Ruth Haines
Munich Airport is a great place to spend a layover, with plenty of things to do in the airport itself and in the surrounding area. The airport is user-friendly, with only two terminals, and has been ranked as one of the best airports in the world. In the airport, you can find over 50 restaurants and 130 shops, including duty-free shops. You can also watch planes take off and land from the Viewing Hill at Visitors Park or enjoy a beer at one of the airport's many breweries. If you want to explore outside the airport, Munich city centre is easily accessible by train or bus, and offers attractions such as the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus, the Viktualienmarkt food hall and market, and the BMW Museum. For those looking for a quieter experience, the town of Freising is just 20 minutes away and offers a dose of Bavarian culture, food, and fresh air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terminals | 2 |
| Satellite terminals | 1 |
| Destinations | 250+ |
| Ranking | 4th best airport in the world |
| Interactive Infogates | 36 |
| VIP services | Limousine transfer, personalised passport control, VIP suites |
| Restaurants | 50+ |
| Shops | 130+ |
| Distance from the city centre | 30 minutes to over an hour |
| Transport options | Train, bus, taxi, car rental |
| Nearby attractions | Freising, Viktualienmarkt, Neues Rathaus, BMW Museum, Rock Museum |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the city of Munich, including the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus and Viktualienmarkt
- Visit Freising, one of Bavaria's oldest settlements, home to the Diözesanmuseum and St. Maria and St. Corbinian Cathedral
- Experience the airport's buzzing atmosphere, with live music and events in its massive square
- Indulge in Bavarian cuisine and beer at the airport's restaurants and breweries
- Relax at the spa, or enjoy the Viewing Hill at the Visitors Park
Explore the city of Munich, including the neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus and Viktualienmarkt
Munich Airport is located a reasonable distance from the city centre, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic. However, it is an excellent airport to stop over in, with over 50 restaurants and 130 shops, including duty-free shops. The prices are believed to be cheaper than downtown Munich. The Bavarian hub is now connected to over 250 destinations and Lufthansa has its own separate terminal.
If you are looking to explore the city of Munich, a great place to start is the Neues Rathaus, or New Town Hall. Completed in 1905, it was built in the then-popular Neo-Gothic architectural style. Located in the heart of Munich on Marienplatz, it is hard to miss, not least because of its size. Over 600 city employees work in the 400 rooms of the building, many of which are open to the public. The Neues Rathaus offers fantastic views of the city from its tower. The famous glockenspiel also attracts huge crowds every day. You can explore the Neues Rathaus with an official City of Munich tour guide, which includes a visit to the famous law library.
Another must-visit spot in Munich is Viktualienmarkt, a historic open-air market in the heart of Munich's old town. Viktualienmarkt has around 100 stalls, many of which can be explored on a tasting tour. The market is a feast for the eyes, with fresh fruit and vegetables, including crunchy red-cheeked apples and fresh asparagus.
If you are interested in religious historical artefacts, you might want to visit the Diözesanmuseum within the cathedral of St. Maria and St. Corbinian in Freising, located just 20 minutes from the airport. The museum houses the most extensive collection of religious art in Germany, as well as a spectacular library.
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Visit Freising, one of Bavaria's oldest settlements, home to the Diözesanmuseum and St. Maria and St. Corbinian Cathedral
Munich Airport is a bustling hub, offering not just flights, but also a range of attractions and amenities. The airport is user-friendly, with efficient navigation, access, and information services. It boasts an impressive range of dining and shopping options, with over 50 restaurants and 130 shops, including duty-free. The prices are believed to be cheaper than downtown Munich, and the airport even offers a taste of Bavarian culture and cuisine, such as dining in an Alpine-themed restaurant called Sportalm. The airport also provides unique experiences like watching planes take off from the Viewing Hill at Visitors Park.
Now, if you're looking for a quick excursion outside the airport, Freising is a great option. It is one of the oldest settlements in Bavaria, conveniently located just 20 minutes away from the airport and connected by public bus. Freising offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and fresh air. As a major religious centre in the early Middle Ages, Freising is home to several significant religious sites, including the Diözesanmuseum and the St. Maria and St. Corbinian Cathedral.
The Diözesanmuseum, located within the cathedral, houses an extensive collection of religious art and a spectacular library, making it a must-visit for those interested in religious historical artefacts. The cathedral itself, also known as the Freising Cathedral or Mariendom, is a Romanesque basilica that serves as the co-cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. The construction of the current Romanesque structure began in 1159 and was completed in 1205. The cathedral is associated with St. Corbinian, the patron saint of the bishopric, whose tomb is located in the four-nave crypt.
Freising's rich history dates back to the Stone Age, with important Bronze Age settlements discovered on the hill where the cathedral now stands. The town's origins are linked to St. Corbinian, a French monk and missionary who became the first bishop of Freising. He established an abbey on the nearby Weihenstephan Hill, which later became the site of the oldest working brewery in the world. Freising is also home to the oldest library in the city, the Freising Cathedral Library, founded by Bishop Arbeo.
In addition to its religious and historical significance, Freising offers a glimpse into Bavaria's past with its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming atmosphere. The town's proximity to the airport makes it an ideal destination for travellers looking to explore beyond the airport during their layover.
