Read our complete guide to visiting Munich for Euro 2024 and discover all you need to know about making it a once-in-a-lifetime trip to remember. Find out more.
With the Euros just around the corner, Munich is gearing up to help host the latest edition of the tournament and give football fans a summer to remember.
With the city fully embracing football-mania, we’ve created the complete guide to Euro 2024 in Munich, providing you with all the necessary information to make it a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Whether you’re visiting for one game or the whole tournament – or simply soaking up the atmosphere – read on to find out all you need to know, from what to do in Munich to the best places to stay, visit, and eat. Alternatively, explore the latest Euro 2024 odds.
In this guide:
· Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Munich?
· Visiting Munich’s Allianz Arena
· Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Munich?
· How to get from Munich airport to the city centre
· Where to stay in Munich for Euro 2024
· How to travel around Munich
· Where to eat in Munich
· Munich’s most picturesque photo spots
· The best day trips from Munich
· Final things to know before visiting Munich for the Euros
· Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Munich?
Munich is set to host six matches during Euro 2024, including kicking off the tournament with the opening clash between Germany and Scotland on June 14th. Just over three weeks later, it’s also the scene of the first semi-final, where one nation will earn a place in the final two.
Joining Germany and Scotland, for the group stage phase, Munich will also welcome Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark, as well as Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. With such an array of teams spending time in the city over the course of the tournament, Munich is excitedly preparing to put on a show, with visiting supporters certainly in for an unforgettable experience.
Visiting Munich’s Allianz Arena
The home of German royalty Bayern Munich, the 70,000-seater Allianz Arena is located just outside the city centre and is easily accessible by public transport. A football-crazy city, even if you’re not attending a game, a visit to the arena should sit atop your list of things to do in Munich.
How to get to the Allianz Arena
The Munich Football Arena is conveniently accessible via public transport, with regular buses and trains from the city centre.
There isn’t an S-Bahn that takes you directly to the stadium, but you can catch a U-Bahn on the U6 line to Fröttmaning station, which is a short walk from the arena. The main city centre station that takes you direct to Fröttmaning is Marienplatz, which has connections to most main lines. Trains to and from Fröttmaning are fairly regular – especially on gamedays, when they arrive every 3-5 minute, so you shouldn’t have any travel problems!
Where to park at the Munich Arena
Situated outside the city centre, the Allianz Arena is accessible by car. However, official guidance for match-going fans is to avoid driving to the stadium on gamedays, as the parking will typically be over-subscribed, and it can be difficult to find a spot.
Of course, if you’re requiring disability parking, the arena will aim to accommodate where possible, with reserved spots – though, these are likely to be taken on a first-come first-served basis.
If you do need to drive, there is a multistorey car park that’s open until four hours after the end of the game. However, with the surrounding area expected to be busy, you might want to consider parking away from the stadium and finishing your journey via public transport.
On non-gamedays, there’s typically plenty of stadium parking, including ‘Busparkplatz Nord’ which is the venue’s coach park.
Allianz Arena history
The second-biggest stadium in Germany – smaller only than Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion – the Munich Football Arena, also known as the Allianz Arena, has been the home of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich since 2005 (and, until 2017, TSV 1860 Munich).
Originally built out of a need for a modern stadium in the city, the imposing Allianz dominates the local area, and is immediately recognisable thanks to its striking translucent-panelled façade. Each Bayern Munich game, the exterior glows red – so expect the spectacular when visiting.
Notably, the venue has history as a starring stadium at a major international tournament, having hosted six World Cup games in 2006 – including Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica to kick off the competition. And, as we go into Euro 2024, Munich is well-attuned to the tournament process, having also held four high-stakes fixtures in the 2020 edition.
On the club stage, the Munich Football Arena was the scene of Chelsea’s first Champions League crowning in 2012, in a final that saw the London side outwit Bayern on their home turf – with the venue set to return as the scene of next season’s finale.
Best Allianz Arena selfie spots
Of course, any visit to a stadium as awe-inspiring as Munich’s Allianz Arena is incomplete without a bank of selfies to remind yourself of the trip; especially if you want to make everyone at home wish they’d also scored a ticket! Some of the most Insta-worthy Allianz Arena selfie spots include:
· Outside the stadium: As previously mentioned, the outside of the Allianz Arena is constructed from translucent, light-up panels, so make sure to catch a snap of the impressive feature before entering the stadium.
