munich city tour itinerary

24 Hours in Munich: An UnBeerlievable Itinerary You’ll Be Glad You Copied!

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

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24 hours in one of the world’s most spectacular cities?  Okay, challenge accepted.

The following 24 hours in Munich itinerary is here to kick your butt and whisk you away on a whirlwind tour of all the city’s top highlights.

This itinerary is intense and jam-packed, but in a city like Munich, there’s no time to waste, so chop chop, what are you waiting for?!  Los geht’s!

… and if you have more time to spend in Munich, check out my 2 days in Munich and 3 days in Munich itineraries too.

Save this Munich 1 Day Itinerary for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

But first, the unsexy logistical stuff…

How to Get from Munich Airport to the City Centre

First thing’s first: let’s get you to the city. Taxis from Munich Airport to the city center cost about 50-60 euros, or you can book with Welcome Pickups, which guarantees an English-speaking driver and pick-up right from arrivals.

A must cheaper option is the Lufthansa Express, or taking the S-Bahn – both the S1 and S8 run from the airport to the center, and take about 45 minutes. For a full guide on what tickets to buy, how to find the station, etc., read my full Munich airport to city guide!

Munich’s Bus and Train Stations

If arriving by train or bus, you might find yourself with the daunting task of navigating one of Munich’s many train or bus stations. Don’t worry, I have a guide for that too! Read my guide on the different stations around Munich for more info.

Munich’s Public Transport System

I can’t sugarcoat it – Munich’s public transportation system is very, very confusing if you’re new around here. If you’re not sure what tickets to buy, what the U-Bahn/S-Bahn are or how to survive the system,  check out my full detailed breakdown on Munich public transport.

Alright – enough logistics! Let’s move onto our 1 day in Munich itinerary…

1. Start in Marienplatz

Marienplatz has been Munich’s main square since the 12th century and is THE best place to begin your whirlwind 24 hours in Munich. The first time you catch a glimpse of the majestic New City Hall (Neues Rathaus), you’ll maybe see why I decided to move here!

This square is packed with ‘wow factor’, from its central golden-angel topped column (the Mariensäule), which was built to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years’ War, to the whimsically beautiful Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus) in the East, which, quite fittingly, houses a toy museum today.

Marienplatz is by far the most popular gathering point in the city, as it has been for centuries, since its origins as a space for markets, tournaments and celebrations. Today, it is tourist attraction numero uno here in Munich, which is why I think you should visit it first!

The square gets especially busy during the Glockenspiel performance at 11am, 12pm, and 5pm (omitted from November through February). You can try to be here for this performance, but it’s kind of underwhelming in my honest opinion.

Don’t forget to step through the central archway to peep into the little courtyard of the Rathaus – it is really beautiful, and a nice way to escape the crowds for a bit!

2. Traditional Bavarian Breakfast

When in Munich for only 24 hours, you need to prepare yourself… what better way to fuel up for a wild day of sightseeing than breaking open a cold one?

Let’s start your Munich adventure with a typical Bavarian breakfast, the stuff of true carby, boozy dreams.

Known around here as a Weißwurst Frühstück (White sausage breakfast), a Bavarian breakfast consists of three simple ingredients: a doughy pretzel, a pair of white sausages with sweet mustard, and naturally, a cold glass of wheat beer to wash it all down. Yes, this is truly a German stereotype served to you on a plate.

BUT HEY, welcome to Bavaria – it’s time to get buzzed before noon in the name of culture!

On that note: make sure you do indulge in this treat before noon – it’s very much a faux pas to have Weißwurst after the 12 o’ clock bell strikes… and don’t forget to peel the skin from your sausages too. Here’s a video on how to do it (and to prepare you for the interesting aesthetic of this beloved sausage).

WHERE TO GET BAVARIAN BREAKFAST IN MUNICH

Café Glockenspiel

Address: Marienplatz 28 (Look for signs and then take the elevator up)

If you can score a table by the window, this has an AMAZING view over Marienplatz and is my preferred place to watch the Glockenspiel performance (if you time things correctly) because you’ll be up above, watching the crowds of ant-like tourists from above while you sip your beer and eat your pretzels.

Service here is pretty mediocre and prices are a little higher (I mean, you always pay extra for a nice view!) but the experience is lovely if you manage to get a view.

Schneider Brahaus

Address: Tal 7

Located steps away from Marienplatz, this place is a little touristy, but locals like it here too. With a nice ambiance combined with excellent Weißbier, this would be a great place to have breakfast thanks to its very central location.

Hofbräuhaus

Address: Platzl 9

I’ll be real with you, the Hofbräuhaus is mainly for tourists. I mean, locals go there too sometimes (usually visitors in tow), but it’s very much a hammed up touristy serving of the classic beer hall experience.

That said, you can’t go to Munich and NOT visit the Hofbräuhaus. You just can’t! It’s touristy, but it’s fun, and it’s quintessentially Munich. This 24h itinerary is jam-packed so if you want to say you’ve had a beer here, why not do so for breakfast?

… AND IF YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE SAUSAGE…

Dear plant-based and vegetarian friends, I’m fully aware that most traditional Bavarian eats won’t be your jam, especially breakfast… BUT here are some breakfast options for you if you still want to have a great ‘typically Munich’ experience.

Vegetarian Weißwurst

If you really want to see what the buzz is all about and you have access to cooking facilities at your accommodation, there are some health food stores that sell veggie versions of the traditional Weißwurst.

I’ve heard Vitalia stocks them, as well as various “Bio” shops across the city. The Seitan Weisswurst from Wheaty is supposedly very good – click here to find a map of places in Munich that stock their products.

Café Frischhut

Address: Prälat-Zistl-Straße 8

Café Frischut is known for its schmalznudel, a very Bavarian, very fried, very doughy pastry that is definitely not good for you, but (I hope) involves zero sausage!

If you are hoping for a meat-free alternative to a Bavarian breakfast, but still want something that is very Munich, then stop at this adorable café and watch them fry up these beauties fresh before your eyes… all with a hot cup of joe of course.

Other Plant-Based/Vegetarian Options

And hey, if all you want is a good old fashioned avocado toast, who am I to judge? Munich has a surprisingly excellent selection of vegan/veggie restaurants these days, click here to check out my vegetarian friend Wandering Chocobo’s guide on places to eat that are veggie friendly.

3. Get a view

With a belly full of caloric regret, it’s time to work off your gluttony by enjoying one of Munich’s finest viewpoints. If you thought Marienplatz was amazing from the ground, wait til you see it from above.

Saint Peter’s Church Tower (Alter Peter) is one of the best places to get an amazing view over Munich, with soaring 360 degree views that stretch even to the Alps on a clear day.

Beware though, while the tower is cheap to climb (3 euros), it’s an upwards slog that will literally take your breath away, with crowds to match!

This is why I would recommend doing this earlier in the day to get your bearings and avoid the hordes of people who roll in as the day goes on. A good physical fitness is required for this climb as it’s quite steep and mildly claustrophobic near the top, but the views are very, very worth it.

Alternatively, you can check out the amazing view from the Neues Rathaus right across from Saint Peter. The best perk of this view? You can take an elevator straight to it, and the perspective is just as beautiful, usually with far fewer people because it remains a happy secret from most tourists.

To get a ticket, go into the Tourist Information Center in the Neues Rathaus and ask for a ticket to see the Rathausturm (or the City Hall Tower). It will cost 4 euros per adult, but an elevator will take you all the way up.

You access this elevator through the passageway that leads to the inner courtyard. Keep an eye to your left for a discrete elevator and take it up, then follow the arrows, show your ticket to the (permanently grumpy) staff member, and they’ll point you towards the final elevator that will zip you all the way up. Enjoy!!

4. Viktualienmarkt

Steps away from Marienplatz, you’ll find Munich’s thriving food market, featuring stalls crammed with colourful produce, fresh bites to go, a bustling beer garden, and plenty of wonderful local products to bring home.

This (to me) is a much classier place to go souvenir shopping than the tourist shops that line some of Munich’s main streets, but regardless of whether you want to shop or not, this market is well worth a nosy perusal!

Keep an eye out for the market’s large maypole, identifiable by its blue and white pattern and figures representing the different trades that can be found in and around the area.

Maypoles are a common sight around Bavaria – every town will have one, and most beer gardens too. They’re typically erected at the beginning of May and guess what? This one is carved out of the large Christmas tree that is set up every year for the big Christmas Market in Marienplatz!

FUN FACT: You are allowed to bring food/picnics into any of Munich’s beer gardens, so if you aren’t completely stuffed to the nose from your breakfast, you can grab some food from one of the vendors, buy a beer, and enjoy in the sunshine.

5. Wander around Altstadt

This is by far the most scenic part of Munich, and where I’d recommend focusing your attention if you only have one day in Munich to explore. Munich’s Altstadt today is pretty much the area enclosed within the old city walls, marked by gates like the Karlstor (at Karlsplatz), Isartor and Sendlinger Tor, and the non-gate, Odeonsplatz.

Wandering within this area for a few hours is a must, and while I’d love to provide a mega-efficient route for seeing everything, the truth is some backtracking is bound to be involved, but that’s all part of the journey 😉

So, here’s what I’ll do: I’m going to share with you some of the best points of interest in the Munich Altstadt and let you choose your own adventure… just make sure you eventually end up at Odeonsplatz because that is where our itinerary will continue.

So, here are a few points of interest within Munich Altstadt that you should check out during your day in Munich:

Frauenkirche

The iconic onion domes of Munich’s Frauenkirche are undoubtedly one of the most important landmarks of Munich, so you should definitely take a peek while you’re in the area. While the interior is not as stunningly ornate as some other churches in the city, it does have a very peculiar attraction: a ‘Devil’s Footprint’ in the back of the church.

This iconic beer hall is a must-visit in Munich, even if you don’t have time to stop for a beer. It’s a touristy place, but lots of fun, with a leafy beer garden, beautiful interior décor, live music and even a beautiful Festhalle upstairs (which many visitors miss, so be sure to head up the stairs for a look!)

The Residenz

The Munich Residenz is this massive epic palace right in the middle of the city, where for centuries rulers and decisionmakers lived in opulent splendor. While sadly, much of the Residenz was destroyed during WWII, it has been gradually restored over the years and is open to visitors today. While you might not have time to actually tour the museum inside, even walking by, admiring the facades and courtyard is well worth it.

Maximilianstrasse

If you’re a baller looking to shop, this is your place. This is the most luxurious shopping street in Munich, with high fashion brands for days. As for the rest of us, perhaps window shopping will have to suffice, but it’s a lovely street for a quick perusal, especially with the Maximilianeum at the end, home of Bavaria’s state parliament, and also, if you can believe it, a hyper-exclusive student residence.

Max-Joseph Platz

This is the square where you’ll find Munich’s National Theatre, with its striking neoclassical façade. This is one of the most photogenic spots in Munich, especially with the beautiful buildings opposite the theatre, with outdoor seating that spills out into the street in summer months.

Kaufingerstrasse

This is Munich’s main pedestrianized shopping street that leads all the way to Karlsplatz. It contains all the usual suspects of European retail: think Zara, H&M, etc. The stores here are not terribly unique or special, but walking down Kaufingerstrasse can be an experience in itself

As far as opulent churches go, this tiny church wedged between shops is by far the most ornate. Located near Sendlinger Tor, this Baroque beauty is worth the little detour.

Intended originally to be a private church (designed by rich artists for themselves, go figure), permission was only granted to build the church after they promised access would be for everyone.

This is great news for us, because the church is free to access for all people (even tourists!) today, and trust me when I say it’s worth a look.

Located along the old city gate Karlstor, Karlsplatz (also known by its more popular name, Stachus) is a large square in Munich that acts as the end of the pedestrian shopping zone leading from Marienplatz.

It’s a lovely square flanked by beautiful buildings, including the Justizpalast across the street, one of my favourite hidden gems in Munich (which is free to enter!), but mainly this is a jumping point for shopping or nights out. You’ll even find a network of shops underground below the square, just follow the escalators down.

Theatinerkirche

This mustard yellow church in Odeonsplatz divides people – you either love it or hate it, but I personally LOVE it. The interior is all white and incredibly detailed – such a truly beautiful church that in my opinion can’t be missed!

6. Odeonsplatz

Alright, we now find ourselves in Odeonsplatz, one of Munich’s main squares. While it dates back to the early 19th century, what’s especially striking about this square is if you look back on historical photos, it has remained largely unchanged.

Its focal point, the Feldherrnhalle is actually inspired (or well, copied) from the famous Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. Today, you’ll usually find Odeonsplatz as the stage for countless festivals and events (beer and wine festivals are common in the summer!), as well as the preferred drinking place of unruly youths up in the steps of the Feldherrnhalle 😉

Historically, Odeonsplatz is also a noteworthy spot for your day in Munich. That’s because back in 1923, it was here that the final conflict broke out during the infamous Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup d’etat led by Hitler and the Nazi party. 16 Nazis and 4 police officers were killed as a result, which led to Hitler’s arrest a few days later, when he was charged with high treason and thrown in prison, where he wrote Mein Kampf.

Whew. I know it’s a lot of history to take in, and pretty surreal when you look at historical photos too showing the Nazi rallies and speeches that took place here… but let’s not dwell too long on the past and lighten things up a bit with our next stop.

7. Hofgarten

Behind the Residenz is a garden as opulent as you might expect from Bavarian royals, designed in Italian Renaissance style in an ideal location between the Residenz and the sprawling English Garden.

Today, the Hofgarten is a public garden that you are free to access, and for us, it makes the perfect shortcut to visit Munich’s largest and most famous public park. Keep your eye (and ear) out as you pass the Dianatempel (Diana Pavilion) in the center. It’s a twelve sided gazebo that usually has some beautiful classical musician playing in the middle, and you might even recognize it from the Three Muskateers (2011) which filmed here!

This little garden is one of the most beautiful parts of Munich, and the perfect place to cross over to the English Garden.

PS: The Bavarian State Chancellory building (Bayerische Staatskanzlei) is here on the East Side of the garden. It’s a beautiful building to admire (which many do), but most miss the moving memorial hidden in the building’s courtyard.

Finding it is easy – step down the stairs and head into the center where you’ll find a covered pit, which houses a statue of an unknown soldier, dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

8. The Eisbachwelle and its River Surfers

From the Hofgarten, cross the street over to the Haus der Kunst, an imposing art gallery that was constructed in the 1930s as a museum showcasing Germany’s finest art.

It is considered to be the first example of Nazi architecture. If you keep your eyes open, you might also notice a sign for “P1”, Munich’s swankiest nightclub, known as the preferred playground for the rich and famous.

If you continue forwards you might soon hear the sounds of the famous Eisbachwelle, Munich’s unique standing wave which hosts a consistent stream of river surfers.

Actually, this is very close to where I live, so I can confirm that there are surfers here day and night, no matter the weather conditions. Sometimes, they even bring their own spotlights!

The best is when you come in the early morning and see some of the surfers changing from their wetsuits into their business suits for work, as they cycle away surfboard in tow. This is one of those things that are quintessentially Munich, and a must-do when you’re in town!

9. English Garden

The English Garden is a MASSIVE park that some say is the largest city park in the entire world. Yup, it’s even larger than Central Park in New York.

But while it’s huge, the best bits are definitely located in this portion of the garden. Stroll around to admire the Japanese Tea Room and garden, the Greek Monopteros, and slowly make your way to the Chinese Tower, one of Munich’s most famous landmarks, that (to be honest with you) is not at all Chinese in any form.

PS: Don’t be alarmed if you spot a nude person or two. Nude sunbathing and swimming is allowed in sections of the English Garden, and no, they are not secluded spots that are covered from the public eye, so if you get an eyeful, know that I warned you so 😉

10. Lunch time at the Chinese Tower

The Chinese Tower Beer Garden is one of the most popular hang-out spots in Munich, for locals and tourists alike (although it’s definitely one of the most popular beer gardens for visitors!)

Here, you’ll find a huge food selection of traditional Bavarian foods, and of course, plenty of giant beers to keep you going.

Grab a tray, grab a beer, grab some food and then head to a table and enjoy the atmosphere.

Do note that they will charge you a deposit for your glasses called “pfand”, so they’ll add an extra euro to your bill per glass and give you a silver token for you to bring back with your glass. When you bring it back, you get your money back!

TIP: If you want a more “local” vibe and you don’t mind a detour, my favourite beer garden is nearby and it’s called Seehaus. It’s perched along a little lake and it’s much quieter and less touristy than the Chinese Tower, although both are good.

11. Universität

From the Chinese Tower, walk back through the garden and head to the Universität U-Bahn stop. This is where you’ll find the main building of LMU (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität), where I did my Study Abroad Program!

From here, you can also see Siegestor, Munich’s Victory Arch, a monument built to honour the glory of the Bavarian army. On a vain level, it’s also a very aesthetically pleasing place for a photo 😉

Before hopping onto the U-Bahn for our next stop, I would recommend walking up to the entrance of the university at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz” (“Scholl Siblings Square” if you have time.

Here, you’ll find a subtle but moving memorial dedicated to the “White Rose Resistance Group”, an anti-Nazi resistance group run by LMU students, including the Scholl siblings for which the square is now named.

The White Rose was a non-violent group that campaigned against Nazi rule through graffiti and leaflets. They were soon arrested and executed. In their memory, you will now see bronze replicas of their leaflets embedded in the square’s cobblestones.

Virtually no tourists (or even students!) stop to look at this, but I think it’s one of the most moving memorials in the city.

If that story has left you drained and sad, there is an amazing ice cream place behind the university called Der Verruckte Eismacher, known for the Alice in Wonderland aesthetic and erm, let’s say ~inventive~ rotation of ice cream flavours, which includes Bavarian treats like Augustiner beer and sometimes even sauerkraut. Yup!

12. Olympiadorf

Alright, next stop: get off at Olympiazentrum.

Taking the U3 towards Fürstenried West, you’ll be here in 10 minutes.

… Once there, let me say: Welcome to my old stomping grounds! The Olympic Park is where I first lived when I moved to Munich, in the Olympic Village to be precise, which is where athletes lived during the 1972 Olympics, and have since been converted into student housing.

Before you head out to explore the park though, I want to show you one of my favourite hidden gems in Munich, the Olympiadorf, an amazing student residence/open air art gallery.

This is one of my personal favourite secrets of Munich, so please be respectful 😉

This is the student village where I once lived, and it has officially been recognized as one of the coolest student residences in the world for one simple reason: all the students live in small cube houses called bungalows which they can paint however they wish.

This, over the years, has created an amazing array of colourful and artistic facades on each house, with nods to pop culture, inside jokes and more. Be sure to stop for a quick walk around here before exploring the rest of the park – it’s easy to get lost in each of these streets!

… And stop by L4 to see the bungalow that I personally painted myself back in 2015.

13. Olympiapark

The architecture of Munich’s Olympiapark is worlds removed from the historic Old Town, and I love it. While it may look incredibly futuristic, it was all built for the 1972 Olympics, and the park continues to be a popular venue for sporting and cultural events. In fact, pretty much all the big concerts in town happen right here, in either the Olympiahalle or Olympiastadion.

Take some time to explore the park at your own pace. There’s loads to see here! The Olympiasee for instance is a lake that is lined with Munich’s own little ‘Walk of Fame’, with handprints and signatures embedded into the ground from famous celebrities (mostly musicians) who have visited the city.

There’s also the Olympic Tower, rotating exhibitions at the Small Olympic Hall, the BMW Headquarters (with a distinctive building shaped like the four cylinders of a car engine) and even SEA LIFE Munich.

I also highly recommend you visit the free Munich 1972 Massacre Memorial, which is an open air multimedia installation in the park that honours the victims of the massacre that occurred at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

This was a very dark chapter of Olympic history, when the Palestinian terrorist group Black September held eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team hostage in the Olympic Village here, eventually killing them all.

The events were horrific and terrifying, but the installation here does an incredible job of summarizing everything and memorializing the victims. A harrowing experience, but a worthwhile one.

Alright, let’s end this park visit on a high.

The Olympiapark is by far one of my favourite places in Munich to catch sunset. You have two options here, depending on your budget and um, desired romance level.

For a free place to watch sunset, climb Olyberg, a big hill that overlooks the park. You get a truly incredible vantage point over the city from here, and you can even see the alps on a clear day!

For bonus romance points, there is an Edeka supermarket near the Olympiaznentrum U-Bahn stop where you can pick up some wine, beers, or snacks. Alternatively, you can grab some take-out pizza or Asian food (the stuff from “Asian Kitchen” is surprisingly good) and climb up this hill for an amazing view.

If you don’t mind paying, the Olympic Tower is a truly incredible place to watch sunset. With the view being so much higher than Olyberg, you see way more and it’s breathtaking, but both are amazing in their own way.

Experience-wise, I much prefer sunset from Olyberg, but maybe it’s because I’ve had my fair share of romantic memories there. Heh. Heh.

15. BMW World

After sunset, make your way to BMW World, which is open until midnight daily.

This is an amazing free alternative to the pricey BMW Museum, and it has GREAT bathrooms, which I’m sure you might need after those sunset drinks 😉

BMW World is effectively a massive showcase to the BMW Brand, which is of course based here.

It’s a lot of fun though – you can look at all these amazing cars, get in them, hop on some motorcycles, and even (if budget allows) indulge in one of the most expensive fine dining experiences Munich has to offer, at the top-floor restaurant Esszimmer.

Two friends of mine ate their once, apparently they even offer to drive you home in a BMW after.

If however budget does not allow you to drop the 180 euros for a 7 course meal (wine NOT included), it’s time to head back into the city center for dinner.

16. Dinner time in Altstadt

Assuming you are staying somewhere decently central, after sunset, I’d recommend hopping on the U-Bahn and going back to Marienplatz. Munich by night is magical, and seeing all those same monuments lit up at night is a special way to wrap up your day in Munich.

For dinner, there are a few places in the city center that I recommend. You can also click  here to check out my full list of recommended Munich restaurants.

Augustiner Klosterwirt

Address:  Augustinerstraße 1

My favourite favourite favourite place to enjoy traditional Bavarian food, and where I take every visitor who comes to town.

Located in the shadow of the Frauenkirche, it is a place that is tourist-friendly enough that there are English menus and the servers won’t scowl at you for not speaking German, but it’s authentic and tasty enough that you’ll find plenty of locals here enjoying their meals too.

The schweinebraten is my go-to. I would hook myself up to an IV of their gravy if I could… plus Augustiner is the best brewery in town (as is the popular opinion with most locals).

Address: Sparkassenstraße 6

I concede, while my heart belongs to Augustiner Klosterwirt, the knödel at Haxnbauer is better. They are like jiggly little balls of crack.

Haxnbauer is maybe the most famous place to try pork knuckle in Munich, thanks largely to its fame in guidebooks and also its tantalizing display of pork knuckles that rotate hypnotically at the restaurant front.

The lines here are long, but the food is pretty good. It’s not my go-to place because it’s kind of pricey and touristy, but you WILL have a good meal here.

Address: Lenbachplatz 8

If you want something very cheap with a nice ambiance and aren’t feeling for Bavarian food, L’Osteria is a chain of pizza places around Europe that have a super classy ambiance for rock bottom prices. Their gigantic pizzas can easily feed two, and they’re only 10-12 euros each! Combined with a dim, candle-lit atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a casual, cheap meal without it “feeling” cheap. Also, the BBQ chicken pizza is heavenly.

Address: Liebigstraße 14

Not quite in the Altstadt area, but not far away from the Lehel U-Bahn stop is my favourite neighbourhood Bavarian place, Liebighof. If you are coming during Christmas time, EAT HERE! The food is good, affordable, and the décor during Christmas time is next level magic.

They serve Bavarian food, but not the typical dishes you’ll find in every Bavarian restaurant in the center. Rather, they specialize in pfanne, pans of goodness with assorted meats, potatoes, etc. So simple but so good, and more of a local feel for sure.

Now time to sleep off your food coma and think about how wonderful Munich is forever.

PS: Looking for a map version of this Munich in 1 Day itinerary?

Here is one for your convenience:

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

3 days in Munich, Germany – an itinerary for first time visitors

What to see in munich in 3 days – the top tourist attractions and highlights in one compact itinerary.

Munich is a truly amazing city and should be part of any road trip through Germany. The city has a visible history of more than 1,000 years and is the perfect mix between old traditions and new technology . There are just so many things to do in Bavaria’s capital you could easily spend a whole month here. Since most tourists don’t have that much time, 3 days in Munich is perfect to see all the top highlights and maybe a secret insider tip along the way.

I have been living in Munich ( München or Minga is how the locals call it) for the past 20 years and spend most of my time exploring my beautiful hometown. So, I know exactly what you should see, which places are overrated and where you’ll find some hidden gems . I want you to have the best possible experience and not rely on a travel guide written by a blogger who merely spent 24 hours in a city to shoot some pictures (But talking about pictures, make sure to check out my list of the best photo spots in Munich ).

Munich is a very walkable city, but you’ll be using public transport quite a bit as well. Especially for day three, where you should consider getting the MunichCard ( buy it here ) for free public transport and discounts on entrance fees. There are also some amazing guided walking tours you should be aware of, but you can easily organize everything yourself as well if you don’t like groups or try to be frugal.

Definitely also check out my guide on how many days you need for Munich . 3 days is quite ideal, but it’s not the only option you got.

Note: I earn a small commission for purchased made through GetYourGuide & booking.com links in this post

Day 1: Exploring the Old Town

On your first day in Munich, you will be covering all the top tourist attractions in the old town. It’s basically what you would see if you were only staying one day in Munich . Most of the attractions are in easy walking distance, so you depending on the location of your hotel, you might not even need a day ticket for public transport! If you do, then the Munich Card would make sense, as you will have to pay a couple of entrance fees.

The Morning:

• 8:30 am:  Start at Odeonsplatz and visit the amazing  Theatiner Church
• 9:00 am:  Walk towards the  Munich Residenz Palace   (do the short tour but buy the ticket for the amazing treasury vault to see afterward).
• 11:50 am:  Head towards the central square ( Marienplatz ),  enjoy the Glockenspiel  at noon & then climb Alter Peter  for the best views of the city (or do it after lunch depending on how fast or slow you were))
• Noon : It’s time for lunch . Check out the  Viktualienmarkt  and buy some snacks. It’s a good location to sit down in the beer garden to enjoy a stein of local beer (or maybe two). In winter, the beer garden is closed, so rather go to the Ratskeller below the Old Town Hall.

The Afternoon:

• 1:30 pm:  Walk down the pedestrian area towards the  Church of our Lady
• 2:30 pm:  From here, walk or take the subway from Marienplatz to marvel at  Königsplatz where the Art Quarter starts.
• 3:00 pm:  The Alte Pinakothek  is probably the most famous museum in Munich, but if you don’t like Old Masters (Da Vinci, Raphael, etc), pick the Neue Pinakothek for modern art and some amazing architecture. Here is a list of the 20 best museums in Munich , for some further alternatives.
• 5:00 pm:  Take bus #100 towards Ostbahnhof and get out at Haus der Kunst. From here it’s only 100 meters to the famous  Eisbachwelle  – surfing spot right in the middle of the city
• 5:30 pm:  Time to take a walk through the adjacent Englische Garten . Walk past the Monopteros temple and check out the lively beer garden at the  Chinese Tower ( note : in winter the beer garden is closed and it would be too dark anyways; In December there is a lovely Christmas market here, though)
• 7:00 pm:  Head towards  Hofbräuhaus . There’s usually live music, excellent traditional food, and of course Bavarian beer. Stay as long as you like. You could also eat your fill at the Chinese Tower and skip this depending on the weather.

Alternative with guided walking tour:

If you decide to book a guided walking tour because you love to learn a bit more about Munich while you explore the old town, then you have to reorganize this itinerary. In this case, start at the Residenz Palace as soon as it opens (you’ll only have 90 minutes tho!), then head to the meeting point of your walking tour. In the afternoon, do the Alte Pinakothek and then head to Englische Garten.

Most guided tours start around 10:45 am because the first show of the Munich Glockenspiel will be at 11 am. If you want to start at different times, you’d have to book a private tour ( like this one ).

Also, in summer a lot of locals also enjoy swimming the River Isar, which could be a lovely option for a particular hot day.

Day 2: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

There are more than 20 amazing day trips from Munich . I really urge you to consider staying a day or two longer and use Germany’s third-largest city as a home base to explore fantastic UNESCO World Heritage sites in the vicinity . The most popular (and probably also the most rewarding) day trip is from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle.

You will need a full day to see it . There are some offers for half-day trips, but considering it takes 2 hours to get there, I feel a bit of an eyewash. Besides, there is another castle right next to Schloss Neuschwanstein called Hohenschwangau, so you’ll have plenty of time to fill that day with excellent sights.

I really recommend booking a guided tour by bus to see the “Sleeping Beauty Castle”? Why? Well, first of all, it’s the easiest and fastest way to get there. But most importantly, the official bus tours also visit Schloss Linderhof , another amazing fairy tale castle.

It is impossible to see both castles using public transport. Which means you have to rent a car or book a tour. The tour has the bonus of being more relaxed, more comfortable and the guides will add some historical depth to your day trip.

Recommended tours:

• The most popular bus tour to Neuschwanstein castle (I tested it again recently and it’s still very well organized & good)
• This is the luxury version of the same tour company (mainly bigger seats and free snacks and drinks)
• If you want to see the UNESCO World Heritage site “Church of the Wies” instead of Linderhof castle, then book this combination tour with Neuschwanstein castle

Here is a more detailed guide on how to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich .

Day 3: The North of Munich

There are 5 castles and palaces in Munich: The Residenz (which you visited on day 1), Alter Hof (which will be part of every walking tour), Schloss Schleissheim, Blutenburg, and Nymphenburg Palace. The latter was the summer residence of the Bavarian Kings and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munich. If you are staying 3 days in Munich, then absolutely make sure to visit one of them, they are worth it!

The morning: BMW World & Museum

Subway line U3 will get you straight to the Olympiazentrum. In summer 1972, the Olympic Games took place in Munich and this park was built to host them. 30 years later it is still in use and counts as one of the prime examples in the world how such a mega event can change a city for good. If you want, take your time and stroll through the park a bit, it’s quite lovely.

Right next to the subway station, you will find the outstanding BMW Welt , which is one of the best addresses for car lovers on this planet . The architecture is quite fascinating as well, so photographers will love this place as well.

If you walk across the street (right below the impressive bridge) you’ll find the BMW plant and right next to it the BMW museum . Here, you can explore more than 100 years of car history. It’s quite great and one of many attractions that make Munich so special compared to Berlin , Frankfurt or other big cities in Germany.

If you want, you can use the remainder of the morning to walk towards the Olympic Tower. Buy a ticket for the elevator to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of Munich. There is a restaurant at the top, so you could even stay here for lunch!

The afternoon: Nymphenburg Palace & Bavarian National Museum

Bus 180 will get you to Nymphenburg Palace . You will have to walk the last 500 meters, but that’s because Nymphenburg is surrounded by a park and there are no bus stations right in front of it.

First, do the tour of the castle itself. It’s quite beautiful inside, especially the mighty Steinerner Saal ( Stone Hall ) which is about the most luxurious and extravagant hall in Munich. You’ll also see the apartment where King Ludwig II was born (the monarch who built Neuschwanstein Castle).

After that, it’s time to explore the fantastic park of Nymphenburg. It’s actually even more beautiful than the Englische Garten in the city center. Apart from many artificial lakes and channels, you’ll also find 4 smaller palaces hidden away in the forest : Amalienburg, Badenburg, Pagodenburg, and Magdalenenklause. If you bought a ticket, you can go inside (it’s worth it!).

From here, you got a couple of different options: You could either decide to explore the rest of Nymphenburg. There is a fantastic botanical garden right next to it (there’s a connecting gate in the north right behind the Magdalenenklause).

There is also an outstanding carriage museum , a museum dedicated to the world-famous Nymphenburg porcelain, and a natural history museum for kids.

Instead, you could also, head back to the city and explore the Bavarian National Museum . It will close at 5 pm, so you would have to leave Nymphenburg not later than 3 pm. This Bayerische Nationalmuseum is my personal favorite museum in Munich and it’s nothing short of outstanding. It’s an art & design collection with a strong focus on bavarian artwork from the last 1,000 years.

Seeing all of Nymphenburg, the BMW World & museum, the Olympic Tower, and the Bavarian National Museum in one day will be a very tight itinerary. So, decide for yourself where you might want to walk through a little faster. If you skip the tower or the National Museum, things will be easily doable, though.

• 8:30 am: head towards BMW World
• 10:00 am: Explore the BMW Museum
• 11:00 am: Time to walk towards the Olympic Tower and enjoy a lovely view + lunch
• 0:30 pm: Take the bus to Nymphenburg and explore the palace & park
• 3:00 pm: Take the tram 17 to the city center and change into bus 100 at Hauptbahnhof to the Bavarian National Museum

alternative ways to play your Munich 3 day itinerary

If you got the time, it’s easy to spend 5 days in Munich – there are just so many places to visit in my hometown. Munich is so much more worth visiting than almost every other town in Germany. I tried to incorporate the top tourist attractions most visitors would love to see into one 3 days itinerary. That being said, there are plenty of alternatives.

If you don’t want to see a different castle each day, you could use the other half of the third day to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp . It’s a very popular half-day trip and one that will let you explore the darkest chapters of the Third Reich and the Nazi regime.

Recommended tour: Dachau Memorial Half-Day trip .

Related Blog post: Visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

If you are more the technical guy or girl, then you could also visit the Deutsche Museum instead. It’s the biggest and most visited technical museum in the world and could easily occupy you for a day, though you can see most of it in 4-5 hours.

All in all, there are 60 museums in Munich . Which means you got endless options to adjust your personal Munich 3 day itinerary. Here’s the list of the 20 most popular museums .

What to do in Munich at night

Munich has quite the active nightlife and there are many clubs in the city. If you like bars, then the Glockenbachviertel, especially Müllerstraße will be your first address. For clubs, Sonnenstraße until Maximilliansplatz will be your best bet. Most clubs are rather posh and expensive though (like the rest of Munich)

You should also know, that Munich is home to one of the top 10 opera houses in the world . If you are interested, you could try to score tickets for one of their evening performances. Here is the website of the Bayerische Staatsoper . There are also some outstanding theaters (like Residenztheater, Gärtnerplatztheater, Kammerspiele, and Deutsches Theater) but you’ll probably have to understand German to make the most of it. The opera has subtitles.

In summer, beer gardens are favored by the locals, but there are also quite a lot of beer halls. I already mentioned Hofbräuhaus, but the Augustinerkeller or the Löwenbräukeller are excellent alternatives.

There are also nightwatchman torch tours through Munich. This could be a very special way to end your day in Bavaria’s capital. Book it here .

And just in case you were worrying, Munich is safe at night ! Perfectly so!

Where to stay in Munich

Munich is an expensive city, especially when it comes to hotels. I recommend you to stay in the immediate city center so you can experience the nightlife, but be prepared to pay a premium for that opportunity. Staying near Marienplatz also makes exploring the city easier and reaching your bus/train for a day trip. Nothing is worse than wasting half of your time on public transport just because you wanted to save 20 euros on accommodation.

