What’s it like to move to and live in Munich?
Munich is the capital of Bavaria, and the third-largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg.
It’s a city that attracts people from all over the world, and I’m excited to do this interview with Narod to learn more about what life in Munich is like.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their country of birth. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of living abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the place the expat now lives in.
Living in Munich, Germany
Name: Narod Haroutunian
Age: 33
Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Her Story:
”I work in communications for non-profits and first established myself as a freelance consultant during the pandemic.
That shift gave me the flexibility to work remotely and opened the door to travel — from Los Angeles to New York, then Malta and Greece.
I made use of the digital nomad residency programs in Malta and Greece, but eventually wanted something more long-term and stable.
Since I had already completed my master’s degree at a German university, moving to Germany felt like a natural next step.
Also Read: Things to Know Before Moving to Germany
I eventually settled in Munich and was able to secure a freelancer residency permit here.
Alongside my consulting work, I also co-founded Community Majlis, an initiative aimed at bringing together remote workers and digital nomads through shared experiences and community.”
Why Did You Move to Munich?
“I knew I wanted to come back to Germany. It’s a system I’m familiar with, especially when it comes to navigating bureaucracy.
I also knew it had to be a big city, so I started narrowing things down. Hamburg felt too rainy, Berlin just wasn’t my vibe, and that left me with Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich.
I chose Munich. It’s beautiful, safe, clean, and has excellent infrastructure. Believe it or not, the bureaucratic process here is also a bit easier to deal with.
Winters come with skiing, summers with beer gardens and lakes. It really offers the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s incredibly well connected to the rest of Europe and beyond.”
What Do You Like About Living in Munich?
“Munich offers the best of both worlds. It’s a big city that still feels calm and livable.
I really appreciate how clean and organized it is here, and the public transport actually works.
Nature is a huge plus too. There are lakes, mountains, and parks all close by. I can ski in the winter and swim in a lake in the summer.
The mix of tradition and modern life makes Munich a unique place. And honestly, just walking around feels peaceful and safe.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Munich?
“The housing crisis is absolutely insane, but that’s the case in most big cities across Germany and the world.
It’s not really a Munich-specific issue, but it does make settling down here more challenging.”
Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving Abroad
Is Munich Safe as a Place to Live?
“Definitely.
It’s always wise to stay cautious, as you would in any big city, but Munich is easily at the top of my list when it comes to overall safety.”
Is Munich Expensive as a Place to Live?
“Yes, Munich is definitely one of the most expensive cities in Germany, often ranking alongside Frankfurt and Hamburg.
But with that price tag comes a high quality of life, safety, and excellent infrastructure.”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Munich?
“It depends on the weather.
I love spending the day at the English Garden, swimming in the lake, then heading to a beer garden or passing by Viktualienmarkt for fresh food.
There’s always something happening and people to meet.
In winter, I enjoy skiing and quick getaways to the mountains.”
Any Favorite Bar or Restaurant in Munich You’d Love to Share?
“Definitely go to Altmünchner Gesellenhaus for delicious local Bavarian cuisine.”
What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Munich?
“There’s a large and active expat community in Munich.
Most people connect through Facebook and especially WhatsApp groups. It’s not hard to meet new people, and there are events happening regularly, often every week.”
Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Munich?
“Do your research and really understand your priorities.
Any city can feel amazing to one person and not quite right for another; it’s very subjective. No place is ever perfect, and it’s all about what you make of it.
Plan your budget realistically and know that housing will be tough and expensive at first, but it gets easier as you learn to navigate the system.”
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Munich?
“Make it in Germany is an excellent website to understand different residency types and their requirements.
For housing, the ImmoScout24 mobile app is widely used. Just make sure to build a strong profile with enough information for landlords.
Internations.org is a good starting point to connect with expats, and there are several Facebook groups for expats in Munich that are quite active and helpful.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Munich?
“Viktualienmarkt, the traditional market, is a must for amazing food and local specialties.
From there, you can walk to Marienplatz to catch the Glockenspiel show, then head to the English Garden to swim or watch the river surfers at the Eisbach.
A visit to a beer garden is essential, and Hirschgarten is a great local spot.
In the summer, you can take a short trip to Starnberger See, rent a boat, or go sailing.
If you enjoy museums, the Deutsches Museum is one of the best for science and technology.
During winter, the Christmas markets across the city are a great experience.”
About Munich
Munich, the capital of Bavaria in southern Germany, is famous for its beer gardens, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
While it’s best known for Oktoberfest, there’s much more to the city than beer and pretzels. You’ll find beautiful squares like Marienplatz, world-class museums, and easy access to the Alps for day trips.
Munich has a reputation for being one of Germany’s most livable cities—clean, safe, and full of green spaces like the English Garden.
It’s walkable in the center, but also has an excellent public transport system.
Winters can be cold, but the cozy cafés and Christmas markets make up for it, while summers bring lively outdoor events and sunny afternoons in beer gardens.
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