An interrailer’s guide to Munich: what to do in Munich when you’re interrailing

The capital of Bavaria, Munich is popular for its historic buildings, numerous museums, traditional beer, and warming food. From the bustling Altstadt to its central Marienplatz Square, there’s something for everyone in this extraordinary German city. 

So if you’re planning on interrailing around Munich, you’re in for a treat. But what are the top attractions you should visit when you’re in the city? And where is good to eat and to stay? To give you some inspiration and get the planning process going, we’ve created an interrailer’s guide to Munich that’s bound to whet the appetite. 

Top 3 attractions to visit in Munich

As aforementioned, there are a variety of things you can do when exploring the Bavarian city. But to help make the decision as to where to start a little easier, we’ve gathered together our top 3 attractions to discover when in Munich. Starting with Marienplatz.

Marienplatz

Photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash

Hard to miss when you’re exploring the city, Marienplatz has been the cultural heart of the city since 1158. Boasting significant buildings from the Old to the New Town Halls and the Glockenspiel (a mechanical clock that has a whopping 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures), you’ll be in awe from the moment you enter the square. As well as sights to see, Marienplatz also has a handful of quirky restaurants within it, including the Ratskeller, Cafe Glockenspiel and Zum Spöckmeier.

English Garden 

Image by Michael Siebert from Pixabay

Dating back to 1789, this beautiful park is one of the largest in the world. Full of manicured lawns, pavilions and enchanting lakes, the English Garden should be on your list of the top places to visit in the city. It also has a unique beer garden, a Chinese pagoda and offers mouth-watering Bavarian food. Stretching from the city centre to the northeastern limits, it was created by Sir Benjamin Thompson and is a beloved staple within Munich for both residents and tourists alike.

Nymphenburg Palace

Photo by Sid Saxena on Unsplash

Located in Munich’s western district, the Nymphenburg Palace exudes the beauty of Baroque architecture. Serving as the main summer residence for the House of Wittelsbach (the former rulers of Bavaria) this palace and its exquisite gardens offer a lovely way to spend the afternoon when you’re interrailing in Munich. With romantic castles and lavish decor, there’s so much to take in.

Best restaurants in Munich

Photo by Valentin B. Kremer on Unsplash

Munich is a haven for foodies. From quirky outdoor markets to restaurants perfect for pushing the boat out, there’s something for every budget. Whether you’re staying in Munich for a short time or extending your trip, here are is a list of some of the best restaurants in the city to add to your list:

Viktualienmarkt

Ok, so this is technically an outdoor food market. But the wealth of food that the Viktualienmarkt has to offer is well worth the trip. From the Munich soup kitchen to Bratwurstherzl (a Bavarian-Franconian restaurant set within a 17th-century brick vault), there are so many delicious food and drink options throughout the food market. You can also buy local produce and indulge in some souvenir buying at the numerous stalls. 

Atzinger 

If you’re looking for hearty food in a traditional Bavarian restaurant, then Atzinger should definitely be on your list. A cozy restaurant awaits you at this central eatery, with tasty food and a lively beer garden. 

Steinheil 16

Another traditional Bavarian restaurant, Steinheil 16 specialises in schnitzel plates, tempting fried sides and a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails. With an affordable price tag it’s a popular choice for my tourists looking to stick to a budget whilst in Munich.

Top hostels to stay at in Munich

Wombats City Hostel – first on our list is the Wombat’s The City Hostel. A favourite of many interrailers, it’s located only a short distance from Munich’s central station, the old town and the grounds used for Oktoberfest every year. Offering safe, clean and good quality accommodation, you’ll have the choice of either a dorm room or a private room. 

My Hostel – another budget-friendly hostel situated in the centre of the city, My Hostel offers a laid-back vibe, modern rooms, free WiFi and a communal kitchen area. 

Euro Youth Hostel – frequently receiving high praise from tourists, this quirky and modern hostel boasts both private rooms and shared dorms. They even conduct walking tours of the city for those wanting to learn about the history and all that this incredible destination has to offer. 

Hopefully that’s given you an introduction to some of the fun activities you can do when interrailing around Munich, some scrumptious eateries that you can indulge in, and three of the best hostels ideal for those looking for a central, wallet-friendly accommodation option. Munich is a captivating city that’s perfect to visit whether it’s the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom or in winter, when the magical christmas market opens up in the centre. A favourite for thousands of interrailers every year, it’s perfect whether you’re considering travelling around it solo, with friends or in a couple. 

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Bavarian adventure and see why Munich is frequently voted a top German city to visit!