Here are my tips for hotels with good value for your money:

Luxury hotels in Munich’s city center:

• Bayerische Hof
• Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
• Rocco Forte The Charles

Mid-price options

• Motel One Sendlinger Tor
• NH Collection München

budget hotels in the city center

• King’s Hotel CityStay
• Arthotel Munich

Best time to visit Munich

After all these options and alternatives to spend your 3 days in Munich, you are probably wondering about the best time to visit. Well, generally speaking, summer is the best time to visit Munich . This means June, July, August, and September. Long days and warm temperatures make it excellent to experience the Bavarian culture. It’s also the most crowded time.

In recent years, summers have also been incredibly hot. Since very few places are air-conditioned it can be a bit too sweltering. All other months, especially March, April, October, and November usually have a high chance for rain and mixed weather. Still, the many museums will be just as pretty then, big promise

Oktoberfest in the last two weeks of September is a very popular, but also incredibly expensive, time to visit Munich. If you don’t mind the crowds and the premium, then I’m sure you will have the time of your life drinking beer from a 1-liter stein at biggest folk festival in the world.

In December, the whole city turns into one big Christmas market . I am not even joking, because there 25 (!!) different ones throughout Munich you can visit.

January and February are usually the least crowded months of the year. When it snows, Munich may be cold, but it will also transform everything into a winter wonderland (if you are lucky – otherwise you end up with grey mush lining the streets).

Last but not least, the weekends are always very busy as a lot of local tourists come shopping in Munich. Most public museums are closed on Mondays , so that is definitely something to consider before you visit.

Phew, this was my guide to planning your itinerary for 3 days in Munich. I tried to provide you with all the important information, but feel free to ask any questions in the comments.

1 thought on “3 days in Munich, Germany – an itinerary for first time visitors”

Thanks very, very much for putting this together. I’m going to print it and give a copy to each of my family members for my trip. It’s going to really help me in my planning stage.

Thanks again.

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Ultimate Munich Itinerary You Need From 1 to 7 Days

Looking for Munich Itinerary? Well, it can look easy to figure out, but it isn’t once you start getting into the details!

Because the capital of Bavaria is distinct in every sense and there are plenty of things to do and see in this gorgeous city.

Whether you want to spend 3 days in Munich or 5 days in Munich, I have you covered. 

You can refer to later sections in this Munich travel blog even if you spend less than 2 days or even one day in Munich.

Let me tell you some things first before moving to the Munich itinerary. Munich is probably one of the most underrated cities in the world.

Of course, beer lovers remember this city at the time of Oktoberfest but come on; the town deserves more!

Even in Germany, the capital Berlin hogs most of the limelight as the cool, suave, and bustling hipster city, which is true, but Munich is different.

Munich is where you can find how ancient Germany is, a world completely different from today.

Munich is one of the wealthiest cities in Germany and Europe. Of course, the rich historic past blends with the modern buildings and both exist harmoniously. 

But it is the history of the city that makes it unique and special. The old town of Munich has been the centre of world-changing movements from medieval to modern times.  

So grab a cuppa now, and start scrolling through to read the possible itineraries, whether you want to spend a day in Munich or a week in Munich!

SUGGESTED MUNICH ITINERARY

One day in munich, quick munich 1 day itinerary.

• Munich Old Town(Munich Residenz), Viktualienmarkt, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus

What to do in Munich in one day? Believe it or not, you will cover a lot of places to visit and things to do in Munich in one day.

Starting early, you can make the most of one day in Munich by centring first around the most popular attractions in and around the historic Old town or Altstadt, followed by a walking tour of the English garden with the Chinese Tower Beer Garden. 

You can join one of the free walking tours or self-guided tours. You can only join one of these historical guided tours too. 

Munich Old Town

The old town in Munich was the centre stage for many world-changing historical events, and all the sights will give you insights into these events.

It is one of the top things to do in Munich. The old town has lots of points of interest for travelers, especially those that enjoy history.

If you are wondering what to see in Munich in one day, follow this Munich one day itinerary step by step and be amazed at the number of sights you will explore in 1 day in Munich! 

Note: Plan in such a way as to be at Marienplatz at noon sharp(you will know why in a later section below)

Odeonsplatz

Begin the first day of your Munich itinerary at Odeonsplatz to the north of the old town, home to many medieval structures, one of the most notable ones being Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche). 

This bright yellow building stands out in the square, known for its beautiful interiors. It took 16 years to build this Church, which got completed in 1676.

✅I highly recommend this Munich: Old Town & Viktualienmarkt City Walk in German (4.8/5 1000+ reviews🤩), where you discover Munich’s inner city and its highlights. See the cathedral, the Frauenkirche and the famous Staatliches Hofbräuhaus (Royal Brewery). Finally, enjoy the special atmosphere at Viktualienmarkt.

Munich Residenz Palace

Walk further from Theatine to Munich Residenz Palace, built as a retreat for the Royal family of Wittelsbachs at the end of the 14th century to defend against the rebellion. 

Called also Neueste Castle, the Wittelsbachs eventually moved there in 1508 and were their administrative centre and royal residence for 400 years until 1918.

It is one of the most opulent palaces in the World. This colossal palace consists of interiors decorated with grand sculptures, murals and intricately painted ceilings. 

Don’t forget to stop at the most beautiful part and the popular Cuvilliés-Theater or  Residence Theatre , a stunning, grand royal theatre.

The  Treasury  consists of over 1200 works of art, including the symbol of the Bavarian Kings and the Queens, which gives a peek into the royal life of Bavarian kingdoms.

The other essential sections worth seeing in the Castle include the Residenz Museum, which consists of stone rooms, ornate rooms, gothic cellars, medieval fountains, Medusa and Shell, Gallery of old paintings.  

✅ I highly recommend this Munich Residenz Concert (4.6/5 200+ reviews 🤩 ) , where you can enjoy a classical concert in the Hofkapelle, where Mozart himself used to play, then enjoy a dinner or beer and wine tasting.

Munich Residenz entry hours: Museum – 9€, Treasury – 9€, Theatre – 5€

Opening hours – 9 AM to 5 PM. Check admission regulations & other details on their website  here .

Marienplatz

Next, it is time to head to the most famous spot in Munich, Marienplatz or Market Square. Also called Schrannenplatz, the square is the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 700s. 

The medieval market was the trade centre of everything from salt to meat to household appliances. It was and is the centre of the Christmas Market.

The most iconic landmark in Marienplatz is the elegant New Town Hall in the backdrop with the Virgin Mary Column in the front, because of which the square is called Mary’s Square. 

The Mary column was built in the 1340s. Mary was recognized as the new patron and protector of the city averting Swedish invasion, curing Bubonic Plague and other calamities daunting Munich. 

This sacred column is still the dominant figure in the town, whose medieval-style architecture is evident in the column consisting of four statutes and the intricate top portion.

✅ Join this 2.5 hours Munich City: Marienplatz and English Garden Walking Tour (5/5 1000+ reviews 🤩 ) , to siscover the cosmopolitan and charming city of Munich on this walking tour of its historic heart, and take a break in its beautiful English Garden.

New Town Hall ( Neues Rathaus)

The New Town Hall is one of the most photographed landmarks of Munich. The beautiful monument is the heart of Munich.

It has been the backdrop for many revolutionary times in Europe’s history, including being the venue for Nazi assemblies during the pre-WII times.

Constructed in 1867(took 40 years), this magnificent Gothic-style structure consists of over 400 rooms and more than six courtyards.

Its beauty is augmented by the 280-foot-tall central clock tower topped by a Child Monk statue, the Munich symbol.  

The jewel of this tower is the dominating  Glockenspiel,  the manually operated medieval clock with over 40 bells, which has figures 28 feet high! It is one of the most stunning medieval pieces of art. 

Every day, these figures re-enact numerous events in Munich’s history for about 15 minutes that occur twice a day at 11 AM and Noon and at 5 PM during the Summer.

The best way to get the most of your time is to take this guided tour of Munich New Town Hall, Munich: Guided Tour of New Town Hall

St.Peter’s Church (Alter Peterskirche )

Now it’s time to see the panoramic bird views of Munich.   Walk opposite the New Town Hall, and on the left ahead, you will find St. Peter’s Church, which is older than the city of Munich itself.

The Church was built by a group of Benedictine monks, or Mönch, in the 700s. They later founded the town München in the 1100s ,  which means the settlement of monks.

The original wooden Church got burnt many times, and the present was built in the 13th century, parts of which survived WWII bombings.

The gothic architecture is evident within the lovely ceiling decorated with paintings. There are over a hundred relics, including bones and skulls.

This is the best spot for travellers visiting Munich to witness the 360-degree stunning views of the old town and the modern Munich encircling it. But to be rewarded with these views, you must climb the 300+   Alter Peter tower.

✅Join this Munich: Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour , lasting between 2 to 6 hours where you visit the top attractions in Munich’s Old Town on a private guided tour. Explore Marienplatz, Asamkirche, Frauenkirche, Theatine Church, the Residenz, and many more historic landmarks.

Opening hours – 9 AM to 6 PM; Free entry to the Church; Tower top – 3€

Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

The Old Town Hall is your next stop in your walking tour around the old town of Munich. The old town hall, constructed in 1175, had watchtowers and entrance gates.

It now consists of a Dance house, a Toy Museum, medieval statues and a Watch Tower Valley Fort, among other things.

It will take 5 to 6 hours on average to cover these highlights in the old town, which may increase or decrease depending on your preferences.

There are also many stops on the street leading to Karlsplatz, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you visit Munich in a day.

Lunch at Victuals Market  ( Viktualienmarkt)

All the walking would probably famish you, so it’s time to rest your legs and fill your belly. Head next to Victuals Market, which is close to Marienplatz.

Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s outdoor food market and is one of the best places in the city to try Bavarian cuisines, with over 100 stalls and lovely outdoor seating.

You have plenty of options to choose from: salads, fruits, and many pretzels. Some must-try items apart from sausages and pretzels are goulash soup and sauerkraut.

Enjoy your Bavarian stein or beer and lunch in one of the many Biergartens with outdoor seating options. There are many cafes too.

You can even book a food tour of the market if you want to dive deep with a local expert.

If you are traveling in Munich in winter, head to Ratskeller below the Old Town Hall, as many of the Biergartens remain closed now.

✅ Join this Mystic Munich: Legends of the Old Town , where you will walk through the old town of Munich, mystical creatures, hidden traces, and spectacular places. Hear about amazing legends, see mysterious places and experience the town’s history from a completely new perspective.

English Garden ( Englischer Garten)

After lunch, it is time for more beer(I am not kidding!) Okay, you can skip the beer for now if you had one too many, but next, head to the sprawling English Garden, which is one of the best places to visit in Munich. 

It is not just a garden but one of the World’s largest urban public parks. It gets the name due to the informal style of the park, which is common in England.

It is the city’s first and oldest public park and one of the most popular places for locals in Munich who spend their summers picnicking.

If you visit Munich in the Summer or during the fall, you will fall in love with the colours of flowers and foliage at both times. 

✅ Discover the cosmopolitan and charming city of Munich on this walking tour of its historic heart, and take a break in its beautiful English Garden. Check out more here – Munich City: Marienplatz and English Garden Walking Tour (5/5 1000+ reviews 🤩 )

To check out a few attractions, visit the Japanese teahouse, Stone bench (Steinerne Bank) and the Monopteros temple. In the Schönfeldwiese area, you can do nude sunbathing.

The pristine Kleinhesseloher Lake and the wooden pagoda – Chinese Tower are other stops worth checking.

If you want to surf, head to Eisbach River, which is not a river but an artificial stream famous for surfing in the Summer.

You can simply walk amidst the greenery and soak in the fresh breeze. You can also relax and people-watch if you don’t wish to do these.

Coming to more beer, I was talking about, close to the Chinese tower is the lovely Chinese Tower Biergarten, an excellent place to spend the evening trying some brew.

You will notice how it is crowded, which is the case almost constantly, especially in Summer and spring. Note that this garden is closed during the winter months.

Drinks & Dinner at Hofbräuhaus (Royal Beer Hall)

After a long, fulfilling day in Munich, stop at the Royal Beer Hall, more popularly known as Hofbräuhaus in the old town.

This 3-storey beer hall is the most famous Biergarten in Munich, and everything about it – decor, beer, food, music and the crowd- represents the city’s character.

This Biergarten has been around since medieval times, since 1607, to be precise. It is not yet another Biergarten; it is THE Biergarten! It can occupy up to 3500 people. 

You can take a table in the open garden, at the Grand Hall on the first, the most vibrant ground floor – And yes, it is full of tourists, but that’s what makes it unique, of course, apart from 1-litre Beer glasses, excellent food, ancient music and the medieval atmosphere.  

If you are in large groups, it is best to make a reservation. Otherwise, walk-in is okay. If you are a solo traveler like me, don’t be afraid to go alone.

You can share a table with people and make friends(Yes, that’s what I did).

Recommended: Munich: Hofbräuhaus Tour

And it’s a wrap if you have one day in Munich. But believe me, this is an excellent Munich itinerary to do in a day – to get to know the city and relax.

If you are tempted to spend more days in Munich(Yay!), or you already have many days to afford to explore the city, keep scrolling, it gets better and better!

2 DAYS IN MUNICH ITINERARY

Munich in 2 days in a glance.

• Day 1 – Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus 
• Day 2 – Third Reich Tour, Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt, Olympiapark, Augustiner Beer Garden

If you have 2 days in Munich, you will have a chance to pick a few attractions and play around.

One of the options in Munich 2 day itinerary is to go ahead with the above itinerary on your first day and top it up the next day with a day trip, preferably to Neuschwanstein Castle . 

✅ If you are looking for a comfortable day trip with a local expert, this is a very popular tour that you should check(4.8/5 6000+ reviews🤩). Discover the splendid castles of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria. Visit fairytale Neuschwanstein, intimate Linderhof and scenic Hohenschwangau, before traveling through the little town of Oberammergau.

For other suggested itineraries for Munich, you can choose below, which will give you many options.

But, I’d recommend you to keep your two days in Munich restricted to explore the city itself, as there are a lot of amazing things to do and see. 

DAY 1 in Munich: Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus 

Make the most of your first day of two days in Munich by starting the day early. Begin exploring the attractions in the old town, covering Munich Residenz and arrive at New Town Hall at noon to witness the performance. 

Grab a bite at one of the many outlets in the old town and spend the afternoon in English garden surfing, walking, chilling and having a beer at Chinese tower Biergarten. 

Wrap up the first day at Hofbräuhaus amidst music, beer, food and making new friends.

DAY 2:   Third Reich Tour, Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt, Olympiapark, Augustiner Keller Beer Garden

Third Reich Tour

Start your day early, and get ready to know about the events that shaped the modern history of Munich after you get a snapshot of medieval history on day 1.

Adolf Hitler was 23 years old when he came to Munich after he attempted to become an artist in his hometown Vienna failed.

It is the city where got posted as a soldier in WWI. Munich is where he rose to the ranks to become the Chancellor of Germany over a decade later after leading revolts to catapult the government. 

Many know the importance of the capital Berlin and its influence on the city, but Munich is where Hitler, the leader, his SS officers, and the infamous Nazi regime were born. All the atrocities of WWII were first planned here.

Third Reich Tour will unveil these dark pasts of the city, and gory scars of WWII. It is best to join one of the guided walking tours where very knowledgeable local guides will take you back in time. The tour will last about 2 to 3 hours.

Recommended: Berlin: A Third Reich Walking Tour

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace  is one of the best places to visit in Munich to learn the history and life of Bavarian royalty.

It was the royal residence of Bavarian rulers of the Wittelsbachs family, whose successive kings expanded the palatial buildings to suit their preferences in their stay of 400+ years. 

Nymphenburg Palace represents baroque-style architecture with hundreds of rooms and sprawling gardens, making it worth a visit. 

Explore the grandeur of the Stone Hall (Steinerner Saal) and scores of royal Pavillion Halls, notably the beautiful Hall of Mirrors, and other rooms depicting royal life, including where King Ludwig was born. The Carriage Museum is excellent, especially if visiting with kids. 

The garden is one of the most beautiful attractions of visiting Nymphenburg Palace. It is a HUGE garden with many artificial lakes, an incredible botanical garden, ponds and Amalienburg, Brandenburg, Pagodenburg, and Magdalenenklause – four palaces too! 

Recommended: Munich: Mystical Nymphenburg Palace

Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM; Entry fees: Full ticket(all places) 15€; Palace – 8€, Museum – 6€ 

How to get there – From the city centre or the old town, you can take Bus 180, which stops 500 metres close to Nymphenburg. 

Next, head to  Viktualienmarkt   for lunch in the outdoor Biergarten.

Olympiapark

The Olympiapark, or the Olympic Park, was constructed in 1972 when Munich hosted the Olympics. It is a large park with many attractions to keep you occupied for a few hours. Visit Bird’s Nest Soccer Stadium, which has stunning architecture. 

Take a walk in the Olympiazentrum tower and reach the Olympic tower top. The views of the skyline of Munich, the stadium and the park from the top are fantastic.

How to get there: The Olympiapark is located in Oberwiesenfeld, and the best way to reach it is to take the subway U-Bahn line 3, which has a direct stop at the park.

Where to head for dinner

Next, head to one of the best Beirgartens in Munich,  Augustiner Keller Beer Garden,  for drinks and dinner. It is one of the renowned Biergartens known for its large hall, beer and delicious Bavarian cuisines. You can also try others from their international menu, which is very good.

That’s 2 days Munich itinerary for you! If you don’t want to explore the city any further, alternatively, you can also take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. See the details below.

Recommended: Munich: 4 Hour City Sightseeing Guided E-Bike Tour

3 DAYS IN MUNICH ITINERARY 

A glance at munich itinerary 3 days :.

• Day 1 – Munich Old Town,  Munich Residenz, Viktualienmarkt, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus
• Day 2 –   Nymphenburg Palace, Bavarian National Museum, Olympiapark, Augustiner-Keller Beer Garden
• Day 3 –  Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

If you choose to spend 3 days in Munich, it is a fabulous choice as you will get to see the city a bit leisurely. You can cover plenty of places to visit in Munich in 3 days. The best thing about a 3-day itinerary for Munich is that you can spread your old town sights and also spend a little more time in the museums.

DAY 1: Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, Viktualienmarkt, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus

Start your Munich in 3 days itinerary spending your first day in the old town, which is the best place to begin to know about the city. Soak in the tales of the Medieval past as you pass through historical monuments, get a peek int Bavaria’s Royal life and watch the iconic clock sing for you at New town hall.

Grab a fulfilling lunch at Victual Market, stroll in the English Garden and sign off by spending a fabulous evening of beer and Bavarian food at Hofbräuhaus.

DAY 2: Nymphenburg Palace, Bavarian National Museum, Olympiapark, Augustiner-Keller Beer Garden

Start your day early and explore Nymphenburg Palace(Bus 180), the summer residence of Bavarian kings and queens.

Bavarian National Museum (Bayerische Nationalmuseum)

Get back to Munich city centre and head to Bavarian National Museum, home to extensive collections of Bavarian art, precious jewels, murals and royal possessions from 13th to 19th centuries.

Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM; Entry fees : 12€

How to get there: It is at a walking distance from Marienplatz.

After this Museum, grab lunch at Chinese tower Beer Garden or any quick bites at one of the local eateries.

Next, take the U-Bahn 3 and head to Olympia Park to relax, take a walk, and watch the splendid sunset views from the Olympia Tower.

Head to Augustiner-Keller Beer Garden for beer, music, food and fun!

DAY 3: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

One of the best things about Munich itinerary 3 days would be a day trip to Neuschwanstein, which will undoubtedly be a fantastic experience!

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most beautiful fairytale castles in the World. Surrounded by immense natural beauty comprising of lakes, forests and waterfalls, it is one of the must-visit attractions if you are visiting Munich. 

The Mad King Ludwig built it, and he spent most of his years alone here. A UNESCO heritage site, Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to make this their snow castle and is also called Disney Castle. 

It takes 2 hours from Munich to Neuschwanstein by train. It is one of the most beautiful train journies where you will witness the beautiful Bavarian countryside, with glimpses of snow-capped Alps, rolling green hills, meadows and lakes. 

You need a whole day to visit this Castle. Close to it is Hohenschwangau Castle, which can be combined. The best way to make this day trip to Neuschwanstein and around is to take a guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle. 

The benefits are you will save the hassle of switching between public transport, and you will get skip-the-line tickets to the interiors of the castles, which is hard to obtain otherwise given the immense popularity. Also, some tours cover another lovely fairytale castle Schloss Linderhof.

You can take private or group tours, and there are other combos and variations to these tours that you can pick based on your preferences. 

Here are some of the recommended tours with excellent reviews.

• Bus tour to Neuschwanstein castle
• Private group tour
• UNESCO World Heritage site Church of the Wies + Neuschwanstein castle combination tour
• Recommended: From Munich: Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle Full-Day Trip

Dinner at Taxisgarten

After returning to Munich, wrap your fabulous day by having dinner and drinks at Taxisgarten, a beautiful Biergarten known for canteen-style Bavarian dining.

Alternative Munich Itinerary for 3 days – There are many things to see in Munich itself if you want to skip the day trip to Neuschwanstein.  

You can visit the Third Reich Tour and Deutsche Museum, BMW world, BMW Museum, and Augustiner Schützengarten. See below for more details on these attractions and other options.

MUNICH ITINERARY FOR 4 DAYS

A quick look at munich 4 day itinerary.

• Day 1 – Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus 
• Day 2 – Nymphenburg Palace, Bavarian National Museum, Olympiapark, Augustiner Beer Garden
• Day 3 – Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Taxis Garten
• Day 4 – Day trip to Dachau Concentration Camp, Viktualienmarkt

4 days in Munich is the perfect time to spend in the city. If you are wondering what to do in Munich for that long, well, it is not a lot of time. The pros of spending four days in Munich are that you can see Munich’s Old Town and the many attractions leisurely, without getting burnt out. 

You can even afford to start a day late or choose between the plenty of day trip options in this region. Instead of two day trips on day 3 and day 4, you can spend one of these days in Munich itself (check below for options)

DAY 1: Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus 

Keep your first day in Munich to get used to the city, by checking out its most visited attractions, aka the Old town and around. 

The second half of your first day is less taxing and more relaxing as you stroll in the garden and taste different brews in lovely Beirgartens.

Your first half of the second day in Munich itinerary will cover everything about the Bavarian empire. It gets more comfortable and relaxing post-lunch as you take the fresh breeze and beautiful views at Olypmiapark and wrap up at Augustiner-Keller Biergarten for dinner.

DAY 3 :  Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Taxis Garten

On your third day in Munich, plan a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, and spend the evening relaxing at one of the Biergartens, Taxis Garten.

DAY 4: Day trip to Dachau, Viktualienmarkt

Today, plan a day trip to Dachau.   Dachau is a pretty village in the suburbs of Munich, known as the Dachau Concentration camp. It was the oldest concentration camp built under Hitler’s Nazi regime, and it is one of the saddest places that uncover the darkest sides of the Third Reich. 

Initially, plenty of officers and officials strong enough to resist the party’s atrocities were imprisoned here before torturing them to death. 

In the years leading to World War II, Dachau got expanded to turn into a full-fledged concentration camp, where thousands of people, mostly Jews, political prisoners, and revolts were brought to be put to suffering and eventually killed in masses in Gas chambers.

You can take a train from Munich Central Station to Dachau, which takes about 25 minutes. From there, buses are available, which stop in front of the Dachau concentration memorial site. The entrance is free, and for a minimum cost, you can get the audio guide to explore the sections on the site.

I’d recommend you take the guided tour here to understand the past and the site better. The place is huge, and you will need 5 to 6 hours to walk through the sections. There is plenty of documentation where inmates describe the routine, horrors, and processes followed in the camp. You can find the walls and rooms with imprints and scribbles of the inmates sharing their thoughts.

A lot of photographs showcase the horrendous plight of the inmates, including the cramped cells, death chambers, and crematoriums. It is one of the saddest places to be, and maybe not recommended if you have very young kids. But it is one of the places that travelers should visit to get glimpses of the horrors of wars on the lives of people.

For a convenient trip, book a guided day trip tour to Dachau from Munich, which will include transport and pick up. 

After returning to Munich, shop in the streets close to Marienplatz if you have energy left. And then head to Viktualienmarkt or Victual Market for drinks and dinner.

Alternative Day 3/4  – If you want to make only one of these day trips or want more options in exploring around the city, then follow this – Start with the Third Reich Tour, then visit Deutsche Museum, lunch, BMW world, and BMW Museum.

5 – 6 DAYS IN MUNICH ITINERARY

A glance of munich itinerary 5 days/6 days.

• Day 1 – Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, Hofbräuhaus 
• Day 2 – Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt, Olympiapark, Augustiner-Keller Beer Garden
• Day 3 – Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Taxisgarten
• Day 4 –  Day trip to Dachau, English Garden
• Day 5 –  Day trip to Salzburg, Haxnbauer
• Day 6 –  Third Reich Tour, Museum Quarter, BMW world, BMW Museum

If you have 5 days in Munich or 6 days in Munich, you will get plenty of time to cover all things to do leisurely, along with possibility of making multiple day trips or going more in-depth, away from the touristy attractions in the city,

Also, many people plan 5 to 7 days in Bavaria, and in that case, it is an excellent idea to base yourself in Munich and go on day trips around. If you opt for day trips, you can add a third one too and even stay overnight in Salzburg or Nuremberg, come back and continue your Munich vacation.

DAY 1: Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, Hofbräuhaus  

Walk around in the old town of Munich, covering the city’s top attractions. You will get an entire day to leisurely explore the old part of Munich. 

Visit Munich Residenz, New and Old Town Halls, witness the bird’s view of the town from Alte Peter, and wrap up the day at Hofbräuhaus with beer and Bavarian dinner.

DAY 2: Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt, Olympiapark, Augustiner-Keller Beer Garden

Visit Nymphenburg Palace in the morning and then head to Viktualienmarkt for lunch. Explore Olympiapark, enjoy the bird views from the Olympic Tower in the evening, and end the day by a slow dinner along with beer at Augustiner-Keller Biergarten.

DAY 3: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Taxisgarten

On your fourth day in Munich, plan a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, and spend the evening relaxing at one of the Biergartens, Taxisgarten. They specialize in canteen-style Bavarian dining, along with tasty beer.

DAY 4:   Day trip to Dachau, English Garden

Visit the district of Dachau and check out the Dachau Concentration Camp in the first half of the day. Return to the city centre and spend the second half of the day relaxing in the English garden(You can go surfing, walk in the park or have beer and food at Chinese Tower Beer Garden).

DAY 5:    Day trip to Salzburg, Haxnbauer Biergarten

Keep this day of Munich itinerary to hop to neighbouring Austria, to the lovely town of  Salzburg .

Salzburg, the pretty town in neighbouring Austria, is just 2 hours away from Munich and is one of the day trips that you can plan. Salzburg needs at least 2 days or more, but you can still squeeze in the highlights of this beautiful town within a day, especially if you join one of the guided tours.

Again I’d favour guided tours over independent travel if you plan a day trip to Salzburg from Munich. One of the significant benefits is sorting transportation, lunch and skip-the-line tickets to attractions, which will save the hassle.

Recommended: From Munich: Salzburg Day Trip by Train

Dinner at Haxnbauer –  If you are back early in Munich from Salzburg, you can dine at Haxnbauer Biergarten, a part of the historical building of the Scholastikahaus. This 14th-century Bee hall is one of Munich’s well-preserved ancient Beer gardens worth checking out.

DAY 6: Third Reich Tour, Museum Quarter, BMW world, BMW Museum

Start the day with the walking tour, the  Third Reich tour , which will unveil the city’s dark past. 

Museum Quarter

Then head to Museum Quarter in the Kunstareal district, home to over 18 Museums and 4 universities. You can’t visit all of them in less than a day, of course, but check out these two most famous museums visited by travelers. Since you have 5 to 6 days, you can add a few more to your Munich Itinerary if you love Museums.

The Alte Pinakothek  – Home to hundreds of artworks of Classic artists from the medieval period(13th to 17th), Alte Pinakothek is worth visiting if you like classic art and paintings of the Renaissance times.

Opening hours:  10 AM to 6 PM; Entry fees – 7 Euro

The Neue Pinakothek  – If you are a modern art lover, you will enjoy the Neue Pinakothek, which has hundreds of works by contemporary artists worldwide. Note that it has been currently closed for renovation(until the end of 2020)

How to get to Museum Quarter: You have many public transport options to reach these museums. Take Tram No 27 to Pinakotheken, or U-Bahn U2, U3 and U4. Bus no 100 museum line also stops at Pinakotheken.

BMW World & BMW Museum

Next, after the Museum Quarter, get back to the city and grab a quick lunch near the old town.

Head next to BMW World and Museum. If you are a car lover, this will be one of the best places to visit in Munich. The Carmaker company BWM has its headquarters here in Munich, which is as swankier as the cars they produce! You can even spend a day here learning everything about making a car.

Be awed by the latest beasts on the market, which are on display. Some are brand-new(and you will see them before they are on the road). The museum has artefacts, photographs and various other documentation from the birth of these cars to the latest technology, which is very interesting.

How to get there: You can take the same route you made for Olypmiapark. It is better to combine both of these as they are close to each other.

Dinner at Löwenbräukeller Das Original  – Your Munich sightseeing is not complete until you visit at least one Biergarten per day! Today, check out Löwenbräukeller, another early 19th-century, Bavarian-style garden.

You can make variations in this 6-day Munich itinerary depending on your preferences.

ONE WEEK IN MUNICH ITINERARY

Munich 7-day itinerary at a glance.

• Day 1 – Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, Third Reich Tour, Hofbräuhaus 
• Day 2 – Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt, Museum Quarter, Augustiner-Keller Beer Garden
• Day 3 – Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Taxisgarten 
• Day 4 –  BMW world, BMW Museum, Olympiapark, Bavarian State Opera, Augustiner Schützengarten 
• Day 5 –  Day trip to Salzburg
• Day 6 –  Day trip to Dachau, English Garden 
• Day 7 – Deutsche Museum, Bavarian National Museum, Allianz Arena, Shopping, Hirschau Biergarten

Got a week in Munich? You are awesome. You can spend 7 days in Munich city if you wish as there are so many things to do there. Of course, covering a few day trips makes sense because there are at least over twenty-day trips from Munich.

So the idea is to balance out both if you have a week. I once spent around 9.5 days in Munich, made two-day trips and spent the rest checking out attractions – There are so many museums(60+) ranging from arts to automobiles, all equally appealing. 

You can spend overnight in Salzburg as the distance from Munich to Salzburg can be done under 2 hours, or if you pick Nuremberg or other cities too, you can extend the day trip by spending the night there and making your way back to continue Munich vacation.

Plus, you have so many splendid beer gardens in Munich that you can keep trying them! 

The below itinerary has three day trips and around four days to explore the city, which balances both. And of course, I have added one Biergarten at night for you, wherever possible.

DAY 1: Munich Old Town, Munich Residenz, Third Reich Tour, Hofbräuhaus  

Walk around in the old town of Munich, covering the top attractions of the city. You will get an entire day to explore the ancient and modern history of Munich.

Let’s talk about the old history of Munich first. Visit Munich Residenz, New and Old Town Halls, witness the bird view of the town from Alte Peter .

Grab a quick lunch next and start the Third Reich Tour, which you can do by yourself or best with a guided tour. You will get to know the dark history of the city on this tour.

Dinner at Hofbräuhaus  – Wrap up the day at the beautiful Hofbräuhaus with beer and Bavarian dinner.

DAY 2: Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt, Museum Quarter, Augustiner-Keller Beer Garden

Starting your day early today will give you more time today for the museums to explore later. Visit  Nymphenburg Palace  in the morning, and then head to  Viktualienmarkt  for lunch. 

You might want to finish your lunch quickly as you have museums to explore at the  Museum Quarter  next. You can plan your time depending on how many of them you intend to visit. I’d recommend the  Alte Pinakothek  for the classical art enthusiasts.

Dinner at Augustiner –  End another fabulous day in Munich with a slow dinner plus beer at Augustiner-Keller Biergarten.

DAY 3: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Taxisgartern

It’s time to plan one of your days with one of Munich day trips today. Start with the best one by making a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, and spend the evening relaxing at one of the Biergartens, Taxisgarten. They specialize in canteen-style Bavarian dining, along with tasty beer.

DAY 4: Day trip to Nuremberg, Augustiner Schützengarten 

You can plan another day trip to neighbouring Nuremberg, which can be reached from Munich under 2 hours by train, and end the day at Augustiner Schützengarten Biergarten.

BMW world, BMW Museum, Olympiapark, Bavarian State Opera, Augustiner Schützengarten

If you want to continue checking out Munich points of interest, there are a handful of them that you can plan today.

Start with BMW World by taking the subway, and spend time getting to know about the famous cars, their origin and other incredible things at the BMW Museum.

Next, move further to explore Olympiapark, enjoy the bird views from the Olympic Tower in the evening.

Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsoper)

Arrive at the state opera after Olympiapark. It is best if you book tickets ahead of time as it gets filled soon. Not many know, but Munich is home to one of the best Opera houses in the world. There are amazing performances(related to Bavarian culture) at night at Bavarian State Opera located in Old Munich. 

You can also choose from one of the guided tours to the Opera House.

Dinner at Augustiner Schützengarten –  Wrap your day with dinner and beer at Augustiner Schützengarten after a lovely Opera evening.

DAY 5: Day trip to Salzburg, Haxnbauer Biergarten

Plan a day trip to Salzburg today, enjoy the beautiful town, and if you are back early in Munich the same evening, check out Haxnbauer beer garden.

If you want to stay overnight, you can do so, because Day 6 has only two stops so you can arrive early next day and continue another day trip to Dachau.

DAY 6: Day trip to Dachau Camp, English Garden

Visit the district of Dachau and check the Dachau Concentration Camp in the first half of the day. Return to the city centre and spend the second half of the day relaxing at the English garden(You can go surfing, walk in the park or have beer and food at Chinese Tower Beer Garden).

DAY 7: Deutsche Museum, Bavarian National Museum, Allianz Arena, Hirschau Biergarten

Your last day in Munich can be planned depending on the time you have.  

If you have less than one full day(if you are flying out or reaching another city the same day), then I’d recommend you visit one among Allianz arena, Deutsche Museum, or Bavarian National Museum. Keep the remaining hours for shopping or visiting one last beer garden in the city(Haxnbauer or Hirschau).

If you have a full day though, start early and check out the two famous museums in the city first.

Deutsche Museum –  Deutsche Museum is the largest technological Museum in the world. If science and technology fascinate you, you will be mind-blown by the exhausting collections, artefacts and displays. You can easily spend a day here if you have time or prefer.

Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry fees : 14€   Musuem only.   Combined ticket   21 € (Deutsches Museum + Verkehrszentrum + Flugwerft Schleissheim – no time limit)

How to get there: You can reach by tram lines 16, 17, 18 or all on Isartor S-Bahn train line stop at the Museum.

Next, check out Bavarian National Museum, to know about the rich history of the Bavarian kingdom and the lives of the queens and kings. 

If you have time, check out Allianz Arena or end your day at either Haxnbauer or Hirschau Biergartens.

Recommended: Munich: City Tour & FC Bayern Munich Soccer Arena Tour

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING MUNICH

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN MUNICH?

Now that you have got complete details on Munich itineraries, you might be wondering how many days in Munich? The answer depends on your time and budget, but ideally, I’d suggest you spend at least 4 days in Munich. It will give you time to cover the highlights of the city in three days, allowing you to take up one of the day trips from Munich on the fourth day. 

