Overview
Bavaria's capital pairs big-city culture with an easy-going, beer-garden pace, which makes it one of Germany's most rewarding short-break cities. You can walk from the old town's grand squares to the lawns of the English Garden in minutes, while the Alps and their lakes sit just a short train ride away. Frequent flights from across the UK and a fast rail link into the centre make Munich simple to reach for a long weekend or a longer Bavarian tour.
Best time to fly to Munich
Late spring and early autumn are the sweet spot: May, June and September bring mild days and lighter crowds. July and August are warm and ideal for trips to the mountains and lakes, though the city gets busy. The Oktoberfest programme, from mid-September to the first weekend of October, sends demand and fares soaring, so book months ahead if you want to be there. The Christmas markets make December magical despite the cold and likely snow. Check the When to book chart above to see how prices shift through the year.
Airlines and routes
British Airways and Lufthansa fly direct from London Heathrow, while easyJet operates from Gatwick and Luton. Lufthansa and easyJet also fly direct from Manchester, with seasonal routes from airports such as Edinburgh and Birmingham. Direct flying time is roughly 1 hour 55 minutes from London and about 2 hours from Manchester. Connecting flights via Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Dublin add flexibility when a non-stop service doesn't suit your dates or budget.
Things to do in Munich
Compact and walkable, Munich rewards a mix of culture, green space and Bavarian tradition.
- Marienplatz: the central square, home to the neo-Gothic New Town Hall and its daily Glockenspiel.
- English Garden: one of Europe's largest city parks, with beer gardens, river surfers and long walking paths.
- Viktualienmarkt: a lively open-air food market, perfect for a lunch of local cheese, bread and sausage.
- Nymphenburg Palace: the Wittelsbach summer residence, with grand baroque halls and sweeping gardens.
- Deutsches Museum: a vast, hands-on science and technology museum that easily fills half a day.
At Munich Airport (MUC)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport sits about 28 miles (45 km) north-east of the city. The S-Bahn S1 and S8 lines reach the centre in around 40 to 45 minutes, calling at the Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz. The Lufthansa Express Bus serves the main station in roughly 45 minutes, and a taxi takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. A day travel pass covering the airport zones is usually the best value if you plan to use public transport.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Munich
- Book around six to ten weeks ahead for the best mix of price and choice; last-minute fares are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek and avoid school holidays and Oktoberfest week, when demand peaks.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest departures.
- Compare British Airways and Lufthansa against easyJet, and factor in baggage costs before booking.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period; your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure and issued within the last ten years. Under the EU's Entry/Exit System, expect to give a photo and fingerprints at the border. The currency is the euro, cards and contactless are widely accepted, and carrying a GHIC alongside travel insurance is sensible for healthcare cover.