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Experience the airport's buzzing atmosphere, with live music and events in its massive square
Munich Airport is not just full of life but also very user-friendly. The airport is ranked as the fourth-best airport in the world, with staff taking pride in its navigation, access, amenities, and information. The Bavarian hub now connects to over 250 destinations, with two terminals and Lufthansa operating its own separate terminal.
The airport boasts a buzzing atmosphere, with live music and events in its massive square. The square is a great place to hang out, watch life go by, and soak in the lively atmosphere. You can also explore the airport's wide range of culinary delights, with over 50 restaurants serving both Bavarian specialties and international cuisine.
For beer enthusiasts, Munich Airport offers a unique opportunity to try a variety of beers, including some special brews. Visitors can even witness the brewing process by taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery. There is also a beer garden outside, and the "Zirbelstube" with a tiled stove, offers a cosy atmosphere. If you're looking for a view, head to "Forumstüberl", which offers an expansive vista over the Munich Airport Center (MAC).
In addition to the vibrant square, the airport also has a Viewing Hill at Visitors Park, where you can take in the sight of planes taking off and landing. It's a short climb up 172 steps to reach this platform and capture that perfect selfie.
If you're feeling adventurous and have some time to spare, the town of Freising is just a 20-minute trip from the airport. Connected by public bus, Freising offers a taste of Bavarian culture, with beer gardens and historical churches. For those interested in religious artifacts, the Diözesanmuseum within the cathedral of St. Maria and St. Corbinian houses a remarkable collection of religious art.
With its lively square, delicious food, and convenient access to nearby attractions, Munich Airport offers a memorable experience that goes beyond the typical airport visit.
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Indulge in Bavarian cuisine and beer at the airport's restaurants and breweries
Munich Airport is a great place to indulge in Bavarian cuisine and beer. With over 50 restaurants, cafes, and bistros, the airport offers a vast selection of international cuisine, including Bavarian specialties and home-brewed beer.
One popular spot is Airbräu, which features Europe's only airport brewery. Here, you can enjoy hearty Bavarian classics like slow-roasted pork shoulder, hand-rolled bread dumplings, and cabbage salad, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Airbräu also offers a selection of international dishes and a regular program of live entertainment, including traditional Bavarian bands and comedy acts.
If you're looking for a more intimate setting, you can sit at the "Zirbelstube" with a tiled stove, or enjoy the expansive views over the Munich Airport Center (MAC) from the "Forumstüberl". And, of course, you can always sip on a cold beer in the beer garden outside.
For a true Bavarian experience, you can even dine in a cable car at an Alpine-themed restaurant called Sportalm. Or, if you're short on time, simply grab a cup of German coffee at Feel at Home in Terminal One. Kafer is another restaurant that offers a Bavarian spread.
In addition to the airport itself, the town of Freising, just 20 minutes away, offers a layover-worthy dose of Bavarian culture, food, and fresh air. Here, you can explore beer gardens and churches in one of the oldest settlements in Bavaria.
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Relax at the spa, or enjoy the Viewing Hill at the Visitors Park
Munich Airport is not just a transport hub, but a bustling place with lots to do. If you are looking for a relaxing experience, the Mountain Hub Spa at the Hilton Munich Airport hotel offers a range of wellness and fitness facilities, including a 17-metre indoor pool, a fitness studio, saunas, and steam baths. You can also choose from various massages and care treatments.
If you prefer to stay active while travelling, the Mountain Hub Spa also has a fitness area that is open 24 hours a day for hotel guests. And, if you are hungry after all that activity, the Mountain Hub has dining options, too.
For those who enjoy plane-spotting, the Visitors Park offers excellent views of landing and departing planes, as well as planes parked at Terminal 2. The Viewing Hill, which is accessible all day, every day, offers a unique perspective of the runways from 28 metres up. There is a small charge to enter the Viewing Hill, and access is not possible with a stroller or wheelchair.
The Visitors Park also features an interactive exhibition about the airport, its aircraft, employees, processes, and machines, as well as an adventure playground for children. There is a restaurant, Tante Ju's, which serves dishes from around the world, and an aviation-themed shop.
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Frequently asked questions
Munich Airport is a great place for a layover as it is user-friendly and full of life. You can try the local beers, which are also cheaper than downtown Munich. You can also visit the nearby town of Freising, which is one of the oldest settlements in Bavaria and is just 20 minutes away by bus.
You can take a public bus to Freising, which is located just 20 minutes away from the airport.
Freising offers a dose of Bavarian culture, food, and fresh air. You can visit the Diözesanmuseum within the cathedral of St. Maria and St. Corbinian, which houses a spectacular library and the most extensive collection of religious art in Germany.
Munich itself is home to over 80 museums, many of which are within walking distance of the downtown core. You can visit the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art, the BMW Museum, or the Rock Museum. You can also stroll through the Englischer Garten, a nearly 230-year-old urban greenspace that is larger than Central Park.
Munich Airport is almost like a hangout spot for locals, with over 50 restaurants and 130 shops. You can dine in an Alpine-themed restaurant called Sportalm or try the oldest delicacy house in Munich, known for its coffee called Dallmayr. You can also take in the atmosphere at the bustling square, which often features live music and events.
