A Complete Guide to Exploring Munich on a Budget

Though Munich is known as Germany's priciest city, filled with upscale restaurants and luxury hotels, there are still plenty of budget-friendly options for visitors.

While the main attractions can be expensive, there are numerous ways to enjoy the city without overspending if you know where to find them.

From taking advantage of museum discounts to uncovering the best spots for a quick meal, here’s how to enjoy Munich without stretching your wallet.

Understanding Daily Expenses in Munich

• Hostel dormitory bed: €23–35

• Standard room for two: €155

• Public transport ticket in the city center: €3.90

• Coffee: €4

• Small pretzel: €1.50

• 1-liter beer at a beer garden: €8–10

• Dinner for two: €55–110

Plan your visit to catch the best museum deals

On Sundays, many of Munich's premier museums charge only €1 for entry, making it a perfect opportunity for budget-friendly culture. Participating museums include Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, and Museum Brandhorst, although standard fees apply for special exhibitions.

Several cultural venues provide occasional free entry, including Haus der Kunst, which waives its fees on the last Friday evening of each month from 4 PM to 10 PM. Arrive early to beat the crowd.

Explore the city via public transport tours

Instead of the typical open-top sightseeing buses, you can use Munich's regular public transport. A convenient choice is the number 100 bus (also a double-decker), which travels from the central station to Ostbahnhof, passing many of the city’s key attractions.

Stops include the grand squares of Königsplatz, Odeonsplatz, and Prinzregentenplatz, along with several major museums.

A single ticket for the inner city (Zone M) costs €3.90 and is valid for two hours in one direction, allowing you to hop on and off quickly—long enough for photos, but likely not enough time to fully explore any museums.

Forego the palaces and enjoy the grounds instead

Bavaria boasts a stunning array of castles and palaces, with several exquisite examples located within Munich. Although most buildings require an admission fee, the grounds are usually free to access, offering a wonderful glimpse into the city’s history.

Be sure to visit the vast park surrounding Nymphenburg Palace in the western part of the city, complete with swans, a canal, and a Venetian gondola service during the warmer months.

Enjoy stunning views of the city for just a few euros—and a bit of climbing

For an affordable bird's-eye view of Munich, make your way to the city center and ascend the tower of St. Peter’s Church. For only €5 and a little cardio, you can reach the viewing platform atop its 92m (301ft) tower. The effort of climbing over 300 steps is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the old town, the surrounding city, and—on clear days—the distant Bavarian Alps.

Bring your own food to a Munich beer garden

Most beer gardens in Munich permit you to bring your own picnic-style food as long as you purchase drinks on-site. This custom originates from a royal decree in 1812 that allowed breweries to sell beer directly to patrons, while food sales were restricted to prevent competition with local taverns.

Some guests arrive with full Tupperware containers filled with side dishes, while others might just carry a couple of dips to enjoy with a large beer garden pretzel. If you're planning to bring your own meal, steer clear of establishments that resemble restaurants or offer table service.

Avoid visiting during Oktoberfest unless you're there for the beer

Attracting massive crowds each year, Munich’s iconic beer festival significantly impacts hotel prices and availability. If you’re not planning to join the festivities, it's wise to stay away during this time—coming a few weeks earlier or later lets you enjoy the city without the throngs or inflated prices.

Enjoy Oktoberfest-like experiences without the extra costs

While Oktoberfest is undoubtedly the largest celebration in Munich, it's not the only folk festival the city hosts. The festival season kicks off in April with the beloved Frühlingsfest (spring festival), which takes place at the Oktoberfest grounds. You can expect a similar array of beer tents, traditional Bavarian attire, and amusement rides, but with fewer international tourists and a lower chance of inflated hotel prices.

Grab local snacks for an affordable lunch on the go

Sampling classic Bavarian snacks can make for a budget-friendly, authentic lunch. To find local favorites, visit one of the city’s many butcher shops for a Leberkässemmel (meatloaf sandwich) or stop by a bakery for a warm butter pretzel. For a sweet treat, indulge in a deep-fried Schmalznudel (similar to a donut) from the popular Schmalznudel – Cafe Frischhut.

Share a budget-friendly evening beer with locals by the river

In Munich, you can find everything from upscale cocktail bars to traditional beer halls for your drinking pleasure. However, when the weather is nice, many locals opt to enjoy a few cold takeaway beers by the Isar River instead of spending money on pricier venues.

Spending an evening by the river not only helps you save money but also allows you to experience Munich like a local. As the sun sets, the riverbanks come alive with people, many pausing for snacks at riverside kiosks. Pick up some take-out beers from a grocery store and join in on the fun.

Enjoy a day in the park for free

You can spend plenty of time outdoors without spending a dime beyond the river. Munich boasts numerous expansive green spaces, such as Englischer Garten, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, and Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Both are perfect for exploring, exercising, picnicking, or simply lounging on the grass.

At the southern edge of Englischer Garten, you’ll discover one of Munich’s most intriguing attractions: an artificial river wave where skilled surfers showcase their talents. Watching them provides endless hours of free entertainment.

Determine which transport ticket suits your needs best—and plan ahead

Single fares for Munich’s public transport can be pricey compared to a one-day or one-week travel pass. Download a fare chart from Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (MVV) to compare options. If you anticipate taking three or more trips in a day, it’s wise to purchase a Tageskarte (day ticket), valid until 6 AM the next morning—costing €9.20 for unlimited downtown rides versus €11.70 or more for three single tickets.

It’s also beneficial to organize your itinerary to alternate between busy public transport days and walking days, so you won’t need a transport day ticket for every day of your stay. Group tickets can provide substantial savings as well.

Explore alternative airports, but keep in mind travel time and total costs

Several budget airlines operate flights to airports in other parts of Bavaria, like Nuremberg and Memmingen, providing an alternative to landing directly in Munich. You can then take public transport or airport shuttles to reach the Bavarian capital. However, these options may increase your travel time and costs, potentially offsetting the savings from choosing a low-cost flight. It’s always wise to calculate the total door-to-door expenses before making a reservation.