Travelling to Munich?
Are you planning on traveling to Munich for work? Get to know the historic German city in this comprehensive guide for business travelers.
Situated just north of the soaring Alps, Munich has a colorful history stretching as far as the 12th Century. Back then, the city was little more than a tiny settlement of Catholic friars named zu den Munchen (“to the monks”), forming the linguistic roots of the city’s current German moniker, München.
Today Munich is considered a major centre for science, technology, and automobile industries at the heart of one of the country’s richest states, with the city playing host to the headquarters of multinational companies including BMW and Siemens. Plus, with an unemployment rate of just 4.5% as of 2023, and a potential, young labor market pooled from the approximately 140,000 students enrolled at the city’s three major universities*, Munich holds considerable opportunities for those looking to dip their toes into the local business scene.
In this comprehensive guide to Munich for business travelers, we delve deeper into navigating the city’s unique corporate landscape, offer our top tips for getting around, and pick out our top 3 things to see or do to make your trip unforgettable.
Munich Fact File
Munich’s coat of arms features a young monk holding a book, an homage to the city’s historic and linguistic origins as “Home of the Monks”.
Languages
German (English widely understood)
Currency
Euro (€)
Avg. Temperatures
Summer (Jun–Aug) = 19°C (66°F).
Autumn (Sep–Nov) = 10°C (50°F).
Winter (Dec–Feb) = 0°C (32°F).
Spring (Mar–May) = 9°C (48°F).
Getting To Munich
By Air (mit dem Flugzeug)
Munich is served by one major international airport: Munich Airport (MUC), also known as Franz Josef Strauss Airport, located about 30 km (19 miles) northeast of the city centre. The airport is well-connected to the city by train (S-Bahn lines S1 and S8), taking around 40–45 minutes to reach central Munich. While Munich Airport handles the majority of traffic, some budget airlines may also operate from Memmingen Airport (FMM), roughly 110 km (68 miles) west of the city, often marketed as “Munich West” despite the longer travel time.
By Road (mit dem Auto)
If you’re driving to Munich from within Germany or neighboring countries, major autobahns like the A8 (from Stuttgart and Austria), A9 (from Nuremberg and Berlin), and A96 (from Switzerland) provide direct access to the city. Munich is also well-served by long-distance bus companies such as FlixBus, offering affordable connections from cities across Europe. Once in Munich, the Mittlerer Ring, the city’s main ring road, helps navigate between districts, though traffic can be dense, especially during rush hours or major events like Oktoberfest.
By Rail (mit dem Zug)
Munich is served by several major rail stations, with München Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) being the largest and most central. It handles a wide range of domestic routes & international trains from Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and the Czech Republic. High-speed ICE (InterCity Express) trains connect Munich to major German cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, while international services such as ÖBB Railjet, EuroCity (EC), and Nightjet link the city to destinations across Central Europe.
Business Culture & Etiquette
As a major economic hub in the heartland of Germany and home to the headquarters of global giants like BMW, Siemens, and Allianz, business in Munich is defined by the locals’ love of efficiency and professional social norms. Business interactions are often more reserved than in some other European cities, with communication tending to be direct and precise – think facts rather than flair.
The local business scene in Munich is rooted in hierarchy and decision-making. Decisions tend to be made by senior management after careful consideration and consultation. As a foreign visitor, it’s important to, so it’s important to show deference to senior figures. As such, patience is key – expect discussions to take time. Demonstrating respect for the consensus-building process and being well-prepared for meetings will help build trust and credibility.
First impressions matter, so neat grooming and attention to detail are highly valued. The business dress code in Munich leans toward classic, conservative styles, reflecting the city’s mix of corporate formality and Bavarian pragmatism. Dark suits (navy, grey, or black) are the norm for men, while women typically wear tailored dresses, skirts, or pant suits in neutral tones, with minimal accessories.
Professional titles are important—Herr (Mr.) or Frau (Mrs./Ms.) followed by a surname is the standard greeting, and academic or job titles (like Doktor or Ingenieur) are often used in introductions and written communication.
A Few Other Business Etiquette Top Tips
- Punctuality is critical: Arriving even five minutes late can be seen as disrespectful. Always aim to be on time or slightly early.
- Formal greetings set the tone: A firm handshake, eye contact, and use of surnames with appropriate titles are expected at the start of any meeting.
- Small talk is brief and focused: Casual conversation may touch on local events, travel, or sports (especially football/Bayern Munich), but personal topics are generally avoided in early meetings.
Crime & Safety
Munich is widely considered one of the safest major cities in Europe, consistently scoring high in safety and quality of life indexes. In fact, it was ranked the 9th safest city in the world by the Numbeo database.
However, like many other urban areas, Munich has its share of petty crime. Pickpocketing is the most common criminal concern, particularly in busy pedestrian zones like Marienplatz or during large events like Oktoberfest. Travelers should also exercise caution in the area south of the Hauptbahnhof, otherwise known as the Red Light District, when walking alone at night.
If traveling to Munich at the end of September or in early October, you may need to be aware of the safety and logistical implications of Oktoberfest – the city’s biggest event, attracting millions of visitors every year. While it’s generally a safe celebration, the large crowds and festive atmosphere can create opportunities for petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bag snatching. Additionally, as alcohol consumption is high, it’s wise to stay vigilant of people acting unpredictably. It is advisable to plan your transportation in advance, using official taxis or public transport rather than walking alone late at night.