· Gerd Müller statue: In September 2023, Bayern Munich unveiled a big bronze statue in recognition of the late, legendary German striker Gerd Müller. Before heading into the ground, why not strike a pose in front of an icon who scored over 720 career goals – including 563 for Bayern and 68 for West Germany.
· From your seat: Whether before, during, or after the match, make sure to take a selfie from your seat with the pitch in the background, to capture the memory and show exactly where you enjoyed the drama during your visit to the Allianz Arena.
· At the Bayern Munich museum: As one of the most decorated and iconic clubs in all of Europe, including ranking as the most successful in Germany, the Bayern Munich museum isn’t short of history and accolades. So why not drop in to get a selfie in front of the 6 European Cups, 33 Championship trophies, and tributes to players of past and present – including Franz Beckenbauer, Oliver Kahn, and Philip Lahm.
Refreshments at the Allianz Arena
On a typical matchday at the Allianz Arena, the Munich stadium offers 28 independent food stalls, which equates to a stand per 2,500 attendees. Unfortunately for visiting fans, this is the second-lowest rate of stalls of all Euro 2024 arenas, meaning you might find yourself queuing. For context, Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park has a food stall for every 396 fans.
Meanwhile, in terms of the typical cost of food and drink here, expect a relatively pricey experience. As an example, during the regular season, expect to pay €5.00 for a basic bratwurst – the most expensive hot dog across all Euro 2024 venues – and €4.70 for a standard soft drink.
Allianz Arena rules
There are various stadium rules and restrictions in place at the Munich Football Arena – some more obvious than others! So, before visiting, familiarise yourself with the regulations, including:
· Bags: You won’t be able to enter the stadium with bags bigger than A4 size. If you’re carrying larger bags, you can take advantage of the venue’s bag-drop area – though, it’s recommended to get to the game earlier if you’re dropping off a big bag to avoid long queues.
· Power banks: Small power banks are permitted in the stadium, though you might not be allowed to enter if it’s bigger than a ‘standard’ phone size.
· Smoking: Smoking is prohibited at the Allianz Arena, and there won’t be dedicated smoking areas.
· Flags: You can enter the stadium with small flags (no bigger than 2m x 1.5m), but flagpoles longer than one metre may not be permitted.
· Cameras: Avoid bringing professional cameras to the Munich Arena, as you might not be allowed to enter the venue. Small cameras (and smartphones) are of course welcome, so feel free to capture as many memories as possible on your mobile!
· ID: You’ll need to bring a valid form of identification with you to the stadium, to be allowed entry.
Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Munich?
There are going to be endless things to do in Munich during Euro 2024, but the official fan zone is located at the Olympiapark, which is a short way north of the city centre.
Here, you’ll be able to enjoy all matches on a big screen at the Olympic Lake. Alternatively, if you’d rather stay central, expect festivities around Marienplatz too!
How to get to the Euro 2024 Munich fan zone
The nearest U-Bahn station to Olympiapark is Olympiazentrum. Get here by taking the U3 line in the direction of Moosach – Olympiazentrum is the third-final stop. From here, it’s a quick walk to the fan zone.
Munich Euro 2024 fan zone requirements
There are no specific entry requirements when visiting the official Euro 2024 Munich fan zone, and entry is free to all!
Munich fan zone activities
As well as showing all 51 tournament games, the fan zone will also play host to various other activities for kids and adults, to keep supporters entertained. Or simply settle down in the Bavarian sunshine and relax to the sound of live music and fun-filled frivolity.
Other places to watch Euro 2024 in Munich
As we’ve touched on above, if you’d rather stay more central, there’ll be plenty of celebrations across the city, included a dedicated festival of football at Marienplatz. And if you’d rather watch the games in a less ‘official’ environment, it’s worth checking out the various pubs – of which, some of the best sports bars in Munich include:
· Treffpunkt Sportsbar (4.2-rated on Google, from 570+ reviews)
· Sortie Bar Lounge (4.3-rated on Google, from 60+ reviews)
· 5 Rings Sports Bar (4.4-rated on Google, from 120+ reviews)
· Hangover Sportsbar Munich (4.5-rated on Google, from 110+ reviews)
How to get from Munich airport to the city centre
When arriving at Munich airport, you’ll be met with a few ways to travel into the city centre. Each offers varying degrees of practicality and price, so it’s up to you to weigh up which is best. To give you a bit of context, the best way to travel from Munich airport to the city centre are:
· Train: From Munich airport, you can catch the S1 or S8 to the city centre, depending on your direction of travel – the S1 travels via Feldmoching and Moosach while the S8 travels via Ostbahnhof. Each line operates regularly, and the journey to the city centre takes around 40 minutes.
