MUNICH, GERMANY — Some people fall in love with the city at first sight.
But with Munich, Germany’s third largest city, it takes a little more time. But on leaving the plane and breathing in the fresh alpine air, visitors to this city, located on an elevated plain just north of the Alps mountain range, realize that this place will make its mark on them.
While Munich’s high tourist season is in autumn, when the city’s famous “Oktoberfest” folk festival is held, it is better to visit in spring, when its streets are less crowded.
Munich is the capital of Bavaria, a federal state of Germany located some 580 kilometers south of Berlin. Surrounded by the Bavarian Alps and lakes,
Munich is a top destination for those who love hiking and outdoor activities.
The city, which name means “by the monks,” can be a base for trips to the Alps, while its rich history and authentic German cuisine available in restaurants on every corner make it a place to visit in its own right.
That said, Munich has the highest standard of living in Germany and is therefore a pricier city for living and visiting.
A room at a modest three-star hotel in Munich costs from 50 euros per night and more, depending on location and season. An apartment with one bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and a balcony costs from 45 euros per night.
Even with its population of nearly 1.5 million people, Munich does not feel crowded. Still, not everything in this city is accessible by foot.
Transport
In Munich, as almost everywhere else in Germany, things work strictly to the rules. It’s hard to find a grocery working on Sunday, a cafe that works until the last client leaves rather than shutting at closing time, or even a pedestrian jaywalking.
“Alles ist in Ordnung,” or “Everything is in order,” as the Germans say.
The transport system is no exception: buses and trains run on time, and traffic jams in the city center are rare.
The public transport system is well-organized and there are no ticket punches in buses or in the metro. However, ticket inspectors check buses and trains regularly, and the fine for not being in possession of a valid ticket is 60 euros. It’s better to play it safe and buy a ticket.
Tickets are usually sold in machines installed at every station. A one-day ticket costs about 7 euros, while a three-day ticket for one person costs nearly 17 euros.
Other than that, it is better to purchase a group ticket when traveling to Munich with a friend, as a three-day group ticket costs less than 30 euros.
Taxis in Munich cost the same as in other German cities: a trip from the airport to the city center (a distance of about 40 kilometers) costs 60–70 euro, at a rate of 1.50 euros per kilometer.
Food
In comparison to Berlin, where one can find lots of great Vietnamese, Indian, Turkish and Mexican places, Munich has more restaurants offering only traditional German food.
For those not so enamored with Bavarian cuisine, which consists mainly of sausages, roasted pork, pretzels (salty bun shaped like a twisted knot) and cabbage salads, the city has not so much to offer.
There are good Italian restaurants and some not-so-good Chinese places for a hungry tourist who wants to take a break from the sausages and cabbage — but why come to Munich if not tuck in to some authentic traditional Bavarian fare, and, of course, beer.
Don’t be surprised to see people drink beer even in the early morning. In Munich, beer is part of a traditional Bavarian breakfast.
A plate of two white sausages made of pork meat with spices, a dollop of sweet mustard, a medium-sized pretzel and a glass of nonalcoholic beer — this is how people start their mornings in Munich.
Although eating out in Munich is pricier than in other German cities, all portions are generous and usually big enough to share. The average price of a Bavarian breakfast varies from 8–15 euros; a lunch consisting of schnitzel, French fries or potato salad costs 15–30 euros, and a two-course dinner with a glass of wine can cost up to 50 euros per person.
Other than that, visitors should remember that drinking alcohol on the streets is permitted in Germany, and people are allowed to smoke in restaurants, so be prepared for the smell of cigarettes at almost all of the city’s eateries.
A man stands on top of Jubilate Cest mountain at Bavarian Alps near Gamisch-Patenkirchen on April 28, 2013. Gamisch-Patenkirchen is a ski town located 80 kilometers southeast of Munich. | (AFP)
Museums, sightseeing
Architecturally, Munich is a feast for the eyes, and the city’s central square, Marienplatz, named after its monument to the Virgin Mary, is the perfect place to start exploring the city.
While “all roads lead to Rome,” all of Munich’s roads, at least in the medieval Old Town in the center, lead to Marienplatz. There is little chance of getting lost, and no need to pay 20 euros for the hop-on, hop-off bus tours around the city — Munich is a paradise for those who love walking.
The city center is crowded with historical attractions for tourists: Munich’s oldest church, St Peter’s, the late Baroque Asam church, the imposing Frauenkirche, built in the 15th century, the Munich National Theater, and the city’s oldest food market, Viktualienmarkt.
When wandering Munich’s main streets, do not forget to stop by the English Garden, which is one of the world`s largest urban parks that stretches for 3.7 kilometers north from the city center along the banks of the River Isar.
The BMW museum, dedicated to the history of the famous German automobile company, whose headquarter is located in Munich, is a must-visit as well.
The museum is located eight kilometers from the city center and is less crowded on weekdays. The price of a single ticket to the BMW museum is 13 euros, while a family ticket for two adults and two children costs 29 euros.
Outside the city
After several days of sightseeing in the city, it’s worth visiting Munich’s surrounding areas. When leaving the urban area, one quickly finds oneself in a completely different world of spectacular and beautiful landscapes.
Since Munich only about 60 kilometers north of the Alps, the giant mountains can been seen from almost every point in the city.
To go hiking in Munich and see Germany`s highest peak, Zugspitze, take the train from Munich main railway station to the ski town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, located some 80 kilometers southeast of Munich.
A one-way train ticket to Garmisch-Partenkirchen costs 22 euros per person.
Apart from that, it takes just a 30-minute on the S train from Marienplatz to Starnberg, a small town some 26 kilometers southwest of Munich, to view the Starnberger See — Bavaria’s second largest lake.
However, there is no need to throw a coin into the lake and make a wish to come back, as whoever comes to see Munich at least once, always returns.
How much will it cost? A three-day trip to Munich will cost over 500 euros.
Flight to Munich from Kyiv: The average price of a ticket starts from 120 euros.
Cost of hotel, rented accommodation: The price for a hotel located not far from the city center starts from 150 euro per night, a night at a three-star hotel in the outskirts costs from 50 euros. The price for renting an apartment starts from 45 euros.
Food per person, per day: About 60 euros per day.
Transport: 7 euros per day in the city.
Entertainment, museums, other attractions per day: About 30–45 euros.
