1. Cheers!
An absolute must: A Maß, Image: Canva
Of course, when you go to Munich, you absolutely have to make a stop at a traditional Bavarian beer garden! Unfortunately, the prices for meals and drinks can really burn a hole in your wallet. The Order of the Bavarian Beer Gardens has a regulation, though, that allows guests to bring and eat their own food as long as they buy their drinks on-site. Nothing can keep you from enjoying a Maß of beer in the sunshine now!
2. Munich’s Flea Markets
A different way to shop: Exploring the flea markets, Image: Canva
Maximilianstraße in Munich is a paradise for shopaholics, but unfortunately, it isn’t the cheapest street on the block. A more affordable alternative and simultaneously a colourful spectacle are the flea markets that you’ll find in many districts throughout the city. The markets are a great place to find a variety of Bavarian bits and bobs, old beer steins, dirndl, and all sorts of treasures and rarities.
3. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
English Garden, Image: Canva
Munich is home to some of Germany’s best theatres, where no expense is spared for splendour, pomp and circumstance. A Munich theatre company has formed in contrast to that, and its existence proves that it is possible to have good theatre performances without all the bells and whistles and, above all, without a price tag.
The Münchner Sommertheater (literally, the Munich Summer Theatre) performs at the English Garden public park amphitheatre and enchants its audience from July to September with top-quality acting. A quick tip: The first spectators tend to come in the afternoon to snag the best spots with their spread-out picnic blankets, so it’s worth getting to the amphitheatre on the earlier side.
4. Art is Practically Free
Munich, Image: Canva
On Sundays, the entry fee to many renowned Munich museums is reduced to only €1, making trips to the museum an excellent alternative to sprawling out on the couch on a rainy day. The Pinakotheken art museums in the Maxvorstadt district are an absolute must-see on a Munich city break.
All three museums — the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, and the Pinakothek der Moderne — can all be toured for €1 each, and together, they cover nearly all artistic tastes and styles. On the MuseumsPortal Munich website, you’ll find more information about museums and exhibits with free or reduced entry.
5. Pay What You Can
Perfect for those on a tight budget, Image: Canva
Müllerstraße 6 became famous a few years ago when numerous Munich celebrities successfully campaigned for the preservation of the building and the kickabout area behind it. The renovation work for a living area for underage refugees is fully underway, and one of the first establishments here gives a delicious taste of what’s to come: the Café im Bellevue di Monaco.
At the café, you can get hot beverages for humane (and not too ‘Munich’) prices, and there’s a menu inspired by the countries and ethnic groups represented here. A special aspect of the café is that the prices of the dishes depend on a guest’s budget, meaning everyone pays what they can.
6. Eisbachwelle > Arena
The Eisbachwelle in Munich, Image: Canva
If you don’t want to miss top-quality athletic events on your Munich city break, but don’t want to pay the entry fee to the Allianz-Arena, then make your way to the spot between the Haus der Kunst art museum and the Bavarian National Museum. Far from the Atlantic coast and the sounds of the ocean, the surfers of Munich make waves on the Eisbachwelle, an artificial wave on the Eisbach river.
The name of the river, which translates literally to “ice brook,” really says it all: There’s a reason the surfers wear thick wetsuits even in the middle of summer! With a cool pale ale in your hand, the time flies by as you watch these skilled athletes.
7. A Trip to the Lake via Urban Rail
On the Ammersee, Image: Canva
Not only does Munich provide its visitors with an unbeatable view of the Alps (on a clear day, anyway), but there are also numerous crystal-clear lakes that are perfect for a swim.
Many of them, such as the Ammersee or Lake Starnberg, are so central that they can be reached via local public transport. Take either the S8 to Herrsching (to get to the Ammersee lake) or the S6 to Starnberg (to visit the Starnberger See lake), and you’ll feel like you’re on holiday at Lake Maggiore!
8. Camping as an Affordable Alternative
Image: Camping The Tent Munich
Whether it’s the Hilton Hotel, a hostel, or an AirBnB apartment, overnight accommodations in Munich will probably put a sizable dent in your holiday budget. Several campsites right in the urban area have good connections to the city and provide a comfortable alternative for less. Camping München-Obermenzing and The Tent Munich are both close to the city centre, are both set in beautiful park areas, and are perfect starting points for your low-budget city break.
Camping in and around Munich
You’ll find a selection of campsites in and around the Bavarian capital on camping.info. There’s something for every budget in the mix. So pack your Lederhosen, grab a Maß of beer, and enjoy your city trip to Munich!