· Bus: If you’d rather travel by bus, the Lufthansa Express ferries passengers between the airport and city centre no matter which airline you fly with. It operates every 20 minutes and stops at Munich Central Station and Munich North. Incidentally, you can also catch the Express Bus to Nuremberg and Innsbruck.
· Flixbus: If you’re travelling a little further out than the city centre, you might instead choose to travel with Flixbus, which can take you to various locations across Germany – with Munich being a popular hub, you may be landing here but attending games in another city!
· Taxi: Finally, you can also travel from Munich airport to the city centre by taxi, which is the most convenient mode of transport. Either hail a cab or order an Uber or Bolt from your phone.
Where to stay in Munich for Euro 2024
Munich is a gorgeous city with culture and history around every turn, but knowing exactly where to stay as a tourist can be one of the trickiest parts of planning a trip. To help you out, we’ve identified some of the most popular places to stay in Munich:
Altstadt-Lehel
The heart of Munich and the city’s old town, in the boroughs of Altstadt and Lehel, you’ll find many popular landmarks and tourist hubs – including Marienplatz, Hofbräuhaus, the cathedral, and the famous town hall clock tower. If you want to be in the middle of the old-town action, Altstadt-Lehel is perhaps the best place to stay in Munich.
Maxvorstadt
Set a few kilometres north of the city centre, Maxvorstadt is an arts and culture hub, with the district boasting plenty of museums to meander. And around every corner, you’re sure to find a new foodie favourite – Maxvorstadt is jam-packed full of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Schwabing-West
North of the city centre near the Olympiapark, and about 5km from Marienplatz, Schwabing is a popular neighbourhood for visitors looking to stay a little out from the hustle and bustle. Some of the draws include the district’s famous shopping area full of boutiques and independents, as well as the host of late-night bars and clubs.
Glockenbachviertel
Located just south of the city centre, Glockenbachviertel is a bustling neighbourhood that attracts visitors of all ages. A vibrant district with a lively night scene, enjoy plenty of bars, clubs, and trendy restaurants. It’s also known as one of Munich’s LGTBQ+ hubs.
Haidhausen
South-east of Marienplatz, Haidhausen is a relaxed and generally-residential district of Munich, and is typically a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere that’s quiet while within walking distance of the city centre. With picturesque architecture, markets, and hidden gems aplenty, consider Haidhausen on your visit to Munich.
How to travel around Munich
Though Munich is widely considered to be one of the most walkable cities in the world, the city boasts strong public transport systems, including:
· U-Bahn: With stops easily-identifiable by a big blue ‘U’, the U-Bahn is Munich’s underground metro service, which covers most of the city and its immediate surrounding area. There are eight U-Bahn lines and almost 100 interconnected stations in Munich, meaning you’re very well connected to the city’s many neighbourhoods and landmarks.
· S-Bahn: The S-Bahn is another of Munich’s popular rail systems, similar to the U-Bahn but operating above ground as well as underground. It connects Munich across 8 lines and 150 stations.
· Tram: As if the S- and U-Bahns weren’t enough, Munich also has a strong tram network with 165 stops throughout the city.
· Bus: Of course, if for any reason you can’t reach your destination by train or tram, you can always take the bus! Munich’s extensive bus network covers pretty much all areas of the city.
Munich public transport tips and tricks
Munich’s public transport system is highly efficient and intuitive, but it always helps to have a few additional travel tips and tricks before visiting! Read on to learn more about what to do in Munich when travelling by bus or train:
· Validate your ticket: Once you’ve bought your ticket, you’ll also need to validate it before getting on the underground or overground train. If you don’t validate before travel, your ticket won’t count, and you might have to pay a fine if caught by an inspector!
· Purchase tickets before boarding: In Germany, it’s mandatory to buy travel tickets before boarding a train – and they won’t be available on-board. So, head to a ticket machine or help desk to buy your transport pass.
