New Town Hall
Marienplatz and the New Town Hall are the classic first Munich view for many visitors.
First orientation
Munich is more than Oktoberfest
For Chinese travellers, Munich works well as a first base for southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The city is manageable in size, but rich in transport links, old town sights, parks, museums and nearby lakes.
City centre
Marienplatz and the New Town Hall
Old town walk
Viktualienmarkt, Frauenkirche and the Residenz area are easy to combine on foot.
Hotel location
On a first trip, staying near the main station, Marienplatz, Sendlinger Tor or a reliable U-Bahn line is usually easier than saving a little money far outside the centre.
Oktoberfest
It usually starts in September
Dates
Oktoberfest usually starts in mid or late September and ends in early October. In 2026, the official dates are September 19 to October 4.
Planning
Hotels become expensive and the city gets crowded. For a first look, visiting during the day is often more relaxed.
Not only beer
The festival also includes rides, traditional clothing, music and food. You can experience the atmosphere without making the visit only about beer.
Local angle
Gut Freiham and Augustiner tradition
Gut Freiham
In western Munich, the Stiftungsgut, Gasthaus Zum Gustl and the beer garden offer a quieter local stop. Take the S8 to Freiham and continue with a short walk.
Augustiner tradition
Gut Freiham fits naturally with Munich beer culture and the Oktoberfest atmosphere, but it sits outside the usual tourist centre.
How to use it
Good for a slower half day with food, a walk and a different view of Munich.
Outside
Olympic Park, Eisbach and the surf wave
Olympic Park
A good place for a walk and views over Munich. It combines well with the BMW Museum.
Eisbach
In summer, the stream can look tempting, but it is cold, fast and not comparable to a normal swimming pool.
Eisbach wave
The surf wave is one of Munich's most distinctive sights. Watching is easy; surfing is only for experienced surfers and only under the current local rules.
Arrival from China
Munich as a direct southern Germany gateway
Schedules change, so travellers should always check before booking. For route planning, Munich is strong because it has both a Beijing and a Shanghai angle.
Beijing Munich
There are nonstop options between Beijing and Munich, including Air China and Lufthansa. For northern China or a Beijing connection, Munich can be a direct entry into southern Germany.
Shanghai Munich
Lufthansa offers a direct connection between Munich and Shanghai. For Shanghai and eastern China, Munich connects naturally with southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Route logic
After arriving in Munich, travellers can continue with the city, Schliersee, Tegernsee, Königssee, Freiburg i.B. or Switzerland.
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