0% for 12 months on purchases and 0% for 21 m… Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Book a Trip to Munich

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Munich

Visit the world's best beer halls and medieval history without paying for the whole trip upfront.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $188.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,400 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Munich is more than just big beers and lederhosen. You have the Marienplatz, world-class museums, and the sobering history of Dachau just a short train ride away. It is a city that feels both massive and like a small village. It is a place where history sits right next to modern engineering.

Skip October if you want to save your sanity and your wallet. The crowds are huge and prices double during the festival. A trip for two usually hits around $3400, but we can break that down into manageable monthly chunks using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi).

This 0% window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance after the 18 months are up, the standard interest rate will apply to whatever is left on the card. Keep your monthly payments consistent to avoid that catch.

The steps

  1. 01

    Skip the festival

    Avoid the Oktoberfest rush by going in late spring or early summer. You get lush beer gardens and manageable hotel rates. The city is much easier to navigate when you aren't fighting a million other tourists for a seat.

  2. 02

    Secure your base

    Lock in your flights and a hotel near the Old Town or the Isar River. This is where most of your $3400 budget goes. Booking at least three months out usually gets you the best selection of centrally located spots.

  3. 03

    Map the math

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to handle the big bookings. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This gives you a long window to pay off the costs without extra charges.

  4. 04

    Buy a rail pass

    The local trains are the best way to reach the Alps or Salzburg. Use the DB app to buy your regional tickets in advance. It saves a few Euros and keeps your daily schedule moving smoothly.

  5. 05

    Set the autopay

    Divide your $3400 total by the 18-month window. Set up an automatic payment of $188.89 every month. This keeps you on track to clear the balance before the standard interest rate begins.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need a car in Munich?

No. The public transit is incredibly reliable and the city is very walkable. Taking a car into the city center is more of a headache than it is worth.

Is it cash only in beer halls?

Most of the big, famous halls take cards now. It is still smart to keep some Euros on you for smaller stands, street food, or tipping your server.

Is the 0% window a free loan?

It is a grace period. You are still spending the $3400, just spreading it out over a year and a half. You have to pay it back in full to avoid interest.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your promotional rate early. Set up an autopay for the $188.89 so you do not have to worry about the deadline every month.