F plug, which has the same round pins as well as two grounding clips. The standard voltage is 230 V, with a frequency of 50 Hz.
When to plan your visit
Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy a milder climate. If you want to visit Munich Christmas marketsThese usually open in late November and run until December 23 or 24. Despite its name, Oktoberfest lasts 16 to 18 days, from mid-September to early October, but if you are not If you are interested in the festival, it would be better to come to town at another time, when Munich is not as crowded.
Do's and Don'ts When Visiting Munich
If you see naked bathers in the English Garden or on the banks of the Isar, don't stand there in awe. Look your drinking companions in the eye when you clink glasses with a “Prost!” A friendly greeting at the entrance to shops and restaurants is “Servus” or “Grüß Gott”.
Your fun dinner in Munich
One of the most famous spots in the English Garden is a man-made wave called Eisbachwelle, which has been attracting surfers for 40 years. However, it was illegal to ride the wave until 2010. While the city now technically allows it, signs warn beginners and experienced surfers alike. The strength of the current makes Eisbachwelle not for beginners, as you’ll see if you stop and watch the pros quickly crash.
