Living in Munich
The city of Munich and its surroundings undoubtedly have a lot to offer: whether you want to enjoy a cool drink in a sunny beer garden, experience outstanding science, see a wide range of culture or hit the slopes on a winter weekend – Munich offers a variety of experiences for every season and every lifestyle.
Munich regularly ranks among the world's leading cities when it comes to quality of life. In fact, it ranked 7th among the best cities worldwide in a global survey conducted in 2023 (according to the Mercer Quality of Life Study). Munich has also ranked first for many years as the safest large city in Germany (crime statistics / cities with over 200,000 inhabitants). In addition, the Munich metropolitan region is one of Europe's leading economic areas, characterised by a remarkable diversity of industries. It is therefore not surprising that people from all over the world make Munich their home. Around 23% of the city's population are international residents – a sign of the city's global appeal.
Thanks to the efficient and affordable public transport system, it is easy to get around Munich. A comprehensive network of underground trains, suburban trains, buses and trams makes car ownership unnecessary for most residents. The city also promotes a strong cycling culture with well-developed cycle paths throughout the city.
Munich's historic city centre is compact and ideal for exploring on foot. Throughout the summer, the city hosts various street festivals where visitors can experience regional food, music and traditions. On rainy days, the city's impressive selection of over 100 museums and art galleries offers the perfect indoor activity. Notable attractions include the Deutsches Museum and the world-famous Pinakotheken art galleries. Concerts of all kinds, art exhibitions, shopping, science and business events – there is plenty to experience.
One of Munich's most famous events is Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival. It takes place annually from the end of September and attracts millions of visitors who want to experience traditional Bavarian culture, music and, of course, beer. Beyond Oktoberfest, Munich has over 180 beer gardens where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to enjoy the region's culinary traditions. And for those seeking international cuisine, the city offers a wide selection of restaurants serving dishes from across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.
Another thing that makes Munich special is its abundance of green spaces. The English Garden, one of the largest city parks in the world, is famous. This lush green space stretches from the city centre to the north-eastern edge of the city, offering locals and visitors alike a natural retreat in the heart of the metropolis. Sun worshippers, cyclists, recreational athletes – they all find their place in the large green space. Its streams are a popular meeting place, especially in summer, for cooling off or barbecuing. The "Eisbach surfers" in the English Garden are known worldwide for showing off their skills on a standing wave in the south of the English Garden at any time of the day or year.
If you prefer leisure activities by the lake, Munich has numerous options to offer nearby. Picturesque lakes with excellent water quality are located just outside the city and are usually easily accessible by public transport. In the warmer months, they offer opportunities for swimming, boating and other water sports.
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are never far from adventure. The Bavarian Alps are only about an hour's drive away, making (multi-)day trips for hiking, skiing or snowboarding particularly convenient. In summer and winter, shuttle buses run from the city to various hiking and skiing areas that are suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.
There are many more things that make Munich an interesting and liveable city. We cannot list everything here. To learn more about Munich, please visit the official website for the City of Munich
Living and Working in Germany
In the following we provide a few links with info about living and working in Germany:
Information for internationals coming to Munich: New to Munich
Important information for scientists visiting Germany about research and work in the Max Planck Society: MPG Guide
Some interesting facts about Germany issued by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany
Info about the German language and about studying in Germany provided by Studying-in-Germany.org.