Both intriguingly modern and yet reassuringly traditional, Munich is one of the most popular tourist destinations in German and a great place to spend a holiday. The city has fantastic art galleries and museums, some even arguably more impressive than those in Berlin. Praised for its local culture, gorgeous architecture, and traditional festivals such as the famous Oktoberfest, Munich will enchant you.
If you are a budget traveller, don't worry about going bankrupt in Munich. Although this city has its share of pricy attractions, there are also a lot of ways to save money here as well. Here are some tips that will help you enjoy beautiful Munich on a shoestring budget:
• A cheap way to get around the city is to rent a bicycle instead. Munich's city centre is small and very bike friendly, and there are many places where you can rent one.
• Stay in a hostel instead of a hotel, or rent an apartment for a longer stay. Not only are these types of accommodations almost always cheaper, they also provide you with your own kitchen so that you can cook instead of buying expensive meals out every day.
• Another good investment is the City Tour Card, which offers discounts for nearly 30 different attractions around the city. If many of the tourist sites that you are planning on checking out are listed on the card, it might be the most economic choice for you.
• Go strolling around the English Garden, the beautiful park in the centre of the city. It is a pleasant and relaxing place to spend an afternoon, and completely free.
• The Museum Brandhorst costs a mere 1 Euro to enter on Sundays, and is a great place to see art from some of the most famous artists of the modern era including Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, and Joseph Beuys.
• Instead of eating lunch in an expensive restaurant, pick up some fresh vegetables, local cheeses and meats, and breads from an open air food market and have a picnic in a city park for a fraction of the price.
• Visiting the beautiful and historical St. Peter's Church, which dates back to 1180, will not cost you a thing. You can climb up the 06 steps to the top of the tower for an amazing view of the city of Munich.
As you can see, it is possible to have a day which is rich with fun experiences in Munich, even if you are on a small budget!
Martin Wynn
