Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel, the Englischer Garten and the Eisbach wave, Oktoberfest facts, beer gardens, Alps nearby, S-Bahn from the airport, Christmas markets and the best months.
Munich is a large city that feels comfortable: a historic centre you can cross on foot, a huge park in the middle of town and the Alps on the horizon on clear days. This is an editorial guide for people arriving for the first time, on a holiday or a viewing trip. We list what visitors tend to notice and, where we could check it, the source behind the fact.
1. Marienplatz and the New Town Hall
Marienplatz is the central square, dominated by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall, built between 1867 and 1909 to a design by Georg von Hauberrisser. The Glockenspiel in the tower plays daily at 11:00 and 12:00, and from March to October also at 17:00 (the city's tourism pages; check them for changes). It is a short show with mechanical figures, and the square fills up a few minutes before.
2. A huge park in the middle of the city
The Englischer Garten covers about 375 hectares (local tourism sources), which makes it one of the largest city parks in Europe. Its meadows, paths and streams start close to the old town, so a walk from the centre to the park takes only a short time. In summer people sunbathe, play music and swim in some of the streams.
3. Surfing on a river in the city
At the edge of the park, the Eisbach stream forms a standing wave next to the Prinzregentenbrucke bridge. The wave was closed after a fatal accident and then disappeared after maintenance work in autumn 2025. On 8 May 2026 the city of Munich allowed surfing again under conditions: experienced river surfers only, at their own risk, with a self-releasing leash and a second person watching from the bank, and no surfing after 22:00. The surfers can only ride it when a surfable wave actually forms, so it is worth checking the city's notices. For visitors, it is a spectacle to watch from the bank; do not enter the water.
4. The beer garden tradition
Munich's beer gardens are part of everyday life. The beer garden at the Chinese Tower in the Englischer Garten has about 7,000 seats (muenchen.de). In traditional Bavarian beer gardens, guests often bring their own food and buy only the drinks, but the rules differ from one garden to another, so check the signs.
5. Oktoberfest in numbers
Oktoberfest is held on the Theresienwiese. The first one was held on 12 October 1810, and the festival now lasts about two weeks, from mid-September to the first Sunday in October; the 2026 edition ran from 19 September to 4 October. Official figures for 2025 give about 6.5 million visitors and about 6.5 million litres of beer served (estimates by the landlords). Only six Munich breweries serve beer at the festival: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Lowenbrau, Paulaner, Spaten and Hofbrau. If you are planning a visit, check the dates for next year on oktoberfest.de.
6. The Alps are close
On clear days the Alps are visible from the city, especially when the warm Foehn wind blows. The Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, lies about 90 kilometres away (guide figure); the first foothills and lakes are roughly an hour away by train or car. A day trip to the mountains is easy to add to a city break.
7. Public transport that works
The S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses are covered by the MVV tariff system and you can use one ticket for several modes. Zones depend on how far you go, so check the MVV website before buying tickets and validate paper tickets where required.
8. The airport S-Bahn
Munich Airport is connected to the centre by the S1 and S8 lines. The journey from the airport to Marienplatz takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes (guide figures); the airport lies in zones M to 5. The S-Bahn is usually the simplest way to reach the centre without a car.
9. Safety and everyday calm
Visitors commonly describe Munich as a calm and orderly city, and it is easy to move around in the evening. As in any big city, pay attention to your belongings in crowds, at the station and during large events such as Oktoberfest.
10. Christmas markets
The central Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz in 2026 runs from 20 November to 24 December, with about 137 stalls and a large Christmas tree, according to the city's information; check the current dates and opening hours on muenchen.de. There are several smaller markets in other parts of the city.
11. The best months for a first visit
Many visitors consider May to September the most comfortable period, when beer gardens and parks are fully in use, and the Alps are within reach. September also has Oktoberfest, which is crowded and raises hotel prices. December is cold but atmospheric because of the markets. Winters can bring snow, which is good for the mountains and less pleasant in the city.
12. Honest note: events and hotel prices
During Oktoberfest and large trade fairs, hotel prices in Munich rise and rooms may be sold out far in advance. If you plan a viewing trip, check the event calendar before you book flights and a hotel.
Practical tips for your first visit
- From the airport take the S1 or S8 to Marienplatz or Hauptbahnhof; check the MVV zones and ticket types.
- Cards are widely accepted, but small kiosks and some beer-garden stalls prefer cash.
- Bring layers: the weather in Bavaria changes, even in summer.
- In a beer garden, check whether you may bring your own food and whether the tables are self-service.
- For the Glockenspiel, arrive a few minutes before the hour.
- Check event dates (Oktoberfest, trade fairs) before booking.
- European emergency number: 112.
FAQ
When does Oktoberfest take place? It starts in mid- or late September and ends on the first Sunday in October; the 2026 edition was held from 19 September to 4 October. Check the exact dates of the next edition on the official site.
Can I surf the Eisbach wave? Only experienced river surfers, under the city's conditions. Beginners should not try; watch instead.
How far are the Alps? The Zugspitze is about 90 km away, and the first foothills are within roughly an hour. Plan a full day for a mountain trip.
Is public transport easy for visitors? Yes, the MVV system covers S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses. Buy the right zone ticket and validate it where needed.
Can I combine a city break with looking at property? Yes. Read how to plan a viewing trip and our overview of Munich, Bavaria and south Germany.
How we help
This article is editorial and is not legal, tax or investment advice. D.H. Realting is a trilingual platform (Russian, Polish, English). If your trip to Munich includes looking at homes, you can browse listings in Germany and read the country page. We coordinate independent local lawyers and tax advisers for those who decide to buy. Please check current rules, opening times and prices on official sources before you travel.