Munich is a city full of charm and offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. To make your stay as pleasant as possible, in this article we will tell you what you need to know – from the opening hours of stores to the unwritten rules of conduct on public transport. You will also find out which pitfalls you should avoid to prevent unpleasant surprises.
- Store closing times
- Cash
- Escalators
- Tap water
- Tipping
- Finishing meals
- Deposit bottles
- Late-night shopping
- Ticket
- Reservations
- Bike lanes
- Smoking
- Alcohol in public transport
Most stores in Munich close by 8 pm and remain closed on Sundays and public holidays. Essentials like groceries can still be found at gas stations, kiosks, or supermarkets in train stations and at the airport. These exceptions remain open later during the week and on Sundays.
While many establishments accept cards, smaller shops, market stalls, and bakeries often prefer cash. Public transport ticket machines may also require coins. Keep some euros handy to avoid inconvenience and ensure smooth transactions.
In Munich, there's an unspoken rule: stand on the right, walk on the left! If you're standing still, keep to the right side of the escalator to let people in a hurry pass on the left. This is considered polite and keeps the flow moving smoothly.
Munich’s tap water is among the cleanest in the world. It's safe, refreshing, and perfect for staying hydrated, especially if you’ve indulged in Bavarian beer the night before.
In Munich, leaving a tip for good service is customary. It is usually expected that you hand the tip directly to the waiter or waitress rather than leaving it on the bill. Around 10% of the bill is appropriate, but rounding up the amount is also common. In taxis or for hotel services, a small tip is also appreciated.
In Munich and most parts of Germany, finishing everything on your plate is a sign of appreciation for the food and the effort that went into preparing it. Don’t worry – it's not considered rude here, even if it is in some other cultures.
In Germany, you pay a small deposit (called Pfand) when you buy drinks in bottles or cans. You can get this money back by returning the empty containers to a recycling station, usually found in supermarkets. If you don’t plan to return them, place them neatly next to a trash bin so someone else can collect them. It's an easy way to help the environment and others! At events such as the Christmas market, there is also a deposit on plates, glasses or cups, which must be returned after use in order to get the deposit money back.
Most shops close by 8 pm, and nearly everything shuts down on Sundays. Only tourist attractions, restaurants, and certain shops at train stations and airports stay open during these times.
Munich's public transport system has no barriers but spot-checks by plain-clothed inspectors are frequent. Fines for traveling without a valid ticket are hefty and non-negotiable. Always buy and validate your ticket before boarding to avoid trouble.
Popular restaurants in Munich, from local gems to high-end spots, fill up quickly. Reservations are especially important for Friday and Saturday evenings. Book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Munich's bike lanes are clearly marked and separate from sidewalks, often in red or with bike symbols. Make sure to stay on the pedestrian path to avoid accidents and keep cyclists safe.
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside most indoor spaces in Munich, including restaurants, bars, and public buildings. Ignoring this rule can lead to fines, so it’s best to be mindful of where you light up.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on public transport. Additionally, at Munich's Hauptbahnhof (main station) the ban extends to both the station and the surrounding streets, where drinking or carrying alcohol is not allowed at any time. Otherwise, alcohol consumption is permitted in most other public areas in Munich.
