From my table in the outdoor beer garden overlooking a broad open-air plaza, I enjoyed a lunch of classic German specialties paired with an ice-cold beer. I glanced around and thought, “Ah, yes, I’m in Munich.” The beer was as flavorful and the food as indulgent as I expected from the city famous for Oktoberfest.
But at that moment I hadn’t yet set foot in Munich’s city center. In fact, I hadn’t even left the airport. I was savoring the scene at Airbräu, Europe’s first airport microbrewery. In many places the airport is simply a transit point; Munich’s airport feels like a destination in its own right.
There’s plenty to enjoy during a layover at Munich Airport (MUC), often called the Airport for the People. Located roughly 20 miles from the city center, the airport draws both travelers and locals. Its open, airy design floods the terminals with natural light and creates a relaxed atmosphere that encourages lingering.
During my visit I took time to relax at the Fit & Fly Spa in the on-site Kempinski Hotel, but the airport offers many other ways to pass the time. In warm months you can play beach volleyball or try an 18-hole mini-golf course; in winter there’s an ice-skating rink and a festive Christmas market. Year-round, rotating exhibits highlight local artists and a 60-seat cinema screens aviation-themed films daily. With over 150 stores that match city pricing through special agreements with retailers, the airport also serves as a shopping destination for residents and visitors alike.
If you have more than a quick connection, plan to spend additional time in Munich beyond the airport. I took a day to wander through the city, soaking up its sights, sounds and aromas. My explorations took me from BMW World and the Olympic Park to Nymphenburg Palace and the English Garden. Munich’s distinct Bavarian character sets it apart from other German cities, and I found myself repeatedly charmed by its atmosphere.
Later, I sat at a bench inside the Hippodrome, one of the lively Oktoberfest tents. Wearing a gingerbread heart around my neck and raising a beer that felt heavier than most of my gym weights, I smiled and thought, “Ah, yes, I’m in Munich.”