If you want to skip Munich day trips, it is still recommended to spend 3 days in Munich minimum. I spent ten days in Munich and always felt that I had more time as I thought that there was so much to see yet!

BEST TIME TO VISIT MUNICH

Summer months are the most popular times to visit Munich. While the upside is the pleasant weather, the downsides of visiting during summer are expensive rates of hotels, restaurants and flights, along with a lot of tourists everywhere. 

The fall months are when the chilly weather sets in, and the nights get colder. It rains frequently, and I wouldn’t recommend fall if you don’t like the gloomy ambience. If you can manage the drizzles and the chill weather, you can enjoy the lovely foliage of autumn with fewer tourists and lower prices.

Winter months receive few tourists, thanks to the mind-numbing sub-zero temperatures, and occasional rains and damp weather. However, visiting Munich in winter has plenty of other advantages, one of them being the vibrant Christmas markets.

So ideally, the best time to visit Munich is during the spring or early autumn when tourists are fewer, the weather would be beginning to soften, and the prices are relatively lower. 

WHERE TO STAY?

Munich is huge(It is the second-largest city in Germany), so you will have plenty of places to choose if you are wondering where to stay in Munich. The hotels in Munich are spread throughout the city. As a rule of thumb, one of the best areas would be close to the city centre, but note that the prices can be slightly high. 

In general, the more the accommodation is in the centre, the higher is the price. So it depends on your budget and your convenience. If you prefer quieter places to stay and don’t mind spending on trams and subway to get around the city, then pick a place far away from the city centre.

If you want to save a few bucks on transportation or prefer staying closer to some attractions, pick downtown Munich or somewhere close to the old town.

Here are some excellent hostels in Munich that I would recommend:

Some excellent mid-range hotels and apartments in the city are:

If you don’t mind spending on accommodation, here are some special stays in Munich

GETTING TO MUNICH

Munich is connected excellently to almost all cities in Europe and major cities around the world. Munich International Airport connects major cities of Europe and other destinations outside and is one of the busiest airports in the world.

Getting From Munich Airport to city centre or vice versa:

From Munich airport, you should take either the S-1 or the S-8 Bahn to reach the city centre or Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station). One way ticket costs about 13.00 €. You can also take the Lufthansa Bus from Airport to Munich central station, which costs 10.50€.

If you are travelling from other cities in Germany, you can book the Deutsche Bahn, which offers great deals if you book early. If you have the Euro rail pass, you can get discounted prices. 

You can arrive in Munich from the cities of neighbouring countries by train too.

Bus is the cheapest way to get to Munich by road if you are traveling from other cities. Flixbus offers very low prices to buses across Germany.

Recommended: Munich: Airport Transfer by Bus

GETTING AROUND MUNICH

You can explore a part of the city on foot, especially around Marienplatz. Otherwise, the city has an excellent public transport system. You can rely on subways, trams and buses to get around Munich. 

Munich transport passes

There are plenty of types of passes available to get around Munich without burying deep in your pockets. All of them include unlimited transport within the city of Munich(called the zone M). There are additional zones 1 to 6 beyond Zone M, which connects the city to other districts around. Munich airport is in Zone 5.

München Card  – The München Card is an economical option for your Munich sightseeing. It provides a day ticket for public transport within the selected area of the MVV network. Additionally, you also get discounts of up to 70% at numerous sights, attractions, tours, shopping and gastronomy partners.

You can either buy Zone M(urban area of Munich and some municipalities outside of Munich) or Zone M – 6. 1 Day price of these starts at 11.90 € and 17.90 € respectively.

Single Day and Group Day tickets allow unlimited travel on S-Bahn lines, U-Bahn lines, Bus and Tram within the city in 24 hours. The price within Zone M is 7,80 €, and an additional 7,80 € if you want to include further zones.

Recommended: Munich: Private Airport Transfer to or from the City Center

Airport City Day Ticket

The Airport-City-Day-Ticket is a day ticket which includes the journey to/from the airport and the city area of Munich (validity zone M – 5). The Airport-City-Day-Ticket is available as a single ticket or as a group ticket for up to 5 people. A single ticket costs 13.00 €.

Munich City Tour Card – Transport + attractions

The CityTourCard includes a day ticket for use on public transport in the MVV network within the selected area of validity, as well as discounts for more than 80 tourist attractions in Munich and the surrounding area.

The CityTourCard is available as a Single or Group Ticket for a group of up to 5 adults, whereby any two children between 6 and 14 years of age count as one adult.

You can either buy Zone M(urban area of Munich and some municipalities outside of Munich) or Zone M – 6. 1 Day price of these starts at 13.90 € and 23.50 € respectively.

No matter what your pass type is, remember to get the ticket validated before you board the train on the platform. Your ticket is invalid if you don’t do this, and will be fined!

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Munich Itinerary

Last Updated on October 9, 2023

by Hope Brotherton

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a trip to Germany’s third-largest city and want to plan out the perfect 2 to 3 days in Munich itinerary?

Bavaria’s capital is synonymous with the world-famous Oktoberfest. Every year for three weeks, the city is packed with locals (and tourists) wearing lederhosen and dirndls. The hordes flock to beer halls where they drink a mass of beer and dive into a pretzel.

While making a beeline for a beer is a must in Munich, be sure to go beyond the Bavarian stereotypes. Munich is home to opulent baroque churches, clusters of art galleries and museums as well as palaces a plenty. If you want to experience more of what Bavaria has to offer, read on for how to best plan your time in this amazing city!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Munich?

In my opinion, every German city (whether you’re visiting Hamburg, Berlin or Munich ) is completely unique and steeped in its own history. To this end, Munich is no different and this means you’ll want to explore every nook and cranny. Thankfully, Munich is a relatively compact city with great transport links. 

So if you only have a long weekend, you’ll be able to explore the city’s main sites at a relaxing pace. 2 days in Munich will give you time to explore the city’s must-see attractions, while 3 days will allow you to squeeze in a day trip from Munich.

If you have more time, an extra day or two will give you an opportunity to go walking in the Bavarian Alps, explore more fairytale palaces, or pay your respects at one of the nearby concentration camps.

In general, however, you can tick off the best things to do in Munich in just 2 days in the city. But it’s never a bad idea to spend more time in this city!

Getting To & Around Munich

The easiest way for international travellers to arrive in Munich is via the Munich airport, which sits around 33km north of the city. If you have landed at the airport, the best way to arrive to the city is by using the city’s S-Bahn network. These trains run every 10 minutes with a journey time of 40 minutes.

If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Europe, a train may be an easier option. As well as being well-connected to the rest of Germany to cities like Frankfurt and Hamburg , the Bavarian capital and Munich Central Station has accessible transport links to other European cities, including Salzburg , Vienna , Budapest , Zurich and Ljubljana . You can check schedules here.

Once you’ve arrived in Munich, the best way to navigate the city is with a public transport pass. Munich has both a U-Bahn and an S-Bahn as well as an extensive tram and bus network.

If you’re going with another person, there is a group ticket that can be affordable and includes travel for up to five people. If you’re short on time, these transport tickets will give you the means to hop on and off all forms of public transport and save time walking from one attraction to another.

You can also get unlimited access to public transport by purchasing a Munich City Pass to help you get around Munich. This will also grant you entry into a bunch of attractions in Munich.

2 to 3 Days in Munich Itinerary

Now you’ve seen how easy it is to arrive and navigate a trip around Munich, you’ll be itching to explore everything the Bavarian capital has to offer.

To make the most of your time in Munich, read our itinerary for Munich so you can tick every bucket list item off your list.

Day 1 – Marienplatz, St Peter’s Church, the Residenz & More

Marienplatz.

Start your first day at the heart of life in Munich, the Marienplatz. This is the city’s central square. It’s where all of the important streets converge to become one.

In the summer, sun bounces off the paved streets and the square’s beautiful buildings. In the winter, it’s a different story. The square is lined with small wooden huts that are selling mulled wine and gingerbread cookies.

Despite the seasonal differences, there’s plenty to enjoy all your round in Marienplatz. This is why there really is no best time to visit Munich as there are benefits to every season.

The first is one of Munich’s most impressive buildings, the new town hall. Built in the Neo-gothic style, the new town hall is a striking feature of the Munich skyline. While it functions as a city hall, many parts are open to tourists.

Before you head inside, make sure to witness the magic of the Glockenspiel. One of the largest in Europe, the Glockenspiel has 43 bells and chimes three times a day at 11am, 12pm and 5pm. Note that it only chimes at 5pm from March through October. The tune is delightful and worth the watch if you happen to be in, or near, the square at one of those times.

For a great view of Munich, head up the new town hall tower. At 85 metres, you’ll get excellent views of the Old Town, and you won’t even break a sweat because it’s all elevators to the top. Keep in mind that entry is paid.

As well as climbing the tower, you can book yourself onto guided tours of the new town hall. These tours provide excellent insights into Munich’s long and interesting history. On the tour, you’ll be able to see the City Hall balcony and the reading room of the law library.

If you want to learn more about this area of the city, you can take a walking tour of the historical centre.

St Peter’s Church

After you’ve explored everything the Marienplatz has to offer, take the short walk over to St Peter’s Church. Built in 1158, this is the oldest church in Munich, and houses a number of treasures, including the high altar.

But by far the most impressive aspect of the church is its tower. Affectionately known by the locals as Alter Peter (Old Peter), the tower costs an additional fee to climb.

Make your way up the 300 steps up the top of the church. As you climb the tower, you’ll be able to glimpse some of its eight bells. Once you reach the top, you’ll be out of breath but rewarded nonetheless.

The top of the tower gives panoramic views of the city, and on a clear day you’ll be able to see the Bavarian Alps.

Viktualiemarkt

Once you’ve made your way down the tower, take the short walk over to the Viktualiemarkt. This fruit and veg market is a feast of flavours. Not only can you buy fresh vegetables and sumptuous smoothies, but you can also purchase truffles, jams, and exotic olives.

You can easily pull together a tasty picnic and gorge on your feast in the market’s own beer garden. Alternatively, consider taking a food tour of the market to learn more from a tour guide and enjoy some tastings!

The Residenz

From the market, walk 10 minutes to the Munich Residenz. If you don’t already know, the Residenz is a grand palace. Once a seat of the government, the palace now acts as a museum and art gallery.

You can purchase a single ticket for the museum or a combined ticket for a visit to the Treasury. While there are guided tours on offer, they can often be long-winded so we recommended nabbing an audio guide instead.

The museum is nothing short of a treasure trove. Its bronze halls are packed with sculptures, and artwork is proudly displayed on the palace walls.

One of the palace’s most magnificent rooms, and a must for anyone, is the Antiquarium – a hall packed with frescoes and designed to house a collection of antiques.

You’ll need to set aside a few hours to take in everything the Residenz has to offer. It is also possible to see an evening concert at the venue.

Hofbrauhaus

Loop back round to the Marienplatz to end your day where you started. But instead of gazing at the centre’s architecture, make a beeline for the Hofbrahaus.

This beer hall is a must for any tourist visiting Munich. Make sure to order a mass of beer and a pretzel for a true Bavarian experience. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour of Hofbrauhaus or join a guided tour that visits several beer halls in the area!

Day 2 – Englischer Garter, Alte Pinakothek & Deutsches Museum

Englischer garten.

Start your second day in Munich in the English Gardens. This sprawling park is one of the largest city parks in Europe. The park was first commissioned in 1789, and is a safe haven for locals and tourists. Wander through the secluded paths that are shielded by oak and maple trees. At the heart of the park lies a lovely lake (Kleinhesseloher See).

Meander around, and make a slow way to the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm). Situated at the heart of the park’s beer garden, this is the perfect place to stop for a light refreshment while soaking in the surroundings.

If you don’t want to sit down just yet, take a gentle walk up a small hill towards the Monopteros (a small Greek temple). If you’re a bit more of a thrill seeker, why not try a spot of surfing in the park too? You can catch a wave at Surfing in the Eisbach – or just stop and watch for a while.

If you want to visit a park but aren’t staying near the Englischer Garten, then head to the Olympic Park for a good walk. But if you want to see Munich in 2 days, you’ll need to press on.

Alte Pinakothek

After a long walk in the fresh air, it’ll be time to soak in some art. As well as beer halls and opulent architecture, Munich is famous for its collection of art. From the Englischer Garten, head to the Alte Pinakothek.

This art gallery houses art from the Middle Ages all the way through to the Renaissance. There are more than 700 paintings to view including a dizzying display of artwork from the Old European Masters.

Situated next to the Alte Pinakothek, is the Neue Pinakothek. Unfortunately, the Neue Pinakothek is closed to the public for renovation works. Instead, a selective collection of paintings from the Neue Pinakothek is on display in the Alte Pinakothek.

Deutsches Museum

Once you’ve spent several hours wandering gazing at all the art the Alte Pinakothek has to offer, it’ll be time to move onto the next site of the day. Head over to the Deutsches Museum. It’s a 30-minute walk from the Alte Pinakothek, or a 20-minute journey on two metro lines (but it’s worth the journey).

Like with the large majority of the museums in Munich, you could easily spend a whole day exploring the Deutsches museum. The museum itself is situated on a small island in the Isar river. The grounds of the museum cover 20,000 square metres and it houses 19 permanent exhibitions.

While the museum primarily showcases artefacts rooted in the development of science and technology in Germany, there are also natural science exhibitions and interactive displays for children.

If you only have a couple of hours, focus on the museums that interest you the most.

Day 3 – Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein.

If you have 3 days in Munich, head further afield to Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairytale castle is arguably Germany’s most famous castle.

Neuschwanstein was originally commissioned by King Ludwig II, who planned to use the palace as a retreat, but construction wasn’t completed until after his death.

While the easiest way to reach Neuschwanstein is by car (you can browse options on Rentalcars.com ), there are other options too. Trains to Neuschwanstein (Fussen train station) depart from Munich’s main station and take roughly 2 hours and 25 minutes each way. You can also book a guided tour here.

Before you embark on a day trip to Neuschwanstein, make sure you’ve purchased tickets online. While you can purchase tickets at the ticket office, you’ll need to get there very early to avoid disappointment.

Whether you’ve driven or jumped on the train, you’ll need to walk to the castle entrance. In order to arrive at the entrance, you’ll need to walk up a steep hill. If your feet are too tired, you can also pay a little extra to be ferried up to the entrance via a horse-drawn carriage – in true fairy tale style.

By now the outside of the castle will have left you gobsmacked, but the interior is just as stunning with no expense spared. If you’ve purchased the combination ticket, you’ll be visiting Hohenschwangau Castle after your first tour has ended. While this castle isn’t as stunning, it’s still worth a visit.

After you’ve explored both of the palaces, head over to the nearby lake to stretch your legs around the public footpath. The walk around the lake is 5km in total. It provides some peace and quiet away from the hordes of tourists. This fairytale castle is the perfect way to finish exploring Munich in 3 days.

Where to Stay in Munich

Hotel MIO   – A comfortable mid-range hotel, they offer a range of double rooms with modern amenities. There is the option to include breakfast in the nightly rate.

Platzl Hotel   – A luxury option located close to the Hofbräuhaus Brewery, they have a range of rooms and suites with guests able to enjoy the on-site gym and spa, bar and restaurant.

Euro Youth Hostel – One of the top-rated hostels in Munich, they offer a large number of different dormitories as well as private rooms. There is a bar on site and breakfast is available though not included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Munich!

Munich is a city that packs a punch. Our Munich itinerary is filled with art galleries, museums, fairytale locations and beer halls. There’s a little bit of something for everyone in the Bavarian capital, but it’ll always leave you wanting more. If you do have more time, take a hike in the Bavarian Alps or explore more of Munich’s museums.

Are you planning a trip to Munich? Have any questions about this 3-day itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Berlin vs Hamburg: Which German City to Visit?

Cologne or Dusseldorf: Which German City to Visit?

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Hamburg Itinerary

About Hope Brotherton

Hope is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Birmingham, England, she is passionate about budget-friendly travel and incorporating greener and more eco-friendly travel into her adventures. She keeps returning to Italy but loves to travel around any European country.

Hello Brotherton! Thank you so much for your sincere and informative writing. I am planning to visit Switzerland & Germany to enjoy Christmas and New Year’s eve. Switzerland 8 days and 4 days Germany. (3 days in Munich and 1 day in Bavarian Alps). I already got my 3 days Munich itinerary (1 January-3 January) from your writing. COULD YOU PLEASE tell me if can I spend only 1 day in Bavarian Alps? What should I do in Bavarian Alps for only ONE DAY? Should I stay at night in Munich while I will visit Bavarian Alps? I will leave Munich (Germany) for my country Dhaka, Bangladesh on 5th January 2023. Your writing is great and helpful for me. Thanks in advance.

hello, I’m considering germany for new years. did you visit Bavarian Alps last year? is it accessible in Winter?

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Home » Europe » Germany » Munich

EPIC MUNICH Itinerary! (2024)

Are you searching for a holiday where you can blend viewing spectacular nature and architectural excellence? Well, the Bavarian capital of Munich, situated in South-Eastern Germany, is your next destination. We’ve put together a Munich itinerary that combines all the best the city has to offer, for every kind of traveler.

You’ve surely heard of its world-renowned annual festivity, Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world. Germany’s third-largest and most expensive city has much more to offer than this wonderful festival! Munich has begun to emerge as a must-visit destination on all tourists’ lists, irrespective of Oktoberfest.

Located an hour away from the Alps, the city is also known for being pleasantly green, dispersed with large spacious parks as well as gorgeous museums and royal palaces. Come night-time and you’ll find the streets energized with activities and social life!

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Best time to visit Munich

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Munich has a continental climate! In other words, there is a notable fluctuation between its temperatures throughout the seasons. Winters in Munich are chilly with little sun and Summer here is sunny and warm.

Yet, Munich is often regarded as the coldest city in all of Germany, one of Europe’s largest countries. This means that it never really gets too hot here, and this is attributed to its close proximity to the Bavarian Alps and its distance from the ocean.

So, if you’re wondering about when to visit Munich, we suggest you travel to Munich between the months of May and September; the warmest time of year with the most sunshine periods. In May, the average price of Munich’s hostels and other accommodations is the cheapest. If this is important to you, this may be the best time to visit Munich.

September has the highest peak for hotel prices due to Oktoberfest, and June is the wettest and busiest month. If you want to know when it’s cheapest to visit Munich in terms of all expenses, it is the month of December.

With a Munich City Pass , you can experience the best of Munich at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

It’s important to take note that Munich is known as being the most expensive city in Germany. So, if you’re on a budget, we suggest you avoid booking accommodation within the city center! That’s also because you can safely stay in every part of the town and feel satisfied.

All the suburbs are conveniently connected through the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. Downtown Munich is known for the best night-life. If serenity is what you’re after, the outer regions such as Solln are your go-to places. Always ensure that your travel-time to Marienplatz or Hauptbahnhof is never more than 25-minutes so that you don’t spend too much time traveling!

The suburb of Neuhausen has become a vibrant and quirky area that houses a large Buddhist community as well! Not only is it an innovative suburb in terms of culture, but its dining experience is also grand, with coffee-shops and restaurants located on every corner.

However, our absolute favorite area to stay in Munich is Glockenbach, an especially exciting area for the youth. We’d suggest that you stay here if you plan to spend the weekend. This is because the suburb boasts some truly great bars and restaurants. There’s also a river and some of the most photogenic spots in the city!

Glochenbach is LGBTQIA+ friendly, with a thriving gay and lesbian community. It has a very accepting, cheerful atmosphere and some of the best clubs in the city!

Best hostel in Munich – Wombats City Hostel Munich

Wombats is perfectly located, close to the Central Station and international train stations too. It includes a womBar that constantly holds events, famed all-you-can-eat-breakfast, and secure basement parking. What’s more is that they put in place hammocks and other comfy spaces to engage in, in their glass-roofed courtyard.

Best Airbnb in Munich – Modern and Airy Apartment

Located in the Maxvorstadt District, this modern apartment offers business travelers and tourists a pleasant retreat. The spacious living room and the fully equipped kitchen are waiting for your visit. The apartment also has a welcoming balcony where you can relax and take it all in. The first bedroom has a double bed, and the second bedroom also has a double bed plus a work space if you need it. The bathroom with its large bathtub invites you to linger.

Best budget hotel in Munich – Leto Motel

At a reasonable rate, you can unwind in a compact, sound-proof room! When you’re not resting, you can watch a movie on your flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Additionally, you can catch direct links to the Airport and Central Station from Moosach Station, directly opposite the hotel. It also has an ATM on-site. This is the best place to stay in Munich in 3 days, because a weekend in Munich is made better with amenities!

Best luxury hotel in Munich –  Cocoon Hotel

Situated in the heart of Munich is this unique Bavarian-themed hotel! It combines a mix of modern and traditional, making you feel like you’re in a Bavarian ski-resort with luxury finishes. Couples particularly love this hotel for the luxuriously romantic rooms and perfect little touches. It offers all the amenities you’ll want! There are bike-rental facilities too, suitable for our Munich Itinerary.

Munich has an overall population of roughly 1.5 million citizens, most of whom utilize public transport modes. The Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV) is composed of the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram, city bus, and regional bus.

Should your vacation-time be more than 2 days in Munich, we recommend that you buy the 3-day partner pass which is inclusive of the inner zone only.

However, the city has put in place a bicycle path system that stretches for over 1200km! The travel time between the different destinations is never too lengthy. The city is therefore very bike-friendly, making this a great method to explore the city. It’s healthier, and you’ll save money on transport!

City officials are constantly supplementing new paths to lessen the usage of cars. For this Munich trip itinerary, we definitely recommend you to rent a bike.

Should you rent a car, it’s important to note that The Mittlere Ring (Munich ring road), which is the most populous driving region in the city, contains the environmental zone. This means that those cars that are sanctioned to drive inside the Ring are those with green emission stickers. It acts as part of the city’s efforts to eradicate Co2 emissions from vehicles.

Munich is known to be a very safe city, even in the night-time. It poses a low overall risk for tourists and walking is a normality there.

Marienplatz | Englischer Garten | Eisbach Waves | Munich Municipal Law Library | Fröttmaninger Müllberg  

Today, we’re making sure that you experience the perfect balance between Munich’s natural beauty and its ancient and modern architectural beauty! We’ve made sure that each destination is easily accessible and not far from one another, so that you can spend your time at the stops!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Marienplatz

• Why it’s awesome: This is the central hub of everything where modernity and history entwine.
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Grab a unique pastry at Café Luitpold, one of Munich’s most renowned traditional bakeries.

If you’re concerned about what to see in Munich , then a trip to Munich would not suffice without visiting its most renowned square; St. Mary’s Square ( Marienplatz ). This central hub of the city is conveniently located in the old town or Altstadt of Munich which is embedded with a rich historical background!

The square traces back 9 centuries to its birth! You’ll find remnants of the original structure, built by the Duke of Bavaria, dispersed throughout the square. The Alter Hof, or Old Court, which was the residence of this Duke is near the old city. We’d definitely recommend that you visit it as it was built around 1253. Some of the facades of the building has been maintained from its building.

You’ll find markets throughout the city, so you can support local produce and enjoy the finest delicacies. Events are regularly held in this popular tourist square! This Munich itinerary’s favorite sites here are the New Town Hall and the Old Town Hall.

The Old Town Hall was, like many other important Munich monuments, destroyed in World War II, and later rebuilt. Now it’s a toy museum! You can contrast your experience by visiting the Gothic-style New Town Hall which has daily shows at 11:00 am or 12:00 am.

Insider Tip: Visit the Old Town Hall first and then the New Town Hall so that you’ll be able to make the 11:00 am show. You’ll enjoy a unique rendition of ancient folktales from the 16th century, complemented with the sound of the chimes. 

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Englischer Garten

• Why it’s awesome: It is one of the largest urban parks in the world and is in the form of an English country-side park, a Munich must-see!
• Food nearby: Eat lunch at Seehaus, located within the English Garden that is on the banks of the Kleinhesseloher Lake. It has a pavilion which is ideal for outdoor seating and spectacular views.

If you’re only going to spend one day in Munich, you have to stop at this most German of attractions. The English Garden plays a large part in the locals of Munich’s lives! It extends from the city center all the way to the North-Eastern section of Munich.

Due to the park being constantly revamped with new features such as buildings and even more greenery. The aesthetic has undergone continuous alteration throughout the centuries. This includes the mid-19th-century addition of the Monopteros, which grants visitors with beautiful views of the park.

You can take a leisurely stroll, a run or even rent a bike to ride in the park. It does in fact boast almost 80 kilometers of paths to lose yourself in.

Insider Tip: Our Munich Itinerary recommends a visit to the Japanese Teahouse, which was built on an artificial island in the Schwabinger Stream. It’s a unique experience, watching traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies take place here!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Eisbach Waves

• Why it’s awesome: You get to surf in the center of Munich, a land-locked city that is situated 1,100km away from any likely spot to surf in the ocean!
• Cost: Free! To watch or surf, but you will need to buy the professional and correct gear if you want to surf and don’t have it already.
• Food nearby: Enjoy a beer and a burger at Tivoli Pavillion, a beer-hall nearby!

Located near the southern edge of the Englischer Garten park are the infamous Eisbach Waves! It’ll be almost too convenient for you to see so many destinations within a short time frame.

With over 1,000 active surfers attending here, the Eisbach is an atypical destination. It is situated within a landlocked city, which makes it unique to visit.

Locals began surfing here in the 1970s by holding tow-ropes drawn from the above bridge to stabilize themselves to surf. They then realized that they didn’t need the ropes! This was because of the fast flow of water resulting in a segment that had no flow. This segment induces waves and strong currents.

Beware though, novices or beginners should not attempt this as it can be very dangerous. In fact, it was actually illegal to surf there until 2010. So, unless you are a professional surfer and have brought gear with you, or are prepared to pay for all the correct gear, we suggest you just watch the spectacle and wonder of surfing in Munich.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Munich Municipal Law Library

• Why it’s awesome: It is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and is open to the public!
• Cost: Free admission, which is why it’s a favorite on the Munich Itinerary.
• Food nearby: Right next door to the library is the posh restaurant Donisl where you can indulge in what has been esteemed as the best Apple Strudel in the city

Erected in the mid-19th century and situated in the New Town Hall, the Municipal Law Library is surely one of the best things to do and see in Munich .

The astounding interior of the library is adorned with impressive spiraling staircases made out of wrought-iron which emulate the form of forest and floral vines. This gives you an opportunity to enjoy the Art-Noveau style of the city, as well as quintessential Gothic Revival Architecture.

You’ll encounter these staircases within a two-floor reading room which is roughly 10 meters high. Through the lighting installations, you get a sense of ornate vines crawling along the wall to further enhance the feeling of being in a forest. You can’t help but feel inspired here!

What’s best is that the library is open to the public! You’ll come into contact with lawyers and law students, but you’ll still be allowed in! So take advantage of this situation, because other libraries would not typically allow access.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Watch the Sunset at Fröttmaninger Müllberg (Garbage Mountain)

• Why it’s awesome: You’ll have the most sought-after view of the city on the top of a mountain made completely from 12 million m³ (1200 ha) of waste!
• Food nearby: Grab a takeaway from the fast-food restaurant, Bobby&Fritz, while you watch the sun disappear.

Munich is known for being surrounded by the natural Bavarian Alps, but what about its other mountains that are… not so natural? Well, on the Northern outskirts of Munich lies the 75-meter-high Fröttmaninger Mountain. This is an unusual and underrated Munich landmark that you won’t typically find on a Munich Itinerary.

It a recreational area that has been revamped into a green haven (made entirely from incinerated waste). However, it also connects to an important period of history in the city!

The mountain was created after World War II, when the city’s major garbage plantation was obliterated. After this tragedy, areas on the outer-limits were utilized as dumping stations, as well as any ditch/pit within the city.

To resolve this, the city wanted to build a new plantation in the Northern region. In particular, the village of Fröttmaning, to the natives’ detriment. This village was home to the oldest church in Munich, the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche. Mentions of this church date back all the way to the year 815!

The waste being dumped included initially incineration residue, household and commercial waste. Yet, the amount became too excessive. The ‘mountain’ hence emerged from household trash being added and added to the lot. Eventually, the Department of Urban Landscaping prompted to transform this toxic area into a recreational one and to improve the city’s green image.

Presently, you can stand on the top of the mountain and have extensive views of the city and the Alps. A windmill has been positioned on the top of it which makes for great photos. You’ll also be able to see the half-sunk Fröttmaninger Church, as well as its reconstructed version nearby.

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Theatinerkirche | BMW Premium Tour | Nymphenburg Palace | Starnberger See | Augustiner Keller Beer-Hall and Garden

It’s your second day and you’re probably wanting to see the more famous aspects of the city and drink some beer! Well, today’s going to be jam-packed with just that, so make sure you’re rested! We want you to enjoy all of the wonders the versatile city has to offer on your 2 or 3 day Munich itinerary.

Stop 1 – Theatinerkirche (Theatine Church)

• Why it’s awesome: It links to a very important moment in Munich’s history and is extremely photogenic.
• Food nearby: Walk around the corner to Cafe Maelu, a local favorite where you can delve into the sweetest pastries.

Touring Munich means touring a city that has been reigned by a variety of different leaders and influences. This is evident in the opposing facades of the buildings throughout the historic center, including the Theatinerkirche .

After the plague and war in the mid-1600s, the city became a site of Baroque life. In this period, Italian architects were requested by the elector’s (Ferdinand Maria) wife to build what they wanted to be ‘the most beautiful and precious church” for the birth of their son.

Their wish came true! Between 1663 until 1688, Italian architects constructed the magnificent church. It possesses a clay-colored, yellow exterior with an extravagantly decorated white interior. It stems its innovation from the famed church in Rome; the Sant’Andrea della Valle. Subsequently, it became the first building of praise/worship located North of the Alps.

Insider Tip: Theatinerkiche is located in Odeonplatz, which is often referred to as ‘a piece of Italy in Munich’. This is not only because of the Church resembling one in Rome, but also its neighboring loggia, Feldherrnhalle. This was an emulation of Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. Therefore, visit both monuments to get a sense of the Italian influence in a German city!

Day 2 / Stop 2 – BMW Premium Tour

• Why it’s awesome: This is the only place in the world where you can gain knowledge like this; it is the origin of BMW, a most exciting Munich point of interest
• Cost: $25 USD
• Food nearby: Eat at EssZimmer, a restaurant conveniently located in the BMW Welt which offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, but caters to all tastes.

Munich is renowned as the origin and home of the reputable and leading car manufacturer, BMW! Fortunately, they actually offer extensive tours for locals and tourists alike. These tours allow insights into the various processes of manufacturing. Rolls Royce and Mini Cooper are wholly owned by and subsidiaries of BMW can be seen too!

As part of your specialized Munich itinerary, we suggest you enroll in the premium tour. This permits you to view the BMW Welt (a combined exhibition and museum), the BMW Museum, and the group plant. It will take you just over three hours to explore and experience the history of the brand and its traditional production at the plant.

It is said that an estimate of 1,000 automobiles and over 2,000 engines are built here daily. At the Welt, you can familiarise yourself with the affiliate brands of the BMW Group whilst appreciating its architectural wonder. Overall, you’ll be able to comprehend the transformative periods for BMW and how it peaked to its success. You’ll also see over 120 of its produced cars, motorbikes, and engines.

The tour is offered only in German or English. There are specific times of days for the varying linguistic tours; German tours offered on some days and English tours on others!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Nymphenburg Palace

• Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the largest royal palaces in Europe!
• Cost: Summer: $13 USD / Winter: $10 USD – extra charge of $4 USD for audio guide.
• Food nearby: Eat like a king in the palace at Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige.

A notable tourist hotspot, this Baroque Palace is representative of a large segment of Germany’s history and one of its most notable landmarks . You can picnic in the park while viewing the wildlife of the palace’s 490-hectare grounds. Or you can enjoy a Gondola-Ride in the Palace canal, but spare lots of time to explore the palace itself!

Nymphenburg was built in 1664 and designed by an Italian architect, Agostino Barelli. If you’ve been to France, you’ll notice that the building resembles French architecture as well.

Want to be in the same space as the royal family? Well, Nymphenburg is indeed still the residing home for the Duke of Bavaria! You can even go view the Queen’s Bedroom.

If that doesn’t get you excited, the palace has five different museums, a palace chapel, a 19th-century neoclassical temple and many pavilions too.

You may not get the opportunity to see everything within the palace on our Munich Itinerary, so these are the crucial Munich points of interest within the palace:

• The Carriage Museum
• The Porcelain Museum
• The surrounding grounds/gardens
• Great/Stone Hall

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Starnberger See (‘Munich’s Summer Swimming Pool’)

• Why it’s awesome: It’s Germany’s fifth-largest freshwater lake, and so close to the city!
• Food nearby: H’ugos Beach Club has outdoor seating, live cooking, and live music/performances playing throughout. A great way to begin the transition into night-time or late afternoon!

Now that you’ve seen most of our favorite inner-city spots, you’re probably seeking some more nature and relaxation. We’ve got you covered because Munich is primely positioned near the spectacular Alps!

Starnberg Lake is 25km away from Munich’s city center, which will take you just over half-an-hour to reach via the S-Bahn from Marienplatz.

If you appreciate poetry and literature of the English canon, you’ll be even more content. This lake is actually the site that the influential poet, T.S. Elliot. He references this lake in his poem, The Waste Land!  

Not only is it Bavaria’s second-largest lake, but it is also Germany’s fifth-largest freshwater lake. Therefore, swimming here is a must! This Munich attraction is great for escaping the metropolis. Here, you can rent boats, go for a walk, or have a picnic after exploring. What we love most about it is its setting against the backdrop and landscape of the colossal Alps!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Augustiner Keller Beer-Hall and Garden

• Why it’s awesome: You get to drink local beer in either the garden or beer-hall!
• Cost: One liter of beer will cost you ~$9 USD.
• Food nearby: Augustiner Keller has a restaurant-pub where you can indulge yourself in baked pretzels and ribs.

Any 2 day itinerary in Munich would be incomplete without drinking the city’s marvelous beers! One of the reasons you’re probably wanting to visit Munich is because of its reputation for tasty and traditional beers. Not to forget its magnificent beer halls/gardens too. Well, then you’ll love us for sending you to one of the best ones! Its defining quality is that it offers both a traditional Beer-Hall and Garden.

It boasts seven different beers and is a popular destination among locals and tourists. It is extremely photogenic, incorporating many wood-elements such as the ceiling, tables, and ‘hand-crafted’ timber chairs. They serve traditional German food as well such as the finest baked pretzels and roasted ribs!

Historically, the Augustiner Keller used to be a ‘beer repository’, where food was not allowed to be served. In 1842, food was permitted to be eaten in these cellars and Beer Gardens emerged!

In the shape of a horse-shoe, the cellar was surrounded by lush gardens and meadows.

Finally, in 1896, the beer-hall was revamped and the garden-like area was opened with a whopping 5,000 seats. The original facade has been maintained and is what you’ll see when you visit!

Wombats City Hostel

Wombats is perfectly located close to the Central Station and international train stations. It includes a “womBar” that constantly holds events, famed all-you-can-eat-breakfast, and secure basement parking. If you’re exploring Germany and staying hostels, these are our favorite hostels in Germany.