A Few Other Crime & Safety Tips
- The emergency number for police, fire, and medical services is 112.
- Public drinking laws vary by location. Some parks and public spaces have specific restrictions, so keep an eye out for signs.
- Jaywalking is technically illegal. While enforcement is generally mild, locals tend to strictly observe traffic signals – even when the street is empty. Crossing at a red pedestrian light can result in a fine of €5 to €10, and police occasionally enforce this, especially near schools or in busy areas.
Getting Around Munich
By Bus (mit dem Bus)
Getting around Munich by bus is simple, thanks to the city’s extensive public transport network operated by the MVG (Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft). Over 80 daytime and night bus lines connect neighborhoods, train stations, shopping areas, and cultural sites. Buses run frequently and are integrated with the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter rail), and tram systems, all under the umbrella of the MVV (Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund). Tickets are valid across all modes of transport and can be purchased via ticket machines, at stations, or through the MVG Fahrinfo München app
By Subway (mit der U-Bahn)
The U-Bahn system consists of 8 color-coded lines (U1–U8), covering over 100 stations and extending from the city centre to many outer neighborhoods. The U1 and U2 serve northern and southern residential areas, while the U3 and U6 run north-south through the heart of the city, with the U6 stopping at major sites like Marienplatz and the Allianz Arena. The U4 and U5 travel east-west and connect major cultural spots and shopping streets, including Theresienwiese, home of Oktoberfest. The U7 is a reinforcement line during peak hours, and the U8 runs only on weekends and holidays, connecting outer districts more directly.
By foot orbike (Fuß oder mit dem Fahrrad)
Getting around Munich on foot or by bike is a great way to experience the city. The compact city center is highly walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets connecting key sights like Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and the English Garden. For cyclists, Munich offers an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, greenways, and scenic riverside paths. Popular routes include the Isar River Trail and paths through the Olympiapark or Nymphenburg Palace grounds. The city operates a public bike-sharing system called MVG Rad, which is integrated with the MVG transport app, allowing for seamless rentals and drop-offs across central Munich.
Top 3 Things To See Or Do In Munich
If you find yourself with a bit of free time on your business trip, Munich is a city with a rich history and offers plenty to see and do. Here are our top 3 recommendations…
1. Marienplatz & the Glockenspiel
Marienplatz is the historic and cultural heart of Munich, serving as the city’s main square since 1158. Surrounded by grand architecture and traditional beer halls, it’s where locals and tourists alike gather for festivals, markets, and daily life. The square is named after the Mariensäule (Mary’s Column), a golden statue erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years’ War.
Towering over Marienplatz is the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), a stunning Gothic Revival building completed in the late 19th century. Its ornate façade and soaring clock tower make it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks – but the real crowd-puller is the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, located halfway up the tower.
The Glockenspiel is a mechanical marvel that springs to life every day at 11:00 AM, with additional performances at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM during the summer months. The show lasts about 12–15 minutes and re-enacts two significant events from Munich’s history.
2. Englischer Garten (English Garden)
The Englischer Garten (English Garden) is one of Munich’s most beloved landmarks — and at over 375 hectares (900 acres), it’s larger than New York’s Central Park. Stretching from the city center to the northeastern suburbs, this vast green oasis is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park was created in 1789 by Sir Benjamin Thompson, a Bavarian military reformer of American-British origin. It was inspired by the informal, naturalistic landscapes popular in English garden design at the time – hence the name. Unlike the formal, geometric gardens of palaces like Versailles, the Englischer Garten features meandering paths, wide meadows, tranquil streams, and shaded groves, designed to feel organic and unstructured.
3. Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) is one of Munich’s most stunning and historically significant landmarks – a sprawling Baroque palace that was once the summer residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty, Bavaria’s ruling royal family.
The palace houses a museum which allows visitors to explore the rooms of the main building, including royal apartments, porcelain collections, and the famous Gallery of Beauties commissioned by King Ludwig I. The palace gardens span 200 hectares and feature landscaped parks of Baroque and Romantic styles, including woodland paths, canals, and bridges. There are also hidden park pavilions, such as the Amalienburg (a stunning Rococo hunting lodge), the Pagodenburg, and the Badenburg, each with its own distinct style and historical purpose.
Munich: The Heart of Southern Germany
Known for its precision engineering, strong economy, and Bavarian attitude to hard work and industry, the city is a smart choice for business travelers looking for new opportunities in a young labor market.
What’s more, Munich is exceptionally well-connected, served by Munich Airport (MUC) -one of Europe’s busiest and most efficient – and a comprehensive public transport network that includes the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. It’s safe to say that moving around the city is simple, with most business districts easily accessible and travel times reliably short.
As the capital of one of Germany’s richest states, Munich plays host to a wealth of multinational headquarters, tech startups, and financial institutions, particularly concentrated in districts like Bogenhausen, Maxvorstadt, and the up-and-coming Werksviertel.
Beyond the meeting rooms and exhibition halls, Munich has a softer, more culturally fulfiling side. With its historic palaces, green parks like the Englischer Garten, and centuries-old beer gardens, the city is a delight to explore. So whether you’re admiring the Baroque beauty of Nymphenburg Palace, enjoying a riverside walk, or networking over a Maß of beer during Oktoberfest, Munich is an undoubtedly brilliant business travel destination.
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