Roberta Aguirre
Munich Airport is one of Europe's busiest, but its good design and modern amenities make it a comfortable place to spend a layover. If you have a long layover, it's easy to get out and explore Munich or some nearby Bavarian towns. However, if you only have a short layover, there are still plenty of things to keep you entertained at the airport itself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 2 hours |
| Minimum layover time to explore Munich | 5-6 hours |
| Transport options to Munich city centre | S-Bahn (S1 and S8 lines), train, bus, taxi |
| Transport time to Munich city centre | 35-50 minutes |
| Munich Airport facilities | 60+ restaurants, 150 shops, massage services, Visitors Park, mini-golf course, sleep cabins |
| Nearby towns | Freising, Erding, Weihenstephaner |
| Munich attractions | Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Altstadt, beer gardens, museums, Pinakothek der Moderne, Augustiner-Keller, Englischer Garten |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Munich's Old Town and other attractions, including Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt
- Visit the city of Freising or Erding, both older than Munich and with rich histories
- Experience Munich's centuries-old brewing culture at traditional beer halls and biergartens
- Shop at the airport, which has over 150 stores, including boutiques and duty-free shops
- Relax and recharge at the airport's sleep cabins, massage services, or observation areas
Explore Munich's Old Town and other attractions, including Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt
Munich's Old Town is a great place to explore during a layover. The city is about 40 minutes away by train from the airport, so with a layover of 6 hours or more, you can definitely head into the city centre and explore. The S-Bahn suburban train is your best option to get downtown, with the S1 and S8 lines departing every 10 minutes from the station below the airport's arrival and departure halls.
One of the most iconic attractions in Munich is Marienplatz, located in the Old Town. This ancient square has been the venue for markets, tournaments and celebrations for over 1000 years. Notable buildings include the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), with its impressive Gothic-Revival style and observation deck offering splendid views of the city, and the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), constructed in the early 14th century and incorporating Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-Gothic styles. Be sure to also visit the Munich Cathedral, Frauenkirche, with its two towers topped by green domes, and the Devil's Footstep inside.
A short walk southeast of Marienplatz is Viktualienmarkt, a historic open-air market with around 100 stalls offering fresh produce and gourmet delights. You can spot fountains featuring statues of folk singers and comedians, and maypoles painted in the state colours of white and blue, depicting local craftsmanship and village life.
If you have time, there are also beer halls and gardens all around the Old Town, including the world-famous Hofbräuhaus, where you can sample Bavarian cuisine and listen to traditional live music. With its rich cultural and historical sites, Munich's Old Town and its attractions are definitely worth exploring during a layover.
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Visit the city of Freising or Erding, both older than Munich and with rich histories
If you have a layover of at least six hours at Munich Airport, you can visit the nearby cities of Freising and Erding, both of which are older than Munich and offer a rich history.
Freising
Freising is a historic city with over 1200 years of history as the seat of the prince-bishops. The city is known for its impressive cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, which is encircled by the former residence of the prince-bishops, from which they ruled over the principality of Freising. The cathedral towers are visible from afar and offer a striking view of the surrounding area. Inside the cathedral, you will find a Baroque interior designed by the Asam Brothers, a Romanesque Beasts' Pillar, and a large museum with paintings, sculptures, and religious artefacts. Freising is also known for its brewing culture, with beer playing an important role in the city's history and identity. In addition, the city offers quaint craftsmen's dwellings, imposing burghers' residences, romantic squares, and a vibrant cultural scene with exhibitions of contemporary art.
Erding
Erding is a charming town with a rich history and several attractions. The town is home to the famous 'Der schone Turm' (The Beautiful Tower), which features beautiful architecture and coats of arms belonging to the "Pfleger" of Erding between the 16th and 18th centuries. Erding also has a thriving brewing culture, with the ERDINGER Weissbier brewery offering educational and entertaining tours. The town's museum, although small, provides an interesting glimpse into the history of the town and is located within a beautifully decorated building. Erding also offers a variety of restaurants and entertainment options, including Little Vegas, which features gambling machines, pool, and darts.
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Experience Munich's centuries-old brewing culture at traditional beer halls and biergartens
Munich is a great layover destination due to its proximity to the airport and its rich cultural and historical sites. The city is about 40 minutes away from the airport by train, so if you have a layover of 6 hours or more, you'll have time to explore the city's centuries-old brewing culture at traditional beer halls and biergartens. Here are some places you can visit:
Augustiner-Bräu
Augustiner-Bräu is Munich's oldest brewery, dating back to at least 1328. You can find their beer served at various spots throughout the city, but Augustiner-Keller, their flagship venue, is a must-visit. It's one of the original beer storage facilities before refrigeration and plays an important role in the development of lager and beer garden culture. It has a fun-loving atmosphere and offers a full range of Augustiner beers, including the underrated Dunkles and the popular Edelstoff, served from a wooden barrel after 17:00 on weekdays and all weekend.
Spaten
Spaten is another one of Munich's oldest and most historic breweries, with records dating back to the 14th century. It offers comprehensive tours that take visitors behind the scenes, showcasing copper brew kettles, the bottling line, and a small museum with historical artifacts. The tour ends with a beer tasting. Spaten also has a lovely beer garden on the Isar River, known as WaWi to locals, which offers a laid-back atmosphere, seasonal beers, and tasty food.
Hofbräuhaus
Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V, is a cornerstone of Munich's beer culture. The brewery has a rich history and a vibrant beer hall. The halls are lined with long wooden tables, and you can enjoy a Maß (a one-liter beer) while listening to live Bavarian music. Don't forget to check out the historical beer hall upstairs, where political figures, including Lenin, once discussed world-changing ideas.