• Free City Maps

Munich Residenz | Cuvillies Theatre | Vorhoelzer Forum | West Park | Riemer See

You’ve experienced 2 days in Munich, and you’re definitely somewhat hungover and well-fed from all the food and beer from last night. Don’t worry! Spending 3 days in Munich or maybe even 3 weeks will have you relaxing in nature.

A 2 day itinerary in Munich is simply insufficient! So, we’ve laid out the most educational and exciting places to visit.

Visit the Munich Residenz

• Located in central Munich, it was once the palace of Bavarian monarchs and was merely a tiny castle with a small moat surrounding it.
• It is now the largest city palace in Germany.
• Attracts many visitors to view and appreciate the architecture and centuries of additions and memorabilia such as royal collections!

Over six centuries of multi-cultural influences have transformed a castle into the present Munich Residenz! When you walk through the Residence, you will notice what a mass increase and prominence in wealth can achieve for a royal family. It’s incredible!

The castle endured through the various art periods such as the most notable Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo and Neoclassicism. Through these periods the formation of a castle became merged with the deluxe decor of a palace. It is a true architectural masterpiece, the best of Munich.

The palace has a great many priceless collections. Alongside the museum is a renowned Antiquarium. Students get a discount too, so make sure to bring along your Student I.D. Card.

Insider Tip: Visit the Residence later in the day, because it tends to be quieter then, and you’ll have more freedom to behold. 

Watch the Orchestra at, or Visit the Cuvilliés Theatre

• A plush theatre-hall that once held Napoleon; also known as Germany’s finest Rococo Theatre; (otherwise known as Late Baroque Style).
• Due to a fire in 1750 in the royal palace, it was rebuilt and designed in a new location that has been continuously modified.
• You can witness the multi-cultural influences throughout the exterior and interior.

Also regarded as the Residenz Theater, this impressive place grants visitors the opportunity to see the theatre room at an admission cost of just $4 USD!

WWII allied bombings entirely diminished the former Cuvillies Theater. Thereafter, a brand new venue was constructed. This new one was placed in close proximity to the ruins of the old theater. To pay homage to it, it was paneled with the original decor!

Although a small and intimate theatre, the details in the decor could be admired for hours. But if you want to watch a show here, keep in mind the theater can only hold 400 people, so book your seats early!

Mozart’s Idomeneo premiered here as its first production showcasing. An alternative to simply visiting the theatre is for you to book and enjoy concerts with the residence soloists. Representatives of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio play here with their gorgeous classical tunes.

You can only visit the theatre by checking the opening hours online beforehand because different seasons influence these hours.

Have a Bite and Drink at the Vorhoelzer Forum

• A rooftop cafe/bar above the Architecture department at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
• It caters to special dietary requirements such as vegan dishes for breakfast and lunch!
• You’ll have great views of the entire city while enjoying delicious food with contemporary decor & terrace with panoramic views.

Reminisce about your student days or current student days in this roof-top cafe/bar! Munich is often regarded as one of the most intellectually-driven cities in Europe. It’s also the central business and technologically-advanced hub of Germany. So, you’ll get to explore the high-end facilities for groundbreaking research before you arrive at the top floor, the cafe!

Bright minimalistic interiors and a large terrace make this place a hidden gem, literally. This is because the path to the cafe is not well demarcated and is pretty secretive. Only TUM students and prior visitors will know the route to it, which makes it even more exciting to find! Intricately made coffee awaits you, as well as fantastic, well-priced beers too!

Due to its location within a student building, it’s often energetic atmosphere is vibrant with lots of social activity. This makes it a great place to come have a cocktail at the bar while enjoying the sunsets. It’s the views that make this place a spectacular stop!

Picnic in the West Park

• This is a unique urban park spanning an area of 70 hectares, split into an Eastern and Western section.
• The park has an array of attractions such as two lakes, a rose garden and an Asian garden.
• The Audi Dome, an indoor arena, is located in the park as well.

Munich is well-respected for its spacious and distinguishable parks, but this park is the most quirky, providing a lovely oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city!

The rose garden within the park is flourishing with 20,000 roses, of which 500 different species exist. If seeing these beautiful roses isn’t enough, there are also two beer-gardens for you to indulge in.

In the city’s summer, the park is extremely busy with music performances and movie screenings. The park is a family-time favorite at nighttime as well, and many gather to watch the sunset over the park’s perimeters. Also, take note that German citizens love to grill and barbecue! So you can expect to see this park packed with families grilling food and enjoying a few beers. This is also a great alternative to eating out.

The Asian Gardens are a sight to revel in, the first Chinese Garden in Europe! There used to be 23 different national gardens, and now there are four that are well-maintained. One of the garden’s most interesting features is the first consecrated Buddha in Europe!

The Audi Dome is another site to behold when walking through this all-in-one park. It can host over 7,000 people. In fact, it hosted the Basketball matches in the Munich 1972 Olympics!

Take a Dip in Riemer See

• An artificial lake planned by the French landscape architect Gilles Vexlard.
• You can relax in the modern Riemer Park attached to it, swim or walk to the viewing point.
• It takes 35-minutes to reach by train from the city center, and during the Summer is cherished for its clean, crystal blue water to bathe and relax in.

Fairly new, this man-made lake is at the disposal of any local in Munich. Not only is it free admission, but free parking as well! It can be found behind the Riem Arcaden Shopping Mall, spanning 8 hectares and is spacious enough for people to enjoy their privacy and relaxation.

Its eastern shore makes it a local favorite due to the wide pebble beach, which extends into a large meadow after a few meters! Trees have recently been planted to provide shade for bathers or tanners, making it a great site to tan. Stop here to rest if you’re backpacking through Germany .

Yet our favorite characteristic of this cool place to visit in Munich is the sand beach area on the banks of the water! This means that a summer vacation in Munich is very possible.

Situated in the Eastern suburbs of Munich, this Munich attraction takes 35-minutes to reach by train from the city center.

If you go here in Winter, expect a totally different experience! The beaches are deserted and the water turns into clear ice. It’s gorgeous, but you certainly won’t feel an inclination to swim!

If you go in Summer, it will be full, warm and refreshments will be sold. Also, you’ll be able to see as far as the Austrian border if you walk the steep stairway to the viewpoint on a clear day.

Planning a trip to Munich means that you’re visiting the most expensive German city. There’s a reason for this, it has one of the highest qualities of living! Therefore, the city is very safe and has no reputation for crime. All slights risks traveling in Germany are low. There are no travel warnings/advisories for Munich.

However, there is a medium-rated risk of being pick-pocketed in Munich. One would expect this in a city with mass influxes of wealthy tourists. Be vigilant and avoid opportunistic thieves by concealing all your belongings. We suggest you put your bag backward, onto your chest when walking through busy areas.

However, there are no actual unsafe areas, just areas where pick-pocketers thrive. These are busy tourist areas such as Altstadt (the center). If you’re reasonably careful, you’ll leave with everything you came with!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Munich

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles

Delve into a fairy-tale by exploring the two castles that King Ludwig II constructed, nestled deep within the serenity of the Alps. These castles are great examples of Western and Bavarian architecture! The tour provides you with over 4-hours to appreciate each design.

This is one of the most popular things to do around and near Munich and a favorite day trip from Munich.

After exploring these two magnificent buildings, you’ll even get the chance to witness the exact location wherein King Ludwig II grew up! This is called Hohenschwangau Castle, and the tour will take rest here at mid-day.

Romantic Road and Rothenburg from Munich

Referred to as the ‘Romantic Road’, this path begins at Harburg Castle, a medieval complex with origins tracing all the way back to the 11th century!

After exploring the castle and its exterior, you’ll have captivating views of the Nördlinger Ries as you enjoy a luxury drive. This area is an impact crater that formed almost 15-million years ago after being struck by an asteroid! This is our must-see pick for any 3 day itinerary in Munich.

The drive will commence at Rothenburg, the romantic medieval town. The tour will give you lots of time to walk around and through the tightly packed and colorful buildings. Upon your return to Munich, you’ll tour through the largest hops-growing region in the world, the Hallertau.

Dachau Memorial Site Full-Day Tour in English

With a haunted past, the holocaust remnants still linger through the country. A full-day, extensive tour in English with a live tour-guide is a very educational and interesting offer!

Dachau is known as the very first and longest-lasting concentration camp that acted as a replica for the subsequent ones.

Through the tour, you will be given access to the bunkers, barracks and the heinous entry sign, entitled ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’, or ‘work sets you free’.

The tour spans 4-hours with a highly-educated and cultured tour-guide who will elaborate on the expansion of the camp.

Skip the Line Munich Free Walking Tour with Booking Fee

A 3-hour, extensive Munich walking tour will lead you into the city’s core while you learn about the city’s major landmarks. A fervent lover of Munich, the qualified tour-guide will take you to the world’s most renowned beer hall, Hofbräuhaus, as well as to the churches of Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), and the Church of St. Peter.

You will walk the exact path that Adolf Hitler walked in 1923, the point at which he attempted to shoot his way into power during the Munich Beer Hall Putsch.

Day Tour to Berchtesgaden Foothills & Obersalzberg

Berchtesgaden is a small market town located in the Bavarian Alps that borders Austria. Historically, Hitler’s Eagle Nest was located in the Southern section of the town!

You’ll arrive here with a luxury bus that will drive through the famed German Alpine Road. This is one of the most scenic, mountainous routes in Germany with breathtaking views of the valleys.

Upon arrival, lifts will take you up to Obersalzberg, a mountainside retreat , from Berchtesgaden. Obersalzberg was the site on which Hitler placed his holiday mountain retreat and many key decisions were made here. You will have the choice of embarking up this slope to view the remains of it, and spend some time exploring!

Note: If you do this tour in winter, you’d rather get to view the salt-mine because of the ice-cover on the slopes.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Munich itinerary.

What should you include on a 3 day Munich itinerary?

These are the coolest places to visit in Munich: – Marienplatz – Theatinekirsche – Augustiner Keller Beer-Hall – Fröttmaninger Müllberg

Where should you stay for a weekend in Munich?

Glockenbach is hands down the best place to stay in Munich over the weekend. It’s got epic nightlife, stunning scenery, and isn’t too far from top city attractions.

How many days should you stay in Munich?

3 days in Munich will allow you to discover top city attractions. Any extra days are a bonus as the city boasts vibrant nightlife and provides an excellent base for exploring further afield.

What are the best day trips from Munich?

The magnificent Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles are a must-see. The ‘Romantic Road’ is also extremely popular.

Munich contributes to much of Germany’s economy and culture. Whether you seek ancient grandeur and Western palaces/castles or you just want to unwind in the mountains and lakes, Munich is an all-in-one experience!

Grab a beer, picnic in the parks and venture into the traditional Bavarian villages and Alps. Enjoy an authentic German experience! Our 3 day Itinerary in Munich (and beyond) allows you to embrace the city’s history, culture, nature, and romance.

We truly love Munich due to its diverse offerings and accessible destinations!

If you’re wondering about how many days to spend in Munich, we suggest about three to five days in order to explore the outer-city limits, pay tribute to the Holocaust victims and appreciate the most picturesque lakes and mountains.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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3 Days in Munich Itinerary for First-time Visitors

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Looking for the perfect 3 days in Munich itinerary? Your search is over – here it is!

A rich history of over 1,000 years and a perfect blend of the old and the new makes Munich a truly amazing city to include on any trip through Germany.

The Bavarian capital is a cultural one and is considered to be the best place to live in Germany and it is not hard to understand why, after spending some time in the city.

Ultimate 3 days in Munich itinerary and travel guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a beautiful city located in southern Germany . It is known for its picturesque scenery, its many historical landmarks, and its lively nightlife. 

Munich is also home to some of the best beer gardens in the world, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Here is how to spend 3 days in Munich Germany

Munich 3 day itinerary: Things to do in Munich in 3 days

• Day 1 of 3 day Munich itinerary: Marienplatz walking tour, English Gardens, Olympic Park, Hofbrauhaus
• Day 2 of 3 day Munich itinerary: Third Reich walking tour , Viktualienmarkt or Victuals Market , Deutsches Museum, BMW Car Museum
• Day 3 of 3 day Munich itinerary: Nymphenburg Palace, Dachau Concentration Camp , Glockenbachviertel

Resource: The perfect 5 days in Munich itinerary

Munich Germany trip planning 

When you are planning a trip to Munich for three days keep in mind that there are some major festivals taking place at certain times of the year which may influence your trip. 

For example, the Tollwood Festival is held in December, the Auer Dult events take place in May, July, and October, and at the end of September, the Oktoberfest may be high on your things-to-do list.

The best time to visit Munich is in the summer when the weather is fantastic. Winters in Germany can be a lot quieter but temperatures plummet to freezing point which makes moving about difficult.

Arriving in Munich 

Munich Airport is the international airport of Munich, the capital of Bavaria. It is the second busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic after Frankfurt Airport.

This is where you will land if you are flying from overseas. We arrived at the Munich airport from Canada and took the train to get to the city centre. 

The airport is located 43 km (or 26.7 miles) away from Marienplatz train station or the city centre. It will take about 45 minutes by train (costs 11.90 euros), and about 30+ minutes by car to get there. You can also book an airport transfer by bus here

Getting around in Munich

One of the first things is to get a Munich Pass or City Card as it provides free access to a number of leading attractions, in addition to free access to public transport in the whole of the inner city zone. 

The group ticket gives the best value for money as it allows up to five adults to travel together or substitute two children for each adult.

When going further afield, the Bayern Ticket of German Railways covers all forms of transport in Bavaria, including the entire Munich public transportation network. A bicycle day ticket is €3 for unlimited travel in Munich.

Where to stay in Munich

When it comes to hotel accommodation, Munich is a bit pricey, so be prepared to pay a premium if you want to stay in the vicinity of the city center. 

Marienplatz too is a good location as it is near the bus and train stations. Rather spend a few euros more on accommodation than lose valuable hours using public transport. Some hotels in the city center which offer good value for money are:

Bayerische Hof: This is a luxury 5-star property dating back to the 1840s. The rooms here are gorgeous, and you also have amazing dining options choosing from 5 restaurants, a cafe, and 5 bars. A breakfast buffet is available. If you are planning a road trip in southern Germany, you can also arrange for parking here. Click to check availability here

Hotel Lux : Hotel Lux is a mid-budget accommodation for you in the centre of Munich, located only a minute walk away from Hofbräuhaus am Platzl (beer hall). Staying here means you are in the heart of everything from Marienplatz, Residenz Palace, and other popular tourist attractions. Book your stay here

Hotel München City Center affiliated by Meliá: Another mid budget hotel located at the centre is TRYP City center/Munchen city center. The rooms are simple, and you will find a lot of restaurants and small shops nearby. Check availability here

Arthotel Munich: Arthotel Munich is a small boutique hotel. Each suite is curated with colorful art and is located near the Central station. Check photos and other reviews

Day 1 of 3 days in Munich itinerary: Marienplatz walking tour, English Gardens, Olympic Park, Hofbrauhaus

Use the first of the three days in Munich to explore the sights, sounds, and tastes on a walking tour, but first a cup of coffee!

Munich has some specialty coffee outlets, but the one which immediately comes to our mind is Man versus Machine Coffee, accessed by a ten-minute walk to the southwest of Marienplatz. A more traditional German coffee outlet is the Vits der Kaffee. 

If you are used to Starbucks Americano, well you will find one by the Beer Hall. Plus there are a lot of cafes near the Marienplatz station and the square like Schmalznudel – Cafe Frischhut.

No matter where you are located, start the morning with an espresso-based beverage to fuel up for the long day ahead of you.

A Munich three-day itinerary gives ample time to see the best things about Munich and get to know the city better. If you miss out on anything, you can always go back, which we bet you will love too.

Free walking tour from Marienplatz (10:00 am to 12:00 pm)

One of the best ways to explore a new city when you first set out is either by walking around yourself or opting for a free walking tour.

Traveling on foot allows you to get oriented with the place and learn about the best places to see and eat.

A lot of hotels offer a free walking tour, but even if they don’t it is well worth going on a two-hour conducted one to learn about the fascinating past of Munich. This is possibly the best way to acquaint yourself with this pretty Bavarian city on the initial leg of your first day Munich itinerary.

Old Town streets (12:30 to 3:30 pm)

There is nothing more pleasant when it comes to wandering around Marienplatz. This main tourist hotspot lies in the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by historical buildings like the neo-Gothic New Town Hall, and is unarguably the top spot to watch the world go by. 

The feature attraction by far is the Glockenspiel with its 32 lifelike figures enacting fairy tales.

Here you will come across the Mariensaule column, which towers above the square to celebrate the end of the Swedish invasion. 

Besides the square, there are events taking place in the courtyard like Rathaus Glockenspiel, a fascinating depiction of a royal wedding, which is performed every day at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. 

Pro tip : Keep an eye on your belongings as this is prime pickpocket territory. 

You can follow our Marienplatz Munich old town guide and check off all the attractions in and around the square. Some of the popular stops include

• Odeonsplatz: This is a large square, which is located at the southern end of the Ludwigstraße. Odeonplatz was established under Ludwig I, and later was the subject of at least one painting by Hitler.
• Munich Residenz palace: Munich Residenz palace is one of the most important palace museums in Europe. There is an entry ticket with an audio guide, and it will take 3-4 hours to explore all of them. So factor this in when you are planning the day. The rest of the stops will be pretty quick so you can add a quick visit, if interested (more on that below). 
• St Peter’s Church : This church has a 91-metre tower commonly known as “Alter Peter”—Old Pete. Climb for amazing city views from above. 

We recommend spending the majority of your day in the Old town and also stopping for lunch in one of the cute cafes there. In the late afternoon, start for Englischer Garten (around 04:00 pm). 

You may like : Marienplatz and English garden walking tour

English Garden 

This is a must visit place in Munich as it is one of the biggest urban parks in the world and a place worth exploring. One can either sit back and enjoy the surroundings or surf the stream close to the bridge at the end of the park.

The special high platform Monopteros provides great views of the park and the city from above.

The most attractive feature of the English Garden is without doubt the artificial stream that flows through the garden. Other spots worth looking into are the Japanese Tea House, Schonfeld Meadow, or any of the beer gardens scattered around the park.

Depending on where you are in the city, you can take the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus, or just walk to the park. 

Olympiapark (aim for 5:30 – 07:30 pm)

This park is a bit far from the city and best accessed through public transport as walking there one way will take at least one hour. 

Subway U3 will take you straight there. Irrespective of time or whether you are a sports fan or not, no trip to Munich is deemed complete without a visit to the 1972 Summer Olympics stadium and now home to the Bayern Munich FC.

The park also serves as a concert venue and has paths and trails laid out to enjoy the outdoors. The Olympic Tower has a revolving restaurant and an observation platform to marvel at the views of Munich far below.

Hofbrauhaus (08:00 to 10:00 pm)

For a first time visitor, trying traditional German food is a must, so if you are wondering where to rest your weary legs after a hard day on the streets head to Hofbrauhaus, the traditional beer hall of Munich established in 1607.

This popular eatery serves traditional German fare featuring roast pork, German beef soup, and of course, Munchner Weisse.

Hofbrauhaus also features rooms and areas where waiters dressed in traditional Lederhosen, sling beer mugs across the tables while the Bavarian bands churn out popular folk songs. 

The brewery also has a dark history as this is where Hitler first founded the Nazi party in 1920.

Pro tip: Don’t waste time looking for a free table. It is common to share one with strangers in Germany. 

Day 2 of 3 days in Munich itinerary: Hitler and the Third Reich tour, Viktualienmarkt or Victuals Market, Deutsches Museum, BMW Car Museum

Start your morning at another great coffee outlet Cafe Bla, which has a touch of Icelandic influence around it. After filling up the stage is set for your second day Munich tour. There are many options but a tour we recommend is WWII based.

Hitler and the Third Reich (10:00 am to 1:00 pm)

Whether you are into World War II history or not, this three-hour will detail the active role the city of Munich played in the conflict.

The tour will take you all over Munich, during which a true expert will delve deep into the somewhat dark history of the city and explain its role in the rise of the Nazi regime. You can book the guided tour here

Viktualienmarkt (1:00 to 2:00 pm)

After your long walk you must be yearning for something to eat, so head straight to the huge open-air Viktualienmarkt which has been operating for over a hundred years in the heart of Munich. From cured meat to cheese there are over 140 stalls selling things to eat.

For lunch, there are a couple of German fast food options specializing in sausage and pretzels which you can enjoy sitting on one of the many benches lining up either side of the square.

Cafe Frischhut sells the best popular German pastry called Schmalznudel. 

You may like: Here is a 2 hour walking tour of the Marketplace if interested

Deutsches Museum (2:30 to 4:00 pm)

Walk along Prinzregentenstrasse across the Isar River and the imposing column of the Angel of Peace until you reach Ludwig’s Brucke which is next to the Deutsches Museum , a personal favorite as it focuses more on science and technology rather than history and art.

You will need to book your ticket for the desired day and time in advance to gain admission. Once you enter you can stay within the opening hours.

The original models on display here illustrate how the laws of nature and technology work. The most popular demonstration is the Faraday Cage where staff stands inside while intense sparks of voltage are emitted. 

If you don’t fancy walking, the museum is three stops from Central Station.

• Opening hours: 09:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Fees:  8 euros

BMW Car Museum (4:00 to 5:00 pm)

The headquarters of BMW is Disneyland for car lovers. The museum features several stunning exhibits just like a 1933 gleaming runabout and the BMW Welt where car buffs can feast their eyes on new models and concept cars.

The BMW 507 roadster once owned by Elvis Presley in the late 1950s has so many admirers that there are lipstick marks all over it. 

Do not forget to taste the special schnitzel with potato salad at the Bavarian Brasserie , one of the five fine restaurants on the campus the car manufacturer.

• Fees:  10 euros

Nighttime activities (7:30 to 9:00 pm)

After a hectic day out you will be more than ready for a good dinner. A relaxed and intimate eatery in the city center is the Servus Heidi where you can enjoy a beer in the beer garden, weather permitting.

The food is typical Bavarian with plenty of meat dishes in some form or the other. Retire for an early night ahead of your last trying day lying ahead of you in Munich.

Day 3 of the Munich itinerary 3 days: Nymphenburg Palace, Dachau Concentration Camp, Glockenbachviertel

Another day and a new place for a big breakfast as this is going to be a busy and long day of sightseeing. A good place near several transport hubs is the Cafe Glockenspiel where you can have a meal and enjoy uninterrupted views of the New Town Hall.

Nymphenburg Palace (10:00 am to 12:00 pm)

An extremely popular tourist spot in Munich is the Nymphenburg Palace with its massive grounds which are stunningly landscaped. The Baroque palace showcases many unique exhibits of artwork like frescoes and mythological creatures.

The towering tapestries inside provide a vivid glimpse of how prominent German families spent their lives during the 1600-1800 period.

Once the tour of the interior is complete you can wander the grounds and explore some smaller palaces like Brandenburg and Amalienburg which was a former hunting lodge. Animals like roebucks and geese can often be spotted in the vast gardens.

• Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, from April-mid October | 10:00 am to 4:00 pm,    mid-October to March
• Admission : €15 April to mid-October | €12 mid-October to March 

Dachau Concentration Camp (12:00 to 6:00 pm)

This trip will take up most of your last day in Munich but is an unavoidable one if you want to experience the dark past of the country. 

Here you can get to learn about the atrocities the prisoners underwent during the Holocaust, walking down the same path that either led to freedom or instant death through the “Path of the Prisoners” exhibition.

On the way, you will come across posts that relate to the history of the concentration camp and about the people who were made to suffer here. 

The views of the Dachau concentration gas chambers and barracks will help you understand the most horrific events in history which took place here.

We recommend booking a guided tour , as we did and it was a very profoundly informative experience. Check availability here

Glockenbachviertel (7:00 to 8:00 pm)

This arty district which runs along the north bank of the Isar River is worth looking into. In the 1980s this was the center of the city’s gay scene and today is full of artisan jewelers and chocolate makers.

The atmosphere here is totally relaxed and in nearby Stephansplatz you will find people chilling around having ice cream or drinking beer at any of the taverns around the Gothic gate, Sendlinger Tor.

Dinner (after 8:00 pm)

A local institution known for its bold style is Tantris , a two Michelin-starred restaurant operating since 1971.

With tables lit by lamps designed as plastic globes and walls lined with orange carpets, this eatery has stuck to its original look since its inception. Chef Hans Haas has the knack for making some of the best roasted veal and octopus carpaccio.

Alternate tour suggestions for 3 day Munich itinerary

Watchman torch tour

There are other special ways to end a day in the Bavarian capital, but one of the most special is going on a night watchman torch tour. This two-hour guided tour aided with the help of a torch features stories about the city’s ghosts as you travel through the dark alleys of Munich. 

Learn how the night watchman in the past not only protected the citizens but also maintained law and order in the city. This walking tour will also cover some prominent historical locations of Munich and buildings. 

At the end of the tour, you will certainly have a take or two to relate back home after your new perspective of Munich. Click to view this tour and its details

Residenz Munich

This former castle and residence of Bavarian rulers are now converted into a museum open for visitors. The exterior may look bland but once you step inside the opulence and splendor will leave you spellbound. 

No prior reservation is required at the admission ticket can be bought at the front desk for €9 which includes a visit to the Treasury which is also worth seeing. You can also book a concert at the Residenz here

Bavarian beer tour

You can also book an evening of Bavarian beer and a guided tour here

Day trips from Munich Germany

By using the country’s third largest city as a home base one can undertake some amazing day trips and explore some of the fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated in the vicinity. 

Here are top Munich day trip ideas, 

Neuschwanstein Castle

• Distance from Munich: 120 km (74.5 miles)
• Travel time: 2 hours
• Tour : You can book a full day tour here 

If you want to go to Neuschwanstein Castle take a train from Hauptbahnhof station which is headed for Fussen. 

From there catch a bus to Schwangau. This is without any doubt not only the most popular day trip from Munich but also the most rewarding, as this fairy tale citadel has been inspired by none other than Walt Disney’s famous classic “Sleeping Beauty”. 

Additionally, there are some splendid other attractions nearby like the Church of the Wires, Ettal Abbey, and the scenic town of Oberammergau which makes the whole tour worthwhile.

Another way to visit Neuschwanstein is through a guided tour.

Not only is it fast and convenient, but the tour company also has access to entry tickets which otherwise are difficult to reserve online.

Then, of course, you have the advantage of having an experienced guide traveling with you. 

If you don’t pre-book you will be spending hours lining up just to get in.

Salzburg, Austria

• Distance from Munich: 144.5 km (89.7 miles)
• Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Tour : Here is a day tour to Salzburg done via train

A trip across the Austrian border to Salzburg, the birthplace of the famous composer Mozart, has a hotbed of attractions concerning the late master musician and even otherwise.

This picturesque city is surrounded by Baroque-style castles in the shadow of towering alpine snow peaks. Make sure to set aside time for visiting the Old Town, the setting of the mega-hit film, “The Sound of Music” and Salzburg Cathedral with its stunning St Peter’s Abbey.

Passau, Austria

• Distance from Munich: 192 km (119 miles)
• Travel time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Located on the border with Austria, a day trip to Passau is perfect for those looking for a riverside getaway. Additionally, the skyline of the city is said to be the most striking in the whole of Europe with Italian style buildings overlooking the River Danube.

The Old Town is laid out perfectly allowing visitors to wander around on the cobbled streets leading right to the water’s edge. Make sure to stop at the Ludwigstrasse for purchasing Austrian and Bavarian goods and other treats.

If you wish to travel by train, there are hourly departures for Passau from Munchen Hbf to Passau Hbf. 

Additional travel tips for 3 day Munich itinerary

Munich is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists. Located in Germany, the country is a powerful European Union member. If you require a tourist visa to travel to most of the countries in Europe, then do apply for the Schengen Visa ahead of time.

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however, from 2025, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

Here are a few more travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Munich gets extremely busy during weekends as a lot of local visitors come to the city for shopping.
• Most of the public museums are closed on Mondays, which is an important point to consider before your visit.
• One of the top ten opera houses can be found in Munich, so if you are a fan try and book a ticket for an evening performance through the Bayerische Staataoper website.
• Germany has a world-class healthcare system with a pharmacy literally around every corner. In an unlikely event, accessing medicine or a doctor is super easy and incredibly cheap.
• Only cash is king in Munich. Local trains and U Bahn stations do not accept credit cards, something of a disappointment for a big city like Munich.
• Get an all-day pass for the public transportation system. This will save you money if you plan on using public transport to get around the city.

Germany’s official currency is euros. 

Keep one thing in mind, Munich is an expensive city, especially since you will be spending three days there, so if you are not careful you can easily blow your budget in no time. The best is not to splurge and not be ultra frugal either. Here is a breakdown of costs:

• Hostels € 20-26
• Hotels  €95-150
• Rentals €80-120

• Breakfast €5
• Dinner €7-18
• Pint beer €3.50

• Metro/Bus €3.00
• 3 days pass €16.80

Germany is a foreign destination and the worry about safety among tourists is understandable. However, according to Munich police, this city is by far the safest in the country. Moreover, there is a visible police presence at all the major tourist hubs. 

Petty thefts are on the decline but still happen, especially on Oktoberfest, so a bit of common sense is advised.

Were three days in Munich enough?

Longer the better, but three days in Munich is more than enough to see a lot, especially as a part of an extended European trip. 

While you may not be short of doing things in Munich, the allotted time is perfect to get the feel of the top sights and attractions of this iconic Bavarian city. Having said that, if you have only three days there will be quite a lot left on the agenda to do another time.

This itinerary doesn’t include visits to festivals, fairs, or big markets that might be taking place during your visit, we recommend tweaking the attractions and time allotted for such events!

Pin: Munich 3 day itinerary for first time visitors

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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25 Unique Things to Do in Munich (Plus 4 Day Munich Itinerary!)

If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the process of planning your Munich itinerary or perhaps wondering if you should visit Munich on your next trip to Europe.

The answer is simply YES. Munich is a stunning city with so much to see and experience. The city is one of the most beloved in all of Europe and despite the turmoil it has seen, it has stood strong as one of Europe’s center points for interest and tourism.

As someone with German heritage, I have spent myself thinking often about a visit to Germany, so our summer plans involving several weeks in Germany has ignited an inspiration in me to explore the stomping grounds of my ancestors and learn more about the history of a nation that has created so many waves in society.

I will be blunt in saying you need a week or more to really see Munich, but time is short and there is so much to see in the World, so we’re going to work with the typical visit time of 4 days.

Our mission is to give you a big enough taste to whet your appetite and leave your memories of Munich as magic. Not just a Munich City guide but and actual layout based on our own experiences in the city.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Germany (Travel Guide)

Things to do in Munich – Day 1

Table of Contents

Today is your first full day in Munich and it’s time for you to get acquainted with the city. While Munich may be one of Europe’s big cities, you’ll find the main area of the city is surprisingly small and easy to navigate.

We spent 3 weeks in Germany : Check out our Germany articles !

Take A Free Walking Tour of Munich

Grab yourself a hearty breakfast at your hotel in the morning before heading off to the Marienplatz main square to join up with the Free Walking Tour of Munich by Sandemans NewEurope.

Many people that we talk to are wary of joining up with these types of tours because they don’t understand how they work. The tours are literally free of charge.

They usually last 2-2.5 hours and take you to the most popular areas of the city by a knowledgeable and cheery guide. You’ll learn some of the history of the city, a bit about the Nazi Occupation and some pretty great stories about the people that lived in and built up Munich.

While you are under no obligation to do so, the guides work for tips, so at the end of the tour you just tip the guide and go along your way.

We have found this is the single best way to acquaint yourself with a new city on your first day and highly recommend looking into the free walking tours in every European city.

Don’t Miss the Rathaus-Glockenspiel

Your tour should end back at Marienplatz just in time to catch the 12pm showing of the famous Glockenspiel. Part of the second reconstruction of the new Town Hall, this Rathaus-Glockenspiel dates back to 1908 and performs every day at 11am. During the summer, it also performs at 12pm and 5pm.

Lasting 12-15 minutes, it is a beautiful feat of old-time entertainment and a depiction of a royal wedding. The square will be packed during the performance so be mindful of your belongings as it’s prime time for the pick pockets.

Lunch at the Hofbräuhaus

If you joined the first free walking tour around 10am, then you will be done around 12:30pm. Grab some lunch at one of the World’s most famous beer halls, the Hofbräuhaus .

Serving typical German fare and liter sized beer steins of their own brew, this place is all about the atmosphere as lederhosen clad staff sling beer steins across tables and sweet smiling ladies carry around baskets of freshly backed pretzels. Just remember not to have too many liters at lunch, you have a city to see!

Church of Our Lady Munich

This church is located slightly off the main square and has an interesting story regarding the building of the church. Back in the day, building a church of this size would take many years. Think, 80 years or more, so you can imagine the surprise of the people when this particular church was completed in just 20 years.

Legend has it that the devil himself assisted in the building of the church, giving the reason as to why it was completed so fast. He ordered a church to be built with no windows, so that he could enter the house of God and spread his vile teachings while being obstructed from the light of day.

Now, the builders were clever and constructed the back of the church without windows, so when the devil would enter, he would think the church was built without windows.

Much to his surprise, the day it was finished he decided to take a stroll to the front of the church where he discovered massive windows letting in the light from the heavens.

In a fit of rage he stamped his foot and disappeared leaving a large footprint in the back of the church. Whether you believe the story or not, it’s worth a visit to to place your foot in the print of the devil.

St Peter’s Church

After you’ve compared shoe size with the devil, head over to the St Peters Church, poke your head inside and then step out the back and climb the tower.

If you want to enjoy a view of the entire city center from the tower you must climb no less than 299 steps. Once you reach the top, the panoramic view of Munich’s center makes up for the effort. When the weather is very good you may even catch a glimpse of the Alps in the distance.

There is an entrance fee for the observation deck of 2 euro per person and it is worth it to spend a little loose change for the telescopes that allow many an interesting detailed look at the Old Town once you reach the top.

Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine , that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.

What to do in Munich – Day 2

Now that you’ve had a taste for some of the old city, take a journey into history to learn more about the people that have lived and occupied Munich. Our Munich itinerary takes you first to the outskirts and then back to the city center.

Visit Nymphenburg Palace

Try to start your day early today by getting to breakfast at your hotel right when it starts. Then head outside and grab the local tram for a journey to the Nymphenburg Palace that is just outside the city center.

If you time it right, you will arrive right when the palace opens and you will have the place almost to yourself having beat the tour buses.

I recommend buying the ticket that gives you access to everything on offer, although if your budget is tight or you are short on time, then I wouldn’t miss the main museum exhibits and the stable.

No matter which ticket you buy, head straight into the main museum to get a good head start on the crowds. This should afford you an almost undisturbed visit.

Just as you make your way towards the stable, you’ll see the buses arrive and can smile enjoying the stable alone as well. The gardens can be visited without a ticket and are worth a stroll. After your visit, hop back on the tram and head back towards the city center.

Third Reich Afternoon Walking Tour

If the history of the Nazi occupation and rise interests you, then we can recommend that you take a Third Reich walking tour in the afternoon. Just make sure that it ends before 4pm so you have time to head over to the Royal Residenz. 

Related Article:   Vegan Guide to Munich

Royal Residenz

The secret to visiting this beautiful museum is to arrive late in the day. Most of the tour groups will have left and there will be very few people wandering inside the museum.

