Essential information for your trip to Munich

Munich, the third-largest city in Germany, blends beer culture with technology, art, and unique charm. It's generally a safe destination, with few issues reported by travelers.

While using common sense is important, our tips will help ensure your visit to Munich is even more enjoyable.

Be mindful of shop hours

Germany enforces strict business hours, and most shops are closed on Sundays. Locals typically reserve Sundays for rest or family time. For essential groceries, gas stations, kiosks, and supermarkets in major train stations or at the airport are available and exempt from this rule. These venues also have extended hours during the week, closing by 8 PM, while some bakeries and museum gift shops operate on Sundays.

Public holidays follow the same hours as weekends; if a holiday lands on a Saturday, stores will remain closed through the weekend. Plan your shopping accordingly.

Keep some cash on hand

While many establishments in Munich accept cards, smaller shops, market stalls, and local eateries like bakeries and butcheries primarily operate on cash. Additionally, you may encounter ticket machines on public transport that only accept coins. To avoid a rush for the tram or missing out on delicious pastries, it's wise to always have some euros handy.

Book your restaurant reservations in advance

If you have your heart set on dining at a specific restaurant, it's wise to secure a table before your trip. Whether it's beloved local spots like Broeding or renowned establishments like Tantris and EssZimmer, popular dining venues fill up quickly. This is especially true on Friday and Saturday evenings, where you might be turned away without a reservation.

Bring clothing suitable for any weather conditions

Munich's weather can shift rapidly, so it's essential to pack a variety of accessories. Sweltering summer afternoons might surprise you with sudden rain or thunderstorms, while chilly winter mornings often necessitate gloves and sunglasses. Always check the forecast before you go, but be prepared for anything.

Familiarize yourself with the local dialect

Munich is a cosmopolitan city, and many locals speak English, but knowing a few German phrases can be helpful in less touristy areas. You might encounter a strong local accent in certain neighborhoods.

Be aware that phrases like 'Servus' and 'Gruß Gott' are often used as greetings instead of 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag' in some regions.

Observe traffic signals, especially the green pedestrian light

In Munich, it’s common to see pedestrians waiting patiently at crosswalks, even when there’s no traffic in sight. Jaywalking is against the law in Germany and may incur a small fine; however, the local commitment to following rules makes this regulation largely unnecessary. Those who choose to cross on a red light might face disapproving looks, hushed comments, or even stern remarks from those waiting—especially when children are present.

Be ready to announce your tip to everyone at the table

At bars and restaurants, your bill will be brought to you at the table, where you’ll also make your payment. Before you hand over your cash or card, calculate the total you wish to pay (including a tip of around 10%) and clearly announce this amount to the waiter and anyone nearby. Tips are usually included in the bill; leaving money on the table may not reach the staff.

Be aware of potential mark-ups on your drink purchases

If your grocery bill or drink round feels pricier than expected, it might be due to the Pfand (deposit). In venues like beer gardens or Christmas markets, a small fee is typically added per glass to incentivize the return of empties to a designated area after use. These deposits are often refunded via a token given at the time of payment.

In grocery stores, kiosks, and beverage shops, a smaller deposit usually applies to bottles and cans. You can reclaim your deposit by returning empty containers either to the same store or others that accept them. Some stores feature machines that scan empty bottles, issuing a receipt for reimbursement at the cash desk.

Be meticulous about purchasing tickets for public transport

Instead of ticket barriers at stations, Munich’s public transport relies on strict spot-checks conducted by plain-clothed staff. Traveling without a valid ticket on buses, trams, and trains can lead to substantial, non-negotiable fines. For detailed information about fines, visit the Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (MVV) website.

When you're traveling, it's best to purchase your ticket as soon as possible—either at the station or, if that's not an option, from an onboard machine right after you board. In some cases, you'll also need to validate (entwerten) your ticket after buying it. Keep an eye out for the small blue validation boxes in stations or on public transport where you can stamp your ticket.

Ding ding! Beware of fast-moving cyclists

Munich features a highly effective network of bike lanes, which you can find in downloadable maps online. These lanes are typically situated beside the road or partially on the sidewalk. It’s easy to inadvertently step into a bike lane, but this is strongly discouraged.

Many cyclists, particularly those on e-bikes, can reach high speeds and might not stop in time. Family bicycles equipped with boxes for kids can be quite heavy. Fortunately, all bicycles must have bells by law, and riders are not shy about using them—if you hear a ding, quickly step aside!

Yes, the water here is safe to drink

The beer is fantastic, but the tap water is excellent too. It's wise to rehydrate after a big night enjoying Bavarian brews. You can safely drink the tap water in Munich, which can also help alleviate a hangover.

Munich is mostly safe, but stay alert and aware

Known for its safety, Munich rarely sees serious issues for travelers. In fact, in certain neighborhoods, it's not unusual to see bikes left unsecured or notes on lampposts asking about lost phones or valuables.

That said, as a large city, you should remain vigilant with your bags and pockets in crowded places and transport stations. Exercise caution at night and steer clear of dimly lit areas or parks when alone.

Forgot something on the tram?

If you leave an item on public transport, you have a few options to recover it. In western Munich, visit the Munich Transport Company (MVG) Lost and Found Center (Fundbüro), where many items are returned. You can also use their online search tool to check for lost belongings before your visit.

Keep these numbers handy in case of emergencies…

If you find yourself in a serious situation in Munich, call 110 for the police or 112 for any emergency services. The police are typically approachable, helpful, and many officers speak English.

Ready to start planning your Munich adventure? Here are the next steps:

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