Kate Mann

I have lived in Munich for almost a decade and am still discovering different sides to this famously traditional city. When friends and family come to visit, we’ll of course visit the Old Town and other main attractions, but I also like to show them some lesser-known spots, such as the former Olympic Village or Bahnwärter Thiel, an alternative cultural space popular with street artists.  Outside of Oktoberfest, you’ll find many other events and smaller folk festivals taking place, not to mention regular flea markets held in neighbourhood backyards. Whenever you visit, Munich has everything you need for a city break, and I’d say three days is enough to get a good overview. Here’s are some suggestions to get you started.  RECOMMENDED:📍 Our guide to where to stay in Munich🍻 The best places to drink beer in Munich🍴 The best restaurants in Munich 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Munich Kate Mann is a writer based in Munich. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

You’ll be able to soak up Munich’s energy and atmosphere from almost anywhere in the city, but each neighbourhood comes with its own charm and selling points. Head to Altstadt for its architectural grandiosity, Maxvorstadt for its exceptional collection of museums or family-friendly Haidhausen for a quieter stay away from the centre of town.  Key questions to ask before booking include: river or parks? Traditional tour or edgier alternatives? Big night out or time to catch up on some sleep? If travelling during Oktoberfest, it’s also important to consider how close to the event you’d like to be. Whatever your vibe, we’ve created the ultimate neighbourhood guide for your first (or tenth) time in Munich.  RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Munich🏢 The best hotels in Munich🏡 The best Airbnbs in Munich📍 Our essential Munich travel tips Kate Mann is a writer based in Munich. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Germany, you are glorious. The country sits deservedly at the top table of European travel, with a thrilling range of cities, towns and villages waiting to be enjoyed. The table analogy there isn’t entirely random, as the best restaurants in Germany are among the finest on the continent.  From Hamburg to Munich via Berlin, Frankfurt, and all the rest, German cuisine is a delicious ride through the recipes of the past and the diversity of the present. Tradition and innovation are best buddies here, learning from each other and satisfying diners each step of the way. The portions are often mighty, to say the least. Don’t forget your appetite, that’s all we’ll say. RECOMMENDED📍 The best things to do in Germany🍴 The best restaurants in Berlin💡 Hamburg travel tips every first-time visitor needs to know At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Sure, the Austrian alps are pretty well known for skiing. And so they should be: this impressive section of Europe’s mighty mountains sweeps across much of Austria from west to east, characterised by rugged granite outcrops, spectacular glaciers and summits over 3000m (9,843 feet).  But it’s not just skiing you should venture to this magical wonderland for. Find winter sports in abundance, and in the summer, plenty of opportunity for hiking, biking, and twirling round meadows à la Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. On our list of the best places to visit in the Austrian Alps, we’ve got everything from national parks and beautiful lakes to charming old towns and winding alleyways. And yes, lots and lots of skiing too. Here are its can’t-miss spots.  RECOMMENDED:🇦🇹 The best things to do in Vienna🏨 The best hotels in Vienna📍 The best things to do in Salzburg⛷️ The most affordable ski holidays in Europe Kate Mann is a travel writer who has travelled extensively in Austria. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Sure, your primary activity in Munich might be sampling Bavarian beer, but don’t forget to check out the food scene here too. If the locals should be known for one thing, it’s not letting you go hungry; particularly when it comes to classic German fare in traditional pubs (think pork and dumplings). Trust us on this one: you’re going to want to leave your tightest trousers at home. But there’s more to sample in this city too, thanks to different international influences and several under-the-radar chefs. In fact, you’ll find everything from Mediterranean to Mexican, Austrian to Asian. Here are our local writer’s favourite restaurants in Munich, right now.    RECOMMENDED:🍺 The best places to drink beer in Munich🍷 The best bars in Munich📍 The best things to do in Munich🚂 The best day trips from Munich This guide was recently updated by Kate Mann, a writer based in Munich. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

What is the Viktualienmarkt? Once a humble farmers’ market, open-air Viktualienmarkt now has around 100 stalls selling everything from locally roasted coffee and vegetables from Bavaria, to gooey French cheese and exotic fruits. Many locals head here for lunch, with options including Italian-deli style sandwiches and modern Hungarian cuisine. Is it worth visiting? It’s certainly worth it for the food, but that’s not the only reason people come here: in the middle of it all is a beer garden which serves beer from Munich’s six main breweries on rotation, and in our opinion, it’s one of the best spots in the city for excellent people-watching.  How expensive is Viktualienmarkt? Prices vary depending on the produce. The delicate handmade cakes and pastries from stylish patisserie Lea Zapf will set you back more than a bakery pretzel, for example, but are worth every sweet crumbly bite. A cheap lunch option would be a Leberkässemmel (meat in a bun) for around 3 euros, while the popular baked potatoes from Caspar Plautz start from €7.50.  What days (and times) is it open? The market is open from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm, but some stalls close earlier or stop serving hot food after lunchtime. A number are also closed on Mondays.  Time Out tip If you’re in town over late November or December, the Viktualienmarkt hosts an annual Christmas Market, Alpenwahn, complete with carols, home-made cards and gifts and lashings of glühwein (mulled wine). What can I find nearby?  Thanks to