· Download the MVV app: The MVV (Münchner Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund, or Munich Transport Authority in English) app makes buying public transport tickets easy and efficient. Not only can you purchase passes online, but you’ll also find timetables, disruptions, and suggested routes.
· Full-day tickets: If you’re planning on travelling a lot within a 24 hour or 3-day period, then consider getting a day pass or travel card. These give you unlimited travel for the duration of the ticket – just choose the zones you need to include.
· Night travel: Some of Munich’s main stations and train lines operate late into the night, so make sure to familiarise yourself with those that will be open in the early hours. You can easily identify participating lines by the ‘N’ on S-Bahn and U-Bahn maps.
Where to eat in Munich
Munich is typically considered to be more expensive than other German cities when it comes to dining out – so be prepared to spend a little more than you would in the likes of Berlin or Hamburg. However, that said, generally speaking, it’s more affordable than other major European destinations like London or Paris.
Of course, the cost of eating and drinking will vary depending on your chosen cuisine and location, but you can reasonably expect to spend between €15-20 for a standard main meal at a typical mid-range eatery. Speaking of which, some of the most popular mid-priced Bavarian, Italian, and burger restaurants in Munich include:
· Bavarian: For an authentically Bavarian experience, consider heading to one of the city’s many beer houses – or bräuhaus. Popular picks include Hofbräuhaus, Augustiner Kellerwirt, Weisses Bräuhaus, and Wirtshaus in der Au.
· Italian: With strong ratings on Google, popular Italian restaurants in Munich include Ristorante VI VADI Cucina Italiana, Pizzeria Mimmo e Co., and, Trattoria Al Paladino, all of which offer fresh flavours and authentic ingredients.
· Burgers: If burgers are your bag, then you can’t go wrong with Ruff’s Burger or Hans im Glück – two popular chains that offer affordable favourites, generous portions, and a welcoming, casual atmosphere. With various locations dotted across the city, you’re never too far from either.
Finally, if you still can’t decide, located close to Marienplatz, ‘Viktualienmarkt’ is a couple-of-centuries-old food market that spans 100+ impressive stalls, offering a wide range of food and drink for all. With a 4.6-rating on Google from nearly 58,000 reviews, if you can’t decide what to eat, why not head down to the market and get inspired by the choice.
The best döner kebabs in Munich
While not necessarily boasting quite the same reputation as Berlin – which is dubbed by many to be the döner kebab capital of the world – Munich holds its own when it comes to the famous takeaway treat. But where can you find the best kebab in the city? Top-rated establishments include:
· Best Döner Kebap: 4.6-rated on Google, from 1,100+ reviews
· Family Döner: 4.4-rated on Google, from 460+ reviews
· Best Döner & Falafel: 4.7-rated on Google, from 3,000+ reviews
· Bosporus Kebap Haus: 4.4-rated on Google, from 750+ reviews
· Sendling’s Spezial Kebap House: 4.6-rated on Google, from 1,700+ reviews
· Erbil’s Vegan & Mediterran: 4.7-rated on Google, from 1,900+ reviews (vegan)
The best pork knuckle in Munich
Just as Berlin has döner kebab, a Bavarian staple is the humble pork knuckle, which translates as schweinshaxe. Available on the menu at most authentic eateries and beerhalls, pork knuckle is a Bavarian essential, with some of Munich’s top hotspots including:
· Haxnbauer: 4.3-rated on Google, from 6,800+ reviews (moving to a new Munich location over summer 2024)
· Augustiner Kellerwirt: 4.5-rated on Google, from 10,100+ reviews
· Augustiner am Platzl: 4.3-rated on Google, from 4,900+ reviews
· Wirtshaus in der Au: 4.5-rated on Google, from 4,400+ reviews
· Zum Alten Simpl: 4.3-rated on Google, from 1,300+ reviews
· Hofbräuhaus München: 4.2-rated on Google, from 85,900+ reviews
Munich’s most picturesque photo spots
An historic city that’s brimming with culture, sights, and photo-spots, Munich is full of Insta-worthy album-fillers, from stunning parks to old-town architecture. Some of the best places to visit in Munich include:
· Marienplatz: Situated at the heart of the Insta-worthy old town, Marienplatz – and its iconic town hall and clock tower – are a must-visit for anyone hoping to capture a snap of quintessential Munich.
