Munich, the lively capital city of Bavaria in Germany, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and high quality of life. With a population of over 1.5 million people, it attracts expats from all over the world who are drawn to its thriving job market, excellent education system, and diverse cultural scene.
This comprehensive guide to Munich is for anyone planning to live and work or study in this amazing city. It will help you get to know the ins and outs of the city and get tips on where to live and what to explore.
An Introduction to Munich
Nestled in the heart of southern Germany, Munich is a treasure trove of history, culture, and gastronomy. As you wander through the charming streets, you’ll soon discover why it isn’t just a must-visit destination, but a great place to live as well.
With roots dating back to the 12th century, Munich’s historical significance is palpable in every corner. From the grandeur of Marienplatz, the central square adorned with the iconic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), to the opulence of Nymphenburg Palace, the city’s architectural marvels are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Munich’s rich history blends seamlessly with baroque, contemporary, and Gothic influences, creating an atmosphere like no other.
Apart from its architectural wonders, Munich is also home to a thriving cultural scene. The city’s annual celebration of Oktoberfest, a world-renowned beer festival, draws visitors far and wide to revel in the Bavarian traditions of music, dance, and culinary delights. With its fascinating history, vibrant culture, and prominent festivals, the city stands as a true representation of authentic Bavarian charm.
Where to live in Munich
Short-term furnished apartments in Munich are popular, but finding places to stay for longer can be a difficult task. Wunderflats offers furnished apartments in many districts, the most popular of which are covered in our guide below.
Feel free to explore, get a feel for the city, and rent a furnished apartment you would like to call home. Here’s our guide to Munich’s districts to help you get started.
Living in Munich-Maxvorstadt
Often referred to as “The Brain of Munich”, Maxvorstadt is a district located north of Munich’s historic city center. A hub of culture and knowledge, Maxvorstadt boasts two Universities and numerous Museums and Art Galleries.
The Munich-Maxvorstadt Neighborhood
Maxvorstadt is a lively neighborhood playing host to two breweries (Franziskaner and Löwenbräu), the Munich Botanical Gardens, and in the winter the Medieval Christmas Fair. It is an area best suited for young single professionals.
Living in Munich-Schwabing West
Schwabing West is found in the northern part of the city of Munich. Schwabing was originally the bohemian quarter of Munich, yet has recently seen an increase in gentrification leading to higher rent prices.
The Munich-Schwabing West Neighborhood
Schwabing West is for people looking for a modern and elegant lifestyle. There are many streets and squares lined with charming cafes and bars. The shopping street of Hohenzollernstraße hosts designer stores and smaller boutiques. The neighborhood’s attractive, modern vibe makes it an area best suited for professionals.
Living in Munich-Sendling
Sendling is located in the Southwest of Munich. Situated by the river Isar and home to a rich history, Sendling is now a place where many young people and families reside.
The Munich-Sendling Neighborhood
Sendling has many green spaces perfect for barbecuing on hot sunny days and relaxing in the evening. Sendling is also home to the Großmarkthalle, which, behind Paris and Barcelona, is the largest communal market in Europe.
Living in Munich-Laim
Laim is a peaceful middle-class suburban family district on the west side of Munich. If you are looking for a house to rent in Munich, this is a good neighborhood to look at.
The Munich-Laim Neighborhood
Laim is a calm part of Munich that you can reach without straying too far from the city center. The district is home to Fürstenrieder Straße, one of the biggest shopping streets in all of Munich. The neighborhood is very family-friendly with Agricolaplatz, a big square with a playground, at the heart of Laim.
Living in Munich-Nymphenburg
Nymphenburg is located in the West of Munich. It is a very traditional area with a noble aesthetic and fantastic architecture.
The Munich-Nymphenburg Neighborhood
Nymphenburg is home to a mixture of young and old people. Its neighboring district holds the biggest nightclub in Munich and Nymphenburg itself is home to the famous Nymphenburg Palace. On top of this, there are also the newly opened botanical gardens and a beautiful beer garden in the royal Hirschgarten. Nymphenburg is not short of things to do.
Living in Munich
In Germany, Munich is a city like no other. The perfect combination of history, architecture, and modern life. A wonderful city to live in, Munich is home to cold beer and clean streets.
Transport in Munich
If you speak to the locals, they’ll tell you that cycling is a very popular pastime. But don’t worry if cycling isn’t your thing – the public transit options are clean and reliable as well. Our guide to Munich covers these options.
Public Transport
Munich’s extensive overground and underground transport system means it is exceptionally easy to make your way around the city. With an €8.80 day ticket, you are able to use any of its underground trains, overground trains, trams or buses which will take you where you need to go. Transport is clean and efficient. For small groups of travelers (2-5 people), there is also the possibility to buy a group day pass which is more economical at €17.
The Deutschland-Ticket is a new option introduced in 2023, allowing you to travel on all public transport all over Germany for only €49 per month. It also includes unlimited travel on all local trains, if you feel like exploring the country, it’s an excellent option. You can buy this ticket from the MVV, Munich’s public transport company, or Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German national railway company, online and at travel centers.
Taxi and Car-sharing
Taxis in Munich are easy to find and have a starting base fare of €5.50 and €1.90 to €2.30 per kilometer. It is easy to find a taxi on the street, but taxi apps are also available and often offer additional car-sharing and ride-sharing options.
Sightseeing in Munich
Known as a cultural and historical hub, the city offers plenty of activities. As part of our guide to Munich, we have included some must-see sights:
Nymphenburg Palace
The construction of the Nymphenburg Palace began in the mid-1600s and is a fantastic example of Baroque architecture. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour.
The New Town Hall
The New Town Hall can be found at Marienplatz and houses the government and city officials of Munich. It is a beautiful building and if you visit at the end of the Bundesliga football season, you may see the FC Bayern Munich team raising the Bundesliga trophy.
Viktualienmarkt
The Viktualienmarkt is a daily food market in the center of Munich. Expect lots of sausages, beer, and fish. It gets especially busy during the Summer months and of course during Oktoberfest.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is not directly located in Munich but this 19th-century Bavarian palace makes the perfect short day trip out of the city. It is famous for being Walt Disney’s inspiration behind the iconic Disney castle.
English Garden
The English Garden is the largest public park in Munich. Here you can drink cold Radlers in the beer garden or rent pedalos and leisurely ride down the river.
Oktoberfest
If you are lucky to be in Munich during Oktoberfest, you can take part in the world’s largest beer festival. With many tents, some holding up to 15.000 people at a time, fairground rides and of course lots of lovely German food, Oktoberfest is a fantastic celebration of Bavarian culture. No visit to Munich would be complete without a visit to the Hofbräuhaus. It is a three-story beer hall and serves traditional Bavarian food.
Welcome to Munich!
Whether you’re planning a move to Munich or are already living in Germany, this thriving city offers an intriguing blend of tradition and modernity that is sure to keep you entertained. From its famous Oktoberfest celebrations to its beautiful parks and museums, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this southern city. So whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or simply to immerse yourself in Bavaria’s charm, Munich has something for everyone.
And if you are looking for a furnished apartment, Wunderflats can make your relocation process easier and faster. With an extensive selection of quality apartments in Munich, helpful customer service, and easy solutions, it has everything you need to make your move a success. To get started, visit wunderflats.com.
If you’re also interested in other German cities and enjoyed our guide to Munich, take a look at our guides to Berlin and Frankfurt!