You won’t be able to take too much time, but if you arrive at 4pm, you’ll have 2 full hours to walk the museum before it closes during summer hours. We are not lying when we tell you that you’ll have the place to yourself with the exception of the odd audio guide listener.

Walking the hallways without tour groups is an almost haunting experience and something you will experience very few times in your life. Getting there late in the day is crucial if you want this experience. Be sure to buy the full ticket that gives you access to the main museum and the theater.

Dinner at Ratskeller München

Rest your weary feet after a day of exploring in the underbelly of the city. Located underneath the Marienplatz town hall, in the old beer cellars, is the delightful traditional German beer house and restaurant of Ratskeller .

Make reservations the day before and be prepared to enjoy local sausage specialties and a variety of top brewed German beers on your visit. I can personally recommend the German white sausage,

Wolwürst that comes with mashed potato salad and kraut. Start with a small beer because you may not get all the food and drink in your belly otherwise! As absolute must on your Munich itinerary.

Munich Itinerary – Day 3

You’ve spent 2 days in Munich and only scratched the surface yet it’s imperative that you visit some of the sites on the outskirts as well.

Dachau Concentration Camp

After your morning coffee, hop back on the local transport and take the train out to the Dachau Concentration Camp . It is a 30-minute ride and you don’t need a tour to visit.

The camp is well signed with easy walking directions from the train stop into the main camp. While this might seem like a disturbing visit for some people, it is incredibly important that you visit a concentration camp to learn about what happened there, how it happened and why it happened.

Each building is open and has been made a museum giving you an up close look into the life of the prisoners and guards that occupied Dachau during Nazi Germany.

It’s a moving experience and you will need the whole morning for the visit so be sure to arrive right when it opens. After your visit, take the train back to Munich. Read about our first hand account of  Visiting Dachau Concentration Camp, Munich here.

English Gardens and River Surfing

When you return to the city from Dachau, grab a bite to eat and make your way to the English Gardens. This is the best way to follow up such a contemplative visit as the concentration camp and give you some time to process your thoughts. A great way to see this area and the neighboring historic center in a small group setting is by Segway tour .

This park is the epitome of nature in a big city and a fabulous way to get away from the hustle in Munich (it’s a very busy city). Be sure to take a few moments to watch the river surfers catch some waves. Yes, skilled and experienced surfers catch waves in the river that flows through the park.

Alternatively, you could head over to Olympic Park and the BMW manufacturer for a tour if you are looking for something a bit faster paced.

Things to do in Munich – Day 4

Munich is strategically places in South Germany leaving you many options for exploring outside the city. The only downside is that you can’t combine them all in one day.

Each takes a day and it can be very time consuming if you get caught up doing day trips outside the city. A solid week will allow you to take a couple day trips and see the heart of Munich. In 4 days, you really only have time for one of two day trips.

Take a Day Tour to Neuschwanstein Castle

Just 1.5 hours from Munich you can find yourself at the foothills of the Alps, wandering a tiny Bavarian village with pretzel in hand. The main draw to this area is the fabled castle of Neuschwanstein , built by the mad King Ludwig II and completed in 1886.

It was a respite for the withdrawn King and after being removed from the throne, he only spent 11 nights in his beloved castle before he was murdered.

Witness the fairy tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, created by Germany’s 19th-century King Ludwig II, on a day trip from Munich .

The castle is spectacular, set in a mountain setting and it’s hard to visit without conjuring up thoughts of fairy tales and royal musings. There are several places to view the castle from and people wishing to capture great photos should arrive in the early hours to beat the hoards of tourists that visit the castle.

You can visit in one of two ways, take the bus from Munich on your own- it drops you in Hohenschwangau and you then walk up the hill to the castle or take a day tour that will also include a ticket to visit the inside. For a detailed guide, read our article How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich .

Unless you are well planned in advance, getting at ticket to visit the inside without a tour or advanced reservation will be nearly impossible in the summer.

Opening hours of Neuschwanstein Castle

April to 15 October: 8 am-5 pm 16 October to March: 9 am-3 pm Closed 1 January and 24 / 25 / 31 December

Admission charges to tour Neuschwanstein Castle: 13 euros regular · 12 euros reduced Children and young people under 18 are free. 

Königsticket (King’s ticket) for both Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle on the same day: 25 euros regular · 23 euros reduced

Kombiticket “Königsschlösser” (combination ticket King Ludwig II’s palaces): 24 euros The combination ticket is valid for six months; you can visit each of the places Neuschwanstein

Other Day Trips from Munich

Due to the location of Munich, you have access to some pretty amazing day trips during your visit. You could easily fill a week of travel with visiting the city and the surrounding area.

There are so many options that we wrote a dedicated article about the  Best Day Trips from Munich , highlighting our favorites.

Just remember that each one of these will take a full day to experience, so choose wisely and based on your preferences. The only ones that combine are a visit to Dachau and Neuschwanstein on the same day but I personally feel Dachau deserves more time than you will get on a combined trip.

More on Things to Do in Munich

Seriously, this is why you visit Germany, right? We’re not big drinkers but we enjoyed sitting in the brew houses for the atmosphere. Imagine Bavarian music bouncing around the room from the acoustics while German waiters and waitresses serve you dressed in their best lederhosen. The pretzel seller walks around, you grab a bite and drink down some of Germany’s famous brews. It is all about the atmosphere and must not be missed.

Drinking beer in Munich should be accompanied by a visit to any of the BratwurstHause’s you can find. Throw your diet to the curb and try all of the sausage delights on offer with a little sauerkraut on the side. They also serve an interesting German potato salad if you can manage to squeeze that into your belly.

Attend Oktoberfest

If you’re traveling Munich in the Fall, consider planning your trip around Oktoberfest. Arguably the biggest beer fest in the world, this is a cultural and entertainment event not to be missed. You can even pick up your own lederhosen and join in on the fun.

Basic Information for Visiting Munich

Accommodation.

Location is essential to maximize your time in the city. Personally, we prefer to stay near the train station so when we arrive, we can walk a short distance to our hotel and drop our bags. There is a variety of options in the city to suit every budget.

We stayed at the comfortable Hotel Jedermann , located within a 5 minute walk of the central Munich train station. The location was outstanding for us with a 10 minute walk to the city center and front door access to the tram and metro. Read reviews for Hotel Jedermann at TripAdvisor .

It made exploring the city very easy and the service was impeccable. We had a private double room with bathroom that included breakfast. The breakfast was a huge, beautiful buffet with any options.

Other top recommended hotels in Munich, Germany we recommend based on price, rating and location are  Hotel Splendid-Dollmann ,  The Charles Hotel , and the Mandarin Oriental, Munich .

Transportation

The city is well connected with public transport, so reaching things that are outside the city center are very easy to do. Any of the day trips that I mentioned above can easily be done on your own by using the local train system as well. Alternatively, you can book group tours ad nauseam or even rent a car to explore outside the city. Perhaps Munich can be the start of a German road trip adventure for you?

Germany is on the Euro and you can access the Euro in a number of ways. If you are arriving at the airport, you’ll find a variety of ways to either exchange cash or withdraw from an ATM in local currency. Within the city and at your hotel you will be able to exchange cash but be careful of exchange rates.

Ripping off tourists on money exchange is an age old past time around Europe. Don’t sign anything until you have double checked the rate and sure you are getting the right exchange rate.

Planning to visit Munich as part of a Germany road trip? We use  Discover Car Hire  for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

More on Germany:

• Driving in Germany? This is the Ultimate Germany Road Trip Guide
• 30 Germany Photos That Will Spark Your Wanderlust
• 13 Perfect Things to do in Hamburg, Germany
• Things to Do in Nuremberg-2 Day Nuremberg Itinerary
• Germany’s Romantic Road: The Only Guide You Need
• 20 Simply Unreal Castles in Germany to Visit
• 10 Best Day Trips from Munich Worth Doing
• How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
• Elegant Elbe River Cruise with Viking River Cruises
• Viking River Cruises in Europe-What to Expect

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

19 thoughts on “25 Unique Things to Do in Munich (Plus 4 Day Munich Itinerary!)”

Can anyone tell me what the weather in Neuschwanstein looks like in late March? Are the trees green or bare? Is it beautiful in this time of year? Is the scenery surrounding Neuschwanstein and other palaces nice at the end of March or is it better to visit them in summer? Thank you so much in advance.

I haven’t been to the south of Germany in March, so I can’t say for sure but based on the winter they get I would think you will be too early for spring bloom. Closer to May would probably be better if you are looking for green trees.

we will be in munich the week before Christmas to visit some of the Christmas markets. How is the weather this time of year if you know. We want to see some of the castles, but have concerns about road conditions in those areas. Would it be better to just spend 2 nights in Munich and then plan on staying in the other christmas market towns?

Thanks in Advance.

Hi Brooke, I would imagine the weather will be cold. Not sure they will have much snow, but it is possible for some. I highly recommend checking local forecasts about 2 weeks before your departure date to get a feel for how the weather will be. As far as road conditions, it will all depend on the weather. If they’re not getting a lot of snow or rain I would think travel to the castles you want to see would be perfectly fine. If you’re hesitant, you always have the option of taking a day tour or the train. Hard to say what will be better. 2 nights in Munich and then a couple of nights in some other towns (don’t miss Nuremberg!!!) is great too. It’s all a matter of preference of what you feel is right for you. No matter what, the Christmas markets should be epic. Safe travels, Lina

Hello! I’m looking to book a 4 day trip over New Years Eve as a surprise for my wife. Will attractions and shops/bars still be open to see and would you recommend Munich for new year? Thanks!

Hi Ross, that sounds like an amazing surprise for your wife! Munich will be cold then but there are plenty of museums to visit. It seems that Munich has quite the party in the center of town for New Year’s, so I imagine that would be fun to attend. Can’t tell you for sure on restaurants and shops, might be worth inquiring with one of the hotels in the city. Good luck with your planning, you’ll love Munich.

Hi! I’ll be in Munich in May! My first time to Germany! So we are in Munich 3 days, one for Munich, one is a day trip to Ludwigs castles, and can’t decide if the third day should be a trip to Nuremberg or Regensburg!? The gingerbread has me leaning towards Nuremberg. Haha. I have been trying to decide this for months! Thanks! Christina

Honestly, 1 day in Munich is not enough! I would spent that extra day in the city rather than trying to make a day trip to Nuremberg or Regensberg! Don’t get me wrong, Nuremberg is a great place to visit and we loved it, but it’s a long day trip. No matter what you decide though, you’ll love Germany. Enjoy!

Yeah, I was thinking that too…Munich looks amazing and I really want to absorb all of it! Thank you so much! I LOVE your blog and website, wow…you are my inspiration!! 🙂

Hey. I love your post. I’m planning to go in September for about 2 weeks. I’ll be traveling by myself, and I have penpals all over Germany. I was wondering traveling by train is easier, be a use I’m not able to get a car over there. Do you have any advice for trains/buses and lodging either hostel or Airbnb??

Hi Lindsay, You can easily take the train between cities instead of driving. They also have a great bus network if you prefer that. In terms of lodging, both of those are great options so it really depends on your budget! We use both when we travel. enjoy Germany, it’s a fantastic place to visit.

Very nice post. My wife and I will be there in March for 11 nights. As we will be taking at least 5 day trips is it best to buy train tickets a day at a time or is there a better option? Any other suggestions for day trips as we will have plenty of time?

Hi Tony! In March you should be fine purchasing your tickets the day before or same day as travel. As far as purchasing them all at once or one at a time, that will really depend on your travel schedule. We typically buy them one at a time so that if we end up somewhere we love, we can stay longer or the opposite, if we get bored, can move on sooner than we originally planned. There is one day trip that we thought would be interesting, a trip to the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s hideout in the mountains. We didn’t have the time for it on the last visit, but thought it would be a good one! Might want to look into it, not sure if it will be an option in March, will depend on how much snow they have. Cheers and enjoy!

Hi …i am lina and with my husband we will be going to Munich in March …looking forward to go and reading about Munich made it more interesting…so thank so much for your help …

Excellent! You’ll love Munich, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. Cheers!

Your photos are stunning! They give Munich’s beauty justice. Headed there in two weeks to visit family, can’t wait!

Thank you!! I tried really hard to capture Munich in that light and it wasn’t easy! We had so much rain during our visit, I’m wishing better weather for you. 🙂 You’ll love Munich.

Beautiful pictures. Always wanted to go Germany.

Germany is stunning! Stay tuned for our post that contains stunning photos from all over the country. 🙂

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3 perfect days in Munich

People from Munich usually don’t say they’re German. They are first and foremost Bavarians. This vast area remained its own kingdom until fairly recently, not becoming a “free state” of Germany until 1949. Bavarians speak their distinct dialect of German and come together to celebrate their culture, which culminates in the annual Oktoberfest. Nowhere else is this boisterous beer bash more loved by one and all than in Munich.

Because of its history, Munich and the surrounding area have some of the most eye-catching palaces in all of Germany. Neuschwanstein and its fairytale-esque scenery are impressive, but the Munich Residenz has a way more opulent interior. And as far as art galleries go, the Alte Pinakothek in Munich is one of the country’s best. We have our favorites, of course, but we’ve also let Tripadvisor travelers give their opinions in the recommendations below.

MORNING: Step back in time

Start off with a quick breakfast at Café-Bistro Dallmayr , a sweet little spot in the center of the Altstadt, or Old Town. This puts you steps away from Munich’s ornate Residenz , once a royal palace built for the Bavarian dukes. The façade is a bit austere, but the interior is a stunner. If we had to pick a favorite part of the palace, it would be the 200-foot-long Antiquarium, an opulent gallery built by Duke Albrecht V to show off his collection of antiques. You’ll think you made a wrong turn and ended up in Renaissance Italy.

Carefully time your visit to the Marienplatz —the city’s sprawling central square—in order to catch one of the best shows. At 11 a.m. and noon, everyone’s attention is focused on the elaborate neo-Gothic façade of the Neus Rathaus , or New Town Hall. A few minutes after the 43 bells of the glockenspiel begin to ring, large figures come to life. Musicians celebrate a royal wedding. Barrel-makers dance in the streets. Two knights on horseback compete in a jousting match, and the Bavarian knight in blue and white always beats his opponent.

You can head to the top of the tower to take in the view, but there are smaller crowds at nearby St. Peter’s Church . Dating back to the 11th century, the cathedral that locals call “Old Peter” has a Baroque high altar that’s a true treasure. Climb the bell tower’s narrow wooden stairs for a breathtaking panorama.

Travelers say: “[Marienplatz] will leave you awestruck. This place will stay with you for a lifetime. It’s a must-see if you visit Bavaria and most definitely if you are in Munich. Can’t avoid it since it is the heart of Munich. The gothic architecture here is breathtaking.” —@ NikaNumber1

AFTERNOON: Pour a pint or two

You’ll work up an appetite with a visit to the Viktualienmarkt , once an outdoor fruit and vegetable market that now has a little bit of everything, including meats, cheeses, and delectable baked goods. If you’re not planning on making a meal out of your selections, you’ll definitely want to pick up a few pretzels for snacking later. There’s a beer garden here serving one of the city’s best brews. The one on tap that day is displayed on the maypole.

Perhaps the city’s best-known landmark is the Hofbräuhaus , a beer hall that first opened in 1589. The neo-Renaissance building you see today was built in 1898. The cavernous main hall can seat 1,000 people, and most days it comes pretty close. Oompah bands make sure everything is lively while you enjoy sauerkraut, bratwurst, and steins of beer as big as your head. If you want all that without the hordes of visitors, head to nearby Augustiner am Platzl .

Even better is the pagoda-shaped beer garden tucked away in the English Garden , a vast swath of green that puts New York City’s Central Park to shame. There are nearly 50 miles of walking paths, crossing more than 100 bridges along the way. There are all the usual activities, such as cycling in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. But year-round there’s one activity that might leave you scratching your head. Near the entrance to the park, surfers ride a man-made wave called Eisbachwelle , a rather unexpected treat to watch.

ALTSTADT TOURS

• Finding your way around the twisting streets and alleys of Munich can be a challenge, so why not let someone else do all the work? Limited to a small group, the Munich Old Town Walking Tour takes you past all the most-loved landmarks.
• If you’re hoping to taste the best of the wurst, join the Viktualienmarkt and Beyond Tour . Besides a stroll through the food market, you’ll get to try several different sausages, watch potato noodles being fried, and, of course, sample unique beers.
• The ghosts that haunt these streets do more than rattle a few chains. They have left behind physical evidence, such as a devilish footprint in one of the city’s most prominent churches in the Altstadt. Learn all about it on the highly-rated Munich Ghosts and Spirits Evening Walking Tour .

EVENING: Eat dinner with a show

Back in the Altstadt, you shouldn’t pass up dinner at Brasserie Les Deux , an award-winning bistro on the ground floor of the fancier restaurant of the same name. Besides the altitude, the prices are also much lower. The well-traveled menu includes dishes like grilled scallops simmered in a Thai-style sauce.

The bistro’s location, on the Marienplatz, means you can stop by the Neues Rathaus to watch the figure of the night watchman blow his horn. This encore performance of the glockenspiel, taking place every night at 9, is the perfect end to the evening.

Worthy detours along the way

MORNING: See wall-to-wall masterpieces

We’re doing some gallery-hopping today in Kunstareal—the Museum Quarter—so fuel up for the day at Sophia’s . Many of the city’s restaurants are tucked away in cellars and other dimly lit spaces, so it’s a nice change to be in a dining room with sunshine pouring through two-story-tall windows. The breakfasts are tasty, as well.

Head first to the Alte Pinakothek , or Old Picture Gallery. The name doesn’t really communicate the fact that the collection—14th to 18th century Old Masters like Raphael, Rubens, and

Rembrandt—is one of the best in Europe. The 1836 building is also a masterpiece in its own right. Shockingly modern when it was built, it was one of the first art galleries. The nearby Pinakothek der Moderne has a similarly impressive lineup of artists from the last century, including Warhol, Hockney, and Rauchenburg.

Although its official name is the Stadtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, this show-stopping museum is most often known simply as Lenbachhaus . The owner of this Florentine-style villa was Franz von Lenbach, part of the groundbreaking Blue Rider art movement. You’ve probably heard of some others, such as Franz Marc, Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky. They’re all represented here, and the collection is surprisingly compelling.

MUSEUM QUARTER TOURS

• Outside of the Altstadt, getting around Munich is a little more challenging. The Munich City Bike Tour is a great way to explore a much broader section of the city, including the Alte Pinakothek and other major destinations in the Museum Quarter.
• Most city tours follow pretty much the same route through the Old City, but the Private Custom Munich Tour with a Local lets you call the shots. Answer a short questionnaire, and you’ll be given a customized itinerary and a guide who knows the area.

AFTERNOON: Explore serene parks and royal palaces

Serving arguably Munich’s best schnitzel—thinly sliced meat that’s breaded and fried— Steinheil 16 should be on your list for lunch. The portions are ample, sometimes nearly covering the plate, served with nothing more than a pile of fries and a wedge of lemon. Wash it all down in a reasonably sized glass of local beer.

A short drive north, Olympiapark is a pleasant spot for a stroll. Because this tree-covered park—the site of the 1972 Olympics—is a little farther from the city center, it’s not nearly as packed as English Garden. The centerpiece is the 50-story Olympic Tower , which on a clear day has views of the snow-covered Bavarian Alps.

If you love cars (we mean really love cars), you should make your way to the nearby BMW Museum . It’s a stunner from the outside, with a tower designed to resemble a four-cylinder engine. You get a good look at some classic cars, including a sporty BMW 507 once owned by a young Elvis Presley. Legend has it that it was painted red because female fans kept leaving lipstick marks on the hood.

Nymphenburg Palace , done up in Baroque and Rococo style, is a don’t-miss attraction in Munich (and an easy 10-minute drive). This Bavarian royalty summer home was designed to put to shame similar castles in Italy and France. Take your time gawing at the three-story-tall Steinerner Saal (Great Hall), lit by massive chandeliers. Look up: The ceiling features the god Helios riding in on a gold chariot. The palace grounds are dotted with tranquil lakes and traversed by miles of gravel-lined trails.

Travelers say: “Nymphenburg Palace is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the regal heritage of Bavaria. The palace’s grandeur, with its opulent interiors and expansive gardens, was a visual delight. The guided tours offered valuable insights into the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty and the significance of each room. Strolling through the palace grounds and admiring the cascading fountains and manicured lawns was a tranquil escape.” —@ Autum W

EVENING: Back to the beer garden

Not far from the gates of Nymphenburg Palace, Risotto is ranked among the best of the best by Tripadvisor readers. We heartily agree. There’s a pleasant patio shaded by massive umbrellas, but for a romantic meal, reserve a table in the candlelit dining room. As the name implies, there are plenty of rice dishes on the menu, including a creamy risotto with pears, walnuts, and gorgonzola cheese. Just save room for the tiramisu.

Risotto is in a mostly residential neighborhood, so we recommend heading back toward the Kunstareal for a nightcap. One of our favorite hangouts is the massive beer garden at Augustiner-Keller . Take a look inside at the barrel-vault ceiling, wagon-wheel lighting fixtures, and a little stage for the local bands that perform nightly.

MORNING: Castle-hop like a king

Today we’re headed south of the city for some castle-hopping in nearby Bavaria. Go a little over an hour to Schloss Linderhof , one of the three castles King Ludwig II started building while he was alive (and the only to be completed). Basically a hunting lodge, this French-style chateau was his favorite country retreat. The exterior is rather sedate, especially if you’ve already seen his other castles. But the interior—and we can’t believe we’re saying this about a palace—is a little too much. There’s barely a surface that doesn’t glitter with crystals or gleam with gold leaf.

Continue your journey at Ettal Abbey , a Benedictine monastery where 50 monks still reside. The showpiece here is the domed church, with a dazzling Baroque interior. There’s also a centuries-old brewery on the premises, although it’s only open for tours a few days a week.

AFTERNOON: Visit the crown jewel of Bavaria

In the town of Ettal, there are a few places to stop for a quick lunch. Our favorite, and a frequent destination for Tripadvisor readers, is Ettaler Muhle . Take your pick between the wood-beamed dining room and tree-shaded patio, then wash down the schnitzel and other hearty dishes with a glass of Ettaler, brewed at the monastery.

Pass by the village of Oberammergau as you head toward what’s perhaps the world’s most picturesque castle, Schloss Neuschwanstein . King Ludwig II already had his family’s castle on a nearby peak, as well as an official palace in Munich, but he decided that he needed to build another one high atop Swan’s Rock. Although this Romanesque-style fantasy was never finished in his lifetime, it’s still breathtaking. The throne room—inspired by the opulence of Byzantine churches—is capped by a sky-blue cupola covered in stars. Make sure to book tickets well in advance, because the mandatory tours regularly sell out.

Travelers say: “If you can only visit one castle in Europe, visit Neuschwanstein. This is the place that offers it all—a fascinating story of a stunning castle, situated on a beautiful hill with a peaceful lake at its foot. (Note: This is the new castle built by King Ludwig II, located a 40-minute walk from the old castle.) You can easily spend a full day here, so arrive as early as you can to make the most of it.” —@ xchenxia

BAVARIA TOURS

• Avoid navigating through the Bavarian countryside, and leave the driving to the folks running the Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour . This is a full-day bus tour—lasting more than 10 hours—so you definitely get your money’s worth.
• To focus your attention on King Ludwig II’s most massive undertaking, opt for the Neuschwanstein Castle Day Tour . You and your group will travel to the town closest to the castle by train. Both this and the previous tour we mentioned includes skip-the-line access to maximize your time at the castle.
• If you’ve already seen Neuschwanstein, there are plenty of other nearby estates to explore. The Romantic Road Day Tour from Munich takes you to Harburg Castle, a 10th-century hilltop fortress that is actually as old as Neuschwanstein pretends to be. You pass through marvelous medieval villages along the way.

EVENING: Return to Munich for a memorable meal

It’s a 90-minute drive back to Munich, where you’ll definitely be ready for dinner. If you want to cap off your trip with a sky’s-the-limit meal at one of Germany’s best restaurants, reserve weeks (or months) ahead at the two-Michelin-starred Tantris . Choose either the six- or eight-course meal, both of which lean toward French food. And don’t skip the thoughtful wine pairings (although you’ll want to take a look inside the glass-walled wine cabinet). For an equally memorable meal in the same neighborhood, consider Werneckhof Sigi Schelling , run by one of Munich’s best-known female chefs.

Rather have something more relaxed? Check out Irmi , located right in the center of the city. It serves all the classic Bavarian dishes (think: roast pork with potato dumplings or bratwurst with sauerkraut). In the delightfully modern dining room, there’s not a dirndl or lederhose in sight.

Know Before You Go

The shoulder season of March to June is a great time to visit Munich, as the weather is warm and the crowds are manageable. September and October have equally nice weather, but you are constantly battling the hoards that descend on the city for Oktoberfest. Summer is crowded and hot, while winter can be brutally cold. On top of that, holiday festivities keep hotel prices high.

Europeans descend on the city for the weekend, so weekdays are usually a little quieter no matter what time of year you visit. Most museums are closed on Monday, so Tuesday to Thursday might be the best day of the week to visit.

The majority of shops are open Monday to Saturday, although some close a little early on Saturday evening. Almost all shops are closed on Sunday, but most restaurants and beer gardens will be open.

Altstadt: There's a cluster of reasonably priced lodgings around the train station ( Hotel Metropol is a standout here), but in the surrounding streets Munich's Old City has a wide range of lodging options. Munich's oldest lodging, the Hotel Torbraeu , has opened its doors to guests since 1490. It's gets shoutouts from Tripadvisor readers for its central location (just a few blocks from the Marienplatz), old-world charm, and excellent service. The Platzl Hotel , near the Hofbräuhaus, gets an equal number of thumbs up.

English Garden: Across the bridge from the entrance to English Garden, the Hotel Muenchen Palace sits on a tree-lined street in a quiet neighborhood. The boutique hotel — rated as best of the best by Tripadvisor readers — has plenty of outdoor space, including many rooms with private balconies.

Public transportation: As with most of Germany, Munich's public transportation system is state of the art. You have trams, buses, subways, and commuter trains at your disposal. You'll probably mostly take advantage of the U-Bahn, the subway system that fans out across the city, but the interconnected S-Bahn commuter trains may also be handy, especially when you’re headed to and from the airport.

By bike: MVG Rad, Munich's bike share system, is inexpensive and easy to use. Just download the app and you can pick up a bike just about anywhere in the city center. There's usually a fleet of bikes outside every U-Bahn and S-Bahn station.

By taxi: Munich's cream-colored taxis all use meters to calculate the fare. You can easily hail one on the street or at a taxi stand. Uber operates in Munich, but Lyft does not.

Airport transfers: S-Bahn trains run to Munich International Airport along the S1 and S8 lines. The trip to the city center takes a little over half an hour. Taxis take about 45 minutes if the traffic into the city isn't too bad.

4 Day Munich Itinerary: The Top Things to Do and See

This 4-day Munich itinerary explains what to do, where to stay, the top day trips, and other tips for visiting.

I’m admittedly a bit of a country counter. I get excited when I can check a new country off in the “been” app and I see the map get filled in a bit more.

When deciding where to travel summer 2023, checking Germany off the list was a prime motivation. While it started as checking a box, Munich quickly became one of my favorite cities in Europe.

Out of all the destinations in Germany, Munich was a clear choice because it’s situated in the scenic state of Bavaria, is known for great beer, and has a ton of history.

My four days in Munich were spent on walking tours, exploring palaces and castles, visiting local beer gardens, and sampling German food.

Keep reading for the top things to do in Munich, how to spend four days in the city, and other tips.

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

Four Day Munich Itinerary

Below is how I’d combine all these top things to do in Munich into a fun and balanced 4-day itinerary. Of course, this itinerary can be easily modified based on your personal interests and timing.

Day 1: City Tour & Park

Start the trip off with a free walking tour to get a crash course on the history and sites. Since the tour I recommend ends at Hofbräuhaus, you should stop in and grab a beer and lunch.

In the afternoon, wander through the English Garden to watch the surfers and grab a pre-dinner drink at the beer garden.

Day 2: Dachau, BMW, & Olympics

Day two is all about exploring the area around Old Town. Start off with a few hours at Dachau concentration camp. On the way back into the city, stop at the BMW museum and Olympic Park.

Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip

The third day will be filled up with this full day trip to all of Ludwig’s most famous castles.

Day 4: Palaces of Munich

Finish this four-day Munich itinerary off with two palace tours. First, head out to the Nymphenburg palace to explore the beautiful grounds. Then, head back into Old Munich to tour the Residence.

How Many Days to Spend in Munich?

If you are short on time, you can get away with visiting Munich in three nights and two days. This would give you enough time to hit the highlights of the city, but you would have to forgo some great day trips to the surrounding area.

To get the full Munich experience, I recommend five nights and four full days. This will allow time to explore the city, take a couple day trips, and get a good taste of the city.

Where to Stay in Downtown Munich

The center of tourism is a famous square called Marienplatz. When deciding where to stay in Munich, look for hotel option as close to there as possible.

That way, you will be able to walk to almost anything and will be close to major train stations. Below three of my favorite luxury hotels in Munich.  

Andaz Munich – This is where I chose to stay on my recent vacation to Munich because I was able to book five nights for only 100,000 Hyatt points . I’ve stayed in a few Andaz properties, and the Munich location lived up to my high expectations.

The rooms are modern and very functional. There are a couple restaurants and bars onsite, with a complimentary daily happy hour.

The only disadvantage of this hotel is it’s a bit further from the tourist area, but there is a tram stop right outside that makes getting around easy.

Roomers Autograph Collection – This hotel has the best location on the list and can be booked using Marriott Bonvoy points which I love.

The hotel has a modern luxe style, which is classy and chic. The hotel also has a spa, indoor pool, and restaurant.

Sofitel Munich – This is the only 5-star hotel on this list and is a great option for luxury travelers. The hotel grounds are stunning, and the service is incredible.

The location is also great since the hotel is right next to the main train station and less than a mile from Marienplatz.

What to Do in Munich

There are so many great things to do in Munich, from wandering the city streets, to sipping on a beer in the park. Below I list my favorite activities in Munich and tips for how to do them.

Later, I’ll share how to fit all this into a 4-day Munich itinerary.

Munich Free Walking Tour

My favorite first thing to do in Munich is a free walking tour. If you aren’t familiar with the free walking tour concept, basically, a local tour guide will provide a group walking tour of the city in exchange for tips.

Typically, tips should be between $15-$30 per person. I like booking tours through Guru Walk because they have reviewed tour guides.

In Munich, I took this particular tour which started in Marienplatz and ended near Hofbräuhaus. Luis was a knowledgeable and helpful guide, and the route was perfect. In total the tour took two and a half hours.

I highly recommend taking a guided walking tour. However, below is our approximate route if you want to do it on your own.  

DIY Walking Tour Route

• Marienplatz : Begin your tour at the heart of Munich, Marienplatz. Take in the beauty of the New Town Hall with its famous Glockenspiel, next to the Old Town Hall.
• Viktualienmarkt : Walk towards Viktualienmarkt, an open-air food market. Explore the stalls offering fresh produce, local cusine, and snacks. It’s an excellent spot for a quick bite.
• St. Peter’s Church : Head to St. Peter’s Church, just a short walk from Viktualienmarkt. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city (for around 4 Euro), or simply admire the beautiful interior.
• Frauenkirche : Continue to Frauenkirche, Munich’s iconic twin-towered cathedral. Explore the interior and learn about its historical significance.
• Odeonsplatz : Walk to Odeonsplatz, a grand square with impressive architecture. Admire the Feldherrnhalle and Theatinerkirche, my favorite church in Munich.
• Hofgarten : Take a leisurely stroll through the serene Hofgarten, Munich’s central garden. It’s a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the greenery.
• Maximilianstrasse : Walk along Maximilianstrasse, one of Munich’s most elegant and upscale shopping streets.
• Hofbräuhaus : Finally, end your tour at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus. Experience the lively atmosphere, traditional Bavarian music, and sample some of Munich’s best beer!

If you’re interested in World War II history, I’ve also heard great things about this Third Reich walking tour . It follows Hitler’s rise to power in Bavaria and the main events of WWII in the city.

Residenz Muchen

One of the highlights of my four days in Munich was exploring the Residence in the center of the city. The Munich Residenz is the former palace of Bavarian monarchs.

Now, you can visit various rooms of the palace such as the ballroom, King’s bedroom, sitting rooms, and more. Some of the rooms are original from 1385 and others were restored following World War II.

Entrance to the museum costs 10 Euros per person and includes a free audio guide. The self-guided tour takes around 2 hours but could be faster or slower based on your pace.

There are tickets available for the Palace, Palace + Theater, or Palace + Theater + Treasury, unless you are a huge fan of Bavarian royalty, the Palace-only tour is sufficient.

Beer Gardens

A quintessential activity in Munich is having a liter at a local beer garden or biergarten. They all work a bit differently, but the idea of a beer garden is you can purchase a beer in either a liter or half liter, grab a communal table, then relax with friends or family.

Most beer gardens have some sort of food, either pretzels or a full-service restaurant. However, all beer gardens allow you to bring in outside food.

There are three main beer gardens you need to visit in Munich. Its even possible to visit all three during your 4-day itinerary.

Hofbräuhaus – This is the most famous beer hall in Munich. Hofbräuhaus is huge, but I recommend visiting outside of mealtime to ensure you can quickly get a seat.

It’s open seating, and best to choose a seat away from the band so you can hear your conversations.

Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden – Located inside of the market of the same name, this beer garden is closest to Munich Old Town. Grab to-go food from the market, then enjoy it at a picnic table with a beer.

Chinese Tower Beer Garden – This beer garden is inside of the English Garden, a large park. It was my favorite beer garden in all of Munich!

You’ll be given a token when you purchase your beer which will get you your deposit back when you return the stein. Be sure not to lose the token.

English Garden

In addition to the Chinese Tower Beer Garden, the English Garden is worth visiting on its own. The park is a huge, green park in the middle of Munich, with the river flowing through it. It’s a great place for a stroll or bike ride.

When you visit the park, be sure to go watch people river surfing at Eiswachelle. People surf in every season, and it’s super fun to watch!

If you are a car lover, this museum is for you. The BMW Museum is located around 20 minutes train ride from Old Munich. The Museum showcases the evolution of the brand throughout the years, and hundreds of BMW cars and motorcycles.

Next door is the actually BMW factory where vehicles are produced.

Entrance to the BMW museum is 10 Euros per person and it takes around 60-90 minutes to visit all the exhibits. I’m not a huge car person, but I enjoyed seeing and learning about the brand.

I also liked “shopping” for my favorite car in the exhibit. My favorite was a mint green convertible from the 60’s.

Olympic Park

If you visit the BMW museum, head across the street afterwards for a stroll around the Olympic Park. Munich hosted the summer Olympics in 1972. Entrance to the park is free and allows access to walking paths. There’s a good walking path to the top of a small hill that has great views of the area.

In addition, you can rent a boat on the lake or pay for kid-friendly activities such as trampolines or bikes. This park isn’t worth a visit on it’s own but is a good use of time if you are in the area already.