· Frauenkirche: This frankly stunning cathedral is easily identified by its two towering domes, capturing the intrigue of locals and visitors alike. You can even climb up one of the towers for extensive, panoramic views of Munich.
· Alter Peter: Take the 300-step climb up to the top of St. Peter’s Church, the oldest church in the city, for full-city views of Munich from above.
· Nymphenburg Palace: The former residence of Bavarian kings and queens, this palace and adjacent gardens make the perfect backdrop for your next Insta-update.
· Englischer Garten: Take time away from the hustle, bustle, and drama of city living with a trip to the English Gardens of Munich and capture a picture-perfect selfie as you wander the grounds.
· Viktualienmarkt: Capture the Munich locals in action as they explore the colourful stalls and overflowing fresh product at Viktualienmarkt, a popular food market that’s round the corner from Marienplatz.
The best day trips from Munich
While you could absolutely spend a whole trip in Munich, exploring the city and surrounding suburbs, if you’re visiting for an extended period you might also want to explore some of other nearby cities or attractions. Some of the most popular day trips from Munich include:
Neuschwanstein Castle: The original and iconic inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, Neuschwanstein is perched in the hills with towering turrets and picture-perfect views. A couple of hours from Munich city centre, this is a must-see on any trip to Bavaria.
Salzburg: While in Bavaria, you why not hop over the border into neighbouring Austria and enjoy a day out in beautiful Salzburg. From Munich, you can get a direct rail route to Salzburg in just under 1.5 hours. It’s one of the most accessible day trips from Munich by train.
Nuremberg: Another Bavarian favourite, during your visit to southeast Germany, why not visit historic Nuremberg, home to a classic castle and famous market square. From the Hauptbahnhof, travel north for just over an hour – just don’t fall asleep on the train or you may end up in Hamburg!
Chiemsee: Not far from Munich, you’ll find the picturesque Chiemsee lake, which offers stunning hiking, swimming, and cycling opportunities. Just 60km from the city, this is one of the best places to visit near Munich.
Final things to know before visiting Munich for the Euros
From the weather to language and payment methods, we’ve pulled together some essential things to know ahead of your visit to Munich for Euro 2024!
Weather in Munich
During the summer months of June and July, the city of Munich enjoys good weather with highs typically falling between 22-24°C; though, this will likely drop to 11-13°C on an evening. With this in mind, don’t forget to pack your suncream when visiting Munich!
Language
You’ll be unsurprised to learn that the main language spoken in Munich is German, though you might hear many locals talking in a unique Bavarian dialect. However, like most other major cities in Germany, many Münchners are capable English-speakers, so you shouldn’t have any trouble communicating. But, if you do want to give the local lingo a go, some common German phrases include:
· Hallo (Hello)
· Bitte (Please)
· Tschüss (Bye!)
· Danke (Thanks)
· Entschuldigung (Excuse me)
· Sprechen sie Englisch? (Do you speak English?)
· Ich verstehe nicht (I don’t understand)
Munich payment information
Before visiting Munich, make sure to read up on local tipping and payment culture, so you’re not caught out.
· Tipping: In Munich, while not mandatory, it is customary to tip when eating out. This gratuity is based on experience, though, so the amount you tip will depend on the level of service. In a typical case, though, a suggested tip of 10% of the total bill would be suitable.
· Cash or card: Most establishments in Munich will accept card payments, but it’s always useful to carry around some spare euros for public transport, small shops and cafes, or street vendors.
Hospitals in Munich
While you’d hope to not need to visit a hospital when travelling to Munich for Euro 2024, it’s useful to know where to find the emergency room if required:
· Klinikum der Universität München: A 30-minute drive south of the city centre, this university hospital has a 24/7 emergency department, and is well-equipped to handle all sorts of accidents.
· Helios Klinikum München West: West of the city centre, this clinic is based at the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, and has a 24-hours accident and emergency service.
· Städtisches Klinikum Bogenhausen: Roughly 5km east of Marienplatz, this hospital has an all-hours emergency room.
Before you visit Munich, you should also take a note of the medical emergency number (112), and the German word for hospital: Krankenhaus.
Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
With our handy travel guide, you should have no problem navigating Munich during Euro 2024. And if you’re planning on city-hopping throughout the tournament, be sure to check out our other guides which explore the things to do and see in each of the other host locations:
· Berlin
· Cologne
· Dortmund
· Hamburg
· Leipzig
