Munich, the vibrant capital of Bavaria, is not only known for its impressive culture and history, but also as one of the best university cities in Germany.
With renowned universities, diverse career opportunities and a high quality of life, it attracts students from all over the world. In this article, we present 10 compelling reasons why you should study in Munich – from first-class job opportunities to an incomparable lifestyle.
1. The English Garden is one of the largest city parks in the world
The English Garden in Munich is impressive, not only because of its beauty, but also because of its size. At over 370 hectares, it is larger than Central Park in New York, which covers around 340 hectares. This makes the English Garden one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. In addition to extensive green spaces, it also offers numerous recreational opportunities, lakes, beer gardens and cultural highlights, making it an important part of Munich life.
2. Munich is considered the northernmost city in Italy
Munich is often referred to as the “northernmost city in Italy” because the city has a special connection with Italian culture. This is not only evident in the architecture, but also in the lifestyle of Munich residents, who enjoy sitting in street cafés, appreciate Italian fashion and love Mediterranean cuisine. Especially in summer, when life takes place outside, the relaxed atmosphere is reminiscent of Italian cities.
3. Surfing in the middle of the city center
Munich is the only city in the world where you can surf right in the city center. Surfers have been riding the standing wave at the famous Eisbach wave in the English Garden for years, at any time of year. This special place is not only popular with locals, but also with tourists, and gives Munich a unique, sporty flair that you won’t find in any other big city.
4. The biggest folk festival in the world: Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest folk festival in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. However, it actually starts in September, which often causes confusion. Originally, the festival started in October, but due to the better weather, the start was moved forward. The Oktoberfest originated in 1810 as a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, but has evolved over the years into a 16-day festival with beer tents, fairground rides and Bavarian tradition. The Wiesn is known for its unique atmosphere, where people from all over the world come together to celebrate and experience Bavarian culture.
5. Munich is an economic powerhouse
Munich is one of Germany’s most important economic centers and offers excellent job opportunities after graduation, as well as internship opportunities during your studies. Many international companies, particularly in the fields of technology, finance and the automotive industry, are based here. This ensures a high demand for qualified specialists and opens up a wide range of career opportunities for alumni directly on site.
6. Munich’s great transportation system
Munich has an excellent public transportation system that allows you to get around the city quickly and easily. With the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, streetcars and buses, you can reach almost every corner of Munich without any problems. The reliability and density of the network make it easy to do without a car and still remain flexible, which is particularly practical for students.
7. Munich’s lively art and culture scene
Munich is known for its rich art and cultural scene and offers an impressive variety of museums. Particularly noteworthy are the Pinakothek museums, which present masterpieces from antiquity to modern art. The city is a magnet for art lovers, as it not only offers renowned collections, but also numerous galleries, theaters and cultural events that take place throughout the year.
8. Munich location between mountains, lakes & historic sites
Munich is ideally located if you enjoy exploring nature and sightseeing. In a short time, you can be in the Alps for hiking or skiing, at beautiful lakes such as Lake Starnberg or Lake Ammersee, or visit magnificent castles such as Neuschwanstein. This proximity to nature and history makes Munich the perfect starting point for spontaneous excursions into nature and the surrounding area. The city also has excellent connections to the rail network and the international airport, which means you can reach other countries quickly and have countless opportunities to explore other cultures.
9. Mixture of urban flair and proximity to nature
Munich impressively combines urban flair with proximity to nature. While you will find modern amenities, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife in the city, parks and green oases are never far away. At the same time, you can admire old German architecture everywhere, such as on Marienplatz, in the historic buildings of the old town or in the magnificent palaces. This mixture of tradition and modernity makes Munich unique and particularly worth living in.
10. Pretzels and Sauerkraut: Experience German cuisine
In Munich, you can enjoy the best of German baking and cuisine. German bread is world-famous for its variety and quality, and Bavarian pretzels in particular are among the absolute classics. Then there are typical Bavarian dishes such as pork knuckle, veal sausage and Obatzda, which are served in the traditional beer gardens and pubs. Munich is therefore the perfect place to experience traditional German cuisine to the full.
If you want to see what surfing on the Eisbach wave looks like in winter, check out our video “4 Quick Facts, why you should study in Munich” on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