Nymphenburg Palace

If you enjoy the Munich Residenz, you can explore the Summer Residence outside of the city. You can enter some parts of the Nymphenburg palace, but the main draw is the gardens.

I didn’t personally visit this palace, but it was highly recommended by our walking tour guide.

Where to Eat and What Food to Try

Normally, food is one of my favorite parts of travel. But I’ll be honest, German food isn’t my favorite. It was very heavy and left me feeling a bit sluggish.

That said, there are a few Bavarian foods that are well worth trying, listed below. In addition, I provided my list of the top restaurants in Munich based on local’s recommendations that I vetted personally.

The Most Popular Bavarian Foods

Beer – Everything in Munich revolves around beer. If you drink, you definitely need to try a liter. Most of the beer halls offer three types of beers – a lager, Weiss (or wheat) beer, and a shandy which is a mix of beer and lemonade. The last two were my favorite.

Pretzel – Large, salty pretzels are a staple at beer gardens. They’re usually served plain, but I liked to grab some mustard to dip mine in.

Pork Knuckle – This is one of the more popular dinner dishes and consists of a giant serving of roasted pork with crispy skin. I honestly didn’t love it, but it’s worth a try.

Schnitzel – One of my favorite foods in Germany is this breaded veal served with lemon. The best is at Andy’s Krablergarten.

Spaetzle – Similar to pasta, spaetzle is a common, cheesy, side dish that is super tasty! If you are a vegetarian, this is one of the most common options.

The Best Restaurants in Munich

Breakfast/ Brunch Restaurants

Cotidiano – This is a trendy brunch spot that is perfect for a Sunday meetup with friends. The menu has all the typical breakfast items like pancakes, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

Man vs Machine – Popular local coffee shop for a grab and go breakfast

Dinner Restaurants

Andys Krablergarten – My favorite meal in Munich, by far! The specialty is the Schnitzel. I ordered the Bavarian schnitzel cordon bleu, and I’m still dreaming about it.

Augustiner Kloserwirt – A great place for a traditional Bavarian meal. They’re known for their pork knuckle, so this is a great place to try it. I also enjoyed the steak with crispy onions and spaetzle.

Pfalzer Residenz Weinstube – Cute restaurant inside of the Munich Residenz that serves wine, instead of beer. This is a great place to sample local wine varieties.

Vikrualienmarkt – Open-air market with vendors serving sausages, currywurst, sandwiches, coffee, and more. This food tour will take to you the best shops to sample local cuisine.

60 Secondi – Great pizza restaurant if you’re getting tired of German food. The Pizzas are large enough to share or are a good single portion if you’re hungry.

Day Trips from Munich

A great thing about spending four days in Munich is you have enough time for a day trip or two to the surrounding area.

I actually chose Munich as the city to visit in Germany because of its proximity to so many great day trips.

Below are the four top day trips from Munich. I took the first two personally and heard great things about the latter two.

Dachau Concentration Camp

One of the worst pieces of advice I was given prior to my trip was to skip a tour of Dachau and to do it on my own. I was assured that the guided tour provided by the Dachau staff would be easy to join.

However, when we arrived 40 minutes early, we found the tour sold out. Instead, we used the audio guide, which was good, but I know a live tour would have been better.

Learn from my mistakes and book this Dachau half day tour from Munich. It includes roundtrip transportation to and from the city center and a live guided tour of the camp.

Overall, visiting Dachau can be very difficult due to the horrifying subject matter, but is worth your time.

The exhibits show graphic images and stories which are hard to experience, but very educational. That said, I would not recommend this for young children.

Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip

Mad King Ludwig was a crazy Bavarian monarch that was a bit obsessed with French royalty. After he visited Versailles, he set out to create equally glamorous palaces back in Germany.

This full day tour visits two of his most popular palaces, Linderhof and Neuschwanstein. It also visits a small Bavarian village for shopping and sightseeing.  

Neuschwanstein is the most popular castle to visit in Bavaria and actually inspired Walt Disney to create Cinderella’s castle. The tour bus will drop you off at the base of the castle hill, then give you time for a tour and self-guided sightseeing.

To get from the base to the castle, there are a few options. The first, and my recommendation, is a shuttle which costs 6 Euros one-way.

The shuttle leaves every 20 minutes and takes you just above the castle. The benefit to this option is it provides easy access to the Queen Mary bridge which has the best views of the castle.

The second option is a horse carriage that will drop you off very close to the castle entrance and costs around 10 Euros.

Finally, you can opt to walk instead, which is a steep uphill climb that takes around 40 minutes. I suggest walking down but taking the shuttle up.

Once you’re at the castle, you can take a guided tour to learn about the history and see the amazing architecture.

Salzburg Austria

This town was made famous in the US by the movie, the Sound of Music. It’s also a very charming town in Austria, home to Mozart, and a great day trip from Munich.

You can easily visit Salzburg on your own by taking the train. Alternatively, you can take this day tour if you don’t want to worry about logistics.

Nuremberg Germany

Nuremberg is a picture-perfect Bavarian city with a ton of history. Take a day trip here to learn about the dark history as the stomping grounds as the Nazi party. In addition, see historic churches, colorful markets, and castles.

Again, you can take the train to visit Nuremberg on your own or take this day tour to have everything planned for you.

Best Time to Visit Munich

There’s no “best” season to visit Munich. There are different reasons to visit this city throughout the year. Below are the top three times to visit Munich and the reasons why.

Summer – If you’re craving warm weather, summer is definitely the best time to visit Munich. With summer temperatures in the mid to upper 70’s, Munich is one of the best places for European summer. You can spend the day soaking in the sun at outdoor beer gardens, but it isn’t too hot to explore.

Oktoberfest – Oktoberfest is the most popular time to visit Munich and is the world’s largest festival. If you plan to visit during this time, you will likely spend your time doing festival activities versus exploring the city.

Christmas – If you’ve never been to a European Christmas market, add it to your bucket list right now. They are absolutely magical and the markets in Munich are some of the best. Although it will be cold around the holidays, the Christmas spirit makes up for it.

Getting to Munich

Flying – There is a large international airport in Munich, MUC. If you are coming from outside of Germany, flying is likely the easiest way to get to Munich.

Train – If you’re coming from Germany or a nearby country such as Switzerland or Italy, a train may be the faster and less expensive option. The main train station is in the middle of the tourist area of Munich and is called Hauptbahnhof.

Munich Public Transportation

You do NOT need a rental car to get around Munich. In fact, having one will be a bit of a hastle to find parking.

Within the main tourist area around Marienplatz, everything is very walkable. I took a walking tour all around the city center we stayed within probably a quarter mile radius.

To get to surrounding areas such as the Olympic Park, museums, or potentially your hotel, the public transportation is fantastic. The city has a connected network of trams, buses, and trains that can easily get you anywhere quickly.

The challenge with public transportation is choosing which pass to buy. The transport is broken up into zones. Most of the tourism falls within zone M, but some things fall into 1 or 2. When you purchase a pass, you select which zone you are starting and ending in to determine the price.

It is possible to book one-way tickets, but I found the best option to be a day pass. If you are one person, you can purchase a single day pass. For 2 or more you can buy a combo group pass that is more economical.

The best way to navigate the transport and map your route is using google maps. Everything is pretty intuitive, and you will catch on quickly. Finally, be sure to always validate your ticket to avoid pricey fines.

Quick Facts about Munich

Currency – Euro

Language – German. People speak some English, but it is good to know a few words in German, they appreciate it!

Safety – Bikes are super popular in the city and actually have the right of way on the streets. If you get hit by a bike, it will actually be your fault! Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street.

Weather – The weather can be unpredictable, and the forecast isn’t always accurate. I recommend packing a rain jacket in case random rain pops up.

Tipping – Tipping isn’t as common as in the US, but 10% is appreciated for good service at restaurants.

Religion – Most people in Munich are Catholic and much of the city shuts down on Sundays.

Water – The tap water is safe to drink. It’s even safe to drink out of public fountains that are marked with a drinking plaque.

Potential Trip Extensions

Zermatt Switzerland – If you visit in the winter, the perfect combination would be a few days of Christmas markets in Munich followed by a few days skiing in Zermatt. In my opinion, Zermatt is the best ski resort in all of Europe and its located conveniently close to Munich.

Northern Italy – Following my trip to Munich, I hopped on a quick flight to Florence where I spent a few days exploring Tuscany followed by a few days in Lake Como. The combination of Munich, Tuscany, and Lake Como was perfect. A bit of city, countryside, and lake time made for the best summer vacation.

Big Europe Trip – Since Europe is relatively small, you can truly add any European destination onto a 4-day Munich itinerary. One of my favorite Europe trips was two weeks of exploring by land followed by a one-week cruise. Munich would fit perfectly into this three-week Europe itinerary .

Quick History of Munich

Munich’s origins date back to the 12th century when Benedictine monks settled by the River Isar, giving birth to what would later become a significant urban center.

The city witnessed the Renaissance’s splendor, showcasing remarkable architecture, and witnessed the grandeur of Bavarian royalty. However, it was not spared from the ravages of war, particularly during World War II when it endured significant destruction.

Munich underwent a remarkable transformation post-war, rebuilding itself into a modern metropolis while preserving its cultural heritage. Today, it stands as the capital of Bavaria and is a hub of innovation and a flourishing arts scene.

Summary of This Munich 4 Day Itinerary

My four-day Munich vacation turned out to be very memorable, transforming my initial country-counting goal into a genuine affection for the city. Situated in Bavaria, Munich’s rich history, fascinating architecture, and warm hospitality was captivating.

Take a guided walking tour to see iconic landmarks like Marienplatz and Frauenkirche and learn about the city’s resilience through history. Learn all about the beer culture by trying traditional brews at Munich’s famous beer gardens.

While German cuisine wasn’t my favorite, try out dishes like schnitzel and spaetzle yourself and let me know what you think.

Finally, take some time away from the city center with day trips to Dachau Concentration Camp and Neuschwanstein Castle to learn about the history’s importance and see some fairy-tale enchantment.

With friendly locals, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes, Munich secured its place as one of my favorite European destinations.

Whether a history buff, nature lover, or beer enthusiast, Munich offers something unforgettable. So, put Munich on your list – you won’t be disappointed. Prost!

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Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

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The best munich itinerary: what to do in munich in 3 days.

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When people talk about a Munich Itinerary, they almost always mention the city’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. But I’m here to tell you that there is so much more to Munich than Oktoberfest (great news for my fellow non-drinkers !). This 3 days in Munich itinerary is sure to convince you that there are a ton of amazing things to do in Munich year round!

Munich is Bavaria’s capital, and it is gorgeous. The city is filled with beautiful gardens, outstanding museums, ornate palaces, and of course delicious food. Its location makes it easy to extend your trip with a visit to Innsbruck or Vorarlberg .

There are so many options for what to do in Munich that you’ll never run out of reasons to come back.

Table of Contents

Arrival in Munich/How to Get to Munich 

Getting to Munich is super easy from anywhere in the world. Bus and train travel also make it accessible if you’re in another part of Europe. Here are some of my tips for how to get to Munich:

There are a ton of flight options into Munich , making it really easy to fly there from anywhere in the world. The only real drawback to flying into Munich is that the airport is located about 45 minutes from the city center.

There are several options for getting from the Munich airport to the city center. As always, there are a number of rideshare and taxis available outside baggage claim. You also have the option of taking the Lufthansa Express Bus to Munich Central Station (no matter what airline you fly!). Be sure to pre-book it here before you arrive.

But the best option for getting to Munich from the airport is taking the train (called the  S-Bahn in Munich). It’s the fastest option and a good way to get used to using public transportation for getting around Munich.

Pro Tip: If public transport to and from the airport isn’t your jam, consider pre-booking a pick-up service instead.

Getting to Munich by train is easy from just about anywhere in Europe. There are direct trains to Munich from major cities like Zurich, Austria, and Paris, plus fast, easy connections to and from many cities throughout Germany (it’s only a 4-hour ride from Berlin!).

Pro Tip: I recommend buying tickets ahead of time using Omio . They get more expensive the more you procrastinate and Omio shows you all the route options available via various rail companies. 

Best Time to Visit Munich 

Some would argue Oktoberfest is the best time to visit Munich, but that’s actually the time I’d avoid Munich entirely. It gets crowded and expensive and makes it hard to really appreciate all that Munich has to offer.

For me, July is the best time to go to Munich . Notoriously rainy June will have ended, leaving July a bit less wet and less cold than other months – it’s basically a southern California winter! Plus, this is when Munich comes alive.

From blooming gardens to starlit orchestral concerts to firework-filled skies, you’ll see why I picked July to spend your three days in Munich. 

Is the Munich City Pass Worth It?

The Munich City Pass is absolutely worth it. I used it during my visit to Munich and it was so convenient to just pay for the card once and have access to everywhere I wanted to visit in Munich, including public transport!

So, what is the difference between the Munich City Pass and the Munich Card ? Basically, the Munich Card is a discount card and the   Munich City Pass is a “free ticket” to the top 45 attractions and tours in Munich with the added bonus of priority access (no waiting in line!) to some attractions. You can compare the two here .

Both cards offer a range of purchase options, from 1 to 5 days. Both also include transportation via Munich Public Transport. I love walking whenever possible, but having the option to hop on public transport at no charge can really help you get the most out of your 3-day Munich itinerary. 

The Best 3 Days in Munich

There’s so much to do in Munich (and in the surrounding areas) that it’s easy to wonder how many days in Munich will be enough. A three-day Munich itinerary is enough time to get to know the city and see all the best things to do in Munich. Plus, you can always go back – and I bet you’ll want to!

3 Days in Munich Itinerary: Day 1

Breakfast at monaco cafe.

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Sausage and pretzels, believe it or not, are typical breakfast foods in Munich. But for a lighter breakfast (my preference), start the day at Monaco Café & Franzmünchinger Shop . It’s got good quality coffee, homemade cakes, and pastries, plus there’s no better way to start a trip to Munich than with a great view of the Marienplatz!

Tour the Munich Residenz

It’s so gorgeous inside the Residenz! After getting a taste of the local market, walk north to Munich Residenz . This place is just…wow. It has got ornate floors and painted ceilings and even gold walls.

There are two options, and I recommend doing the long tour . The short tour skips some of the best rooms and since they’re both self-guided, you can easily move past anything that doesn’t interest you on the long tour.

Also, if you’re interested in classical music, you can get tickets to a concert at the Residenz , specifically in the Hofkapelle, where Mozart himself used to play. How cool is that?

Stroll Through the Old Town Streets

Wandering the streets of Old Town, particularly Maximillianstrasse , is a good way to get a feel for Munich. These are mostly pedestrian shopping streets, but the window displays are fun to check out and there are some neat vintage shops tucked into small courtyards and alleys.

Watch the Glockenspiel

Be sure to return to Marienplatz with plenty of time to catch the Glockenspiel performance at 11 am or noon (there’s another one at 5 pm in spring and fall). And by plenty of time, I do mean plenty. It’s one of the top things to do in Munich Germany and the square can get crowded. Sure, the Glockenspiel is a little cheesy, but it’s fun to watch what’s basically a giant cuckoo clock, complete with music and dancing figurines.

Marienplatz is also a good place to explore before or after the Glockenspiel performance. There’s access to the S-Bahn station here, so there’s always a steady stream of people – perfect for people watching! And the Rathaus (Town Hall) is a gorgeous building with an inner courtyard that sometimes has really cool, totally Instagrammable art exhibits.

Lunch at Der Kleine Flo

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For some of the best cheap eats in Munich , head to Der Kleine Flo . This restaurant specializes in sliders, so you can actually try a couple of different variations or just have a small meal if you’re still full from breakfast. They also have an excellent Caesar salad and several vegetarian options.

Marvel at the Asamkirche

The heavily rococo   Asamkirche is one of the things you can’t miss in Munich. It’s not a very big place but every inch of the interior is covered with marble and frescos. I’ve seen my share of palaces and churches, and let me tell you, I’ve never seen anything quite like Asamkirche. 

Right outside the church is the Sendlinger Tor . There’s not a lot to do here besides look at it, but it’s still pretty cool to see one of the remnants of the old city wall from the 1400s since you’re right there.

Climb the Tower at St. Peter’s Church

Yes, I’m about to tell you to go to another church. But don’t worry – while the 300-year-old Peterskirche is really pretty inside (you can see where they repaired damage from World War II!), what makes this a top attraction in Munich is the tower.

The staircase is 306 steps high, but every uneven, steep, and narrow step is worth it once you get to the top. It’s the best view in all of Munich – on a clear day, you can see the Alps!

Sample Schmalznudel

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After that climb, it’ll feel good to get a little rest. At the south end of the Viktualienmakt is a little cafe called Cafe Frischut that specializes in the delicious dessert called schamlznudel. Try this combination of donut and pastry with fresh orange juice and a coffee – just be aware that they only accept cash . 

Stroll Through the Victuals Market (Viktualienmarkt)

A short stroll away is the 200-year-old Viktualienmarkt . It’s like a giant farmer’s market, craft fair, flower market, and souvenir stand all rolled into one. Walking through the Viktualienmarkt feels a little like going back in time.

The Viktualienmarkt is the perfect way to get a feel for Munich. Keep an eye out for the Maypole – it’s decorated with symbols of the regional trades and crafts.

Psst: this is also an excellent place to sample regional delicacies on a food tour !

Dinner at Hofbrauhaus

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If Munich is known for one thing, it’s biergartens. I love the atmosphere of these places and Hofbrauhaus is one you have to visit, even if it’s super touristy. There are a few non-alcoholic drink options and a few good non-pork dishes too – sauerbraten is always a great option in Germany . Whatever you do, don’t miss out on buying a pretzel from the pretzel lady.

Hofbrauhaus has music every night and its communal tables make for fun conversation and people watching. It’s a perfect way to spend the evening!

3 Days in Munich Itinerary: Day 2

Experience the dachau memorial site.

A visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is something I think everyone needs to do as part of a 3 day Munich itinerary. Even if you think you know the history of Dachau, I think you’ll be surprised by what you learn here. It’s a haunting and reflective experience.  

If you’re looking for an experience that includes transport and a knowledgeable guide, consider booking this highly-rated guided tour of Dachau.

Alternatively, take the S-Bahn from the central station to KZ-Gedenstätte and follow the signs to the memorial entrance. Dachau offers an exceptional audio tour through their visitor center. 

Lunch at Zum Durnbraeu

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I recommend returning to Old Town for a (late) lunch. Head a few blocks east from Marienplatz and you’ll find local favorite Zum Durnbraeu . It has a wide selection of Bavarian food, and it’s a cozier version of the big beer halls you’ll see everywhere in Munich .

Ask the friendly staff for recommendations but don’t forget to order the Zwetschgenkuchen (a delicious plum cake) with your meal. It takes about a half-hour to prepare, but it’s worth the wait. 

Explore the Olympiapark

The grounds of the 1972 Munich Olympics have been turned into the really excellent Olympiapark . It’s a short ride from the central station to a dedicated Olympiapark station and once there, you can explore a big green park with tons of trails and lawns.

There are plenty of activities here if you want to do more than wander. You can rent rowboats, paddleboats, or paddleboards on the lake or take in another view of Munich from the Olympic Tower. Other options include touring the park with the free audioguide app , ice skating in the indoor arena , or renting inline skates to explore outside.

For a truly unique attraction in Munich, head for the north side of the park. Here, some of the original Olympic housing has been converted into student dorms . The students have been allowed to express themselves through graffiti and the facades are now covered in art.  This was one of my favorite things to see in the area – I love how creative all the murals are!

If you’re into cars and want to see another museum, the BMW Museum is right here as well. And even if you’re not into cars, one of the most fun things to do in Munich is to wander into the BMW Welt next door. It’s basically a giant car showroom, but it’s really cool to see people come to pick up their new BMW. The cars get lifted up in an elevator into a big glass hall! 

Dinner at Cafe des Bellevue di Monaco

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Head back to Old Town Munich for a ton of great dinner options. My recommendation would be the Cafe des Bellevue di Monaco . It’s got a great mission of helping refugees , but I wouldn’t recommend it if the food wasn’t amazing too! Go for whatever is on special that day and don’t leave without getting one of their cakes.

Catch a Movie at Cadillac & Veranda Cinema

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If you’re still looking for fun things to do in Munich after dinner, Germany is known for its elaborate, ornate, and kitschy movie theaters . Head over to Cadillac & Veranda Cinema to see what’s playing. They offer a lot of English language films but there are also Bavarian releases if you feel like partaking in some German cinema. 

3 Days in Munich Itinerary: Day 3

Breakfast at botanista cafe club.

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Jump right in and start your day at Botanista Café Club . This place is light, airy, and has good coffee and brunch. They open a bit earlier during weekends and have a delicious brunch menu as well. 

Soak Up Some Culture at a Museum (or 3!)

I’m a one-museum-a-day kind of girl, but Munich has so many great options that I was tempted to just spend the day touring them all! My favorite is the Pinakothek der Moderne, but you can’t go wrong picking the museum that most interests you to spend one morning of your Munich 3-day itinerary.

Pro tip: A lot of these museums in Munich offer free entry on Sundays!

Art Museums in Munich

The three premier art museums in Munich are the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne.

• The Alte Pinakothek is one of the world’s largest art galleries and is the place to go if you want to see work by old masters like Rubens and Titian.
• The Neue Pinakothek is slightly smaller and displays art from the 1800s on. Here’s where you should go if you prefer Degas, Monet, or Klimt.
• At the Pinakothek der Moderne , you can check out modern art, plus there’s a focus on female and under-represented artists. 

But if you prefer classical art, a visit to the Kunstareal will be right up your alley. The building itself is beautiful and inside are tons of Greek and Roman statues and pottery. It’s right next to the Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst – a pretty incredible collection of Egyptian art and artifacts.

Architecture & Design Museums in Munich

Inside the Pinakothek der Moderne is the Architekturmuseum der Tum , a museum that focuses on architecture with a series of rotating exhibits. You never know what you’re going to see here!

But if design is more your jam, the Die Neue Sammlung (accessed via the Pinakothek der Moderne) is the premier museum for design in the world. Don’t miss the exhibit focusing on Apple computers.

History Museums in Munich

Munich has had an important place in history, and for those who want to learn more about it, the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum is a great place to start. It’s more of a cultural museum than a history museum, and some of the signage is only in German, but it’s a nice place to visit and doesn’t take a ton of time to explore.

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For those who are more interested in the 20th-century  history of the region, the NS-Dokumentationszentrum München is the place to go. This museum explores Munich’s role in World War 2 and the aftermath. It’s a little outdated, but interesting all the same and I learned a lot about the role Munich played in the rise and demise of the Nazi party.

Lunch at Steinheil 16

Munich has great international cuisine everywhere, but I mean, why go to Bavaria without eating as much German food as you can? If you’re looking for cheap eats in Munich, you can’t go wrong with Steinheil 16 . Not only do they offer soy and turkey schnitzels that are really delicious, but the vibe is also really cool with a mix of old-school Biergarten meets modern art gallery. 

Explore the Englischer Garten

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The English Garden is amazing and the perfect way to spend the last afternoon in Munich. It’s a must-see in Munich in 3 days. You can definitely spend the afternoon walking around it, but a really fun way to see it is by renting a bike .

I’m a bit of a nervous biker thanks to some run-ins with cars when I was in college, so I typically opt to bike with a bike tour. This one is awesome because you’ll get to explore the English Garden as well as some of Munich’s other landmarks. 

If you’d prefer, you can always rent a bike from one of the many spots around the city and explore on your own. Or you can walk – it’s so easy to get lost and wander throughout the garden, especially if you’re there in the summer. 

Although it’s not technically part of the English Garden, this is a good time to explore the Hofgarten , a beautiful 17th-century  garden behind the Residenz. There’s a smaller sculpture park here called the Finanzgarten.

Once inside the English Garden, the scenery is gorgeous. You’ll see open fields and architectural features like replicas of Greek temples and the Chinese Tower.

Check Out the Munich Surfers

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By far, the coolest thing to see in Munich is definitely the surfers . Seeing them was such an unexpected delight, especially with Germany being land-locked and all. It still blows my mind that people actually surf on the Eisbach River right in the middle of Munich! Trust me, you’ll spend way longer than you think just watching them. They’re impressive.

Dinner at The Spice Bazaar

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A rguably the best dinner you can have in Munich is at The Spice Bazaar . The dishes are composed of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired elements and the staff is amazing and attentive. The interior is effortlessly elegant and it’s the perfect place to eat your final dinner in Munich.

Take in a Concert

There’s almost always an opportunity to hear great music in Munich. On Sunday evenings, the sounds of choir practice drift out onto the streets and you can usually hear them just by opening the window of your hotel room. Classical concerts are also sometimes held in the open air of the Odeonsplatz .

Another great place to hear music is the ​ Bayerischer Hof Hotel . They have a really great jazz club here and on Friday nights, the piano bar hosts renowned pianists. The hotel is beautiful and it’s worth checking it out to see what other events are open to the public.

Lastly, you can purchase Residenz concert tickets  for the opportunity to listen to classical music where Mozart used to play. No big deal. Any of these options are the perfect way to end a Munich 3-day itinerary.

Where to Stay in Munich

Old Town is the most central area to stay in, thanks to its proximity to both the Central Station and most tourist attractions in Munich. These are my top recommendations for places to stay in Munich Germany:

Wombat’s (Backpack)

The bright, modern rooms at Wombat’s really make it feel more upscale than a simple hostel. Add in the location near the Central Station, secure storage for your bags, a great common area, and a glassed-in courtyard that allows you to be “outside” year-round, and we have a clear winner: Wombat’s is definitely the best of the hostels in Munich. 

Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay

Hotel Opera (Budget-Friendly)  

It’s a 9-minute walk from Old Town, but the Hotel Opera shines as a budget-friendly option for hotels in Munich. It looks and feels like a luxury hotel with clean, spa-like rooms and common areas that feel like they came straight from a palace. And if you are an opera fan you’re in luck – they have packages available for the opera fest.

Louis Hotel (Mid-Range)

The location of the Louis Hotel can’t be beat and design buffs will love it. The décor is a combination of mid-century modern and Arts & Crafts. It’s homey and clean and feels like a splurge with amenities like an onsite fitness center, bicycle rental, and an out-of-this-world breakfast .

Bayerischer Hof Hotel (Splurge):

​​ Bayerischerhof Hotel is a beautiful old hotel located appropriately in Old Town. It just feels like opulent luxury with five restaurants, a cinema, a piano bar, and an exciting entertainment schedule. Of all the things I could say to recommend this place, the top has got to be the attentiveness of the staff. It’s like traveling in a time capsule to the time of palaces and fairy tales. 

Munich Transportation: How to Get Around Munich

Munich is actually a really walkable city (my favorite way to sightsee!) but there are definitely times when you’ll want to use public transportation. If you get a Munich Card or City Pass with transportation, you can travel for free on the subway, bus, tram, urban rail, or regional trains. Most of the signage is in German, but it’s easy to find English speakers or directions that tell you exactly which route to take, no matter where you’re going. Plus, there’s no shortage of taxis or rideshares, and if you’re comfortable on a bike, this is a great option for getting around Munich.

Reminder: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip in case things (hopefully don’t but often do) go wrong. I’ve learned my lesson about travel insurance the hard way. My go-to insurance is World Nomads  cause they’re awesome and easy to deal with. Be sure to check out the different plan options to pick one that’s right for you!

What to do in Munich in 4 days and beyond

No matter how many days you have in Munich, there’s always more to do. Here are a few additional things to do in Munich if you find yourself with a little more time:

Get Your Spa On

If you’re looking for a truly unusual experience, head across the river to the Müller’sche Volksbad . This Art Nouveau building is a hidden gem with two big swimming pools (one for men and one for women) and a spa modeled on an ancient Roman bath. Here you’ll find a sauna, steam bath, and warm and cold soaking pools.

Pro tip: Be aware that some parts of this area are co-ed and some of those are clothing optional. The staff is really helpful and can help you decide where to go based on your comfort level.

Explore (More) Beautiful Gardens

A short day trip from Munich will take you to the Munich Botanical Garden . It’s a stunning classical garden with greenhouses, ponds, a gift shop, and a cafe. Combine it with the nearby Nymphenburg Palace , and you have the makings of a perfect day out from Munich . These two Munich attractions feel like you’ve entered another era. 

Take a Day Trip to Berchtesgaden

Once the mountain retreat for Bavarian rulers, Berchtesgaden may be best known for Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest (though he didn’t spend much time there, being afraid of heights!). It’s a beautiful Alpine village , and if the Eagle’s Nest is closed, you can tour the salt mines that brought the area to prominence.

But of all the attractions in Berchtesgaden, I thought the Old Cemetery was the most fascinating. Many of the graves are old and clustered in family groups, and on the wall are plaques commemorating family members and school friends who lost their lives in both world wars. I recommend booking an organized tour to avoid the hassle of dealing with public transport!

Channel Your Inner Sleeping Beauty

The ultimate day trip is from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle . The palace commissioned by King Ludwig II is better known as the inspiration for inspiring Sleeping Beauty’s castle . You can catch a train from Munich to Füssen but you can also book a day trip with a tour operator that will make the travel arrangements a little easier. Whatever you choose, please don’t skip Hohenschwangau . It’s included with the Neuschwanstein Castle, and I think it’s actually the better of the two.

So there you have it: a 3-day Munich itinerary that I think will convince you to go book that trip right now. And if you’re lucky enough to add more time to your Munich itinerary, you have plenty of additional recommendations for things to do.

Tell me: How many days would you spend in Munich? What attraction sounds most appealing to you?

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3 Days in Munich – Best Munich Itinerary

Last Updated on January 26, 2023 by gregor

If you’re looking for a fun-filled, action-packed European city to visit, then Munich is the place for you! This German city has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a beer lover, or a foodie.

To help you make the most of your time in Munich, we’ve put together a three-day itinerary that hits all the city’s highlights. Day one is devoted to exploring Munich’s rich history and culture, day two is all about the museums, and day three is all about the surrounding castles. So what are you waiting for? Read on for the perfect 3 day Munich itinerary!

Looking to make the most of your time in Munich?

Here’s a 3-day itinerary that covers all the city’s must-sees.

Day 1 of 3 days in munich itinerary marienplatz, english gardens, hofbräuhaus, marienplatz.

Start your day at Marienplatz, the city’s central square. Take in the Neo-Gothic architecture of the New Town Hall, then visit the nearby Frauenkirche, a towering 14th-century church with two distinctive onion domes.

Viktualienmarkt

Next, stroll over to Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famed open-air food market. Browse the stalls for fresh produce, meats, and cheeses, then stop for a bite at one of the many food stands.

Englischer Garten

In the afternoon, head to the Englischer Garten, one of Europe’s largest urban parks. Spread out a blanket and relax in the grass, go for a stroll or bike ride, or take a dip in the park’s bracingly cold Eisbach River.

Hofbräuhaus

End your day with a visit to the Hofbräuhaus, the world-famous beer hall. Grab a seat at one of the long wooden tables and order a stein of the house beer, then enjoy the lively atmosphere as you people-watch.

Day 2 of Days in Munich itinerary: Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Schwabing

Spend your second day in Munich exploring some of the city’s world-class museums.

Pinakothek Museum

Start at the Pinakothek der Moderne, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Deutsches Museum

Next, visit the Deutsches Museum, the largest museum of science and technology in the world. From there, it’s a short walk to the nearby Alte Pinakothek, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious art museums.

In the afternoon, make your way to the BMW Museum, where you can learn all about the history and production of the iconic German automobiles.

Schwabing District

End your day with a stroll through the Schwabing district, Munich’s bohemian quarter. Browse the shops and stop for a meal or a drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Day 3 Days in Munich itinerary, Neuschwanstein Castle, Garmisch

On your final day in Munich, take a day trip to one of the nearby towns or villages.

Popular options include Dachau, the site of a former concentration camp; Neuschwanstein , the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle; and Garmisch-Partenkirchen , a picturesque resort town in the Bavarian Alps.

No matter where you go, you’re sure to have a memorable day.

Are three days in Munich enough?

No, three days in Munich is not enough. A day in Munich is not enough. You need at least a week to see all the sights and take part in the many activities the city has to offer. From exploring the Bavarian countryside to visiting world-famous museums, there’s something for everyone in Munich. Plus, with so many great restaurants and cafes, you’ll want to take your time sampling the local cuisine. So plan your itinerary carefully and make sure you give yourself enough time to truly enjoy all that Munich has to offer.

How to Get Around Munich

Munich is a large city with plenty to see and do, so it can be daunting to figure out how to get around. The good news is that the public transportation system is excellent, and getting around Munich is relatively easy. If you’re staying in the city center or old town, you can walk to most attractions. Otherwise, the s-bahn (train) or u-bahn (subway) are your best bet. Tourists can purchase a day pass for unlimited travel on all public transport for €11.80, which is a great deal if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. Some popular attractions outside of the city center include Nymphenburg Palace and Munich International Airport. It takes about 45 minutes to get from the airport to the city center by train.

Munich City Card

One of the first things is to get a  Munich Pass or City Card   as it provides free access to a number of leading attractions, in addition to free access to public transport in the whole of the inner city zone. 

The group ticket gives the best value for money as it allows up to five adults to travel together or substitute two children for each adult.

Where to Stay in Munich

Munich is a great city to visit, and there are plenty of places to stay.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, then the Old Town is the place for you. This is where you’ll find the Bavarian State Opera, Marienplatz (the city’s main square), and many other tourist attractions.

The city center is also a good option if you’re looking for places to stay in Munich. It’s less crowded than the Old Town and has plenty of restaurants and shops.

If you’re planning a trip to Munich, I recommend staying here for 3 days. This will give you enough time to see everything the city has to offer.

Best Time to Visit Munich

The best time to visit Munich is from April to May , or September to October , or during the Christmas market season in December . These are the ideal times to see and experience the city, as the weather is usually mild and there are fewer tourists.

If you’re planning your trip, try to stay for at least three days so you can really explore all that Munich has to offer.

The Perfect 3-Day Munich Itinerary

Assuming you’re starting in Munich, a perfect three-day itinerary would be as follows:

Day One : Start with a walking tour of the city center to get your bearings. Then, head to the world-famous Hofbräuhaus for lunch and a beer. In the afternoon, explore Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. For dinner, try some traditional Bavarian food at one of the many restaurants in the city center.

Day Two: Spend the day exploring some of Munich’s world-renowned museums, including the Deutsches Museum and the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum. In the evening, take a stroll through Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants lining the square.

Day Three: On your last day in Munich, take a day trip to one of Bavaria’s beautiful lakes. The most popular options are Lake Constance (Bodensee) and Lake Chiemsee. After spending some time relaxing by the lake, head back into Munich for some final sightseeing before heading home.

Alternate tour suggestions for 3 days Munich itinerary

1. Take a day trip to one of Munich’s nearby castles, such as Neuschwanstein or Hohenschwangau.

2. Spend a day exploring the city’s museums and galleries, including the Alte Pinakothek, the Deutsches Museum, and the Bavarian National Museum.

3. Take a day trip to one of Munich’s nearby lakes, such as Lake Starnberg or Lake Tegernsee.

4. Head out of the city for a day of hiking or biking in one of Munich’s nearby parks, such as the English Garden or the Isar River Valley.

5. If you’re interested in the city’s history, consider taking a walking tour of Munich’s old town or visiting Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial.

