Planning a Trip to Munich: 11 Mistakes to Avoid in Germany For First-Timers!

Munich is one of Europe’s most charming cities, full of history, culture, day trips, and a whole lot of beer. We had the absolute best time visiting for Oktoberfest. But like any new destination, it comes with a few quirks and unspoken rules that can catch first-time visitors off guard.

Before you hop on that flight, here are 13 common mistakes to avoid in Munich and what to do instead to make the most of your trip. It’s the perfect quick guide to read before your first trip to Germany!

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Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Munich for the First Time

If you’ve spent a lot of time in Europe, some of these may seem a bit obvious, but it’s always good to read for a quick refresher before visiting! Let’s dive in andddd get your prepared for your first trip to Germany!

1. Not Having Cash

While Munich is modern and efficient, cash (Bargeld) is still king in many spots. This was actually my first experience with not being able to use my credit card everywhere. Smaller cafés, beer gardens, some castles, and local markets often don’t accept cards. Always carry a little euro cash with you, it’ll save you from awkward moments when the card machine “suddenly” stops working.

We ran into an issue when we were ordering a drink in Dinkelsbuhl (along the Romantic Road). But, thankfully there was an ATM at the end of the town.

Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs once you arrive. Just avoid exchange kiosks at the airport and at events (aka Oktoberfest) where rates are quite spendy.

2. Speeding

If you plan to rent a car to explore Bavaria, keep a close eye on speed limits. Not all roads in Germany are part of the famous Autobahn, and speed cameras are everywhere, especially when driving through small towns. Tickets can be mailed internationally and get expensive fast, so it’s best to enjoy the scenic drive and take it slow.

Tickets can be issued to as little as 3 km/h over the posted speed limit. Our rental car beeped quite obnoxiously (but thankfully) every time the speed limit changed and we were going a few kms over.

3. Walking in the Bike Lane

This one I learned from experience multiple times (oops). Munich is incredibly bike-friendly, which is great until you accidentally wander into a bike lane.

Locals take cycling seriously, and many paths run right alongside sidewalks. Avoid walking in the red-painted or clearly marked lanes to keep everyone safe (and to avoid being yelled at in German).

Trust me, they don’t stop or slow down if you are in their way.

4. Forgetting Travel Insurance

It’s easy to skip travel insurance, especially for shorter trips, but in Germany (okay, any international location), it’s worth the peace of mind.

From delayed flights to lost luggage or unexpected medical needs, having travel insurance ensures you’re covered no matter what. Many plans are affordable and can save you from major headaches later.

5. Waiting Too Long to Make Reservations

Munich is a popular destination year-round, especially during Oktoberfest and the Christmas market season. Hotels, tours, and even restaurant tables can book up weeks in advance.

If you’ve got your heart set on a specific beer hall, day trip, or dining experience make sure to book it early to avoid disappointment. Oktoberfest tables sell out 6ish months in advance!

6. Not Budgeting Enough for Gas

If you’re road-tripping through Bavaria, be prepared…gas in Germany is SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than in the U.S. or Canada. Plan for that extra cost when estimating your budget, and don’t forget about parking fees and tolls, too. We filled up once and it cost well over $100.

Tip: Look for stations a few miles outside the city center for slightly cheaper fuel prices or skip renting a car and take the trains instead.

7. Staying in Munich the Whole Time

Munich is wonderful, but part of its magic is how close it is to other incredible destinations. Take advantage of the city’s easy train connections and venture out for a day trip.

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, take a Romantic Road day trip, explore Salzburg, or spend a day in the Bavarian Alps at Zugspitze…you’ll get a much fuller picture of southern Germany’s beauty.

8. Expecting the Bathrooms to Be Free

This one caught me off guard a bit. Many public bathrooms in Munich and Germany require a fee before using. We ran into this at the main train station and at Lake Eibsee. Make sure to have some change with you at all times.

9. Ordering water and forgetting to say “Still”

I may be a bit dramatic, but sparkling water doesn’t hit the same when you are thirsty from a day of exploring. During our time in Germany, we made this mistake several times. If you order water, they will likely bring you sparkling, so be sure to specify still if you want a refreshing glass!

Also, it’s not free, so be prepared to pay 4-10 EUR for each bottle.

10. Not Trying Traditional Bavarian Food Beyond Pretzels and Beer

Munich’s food scene goes far beyond beer and pretzels. (Honestly, the pretzels were underwhelming). Don’t miss hearty dishes like Weißwurst (white sausage), Schnitzel, and Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles). You’ll find authentic meals in beer gardens, local taverns, and markets like Viktualienmarkt.

11. Assuming Everything Is Open on Sundays

Many shops, supermarkets, and even some restaurants close on Sundays in Germany. Plan ahead by picking up snacks, water, or souvenirs on Saturday, and spend Sunday exploring parks, museums, or beer gardens instead.

12. Not Dressing for the Weather

Munich’s weather changes FAST. Sunny mornings can turn into chilly, rainy afternoons, even in summer. Bring layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable shoes. Locals are pros at looking stylish and practical, so aim for the same balance.

Here’s a Germany packing list for some ideas!

13. Relying Only on Taxis or Rideshares

Taxis and Ubers are expensive in Munich, and rideshares aren’t always reliable. Our friends paid almost $200 for their Uber ride from the airport to our hotel (about 20 minutes away).

The city’s public transit can be intimidating at first, but after a few rides, you’ll see it is fast, clean, and easy to navigate…even to the airport or day trips. Skip the rideshares and save money and stress.

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Final Thoughts: Visiting Munich for the First Time

Munich is the perfect mix of culture, charm, and adventure, but avoiding these common mistakes can make your trip even smoother. With a bit of planning (and some euro cash in your wallet), you’ll be able to relax, explore, and truly experience the best of Bavaria. This beautiful country surprised me in all the best ways!

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