Ready to uncover Munich's hidden gems without emptying your wallet?

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. While it's easy to assume that exploring such a renowned city might break the bank, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to experience Munich's magic.

In this post, we'll guide you through three fantastic activities and sites that will allow you to soak in the beauty and culture of Munich without overspending. Get ready to dive into our ultimate guide to experiencing Bavarian magic on a budget.

Not located directly in Munich - you’ll have to take a group tour bus to get there -, Neuschwanstein Castle, which is located about a 90 minute drive from the city on a butte beneath the Alps in Southern Germany - close to the Austrian border -, is one of the best experiences you could have while you’re visiting the city.

It’s 100% worth it to take the tour and spend a day traveling out of Munich to go there - as this fairytale fortress is super accessible and affordable if you plan ahead.

Built between 1869 and 1884, and opened to the public in 1886, the palace inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle in California.

For the most budget-friendly transportation, consider taking a regional train from Munich's Hauptbahnhof to Füssen. From Füssen, a short bus ride will take you directly to the castle.

Or, you could do what I did and purchase a ticket for a group tour, meaning you’ll take an air conditioned coach bus from Munich to the Alps, either directly to Neuschwanstein Castle, or by first stopping at Linderhof Palace, another one of King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s residences - which too is 100% worth it, though it’s pricier as it’s part of a bundled tour package.

Once you arrive at the castle, you'll probably get a little bit of time to explore the village beneath it, and have some lunch as well as look for some souvenirs.

Then, when the entry time on your ticket nears, you’ll have to take a hike up the foothill towards the castle, which is definitely a bit of a challenge, and it’s great exercise.

Fair warning, it can smell like equestrian poop on your way up the hill as there are horses and carriage rides offered throughout the village beneath the palace.

And once you get up there, you'll be greeted by one of the most picturesque, towering castles in the world.

You’ll probably see excellent views of it on the bus ride over - with the snowy Alps filling the background -, and yet nothing beats the site when you’re actually standing right beneath the castle.

To make the most of your visit without spending a fortune, purchase your tickets in advance online. Standard tickets offer access to a professionally guided tour of the castle’s stunning interiors, where you'll explore opulent, historic rooms, learn about King Ludwig II's fascinating life, and see insane views of the Alps from the castle windows.

Make sure to bring your camera or smartphone as you’ll want to take LOTS of photos, and don't miss the Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) viewpoint for breathtaking views of the castle and the surrounding landscape. It's free to access, you can go on it, and it provides excellent photography opportunities.

2. Discover the Deutsches Museum

Back in the city, I highly recommend you check out one of the largest and oldest science and technology museums in the world.

Located in the heart of Munich, this museum - established in 1903 - offers tons of scientific exhibits focusing on transportation & aviation, to robotics & astronautics. It also houses the Future Museum, which focuses on technology in the coming times.

This place is the biggest museum in Germany.

The entrance fee is quite reasonable, especially considering the sheer volume of displays and interactive exhibits you can explore. Adult tickets cost €15 - about $22 CAD or $16 USD today - and you can apply discounts if you have proof of eligibility.

Speaking of discounts, for budget-conscious travelers, the Deutsches Museum offers several price cut options. Students, children, and seniors can enjoy reduced rates, and on certain days, the museum offers free admission to all visitors. Be sure to check their website for the latest information on discounts and free entry days.

With so much to see, it's wise to plan your visit to the Deutsches Museum in advance - if only by a few days.

Once inside, start with the aviation and space travel section, where you'll witness historic aircraft and space exploration artifacts.

The maritime exhibit is another must-see, featuring full-scale ships and submarines.

And for those interested in cutting-edge technology, the nanotechnology and robotics sections provide fascinating insights into the future. Also, don't miss the live demonstrations and hands-on activities that make this museum such a dynamic and truly engaging experience.

3. Explore the Englischer Garten

And finally, if you want to escape into nature whilst still having access to urbanity, head to the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Located just a short tram ride from Munich's city center, and situated on the Northeast side of the city - West of the Isar river -, the Englischer Garten is an oasis of greenery where you can escape the pollution and noise of the city without leaving it.

Best of all, access to this beautiful green space is completely free. Just be sure to watch out for pickpockets as the park welcomes five million people annually.

Why so many visitors? Well the Englischer Garten offers a plethora of activities to suit your budget. You can take a leisurely stroll, rent a bike to explore the park's extensive network of trails, or pack a picnic and enjoy a meal by the Kleinhesseloher See, a picturesque lake perfect for relaxation.

One of the park's unique attractions is the Japanese Tea House, where you can experience a traditional tea ceremony. While there is a small fee for the ceremony - about €10 for adults and €5 for children - simply visiting the tea house, the island on which it stands, and its surroundings is free and worth the trip.

For a bit of excitement, head to the Eisbachwelle, where surfers ride a standing wave in the park's Eisbach river. Watching this is incredibly thrilling and free, so you lose nothing from giving it a shot.

Photo by Luis Fernando Felipe Alves on Unsplash

That concludes our first blog post about budget friendly sites to see and activities to experience in Munich.

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Go out there and have the adventure of a lifetime!

Discover Munich & Its Rich Experiences Without the Price Tag

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