Additional travel tips for 3 days Munich itinerary

If you’re looking for some additional travel tips for your 3-day Munich itinerary, here are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Munich is a very tourist-friendly city, so getting around and finding your way won’t be difficult.

However, if you’re relying on public transport to get around, be sure to purchase a 3-day ticket in advance. This will give you unlimited access to the city’s public transport system and will save you money in the long run.

Secondly, while Munich is a relatively safe city, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling alone. Finally, try to enjoy your time in the city and take in all that it has to offer – from its rich history to its vibrant culture.

Lunch at the Hofgarten

If you’re looking for a delicious and picturesque lunch spot in Munich, the Hofgarten is a great option! This serene park is located right in the city center and is the perfect place to enjoy a meal while enjoying the fresh air. The Hofgarten has a number of different restaurants to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste. After lunch, take a stroll through the park and take in the beautiful flowers and greenery.

Hire Bikes for a Sunday bike ride

Looking for something fun to do on a sunny Sunday in Munich? Why not rent some bikes and go for a lovely bike ride around the city? There are plenty of great routes to take, and you can even stop for a picnic lunch along the way.

To make the most of your day, start by renting bikes from a reputable company. Then, map out your route in advance so you can make the most of your time. Some great places to bike in Munich include the Englischer Garten, Isar River, and Schwabing.

Once you’re out on the open road, take your time and enjoy the scenery. Make sure to stop for a break now and then, and to refuel with some snacks and drinks. A picnic lunch is a perfect way to break up the day, and it’s a great way to try some of the local food.

End your day with a refreshing beer or two at one of Munich’s many beer gardens. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the city by bike.

Cycle along the river Isar

Munich is a great city for cycling, and one of the best ways to see it is by cycling along the river Isar. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the sights, and the route is flat so it’s perfect for all levels of cyclists.

Start your journey at the Isartor, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From here, cycle along the river towards the English Garden . This is one of Munich’s most popular parks, and it’s easy to see why when you’re cycling through it. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, and you can even take a dip in the river if it’s a hot day.

Continue your journey through the park and towards the Olympic Park. This was the site of the 1972 Olympic Games, and it’s now a popular spot for all kinds of sporting events. There’s plenty to see here, so make sure you take your time.

Finally, head back to the Isartor and finish your journey. This is a great way to see some of Munich’s best sights, and you’ll definitely work up a sweat!

Watch the surfers on the Eisbach in Munich

Munich is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. If you’re looking for a unique activity, why not watch the surfers on the Eisbach? This man-made river wave is a popular spot for surfers of all levels, and it’s fun to watch them ride the waves.

After watching the surfers, head to one of Munich’s many museums or art galleries. The city is home to some world-class museums, so you’re sure to find something interesting. If you’re a fan of beer, make sure to tour one of Munich’s breweries. And no visit to Munich is complete without sampling the city’s famous sausages!

Cycle through the Englischer Garten to the Chinese Pavilion

Start your day with a leisurely cycle through Englischer Garten, one of Munich’s largest parks. Stop to admire the park’s many monuments, including the Bavaria statue, before continuing on to the Chinese Pavilion. Take a break to explore the pavilion’s ornate interior before heading back to the city center.

If you’re feeling energetic, continue your cycle to the Isar River. Once there, you can either relax by the water’s edge or take a dip in one of the city’s many swimming spots.

In the afternoon, make your way to the Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous beer hall. Sit back with a pint of beer and enjoy the traditional Bavarian atmosphere.

As the day comes to an end, take a stroll through the Marienplatz, the city’s main square. marvel at the Glockenspiel, a mechanical clock that tells the story of the Bavarian Duke Friedrich and the Dragon.

Visiting Castles

There is no shortage of castles to visit in and around Munich! Here are just a few of the must-see castles in the area:

Neuschwanstein Castle

Is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The castle was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century and is a prime example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Visitors can tour the castle’s interior, which includes a throne room, a king’s bedroom, and a queen’s parlor. The castle grounds are also open to the public and feature a number of bridges, ponds, and gardens.

It is located about an hour and a half from Munich.

Read more:   Neuschwanstein Castle Tourism Information and activities

Hohenschwangau Castle: This castle is located just a few miles from Neuschwanstein and is also worth a visit.

Linderhof Palace: This palace is located in the Bavarian Alps and is one of the most beautiful castles in all of Europe.

Burg Trausnitz: This castle is located in Landshut and is one of the largest castles in Bavaria.

These are just a few of the many castles worth visiting in and around Munich. Be sure to add a few of these to your itinerary for an unforgettable trip!

Old Town Exploration

Assuming you are starting in the morning, your first stop should be Marienplatz, the central square in Munich. Here you will find the New Town Hall with its Glockenspiel , as well as the Old Town Hall . You can also see the Frauenkirche, a large Gothic church with two distinctive domes. If you are interested in art, the Alte Pinakothek is nearby and houses one of the largest collections of Old Master paintings in the world.

For lunch, you might want to try some traditional Bavarian food. There are many restaurants in the Old Town, or you could stop at one of the stalls in the Viktualienmarkt, a large food market . In the afternoon, you could visit the Residenz, the former palace of the Bavarian rulers. It is now a museum, and you can see some of the lavish rooms as well as the Treasury, which contains a collection of precious objects.

If you are interested in history, you might want to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial , which is a short train ride from Munich. This was one of the first Nazi concentration camps, and it is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

In the evening, you could enjoy a beer in one of Munich’s many beer gardens. The Hofbräuhaus is the most famous, but there are others that are worth exploring. If you are looking for something a little more lively, you could check out the bars and clubs in the Schwabing district.

Oktoberfest- things to do in Munich

If you’re looking to get into the Oktoberfest spirit while in Munich, there are plenty of activities to choose from! Here are a few ideas:

1. Visit the Oktoberfest Museum – This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Oktoberfest, and is a great way to learn more about the event.

2. Take a tour of the Hofbräuhaus – This world-famous beer hall is a must-visit for any Oktoberfest enthusiast, and a tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the brewery and how the beer is made.

3. Go on a beer-themed walking tour – Many companies offer walking tours of Munich that focus on the city’s beer culture. This is a great way to sample some of the local brews while learning about the history of beer in Munich.

4. Attend a beer-tasting event – There are often beer-tasting events taking place during Oktoberfest, where you can try a variety of different beers and learn about the brewing process.

5. Visit a local beer garden – This is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors while still being in the Oktoberfest spirit. Most beer gardens will have a selection of Oktoberfest beers on tap, and some may even have live music or other entertainment.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled, action-packed trip to Europe, then look no further than Munich! This city has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in exploring its rich history and culture, or simply want to enjoy its delicious food and beer. With so much to see and do, you’ll need at least three days to make the most of your trip. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip to Munich!

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5 days in munich: the ultimate city itinerary.

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Updated: 2 April 2023

Munich is, without a doubt, one of the most well-liked cities in Germany for visitors. After all, Bavaria’s most populous city is frequently associated with images of huge stein glasses filled with beer and Disney-style castles in the nearby countryside.

And believe me, I’m not disparaging either of these things. What’s not to love?

However, Munich has so, so, so much more to offer visitors – especially travelers like me who enjoy taking things slowly in their temporary new homes. 

During my own travels in Central Europe, I was lucky enough to spend 5 days in Munich, which I think is an excellent amount of time to get to know the city (and its surrounding areas). 

Table of Contents

Munich Travel Tips

To tell you the truth, Munich is a pretty easy place to visit. You’ll have plenty of things to do even as a solo traveler.

For example, I didn’t encounter too many scams, and felt safe the vast majority of the time. The area around the main train station, München Hauptbahnhof, felt a little seedy at times, but I never felt like I was in any danger as a solo traveler.

Another big travel tip is not to just limit yourself to the city. By spending 5 days in Munich, you’ve a wonderful base for exploring the rest of Bavaria. 

Let’s cover more specifics in detail here.

Best Time to Visit Munich

Honestly, I think Munich is wonderful to visit any time of the year. 

However, if you want to know about my personal experience, then I had to admit that I loved summer in Munich .

Specifically, I spent my week in Munich in August. At the height of summer, all the beer gardens are open and active, and the weather is very warm, making outdoor activities at The Englischer Garten and other green spaces very appealing. Just make sure to wear spf on your face to protect your skin. 

If summer travel isn’t your cup of tea, then opt for visit Munich in December for delightful Christmas Markets or in autumn for the famed Oktoberfest. 

Not matter what – you’ll have a lovely 5 days in Munich!

Getting Around Munich

Personally, I think Germany has one of the best public transportation systems in all of Europe.

For example, the extensive trains and buses are one of my biggest reasons why you should visit Germany the next time you’re in Europe.

You won’t need a car in Munich. Driving and parking are both expensive, and not worth the hassle, even when you’re venturing into the Bavaria countryside. 

Arrival in Munich

If you’re flying an international flight, you’ll likely arrive in Munich at Munich International Airport , which is the second busiest airport in all of Germany. 

Allow plenty of time to clear border country if Munich is your first destination in the Schengen Area. You don’t want to book a food tour at 11 am if you’re landing at 8 am, for example. Lines may be deceptively long. 

The S1 and S8 S-Bahn lines  seamlessly connect Munich International Airport and the city center, with the entire journey only taking 40 minutes. 

Transportation in Munich

Munich is an easy city to navigate on public transportation. The rail system includes the following:

• U-Bahn:  The U-Bahn refers to the network of underground trains aka a traditional subway. You can reach anywhere in the city center using the U-Bahn.
• S-Bahn:  The suburban trains link you to the airport, as well as nearby sites, such as Dachau concentration camp.

Remember: when you buy your tickets, you need to validate them prior to boarding the trains. Not validating your ticket could result in a nasty fine. Undercover cops  do  check tickets, so be careful.

Where to Stay in Munich

Like any big city, Munich has a variety of wonderful neighborhoods to choose from. However, I would stay close to the city center, preferably in walking distance to Marienplatz, so you’ve easy access to the main attractions and public transportation.

Below, I’ve listed a couple of recommendations for all travel budgets. 

Accommodation Suggestions: 

• Hotel ADRIA:   A lovely 3 star hotel located in Munich’s elegant Lehel district, not too far from the English Garden. See prices on Expedia.com | TripAdvisor.com | Booking.com
• Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor: This sleek hotel is perfect for travelers on a budget! You’re a quick walk from Sendlinger Tor U-Bahn station, making it easy to explore Munich. See prices on Expedia.com | TripAdvisor.com | Booking.com
• Wombat’s The City Hostel Munich: Wanna make new friends? Wombats is a great hostel chain that’s perfect for socializing! (see prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com

What to Pack for 5 Days in Munich

Although this isn’t a packing list, I wanted to include a couple essentials that you will need for your 5 days in Munich. Don’t leave these items at home!

• EU-Adapter:  You don’t want your devices to die. If you’re coming from the US or UK, then you need to bring an EU adapter to charge your phone and camera.
• German Phrasebook:  Even though Munich is popular with tourists, it’s always polite to learn a couple sentences of the local language. My advice is to bring a Germany Phrasebook to help you navigate Munich.
• LP Munich Pocket Guide:  Lonely Planet makes my favorite guidebooks of all time. Their pocket guide to Munich will help you discover this city on a deeper level.
• Mirrorless Camera: Your phone takes high quality photos, but if you want to invest in a good camera, then I recommend Sony’s Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Camera as you explore Munich.
• Sunglasses (For Summer):  In the summer, Bavaria is sunny! Nothing like the rainy stereotypes that spring to mind when we think about Germany. Pack sunglasses to protect those eyes!
• Travel Insurance:  Always, always, always purchase travel insurance for any big trip. I use World Nomads for my trips. Their policy is extensive and reasonably priced. 

Quick Glance: 5 Days in Munich

Hi, all. I’ve included a map in this post to help you construct your 5 days in Munich itinerary. More details are below. 

5 Days in Munich Itinerary: All the Details

The usual disclaimer:  I’m the type of traveler who deeply loves culture and arts, and history, and food. 

For instance, I can spend hours in an art museum. I know not every traveler is like me.

Feel free to do additional research and adjust your itinerary for 5 days in Munich based on your interests! You want the best vacation possible!

Day 1: Welcome to Munich

Welcome to Munich!

Whenever I arrive in a new city, I love talking free guided walking tours to get acquainted with my surroundings. SANDEMANs offers lovely tours with passionate and fun guides! You’ll recognize them, because their guides always carry bright umbrellas! 

You’ll see and learn about all of Munich’s most popular attractions on the walking tour. Just keep in mind that you should still  tip your guide  for the tour. Tipping is how these guides earn a living and you want to support them!

After the walking tour, you will want to visit Munich’s recognizable Frauenkirche church.

This stunning Gothic church was mostly destroyed in World War II, but then meticulously rebuilt. One of the few things to survive the war was “the devil’s footprint” in the church floor. Learn all about the legend and see how your foot matches up!

If you time your visit, stick around Marienplatz , the main central square, to see the Glockenspiel clock perform on the hour! 

If you’re ready for a museum, head over to  Munich Residenz.  This palace is the largest city center palace in all of Germany! Dukes, kings, and other rules governed from this breath-taking palace.

And if you like Rococo? Then this is the palace for you!

As you explore the Residenz, you don’t want to miss the  Treasury , which houses a collection of over 1000 pieces of jewelry. Your eyes will glitter and shine in these rooms! In my honest opinion, the treasury is the true highlight of visiting the Residenz. 

Once finished at the Residenz, relax at the surrounding Hofgarten. These court gardens will make you feel as if you’ve transported to a countryside chateau. 

Day 2: Green Spaces, Markets, and More!

Good morning! We’ve more lovely churches, parks, and more on the agenda for today.

For one of the best views of Marienplatz and Munich’s skyline, walk to St. Peter’s Church . This gorgeous church is the oldest parish in the entire city of Munich. 

You will want to visit St Peter’s Church to climb the tower. You might have to pay three euros to climb 300 steps, but I promise the views are worth the money and sore leg muscles. 

Hungry after such a long climb? Then walk a few minutes to  Victuals Market. 

Victuals Market is a historic farmers market that offers over 140 stalls and shop. Go and support Munich’s local food scene and savor a healthy snack (or five!). 

Once you’ve eaten, take another stroll to see one of Munich’s most beautiful churches (and one of my favorite places in the entire city):  Asamkirche. 

This small Baroque church is gilded with golden statues of cherubs, skulls, and mosaics. The message of Memento Mori bleeds through the beautiful artwork, making a visit here a unique, powerful, and slightly unsettling experience. 

If it’s a sunny day, you want to spend some time relaxing in the Englischer Garten. 

Englishcher Garten is one of the largest public parks in all of Europe. You’ll discover a Greek Temple, a sunbathing lawn (don’t be surprised by the nude sunbathers!), and an area designated for water sports.

I personally loved Prinzregentenstraße  to watch and cheer for the surfers balancing on the heavy water currents! Not an experience to be missed! 

Day 3: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Are you ready to briefly leave Munich and see some incredible and famous castles? I bet you are! 

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited Castles in all of Germany. Its white spiral towers glisten on Instagram feeds and magazine covers, so it makes sense that tourists love to go and take hundreds of dramatic photographs. 

For the most iconic views of the castle, you will want to walk to Pöllat bridge . This historic footbridge is only only 500 meters away from the castle, and is well worth it for the pictures! 

However, Neuschwanstein Castle isn’t the only attraction in this area. You can easily spend hours here soaking up your surroundings.

Another castle, Schloss Linderhof , was also built by “Crazy” King Ludwig II, and is located nearby. The King completed this castle before he died, and is well worth a visit. 

In addition, the surrounding Hohenschwangau area consists of stunning green hills, mysterious forests, and onion-dome churches. Rent a bike and take in all the nature. You can even reserve a bike tour to have the assistance of an expert guide.

You can easily visit the castles on your own or join a small group tour if you want a break from planning logistics. 

Day 4: Famous Art Museums and Beer Gardens

I know art museums aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally love them! If you’re not an art fan, feel free to change your agenda for this day, although I’m sure you won’t eliminate the trip to Munich’s beer gardens, haha.

I’m personally obsessed with the Alte Pinakothek or Old Pinakothek. As we can tell from its name, this museum was founded a long time ago, and opened to the public in 1836. 

You also won’t find any modern art in the Alte Pinakothek. The museum mostly focuses on old masters from Germany, Netherlands, and Italy. Get lost in the museum’s several grand halls.

If you want to save money, visit the Alte Pinakothek on Sundays when the entrance fee is only 1 euro! Just prepare for crowds, haha.

Let’s continue our art journey by jumping waaaaay ahead in time. We’re now visiting the Pinakothek der Moderne.  The modern art collection consists of over 5,000 pieces, so be sure to take your time and not expect to see everything in one visit. 

Last but not least, I am sure you want to go to some beer gardens during your 5 days in Munich! 

The most famous beer garden is Hofbräuhaus München.  This is one of the most famous beer taverns in the world, and although crowded with tourists, a visit here is a lot of fun, especially outdoors on a brilliant afternoon!

You can also register online for a brewery tour if you want to learn all about how this iconic beer is made. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Dachau Concentration Camp

Today we will spend more time outside Munich. I personally think it’s important to visit Dachau Concentration Camp.

Now I understand anxiety travelers might feel about visiting the death camp. And believe me, it’s a numbing experience.

However, although visiting Dachau is emotionally difficult, seeing the camps is very important as it serves as a crucial reminder of what happens when unchecked hatred sweeps the government. 

Be respectful on your trip to Dachau.  I shouldn’t have to spell this out to people, but demonstrate politeness at the memorials and on the tour. 

Finally, on this blog, I have an extensive guide about taking a day trip to Dachau from Munich , which I hope is helpful if you choose to visit the memorial without an organized tour. 

After going to Dachau, I would pick a relaxing activity in Munich, such as a visit to Nymphenburg Palace  or another beer garden such as Augustiner-Kelle r.

I hope you enjoyed reading about how to spend 5 days in Munich! What do you plan on doing when you visit?

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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5 Days in Munich, Germany: The Ultimate Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I have personally used! Learn more on my Private Policy page.

Are you considering visiting Munich, Germany, in the heart of Bavaria? Comparing all the cities I have seen, it is one of my favorites worldwide. This city effortlessly blends its rich history with modern sophistication. It is perfect for everyone! Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a food lover, an art aficionado, or simply seeking unforgettable experiences, Munich has something to captivate every traveler’s heart. 

Bonus: it is incredibly safe for solo travelers!  

Airports 

Munich, being a major international city, has two airports that visitors can fly into:

Munich Airport (Flughafen München):

• This is the primary and larger airport, officially known as Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC). It is approximately 28.5 kilometers (17.7 miles) northeast of Munich city center. Munich Airport is one of Germany’s busiest and most well-connected airports, offering a wide range of domestic, European, and intercontinental flights.

Side Note: We love flying Lufthansa and using our Amex Platinum to visit Lufthansa’s lounge before our flight! (Click here to learn more)

Memmingen Airport (Allgäu Airport):

• While not located directly in Munich, Memmingen Airport (FMM) is sometimes called “Munich West Airport.” It is about 115 kilometers (71 miles) southwest of Munich and is a smaller secondary airport focusing on budget airlines and regional flights. Visitors who fly into Memmingen Airport must take additional transportation to reach Munich city center; I recommend MUC over FMM. 

Most international travelers will likely arrive at Munich International Airport, as it is the main airport serving Munich and offers a broader range of flight options and better connectivity to the city.

How to Get Around Munich, Germany

Munich boasts one of Europe’s most efficient and comprehensive public transportation systems, making it a breeze for locals and travelers to navigate the city easily. The backbone of Munich’s public transport network is the extensive S-Bahn (suburban trains) and U-Bahn (subway) system, which connects all central districts and attractions and extends to the outskirts. With frequent and punctual services, getting from one point to another is a seamless experience. Additionally, trams and buses complement the network, ensuring that every corner of the city is accessible. Travelers can opt for single tickets or multiple-day passes, providing flexibility to explore Munich, Germany, at their own pace. Munich’s public transportation is a hassle-free and eco-friendly way to delve into the city’s cultural wonders.

Summer (June to August): Summer in Munich is warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from mild to occasionally hot. This season is ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and events. It’s also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds at popular attractions and higher hotel rates. The highlight of Munich’s summer is the legendary Oktoberfest, which begins in late September and spills into early October.

Autumn/Fall (September to November): Autumn in Munich is beautiful, with colorful foliage adding a touch of magic to the city. The weather is generally mild, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and exploring the city on foot or by bicycle. The beginning of September, in particular, offers a less crowded Oktoberfest experience, as it starts towards the end of the month.

Winter (December to February): Winter in Munich is cold but also brings a cozy and festive atmosphere with charming Christmas markets, where you can indulge in hot mulled wine and delicious treats. The city’s architecture looks enchanting under a dusting of snow, and it’s an excellent time for indoor activities like visiting museums and enjoying warm meals in traditional Bavarian restaurants.

Visit the Munich Residenz Palace , Exploring its Opulent Rooms and Gardens.

• Walking distance from the Marienpltz is the Munich Residenz Palace. It is a captivating masterpiece and stands proudly as one of Europe’s most remarkable royal residences. Nestled in the heart of Munich, this sprawling complex boasts over 130 rooms, each exquisitely adorned with opulent decor and intricate details that showcase the wealth and influence of the Wittelsbach dynasty, which ruled Bavaria for centuries. Ticket prices here .

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Museums 

Explore the Pinakothek der Moderne Museums : Art lovers, Listen Up! 

Art is not my favorite, but I know essential names when I see them! 

Alte Pinakothek  – European art from the Middle Ages to the Rococo period

• You’ll be blown away by the works of renowned artists like Rubens, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci, among others. It’s a real treasure trove for art lovers and history buffs alike.

Neue Pinakothek  – 19th to 20th-century art, including Impressionist works 

• The Neue Pinakothek in Munich is where it’s at for art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. They have all the big names like Van Gogh and Monet, so you know you’re in for a treat. Stroll through this cool museum and soak in the creativity of those legendary artists. 

Visit the Nymphenburg Palace and its Magnificent Gardens

• If you’re into fancy palaces and jaw-dropping gardens, Nymphenburg Palace in Munich is the spot for you! This super cool Baroque palace makes you feel like you are in a royal movie. Stroll through its posh rooms, check out the fancy decorations, and chill in the fabulous gardens. Don’t miss it when you’re in Munich; it’s worth it!

Enjoy an Evening at the Bavarian State Opera or a Local Theater Performance

• This is for my culture seekers! Research spending an evening at the Bavarian State Opera or catching a local theater performance. The world-class talent and breathtaking performances blow you away, plus it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant arts scene. Grab some popcorn or a glass of beer, kick back, and let the magic of the stage take you away! I have not done this yet, but it’s on my list! 

Day 3: Get Outside the City 

Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and the Bavarian Alps

• Spend a full day outside of the city. Take an early departure to the Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle looks straight out of a Disney movie, perched on a hill with breathtaking views. And the Alps are unreal with their majestic peaks and stunning landscapes – perfect for hiking and photo ops. So, if you’re looking for a magical day filled with awe and wonder, this trip is an absolute no-brainer!
• While there, do a guided tour inside King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle and its fascinating history. Make sure you purchase in advance! 

After that, head into Füssen to explore this charming little gem. Shameless plug here – it’s the town Wes, and I got married in 😀

Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle):

• A must-try for my meat lovers! A hearty dish consisting of roasted pork knuckle seasoned with spices and herbs, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat. It’s often served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings.
• A delightful cheese spread made from Camembert or other soft cheeses mixed with butter, onions, and spices. It’s commonly served with pretzels or bread and pairs perfectly with a cold Bavarian beer.
• Bavarian pretzels are a culinary staple characterized by their large size, soft texture, and deep brown crust. Enjoy them on their own, or pair them with sausages and mustard.

Kaiserschmarrn:

• A delicious dessert consisting of a fluffy shredded pancake, often served with powdered sugar, applesauce, or fruit compote for a sweet and satisfying treat. We did this as the dessert at our wedding, and it was so good 😉
• Often referred to as Bavarian meatloaf, this savory treat is made from ground pork and beef, finely minced with spices, and baked to perfection. It’s typically served as a slice on a bread roll with mustard. 

Bavarian/Local Drinks 

Hugo Spritz:

• This delightful beverage is a sparkling cocktail that combines Prosecco, elderflower syrup, fresh mint leaves, lime, and soda water. With a light and bubbly taste, a must-try! 

Radler (Beer with Lemonade):

• Radler is a mix of beer and lemonade, perfect for a lighter option, creating a thirst-quenching and fizzy drink. It’s a popular choice during warm days and outdoor activities.

Apfelschorle (Apple Spritzer):

• Apfelschorle is a non-alcoholic drink mixing apple juice with sparkling mineral water. It’s a crisp and refreshing option for adults and kids.

Obstler (Fruit Schnapps):

• For those seeking a taste of Bavarian spirits, Obstler is a fruit brandy made from a mix of apples, pears, and sometimes other fruits. It’s a robust and aromatic drink usually enjoyed as a digestive after a hearty meal. My favorite, though… Hazelnut schnapps, give both a try! 
• Although not originally Bavarian, Almdudler is a famous Austrian soda often found in Bavaria. This herbal lemonade with a blend of 32 alpine herbs offers a unique and refreshing alternative to traditional soft drinks.

Beer 101 

While in Munich, make sure to sample these three types of Bavarian beers to immerse yourself in the rich brewing traditions of the region:

Weißbier (Wheat Beer):

• Weißbier, or wheat beer, is a Bavarian specialty with a distinct cloudy appearance and a refreshing, fruity flavor. Brewed with a significant proportion of wheat, it offers notes of banana and clove, making it a delightful choice for beer enthusiasts seeking a unique and aromatic taste.

Helles (Light Lager):

• My personal favorite! Helles is a classic Bavarian pale lager known for its golden color and balanced taste. It has a mild, malty sweetness complemented by a subtle hop bitterness, making it incredibly smooth and easy to drink. Helles is a popular choice for locals and visitors and pairs well with traditional Bavarian dishes.

Dunkles (Dark Lager):

• Dunkles is a traditional dark lager that showcases the rich malty flavors of Bavarian beer-making. This beer boasts a deep brown color with hints of caramel and toffee, resulting in a more robust and slightly sweet taste. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a hearty and flavorful beer option.

Each of these Bavarian beers brings a unique character and taste to your beer-drinking experience in Munich. Whether at a bustling beer hall, a charming beer garden, or a cozy pub, trying these iconic brews will undoubtedly enhance your trip and provide a genuine taste of Bavarian culture.

Put Munich on your radar now

In conclusion, Munich, Germany, is an enchanting destination that captivates travelers from all walks of life. With its seamless blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, this Bavarian capital offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Embrace the warmth and friendliness of the locals, savor the mouthwatering Bavarian cuisine and beer, and immerse yourself in the city’s festivals and traditions. Munich will undoubtedly leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return. So, pack your bags, set out on an adventure, and let Munich’s allure cast its spell on you as you uncover the hidden treasures of this remarkable city waiting to be explored.

Did I miss anything? Comment with some of your favorite things to do in Munich below! 

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The Best 4 Days In Munich Itinerary

Looking for a 4 days in Munich itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

This Munich itinerary covers all the top must visit attractions and best things to do in Munich in four days. I also give you tips for visiting and optional day trips, if you have extra time.

Munich is the prosperous and historic capital of Bavaria. It’s the perfect mix of a cosmopolitan modern city and a historic city center.

There’s so much to do in the city of “art and beer.” Munich is endlessly charming, perfectly walkable, and dotted with candy cane colored buildings.

Aside from its stereotype for behemoth beer drinking halls, Munich offers plenty of sophisticated pursuits.

You can explore historic landmarks, beautiful churches, and world class museums. Munich has trendy eateries, renowned restaurants, and swishy cocktail bars.

With this 4 days in Munich itinerary and travel guide, you’ll visit the following beautiful places and destinations in Munich:

• Day 1 : Explore Munich’s main attractions in the historic center
• Day 2 : Visit Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualien Market, and Munich’s museums
• Day 3 : Day trip to Nuremberg or Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
• Day 4 : Day trip to Mad King Ludwig’s castles, including Neuschwanstein

You could easily expand this 4 day itinerary into a 5-6 day itinerary by moving at a slower pace. Then, you wouldn’t have to choose between Dachau and Nuremberg. And you could do your Munich city-based sightseeing at a slower pace.

Top Tours In Munich

Here are some of the best tours and experiences you can have with one day in Munich. Be sure to book in advance, at least from May through Octoberfest.

• H itler & Third Reich Tour
• w alking tour of historic center
• ghosts & spirits evening walking tour
• evening beer & food tour
• market & food tour
• hop on hop off bike ticket
• day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

A Short History of Munich

Aside from all the pretzels and beer, Munich has a deep monarchic past and endured a tumultuous 20th century. Let’s take a peak at the city’s history before we begin our 4 day tour of Munich.

Munich is located in southern Germany, two hours north of the Austrian border. To most people, Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest and beer gardens. But its medieval German name, München, actually stands for “Home of the Monks.”

Drawn by proximity to Catholic Italy, Benedictine monks settled in what is now Munich in the 8th century. For centuries, the monks conducted much of the trade activity in Munich and effectively governed.

But in 1255, Munich passed into the hands of the House of Wittelsbach, who would rule until 1918.

Under the Wittelsbachs, Munich expanded. The Wittelsbachs built magnificent palaces. Mad King Ludwig went on a frenzy of castle building .

His most famous castle is the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle . Munich sported monumental architecture and wide Italianate boulevards.

But Munich suffered during both world wars, and its chocolate box scenery was leavened with darkness. During WWI, the city was practically starved to death.

Afterward, the city saw the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. During WWII, 80% of Munich was heavily bombed and destroyed.

After WWII, Munich was painstakingly reconstructed. Developers preserved Munich’s original street plan and re-created its medieval steeples, Neo-Gothic facades, and Neo-Classical buildings. They created Europe’s first pedestrian zone at Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauser Strasse.

Munich transformed itself into both a cultural and technological powerhouse — a dynamic and cosmopolitan big city with a small town feel.

Today, in Munich, well-heeled power dressers mix with lederhosen clad beer drinkers. Munich’s been nicknamed the “City of Art and Beer,” “Millionendorf” (village of a million people), and “Toytown.”

But back to our tour of the elegant city. Here’s my itinerary for how to spend 4 perfect days exploring Munich and the surrounding area in Bavaria.

4 Days In Munich Itinerary

Here’s my recommended itinerary for spending four days in Munich.

Day 1: Munich’s Main Attractions

Try to arrive early so you have the entire day to see the city. Click here if you want to book a 2 hour walking tour of the historic center to get oriented.

1. Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus

Begin by heading straight to the famed Marienplatz. The pedestrianized Marienplatz has been a popular meeting place and hub for Munich since the 12th century. The centerpiece of the grand square is the majestic city hall, named the Neues Rathaus.

Its gaudy Gothic facade is festooned with gargoyles, statues, and, most often, bright red flowers. You can take an elevator 85 meters to the top for views.

Just stop in at the Tourist Office in the building and purchase your ticket. The Glockenspiel sounds at 11 am, noon, and 5:00 pm.

If you’re hungry and want to watch the performance, settle in at Cafe Glockenspiel. For 12 minutes, motorized figures dance, joust, and twirl around the inside of the tower.

2. St. Peters Church for the Best View

If you want an amazing view of the Rathaus and Marienplatz, you’ve got to hike up the tower in St. Peters Church. It’s the oldest church in town.

The church itself is nothing special. But the 360 views at the top can’t be beat.

But, be forewarned, it’s a cramped and steep experience. There’s no room to move at the top. You’ll shuffle inch by inch along the narrow terrace.

3. Munich Residenz

Nothing beats wandering around Munich’s Altstadt or historic old town. You can’t miss the massive Munich Residenz .

The Reisdenz was the city palace of the Wittlesbach dynasty. It’s located on Max-Joseph Platz. While much of it was destroyed during WWII, it’s been meticulously restored over the years to its former glory.

The Residenz Museum, which comprises half of the palace, is an essential Bavarian experience. It’s full of beautiful historic paintings, tapestries, rugs, furniture, crown jewels, and other treasures.

The paintings have messy scars. In 1944, when bombs were imminent, the Nazis sliced the portraits out of their frames and hid them away.

The Antiquarium, the Hall of Antiquities, is the largest and finest secular Renaissance hall in northern Europe. Built in the 16th century, the room stretches 220 feet end to end and was a festival banquet hall.

Another highlight is the Residenz’ shell grotto. This strange structure is made from Bavarian freshwater shells. After it was demolished, Bavarians lovingly collected shells for its reconstruction, an inspirational story.

If you don’t want to tour the interior of the Residenz, at least walk around and admire the facades. But it’s possible to whiz through in an hour or so, to get a sense for how the royals lived. And the Residenz is one of the only palaces in Germany where you can actually take photos.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting the Munich Residenz .

>>> Click here to book a ticket to the Residenz

4. Munich’s Iconic Churches

As you’re strolling through old town, you can take in some of Munich’s iconic churches, which are mostly clustered together.

The twin green onion domes of the Frauenkirche are a symbol of Munich and important landmark. The church was heavily damaged in WWII, but lovingly restored over 50 years.

A quirky feature of the Frauenkirche is the “Devil’s Footprint” inside. Legend holds that a devil funded the church’s construction. He handed over the requisite dollars on the condition that the church be an ode to darkness.

Upon touring the finished church, the devil allegedly spied a window and, in a snit, stamped his foot on a tile. Or so they say …

The mustard yellow church in Munich is the Theatinerkirche , commanding a place of respect on the impressive Odeonsplatz. It’s a divisive building apparently, or so I’ve been told. But I approve of color in buildings, so liked it. It has a pristine white interior with beautiful ceilings.

Another beauty is the Asamkirche , a tiny Baroque masterpiece. Built in 1746, it’s a treasure trove inside. Every inch of the interior is covered in gold and marble.

If you’re a fan of Mad King Ludwig II and his romantic castles are on your Bavaria bucket list, stop in at 16th century St. Michael’s Church to pay your respects.

It’s a damp crypt and modest tomb. But it’s typically swathed in flowers in appreciation of the poet-architect king. Forty other Wittelsbachs scions are buried there.

READ : Mad King Ludwig, Murder of Suicide?

5. Munich’s Squares

End your stroll around Altstadt at the Odeonsplatz. Dating from the 19th century, the square is largely unchanged. The focal point of the square is the Feldherrnhalle.

It’s a covered exterior gallery copied from the famous Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence . Nowadays, it’s the site of festivals and beer drinking.

Historically, it’s also important. The loggia was the site of the famous 1923 Beer Hall Putsch, Hitler’s failed coup d’etat. Hitler wound up imprisoned and wrote Mein Kampf in jail.

Later, after Hitler rose to power, the square was the site of Nazi rallies and SS parades. In the loggia, Hitler’s SS men swore their blood oaths to him.

In Max-Joseph Platz, you’ll find Munich’s dashing National Theater. It’s a photogenic spot, with its dashing Neo-Classical Facade.

If shopping is on your agenda, head to Maximilianstraße for the swanky brands. At the end of the street is the Maximilianeum, home to Bavaria’s state parliament.

If you’d like your shopping more affordable, head to Kaufingerstrasse.

6. Dinner and Drinks

If you want to splash out on dinner, head to the highly rated restaurant inside the Bayerischer Hof.