Paulaner
Paulaner started as a monastic brewery in the 17th century and is now one of the best-known Munich breweries globally, thanks to its Weissbier (wheat beer). They offer insightful brewery tours that include beer tastings, and their Paulaner Brauhaus beer garden is a perfect spot to relax with a cold beer.
Hacker-Pschorr Brewery
Hacker-Pschorr Brewery dates back to 1417 and is a staple at Oktoberfest. With centuries of brewing wisdom, it's a must-visit for anyone serious about beer. Their rich, full-bodied brews are sure to impress.
Bräustüberl Biergarten in Aying
For a nice lunch excursion, take the S-Bahn to Aying, where you'll find the Bräustüberl Biergarten. The prices are better than in town, and their Helles and Dunkles beers are excellent, along with their seasonal offerings.
Remember to allow sufficient time for transportation back to the airport, clearing security, and being at your gate on time. Enjoy your exploration of Munich's brewing culture!
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Shop at the airport, which has over 150 stores, including boutiques and duty-free shops
Munich Airport is one of Europe's busiest airports, but it remains efficient and comfortable thanks to its good design and modern amenities. The airport offers a supreme shopping experience for all budgets, with over 150 stores, including boutiques and duty-free shops. The main part of the stores is located airside, making it perfect for shopping even with a short layover.
You'll find everything from convenience shops, newsstands, and technology stores to huge duty-free areas, souvenir shops, and international fashion boutiques. German brand Lloyd sells leather goods and shoes, and football fans will love the FC Bayern Munich Fan Shop. In addition to the wide range of shopping options, the airport also offers a variety of dining options, with over 60 restaurants serving German and European cuisine.
If you have at least 5 hours between flights, you can explore Munich or some nearby Bavarian towns. The airport is about 22 miles from the city centre, and you can easily get there by train, bus, or taxi. However, keep in mind that Munich traffic can be terrible, especially during rush hours. Once you're in the city, head to Marienplatz, the traditional main square, where you'll find iconic sites such as the Frauenkirche, the long-running beer hall Hofbrauhaus, and the Kunsthalle art museum.
If you don't want to leave the airport, you can still enjoy a variety of experiences. Munich Airport offers a full-blown brewery, Airbräu, with its own beer garden, where you can sip freshly brewed beer and enjoy classic Bavarian snacks. For a more relaxed activity, stroll through the Visitors Park, where you can watch planes take off or play a game of mini-golf. The airport also offers massage services, nap cabins, and a viewing platform at Visitor's Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of planes and runways.
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Relax and recharge at the airport's sleep cabins, massage services, or observation areas
Munich Airport offers a range of facilities to help you relax and recharge during your layover. If you're looking for a quick energy boost, you can book a massage at the Chi-Mas Institute, located in Terminal 2 near Gates G and H. The institute offers acupressure massages, which focus on applying pressure to specific points on your body using thumbs, hands, and elbows. This type of massage is designed to help you relax and restore your body, mind, and spirit, making it an ideal choice during a busy travel day. The massages are performed while you sit fully clothed in a treatment chair, making the experience uncomplicated and convenient.
For those seeking a more extended period of rest, Munich Airport offers napcabs and napcabsXL, which provide a quiet and private space to relax or work. These sleeping pods are equipped with separate working areas and free internet access, ensuring you stay connected during your layover. The napcabs are located in Terminal 2 after the security check and in the public area, with specific locations available on the airport map. Pricing varies depending on the time of day, with higher rates from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. The minimum price for both types of cabins is EUR 34, offering a budget-friendly option for travellers.
If you prefer to stretch your legs and explore, Munich Airport features an observation deck located on the visitors' terrace atop Terminal 2. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the airport apron, the new satellite terminal, and the bustling runways. It's a great way to pass the time and observe the airport's operations from a different perspective. Remember to check the status of your flight at the InfoGate stations or via the Munich Airport website or mobile app to ensure you don't miss your connection.
In addition to these relaxing options, Munich Airport also boasts an extensive range of shops and restaurants, both airside and landside, offering a supreme shopping experience for all budgets. Whether you're in the market for souvenirs, jewellery, or simply wanting to indulge in some duty-free shopping, the airport has you covered. With acupressure massages, quiet sleep cabins, a panoramic observation deck, and an array of shopping and dining options, Munich Airport provides travellers with plenty of opportunities to relax, recharge, and make the most of their layover time.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have 2 hours or less, stay airside and explore the shops, restaurants and services within the security area. Munich Airport offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, including German brewpubs like Airbräu, which has its own beer garden. You can also get an acupressure massage, which costs €1 per minute.
If you have a 5-hour layover, you could take the train to Munich city centre, which takes around 40-45 minutes each way. You'll have about an hour to explore, so head straight to Marienplatz, the traditional main square, and grab a bite to eat at the nearby Hofbräuhaus.
With a 6-hour layover, you'll have about 2 hours to explore Munich. As well as visiting Marienplatz and Hofbräuhaus, you'll have time to stroll through the Old Town and see some of the city's historic sites.
With an overnight layover, you can drop your bags at your accommodation and head to one of Munich's famous beer gardens for dinner. Try Augustiner-Keller, where you can sample Bavarian delicacies like Weisswurst and Knödel, washed down with a stein of Augustiner beer. After dinner, take an evening stroll to Königsplatz, a beautiful square that's impressively lit at night.