Another good spot is Ella, attached to the gold-toned Lenbachhaus museum. It’s a laid back Italian bistro, with a luminous stone bar.

After dinner, head to Alte Utting. Set with twinkling lights, the venue is a cool decommissioned land bound boat that’s been transformed into a a hybrid bar, food court, and event venue.

Another popular place is The High, a themed bar in the trendy Glockenbach neighborhood, serving up experimental cocktails.

Day 2: Nymphenburg Palace and Museum Tour

1. nymphenburg palace.

If your heart pines for more Wittelsbach architecture, in the morning, take a 20 minute tram ride from the city center to Nymphenburg Palace . The 17th century Schloss Nymphenburg is one of Munich’s top attractions.

It’s also one of larges and most beautiful palaces in Europe . The palace was the swishy summer home of the Wittelsbach dynasty.

Nypmhenberg was built to celebrate the birth of an heir for Bavaria. On August 25, 1845, Prince Ludwig (later Mad King Ludwig II) was born in the Queen’s Green Bedroom.

Ludwig’s birth was witnessed by everyone via the large mirror. Such momentous events required real proof.

The palace consists of a large villa and two long wings. There are 16 rooms altogether. It has intricate parquet floors, colorfully painted ceilings, paintings galore, and sumptuously decorated period rooms.

The two key highlights of the central villa are the glittering Stone Hall, with its nymph-filled frescos, and the Gallery of Beauties, which displays King Ludwig I’s portraits of beautiful women.

There are a few thematic museums located in the palace’s wings that you may want to visit. In one, you can see the Mad King Ludwig’s golden sleighs, in which he took his nocturnal rides through the countryside.

Back outside, you’ll find the beautifully landscaped Nymphenburg Palace Park. It’s the perfect place for your royal promenade.

There are quite a few lovely mini-schlosses sprinkled throughout the park. These tiny follies were where the Wittelsbachs escaped when courtly life proved too annoying. The most famous folly is the glittering Amalienburg, the best example of Rococo Architecture in Germany.

> >> Click here to book a skip the line guided tour of the palace

2. Viktualienmarkt: the Perfect Spot For An Alfresco Lunch

After the palace tour, it’s lunchtime. So wander over to Viktualienmarkt for some gourmet sustenance.

It’s Munich’s outdoor food market, crammed to the gills with produce, prepared food to go, and a bustling beer garden. It’s one of Europe’s most delightful outdoor markets.

Victualienmarkt also makes an ideal place to buy German souvenirs. Pro tip: If you buy something to eat, you can actually bring it right into the beer garden.

Click here for a 2 hour food tour including Viktualienmarkt.

3. Munich’s Vaunted Museums

In the afternoon, visit a couple of Munich’s absolutely world class museums. Most of museums are clustered together in the Kunstareal or museum district. When you arrive there, pop into Man vs Machine, an uber modern coffee shop, to caffeinate.

Here are your choices among Munich’s best museums:

✔ The Pinakothek Trio

Munich’s most touted museum is the Alte Pinakothek . It’s Bavaria’s best museum, with a collection of European masters from the 14th to 19th century.

Click here to book a 2 hour tour of the pinakothek.

There, you’ll Albrecht Durer’s mysterious Self Portrait. There’s a slew of works from Italian Renaissance masters — Leonard da Vinci , Botticelli , Raphael , Titian, and Fra Angelico . And you’ll also find classics from Flemish and Dutch artists like Rembrandt.

The Pinakothek der Moderne has cutting edge modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The building itself is worth a visit, with a towering glass rotunda designed by the German architect Stephan Brauenfels.

You’ll find some works by Franz Marc, Ernst Kirchner, Paul Klee, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali.

The Neue Pinakothek starts where the Alte Pinakothek leaves off. It showcases wondrous modern art from the late 18th to the early 20th century.

You’ll find works by the French Impressionists, Dali, Picasso, Miro, and Magritte. A highlight is Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Margaret Stonborough-Wittgenstein .

Pro Tip : The Neue Pinakothek is currently closed until 2027 for structural renovations. But an exhibit of its best pieces is on display in the Alte Pinakothek.

✔ Glypothek Museum

If you’re a fan of Greco-Roman sculpture, head to the Glyptothek Museum. The Glyptothek owes its existence, like so many other lovely things in Bavaria, to Mad King Ludwig II.

He envisioned Munich as a “German Athens.” The museum is housed in an impressive Neo-Classical building.

READ : Mad King Ludwig’s Death Suicide or Murder?

Each gallery houses works from different time periods, illustrating the evolution of sculpture over the centuries. The best known sculpture is the Barberini Fawn .

Just steps from the Glypothek is the “Fuehrer building,” now the state university for music and theater. In 1936, the building sported swastika flag-festooned balconies.

> >> Click here to book a ticket to the Glyptothek

✔ Lenbachhaus Museum

Munich also has a hip new museum, the Lenbachhaus , that you should really make time for. The stunning gold museum has a soaring atrium which glitters with a whirl of colored glass and steel.

The new three story wing, designed by Norman Foster, houses an incredible collection of Expressionist works, including pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Marc, and Paul Klee.

Expressionism thrived in Munich. This is literally the best collection of that period anywhere in the world.

✔ Brandhorst Museum

You can’t but notice the Brandhorst Museum , housed a glittering modern building.

Opened in 2009, it’s an impressive piece of architecture, designed by the Sauerbruch Hutton Architects from Berlin. The colors change and shimmer, the effect changing depending on how you move.

Inside, there are wide open galleries. The collection of the museum includes works from the second half of the 20 century to the present. You can find pieces by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Joseph Beuys, and Damien Hirst.

You’ll see more Warhol here than anywhere else in Europe. Twombley’s graffiti paintings have a dedicated floor.

4. Hofgarten and the Englischer Garden

After museum-ing, take a stroll in Munich’s green spaces. Located behind the Munich Residenz is an opulent Italian Renaissance garden you’d expect from royals, the Hofgarten.

It’s a public garden and is free to access. The Diana Temple in the center is a 12 sided gazebo, and was a filming location for The Three Musketeers movie in 2011.

From the Hofgarten cross the street to the Haus der Kunst, an art gallery and building that was an early example of Nazi architecture.

Right nearby, you’ll find river wetsuit-clad surfers in the manicured Englischer Garden. They surf on a standing wave, the Eisbach Wave, no matter what the weather conditions are. It was in the 50s when I witnessed their stunts.

The English Garden is a truly massive park, bigger even than Central Park in New York City. There are 50-60 species of birds in the park.

If you’re there in the summer, aside from the surfers, you’ll likely see nude sun bathers. The Chinese Tower Beer Garden is a popular hangout in the garden. If you’d like a more local vibe, head to the nearby Seehaus beer garden.

If you want to end your park visit with a sunset, climb Olyberg, a large hill that overlooks the park. It has a nice vantage point over the city. Alternatively, the Olympic Tower also has an epic view.

Head back to the old town. You’ve got oodles of dining options.

If you want some traditional bavarian food, try Augustiner Klosterwirt, near the Frauenkirche, or Bratwurstherzl. If you must try Munich’s pork knuckle, stop in at Haxnbauer.

Munich is also known for its Italian food scene, a scene of which I wholly approve. On my last visit, on a Friday night, I had dinner at Limoni , on a quiet street in a trendy neighborhood.

And it was quite divine. Another good Italian option is Guido al Duomo. You’ll need reservations at both.

For post dinner drinks, head to Zephyr Bar. it serves up aromatic cocktails, with a focus on gin.

6. Beer Gardens: the Classic Munich Experience

After your highbrow day of art and culture ends, you should — like most good Germans — retreat to a beer hall. Munich’s most iconic beer garden is, of course, the Hofbrahaus . Serving beer since the early 1800s, it’s now mostly serving beer to tourists.

But it’s an iconic place, and was frequented by the likes of Mozart. It was also where Hitler gave his first speech to the Nazi party.

There’s even an 1890 baby photo of Hitler at the Hafbrauhaus. Waiters dressed in Lederhosen serve massive beer steins to hordes of people, while a band plays drinking songs.

For a more sophisticated take on the traditional Bavarian beer garden, head to Wirtshaus in der Au.

If you’d like to book a food and beer tour in Munich, click here .

Day 3: Day Trip to Nuremberg or Dachau

On day 3 of your 4 days in Munich itinerary, choose your day trip.

Either take a day trip to the beautiful historic town of Nuremberg or to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, depending on your interest and how long you want to spend traveling.

1. Option 1: Nuremberg

By high speed train, Nuremberg is an hour from Munich. Or, it’s a 2 hour drive. Click here if you’d like to book a guided day trip tour. Click here if you’d like to take a guided walking tour of the historic center once you arrive.

Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria after Munich, but feels quite small in comparison.

Nuremberg Germany is a magical stunner of a city, with munchable gingerbread and tasty bratwurst. The 950 year old city is cosmopolitan, but with a heady dash of quaint fairytale charm.

Nuremburg is crowned by an ancient castle, scattered with candy cane houses, and has a few must see museums. Nuremberg isn’t just a pretty face either. It’s multi-faceted, with a tumultuous past.

As a former imperial city and medieval stronghold, it’s got layers of history, some of it a dark and brooding Nazi-infused variety. That duality is part of Nuremberg’s allure.

Start your day trip by visiting the imposing Kaiserberg Castle, perched atop a sandstone hill. The medieval castle not only dominates the cityscape, it’s also the #1 tourist attraction.

Construction (probably) started around 1,000 AD. But most of what you see today dates back to the 15th century or later. Kaiserberg Castle was the most important fortified imperial palace of the Holy Roman Empire.

After a castle visit, stroll down photogenic Weibgerbergasse Street where you’ll get a fairytale level dose. It’s full of medieval half timbered houses, built in the booming days of Nuremberg’s leather trade.

The lively Hauptmarkt is the perfect place to grab lunch from a food truck and gaze around in adoration at Nuremberg’s grand buildings. You’ll also find plenty of beautiful churches in Nuremberg.

Guarding Albrecht-Dürer-Platz, St. Sebaldus Church reminds me of a two-pronged lethal weapon, so tall, pointy, and imposing are its twin towers.

St. Lorenz is an unmissable Gothic edifice considered Bavaria’s most beautiful church.

Dominating Hauptmarkt Square, the14th century Frauenkirche has rather unique brick Gothic style. Everyday at noon, the glockenspiel, or mechanical clock, sounds to celebrate the defunct Roman Empire.

Located in picturesque Tiergartnerplatz, I definitely recommend a visit to the Albrecht Durer House . Albrecht Durer is Nuremberg’s native son, born and buried there. He’s perhaps the greatest German painter in history.

You won’t see any authentic Durer paintings in the house-museum. But it’s a unique snapshot of his life and studio.

One room has replicas of Durer’s most famous paintings and the audio guide explains the significance of each one in detail.

Another room replicates his workshop where he mixed paints and made engravings.

If you’re a WWII nerd or history buff in general, you should definitely book a half day tour to see Nuremberg’s Third Reich sites , constructed by Hitler’s favorite architect Albert Speer.

The rally ground is 12 football fields in length, with a “Zeppelin” grandstand, where the demagogue Hitler gave racist stump speeches. Congress Hall was where the Nazis held choreographed party rallies.

Opened in 2001, the Documentation Center in Congress Hall is a modern museum. It shines a harrowing light on the insane megalomania of the Nazi party.

With unflinching eye-opening detail, the permanent exhibit “Fascination and Terror” describes the rise of the Nazi party and its atrocities.

Here’s my complete guide to the WWII and Nazi sites in Nuremberg .

2. Option 2: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

This notorious Nazi camp is on the outskirts of Munich. It’s about 25 minutes by train from Central Station.

Be sure to pick up an audio guide to orient yourself. It’s a vast space. Alternatively, for more info and insight, you can book a guided day tour from Munich . For real history buffs, you can also book a tour combining a walking tour of Third Reich sites and Dachau .

Dachau played a significant role in having Hilter’s history in Germany. It was one of the first camps set up to hold political prisoners, subversives, Jews, and other “undesirables” during WWII.

There are chilling and disturbing memorials — prisoners cells, death chambers with chemical induction pipes, barbed wire fencing, and a crematorium.

You can see bullet marks on the walls. The onsite museums details atrocities the prisoners suffered in this satanic world.

Dachau was liberated in 1945 by the US Army. After liberation, the camp was used by the US Army as an internment camp. It was also the site of the Dachau Trials for German war criminals, a site chosen for its symbolism.

Day 4: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

The last day of your 4 days in Munich itinerary is devoted to Mad King Ludwig’s castles. You can easily visit both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau in a single day because they’re in the same town.

Click here to book a day tour of Neuschwanstein from Munich.

If you are very ambitious, add in Linderhof Palace either on your own or on a guided tour with Neuschwanstein. It’s 50 minutes from Neuschwanstein.

All of Mad King Ludwig’s castles are exquisitely placed in the landscape, very theatrical, and engineered to create a “wow” factor upon first view.

There’s lots of gold. But it’s the interplay between the environment and the architecture that’s most stunning.

1. Neuschwanstein

Rising above Schwansee Lake and perched on a jagged peak, Ludwig’s fantastical Neuschwanstein Castle is an ode to Richard Wagner .

Wagner was a romantic composer and Ludwig’s close friend. The palace pays homage to the swan knight of Lohengrin .

You can only visit the interior via a 45 minute guided tour. It’s essential to book online in advance. No photographs are allowed.

Neuschwanstein Castle is a dreamy blend of Roman, Gothic, and Byzantine style architecture. It’s a fantasy medieval fortress, but was outfitted with fancy new technology for the time.

The castle exterior is made of brick and clad in limestone. There are endless rooms in the palace. You see 11 of them on your tour.

The arresting throne room is a monument to kingship. It drips in gold leaf. It has a vast 4 meter gold chandelier, which dominates the room.

Ludwig’s bedroom may be the most ornate room in the place. His bed took 14 woodcarvers over 4 years to finish.

The chapel is an ode to the medieval French King Louis XI. The living room, like so much else, is dedicated to the mythology of Wagner’s opera Lohengrin .

The upper floor is dominated by the Singer’s Hall, which might be the most important room in Neuschwanstein Castle. Not surprisingly, it tells the story of Parsifal and his son Lohengrin.

Until 2014, concerts were held in the hall every September.

When you’re done touring the castle, head to the viewpoint on Marienbrucke Bridge. The bridge, dubbed Queen Mary’s Bridge, has the classic view of Neuschwanstein that you see online.

Here’s my complete guide to Neuschwanstein Castle . Click here to book a guided day trip from Munich.

2. Hohenschwangau

If you arrive early, you’ll also have time to visit Hohenschwangau Castle. You can purchase a combination ticket with Neuschwanstein.

In 1832, Ludwig’s father, Maximillian II, purchased the Schloss Hohenschwangau in ruinous condition. It was basically an abandoned fortress, the home of the medieval knights of Schwangau. At the time, Maximillian was crown prince and heir to the Bavarian throne.

Between 1833-37, he built the yellow mock-medieval castle you see today, with the help of architect Domenico Quaglio.

He added neo-Gothic frescoes depicting Germanic legends — the Holy Grail, Tannhauser, and Lohengrin. Each room had a specific theme, explained in paint above the doorway.

Ludwig grew up surrounded by these operatic images, but not by loving parents. At Hohenschwangau, swans were everywhere — on the lake, on the walls, and in knickknack form.

Swans proved an enduring obsession for Ludwig, who even named his castles after them. Hohenschwangau itself translates as High Swan Country.

Maximillian’s bedroom is a highlight. The walls are painted with nude scenes from a Renaissance poem, Jerusalem Delivered, about a crusading knight named Rinaldo.

Interestingly, Maximillian had these scenes painted over to protect Ludwig’s innocence. The original paintings were restored in 1961.

READ : Complete Guide to Hohenschwangau

3. Linderhof Palace

If you’re really ambitious, you can try to squeeze in Linderhof Palace .

But to pull that off, you may need to book a combo tour for both palaces and it will be a long day. Inside, Linderhof is much more spectacular than Neuschwanstein.

In 1867, Ludwig traveled to Paris for a peek at Versailles . He was so inspired that he came home and, in 1868, began construction of a private residence inspired by Versailles. In fact, it terms of sheer glamor and gold, Linderhof Palace may surpass Versailles.

Like all Ludwig’s castles, Linderhof has a beautiful setting. In front, there’s a water parterre with a large gold fountain, called Flora and Putti , that shoots water 22 meters in the air.

Inside, you enter a world of riotous rococo, flashing mirrors, and glittering gold. As you enter, say hello to Louis XIV. He’s on horseback in a grand statue in the palace vestibule. You have 10 rooms to explore.

The Hall of Mirrors was inspired by Versailles’ twin hall and by a room designed by Cuvilliés in the Munich Residenz. There’s a gorgeous ivory chandelier and lapis lazuli accents on the ceiling.

In the resplendent red and gold dining room , servants were rendered invisible. The room sports an ingenious trap door — a disappearing dumb waiter that lowered and raised the dining room table to and from the kitchen below.

This way, the king could eat solo with his imaginary medieval friends, conveniently eliminating the need to talk to an actual living person.

In his heavily ornamented bedroom , the Moon King replicated the Sun King’s Versailles boudoir. Ludwig’s bed is elevated on steps and surrounded by gilded railings. It’s flanked by two enormous chandeliers that are extremely daunting to stand under.

The Linderhof gardens are whimsically decorated with Ludwig’s follies. The Venus Grotto is the most spectacular. It’s Disney-like in conception.

Ludwig created a man made cave to listen to opera or watch performances. Dressed as a knight, Ludwig would ride in a clamshell boat, pretending to be the Swan Knight of Lohengrin .

READ : Complete Guide To Linderhof Palace

Tips For A 4 Days In Munich Itinerary

Here are some must know tips for spending four day in Munich.

1. How To Get To Munich

Munich has an international airport, Munich Airport (MUC). It’s well-connected to various destinations worldwide.

The S-Bahn connects the airport to the city center. Trains leave every 10 minutes. The ride lasts about 40 minutes.

You can also grab a cab from the airport. Or, you can also  book a private transfer to your hotel .

If you’re already in Europe, you can reach Munich by train. Munich is a major transportation hub, and the city has excellent rail connections with other European cities. You can take a train to Munich Hauptbahnhof

2. How To Get Around Munich

If you’re staying in the city center, you can walk to the main sites in Munich. If you’d like to book a 3 hour tour of Munich’s historic sites with a local expert, click here .

You can also get around using the S-Bahn and the U-Bahn. Buy tickets at the station and validate them before you get on.

As I found out because I was staying off center, taxis are expensive.

There are some other fun ways to get around Munich. You can take a Segway tour , the hop on hop off bus , or a bike tour .

3. Where To Stay In Munich

Munich has some greet places to stay. With only one day in Munich, it makes sense to stay in the old town.

The  Mandarin Oriental  is a boutique property with an Eastern-influenced aesthetic. It’s in old town right next to the famous Hofbrauhaus beer hall.

The  Louis Hotel  is a design hotel in the historic old town. It has a nice rooftop terrace that overlooks the Victualienmarkt.

The  Hotel Bayerisches Hof  is in the Neo-Classical Montgelas Palace. The luxury hotel oozes sophistication and has a Michelin star restaurant for foodies.

Roomers Munich  is a sleek boutique hotel with an Asian kitchen and secret watering hole called the Hidden Room. Another popular boutique hotel is  BEYOND by Geisel . It has an amazing location on the Marienplatz.

4. When To Visit Munich

The best time to visit Munich is spring or fall. The temperatures are mild and there are fewer tourists.

Octoberfest is a hugely popular beer festival that lasts from mid-September to early October. If you are visiting then, make your plans well in advance.

I find that late fall and winter are either chilly or extremely cold. And you should prepare for rain if you visit then.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 4 days in Munich itinerary. You may enjoy these other Germany travel guides and resources:

• 10 Day Itinerary for Bavaria
• Pre ttie st Towns in Germany
• Landmarks in Germany
• Guide to the Romanti c Ro ad
• Desti nat ions on the Danube River
• Gu ide to Bamberg
• Gui de to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
• Guide to R egensburg
• Tips fo r T raveling in Germany

If you want to spend 4 days in Munich, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on June 29, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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3-Day Munich Itinerary (All the Top Attractions!)

Created On: August 13, 2023   |   Updated: August 9, 2023   |   Leave a comment

This 3-day Munich itinerary will take you to the top attractions in Bavaria’s capital city, plus introduce you to some lesser-known gems. 3 days in Munich is just enough time to get a good feel for the city! 

The capital of Bavaria, Munich was home to the Bavarian royal family, the Wittelsbachs, for almost 700 years . As such, Munich has played a pivotal role in shaping Bavarian — and subsequently German — culture throughout the centuries. 

In fact, much of what non-Germans know of “German culture” actually stems from the region surrounding Munich. World-renowned events like Oktoberfest and the city’s proximity to the “fairytale castle” Neuschwanstein have built up Munich’s reputation over the years and has made it one of the top visited cities in all of Germany. 

Munich’s history isn’t all pretty palaces and festivals, though. It was here that Adolf Hitler rose to power and helped establish the Nazi party.  

Three days in Munich will give you enough time to see the city’s top attractions and learn more about its rollercoaster history. This Munich itinerary will take you to the most popular places in the city center, as well as some of the city’s more sobering WWII sites. 

Table of Contents 

Click “show” to see the full table of contents for this post. You can jump around the post as desired by clicking on the individual sections listed below.

Map of the Top Attractions in Munich, Germany 

I’ve created a map for this Munich 3-day itinerary, color coded by days. I’ve marked the top attractions on the map below and have gone into detail about each one in the body of this post.

A Super Quick Overview of This 3-Day Munich Itinerary 

This is a long post with lots of details, so for those of you who just want a high level overview of the suggested 3-day Munich itinerary, here it is:

Day 1: Old Town 

• Residenz 
• Marienplatz 
• Viktualienmarkt 
• Neues Rathaus viewing platform + Glockenspiel 
• Frauenkirche 
• Hofbräuhaus 

Day 2: Dachau & Museum Day 

• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site 
• English Garden
• Eisbach surfers 
• Museum of choice (options listed in post)

Day 3: Nymphenburg Palace & BMW World

Nymphenburg Palace & Gardens 

• Olympic Hill
• BMW World 

Munich Itinerary Day 1: Explore the Old Town 

You can easily fill your first full day in Munich exploring the Old Town. I’ve proposed a suggested walking route in the section below, but for even more details and things to do in this area I recommend reading my full Munich Old Town guide . 

You might take more or less time than I did to see the attractions listed below, so know that there’s even MORE to do in the Old Town than I’ve shared on this Munich travel itinerary, should you need further ideas. 

Munich Residenz 

Time needed: 4 hours 

The Munich Residenz was the seat of government and home to the Wittelsbach royal family from 1508 to 1918. Each new ruler added his own suite of rooms to the palace, so today it’s a sprawling complex that takes the better part of half a day to visit. 

During the tour, you’ll have access to over 100 (!!) rooms inside the palace. And believe it or not, you still won’t be able to see the whole thing! 

I recommend getting an audio guide for the Residenz, but don’t listen to every single stop on the guide otherwise you’ll be there for 5+ hours. 

Take time to stop and really soak up the following rooms: 

• The Antiquarium: A Renaissance banquet hall with ceiling frescoes and antique sculptures lining the walls. This is one of the most photographed rooms in the palace. 
• The Court Chapel: Built in the 17th century for the court and royal family to worship.
• The Green Gallery: A lovely picture and mirror gallery with 70 pieces of art on display.

Tip: If you need a moment to rest your feet before continuing with the rest of this Munich 3-day itinerary, head to the Hofgarden (“Court Garden”) at the back of the Residenz. It’s free, and it’s a pretty green space to sit down. 

Marienplatz (Mary’s Square) 

Time needed: 20 minutes

Named for the city’s patron saint, the Marienplatz is the prettiest square in Munich and has always been the center of the city. 

Rising up from the middle of the square is the Mariensäule (Virgin Mary Column). It’s considered the official center of Munich. (True story: If you use Google Maps to determine the distance from Munich to another city, it will be measured starting at the Mariensäule!) 

Located around the edges of the Marienplatz is the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). 

This itinerary has you returning to this stunning square after lunch to visit the New Town Hall, but if you’re at Marienplatz close to 11 am or noon, be sure to stick around to watch the Glockenspiel! 

The Glockenspiel of the New Town Hall plays a 15-minute song, and while the song plays, the figures underneath the clock spring to life! They tell the story of a jousting tournament held as part of the wedding celebrations for Bavarian Duke Wilhelm V and his wife, Renata of Lorraine. 

Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market) 

Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour (depends on how long it takes you to find and order food) 

If everything has gone according to plan, you should be finished with the Residenz and Marienplatz around the time your stomach starts rumbling. For a cheap, quick, and tasty lunch in Munich’s Old Town, head to the Viktualienmarkt. 

The Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market) began as a small farmers market in the 1700’s and is now the city’s main market. Here you can find dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, and a variety of prepared foods like grilled bratwurst, soups, and more. 

The market is open every day but Sunday, and it’s my go-to place in Munich for a budget-friendly lunch! 

Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) 

Time needed: 45 minutes 

The Neues Rathaus took around 40 years to complete, but the end result is pretty fantastic! As mentioned previously on this itinerary for Munich, the town hall is famous for its Glockenspiel. Try to visit Marienplatz at 11 am, noon, or 5 pm (summers only) to watch the 15 minute-long Glockenspiel. 

Be sure to duck into the inner courtyard of the Neues Rathaus for a pretty photo op. Then, pop into the tourist information center on the Marienkirche to purchase tickets to climb the bell tower of the Neues Rathaus. 

The view from the observation deck at the Neues Rathaus is unparalleled! You’ll get a fantastic view of Marienplatz, the neighboring churches, and all of Munich’s Old Town! 

Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) 

Time needed: 30 minutes 

The towers of the Frauenkirche loom 325 feet overhead and are impossible to miss! They’re a symbol of the people’s faith and the power of the Catholic church in an otherwise Lutheran country.

Legend has it that the Frauenkirche’s architect made a deal with the devil in order to complete the project in just 20 years (very speedy for a church of this size!). The devil said he’d help fund the building project — but only if no windows were installed.

Luckily for Munich’s churchgoers, the architect found a loophole in the counteract and secretly added windows to the Frauenkirche. When the cathedral was finished and the devil realized he’d been tricked, he stomped his foot on the floor in anger. 

To this very day, you can see the “Devil’s footprint” at the entrance of the Frauenkirche.

Hofbräuhaus

Time needed: 90 minutes to 2 hours 

After exploring the Old Town on foot all day, you’re going to be tired and hungry. Head to the legendary Hofbräuhaus for some stick-to-your-ribs fare and a hearty liter of beer. 

Because I know I’ll get questions, yes, the Hofbräuhaus is very popular with tourists but I genuinely love this place! The Hofbräuhaus opened in 1607 and catered solely to Munich’s nobility. It wasn’t until the 1820s that King Ludwig I opened the Hofbräuhaus to the public as part of his wedding celebrations. 

However, the Hofbräuhaus has a dark history as well. It was here that Hitler and his associates founded the Nazi party in 1920.

Enjoy an evening at Munich’s most famous beer hall and fuel up for your second day in Munich! 

Munich Itinerary Day 2: Dachau & Museum Day 

Day two of this Munich itinerary will take you beyond the city center and back again. I recommend starting your day at Dachau since it’s a place of reflection and sadness; it definitely saps a good amount of your emotional energy for the day, which is why I prefer starting with it. 

Your day will end at a museum of your choice (I’ve listed my top recommendations below!), and at that point it will be dinnertime. 

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Time needed: 3 hours 

Munich was where Hitler founded the Nazi party, and he built the very first concentration camp at Dachau, a suburb roughly 30 minutes from Munich’s city center. 

Dachau served as a model for all other concentration camps , and it’s estimated that from its founding in 1933 until the liberation of the camp’s prisoners in 1945 that some 41,500 people were murdered here. 

Today, the site has been transformed into a memorial, although many of the original camp buildings remain standing. Some of the buildings house exhibitions explaining the camp’s history, as well as the personal histories of some of the prisoners who lost their lives there. 

The Dachau Memorial Site is free to enter , but I recommend paying the few Euros extra for an audio guide to make the most of your visit.  

Englishcher Garten (English Garden)

Time needed: 90+ minutes (depends on if you’re just passing through or take time to visit the sites mentioned below. You can also bring a book and read for a bit!) 

After visiting Dachau, you’ll likely need some time to rest your mind and recharge after spending so much time in a former place of imprisonment, torture, and death. 

I recommend taking public transportation to either the Giselastraße or Münchner Freiheit U-Bahn (subway) stations, walking the few blocks over to the English Garden, and unwinding from there. 

The English Garden is Munich’s largest public park. It’s mostly open green space with minimal landscaping and lots of trees and walking paths. 

While in the English Garden, be sure to see the Chinese Tower ( Chinescischer Turm ) , which was opened in 1790. Surrounding the tower is Munich’s second-largest beer garden. You can stop by the beer garden for a drink and a snack, or snap some photos and keep walking. 

My other favorite spot in the English Garden is the Monopteros . It’s a small, temple-like building perched on a hill in the middle of the park. Follow the path up to the temple for a great view of the park! 

Even if your three days in Munich coincide with rainy or cold weather, I still think it’s worth exploring the English Garden. 

Tip: Rumor has it there are sheep somewhere on the lawn of the English Garden in the summer months, but it’s such a big place that I’ve never found them! 

English Garden: Surfers at the Eisbach 

Time needed: 20 minutes 

No walk through the English Garden is complete without stopping to see the surfers at the Eisbachwelle!

You read that right — locals don their wetsuits and brave the continuous waves at the Eisbach River. I recommend standing along the Eisbach Bridge ( Eisbachbrücke ) for the best view of the surfers.   

Museum of Your Choice

Time needed: 2 to 4 hours for each museum mentioned below 

The second day of this Munich travel itinerary finishes in one of the city’s renowned museums. You have a few choices (all in or very close to the English Garden) based on your personal interests and budget: 

• Bavarian National Museum — Houses a large collection of art, silverware and porcelain, musical instruments, and more that were originally part of the royal family’s collection. Get an audio guide if you don’t speak German since most of the signs are auf Deutsch. 
• Alte Pinakothek — There are actually three pinakothek museums (“Old,” “New,” and “Modern”) and the “Old Pinakothek” is my favorite. It houses over 700 paintings ranging from the Middle Ages to the Rococo period, and the building itself is a feast for the eyes. 
• Deutsches Museum (shown above) — Arguably the best-known science museum in Germany. It has exhibits in 53 subject areas ranging from chemistry to metallurgy to timekeeping to marine navigation to mining. I’m not really a “science person” (hello, travel writer here!) but I loved this museum. 

You’ll only have time for ONE museum, so pick whichever interests you the most. I’ve visited all three of these museums and loved them all for totally different reasons. 

And, of course, you can toss my suggestions in the garbage and visit any museum you want. Reader’s choice! 

Tip: Buy your museum tickets in advance to skip the line at the door. 

Munich Itinerary Day 3: Nymphenburg Palace & Olympiapark Attractions

Your third and final day in Munich will give you the royal treatment! You’ll spend the bulk of your day touring Nymphenburg Palace and its vast gardens. Yes, I realize this is the second palace on this Munich 3-day itinerary but the Residenz you visited on day 1 is very different from Nymphenburg Palace. As such, both are worth visiting! 

Car lovers, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten that Munich is where BMW’s main headquarters are located! Day three will give you a dose of automobiles and motorcycles, too. 

Time needed: 4 to 6 hours 

Just 30 minutes outside of Munich’s city center is the gorgeous Italianate-style Nymphenburg Palace. The palace was built in the 1660’s as a summer residence for Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy.

The extensive manicured parkland and Baroque-style gardens are thanks to additions made by Elector Max Emanuel in the 1700’s. 

Give yourself at least 90 minutes to see the palace itself without rushing. The Great Hall is one of the jewels of the complex; it’s one of the very few rooms that hasn’t been remodeled since being completed in 1758 . The bright frescoes and soaring ceilings will take your breath away! 

After touring the palace, I encourage you to see a few hours enjoying the formal gardens and park. There’s a cafe on site, should you need food or drinks (although packing a lunch is probably cheapest and easiest!). 

Within the Nymphenburg Palace park, make sure to visit the village with the old pump house, the historic green houses, and the great cascade. The park is chock full of real and faux historic sites, statues, and fountains — you can tell this was once a playground for nobility! 

Tip: If you don’t have the time, desire, or budget to tour the palace, still visit Nymphenburg just to see the gardens and park! They’re free to enter and I cannot stress enough how beautiful they are. 

Olympiaberg (Olympic Hill) 

Time needed: 30 minutes

In the middle of Munich’s beloved Olympic Park is the 60-meter tall Olympic Hill. 

The hill was built from the rubble of the hundreds of destroyed homes and businesses bombed in Allied air raids in WWII. It was completed in 1957, and the surrounding park was built later for the 1972 summer olympics. 

From the top of Olympic Hill, you get a incredible view of Olympic Park, Munich, and even the Alps on a clear day!  (Note that the photo above left is NOT the view, but it IS within the park. Turns out I forgot to take one last time I visited!)

Buy a drink from a nearby convenience store on your way to the hill, then rest your feet and take in the view. (My friend from Munich also told me that locals come to this hill when big concerts are taking place so they can listen for free!)

If you have the energy, you’re welcome to explore more of Olympic Park on foot! I just included the best spot in the park on this 3-day Munich itinerary. 

BMW Welt (BMW World) 

Time needed: 1 hour

Automobile lovers, this one’s for you! BMW ( Bayerischen Motoren Werke ) has its main headquarters in Munich, and there’s both a free exhibit and a full-blown museum near Olympic Park. 

Since this itinerary is already jam-packed with Munich’s top attractions, I recommend visiting the free exhibition, BMW World . The two-story space showcases the latest and greatest from BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce. You can climb into most of the vehicles on display to get a feel for the vehicle. 

BMW World is open until midnight every night , so it’s the perfect final activity for your 3 days in Munich. Spend as much time as you want relaxing on Olympic Hill before visiting BMW World! 

Tip: If you’re a hardcord BMW fan, feel free to alter around this itinerary as you see fit so you have time to visit the BMW Museum. It’s open 10 am to 5 pm daily. 

If You Have More Time in Munich … 

Yes, there’s even MORE to do in and around Munich than I’ve mentioned on this itinerary! 

I purposely didn’t list any of the (many) Munich day trip destinations on this itinerary because three days is barely enough to scratch the surface of what the city has to offer. However, if you plan on spending more time in Munich or want to change around the itinerary, here are my top Munich day trip recommendations. 

And here are my favorite things to do in Munich in general. 

Is 3 Days in Munich Enough Time? 

I’ve visited Munich multiple times, from 24 hours to eight full days. It’s truly so easy to fill your time here! 

Munich is easy to navigate, both on foot and using the public transportation system. Once you leave the city center, there are still plenty of boutiques, cafes, and museums to visit. 

Personally, I think three days in Munich is the minimum amount of time you’ll need to explore the city itself. 

I don’t think a day trip is necessary if you have just three days here, but you may of course swap out any of the daily itineraries shared in this post for a day trip (such as the popular Munich to Neuschwanstein day trip!).  

Excited to Visit Munich?  

I’d intended to make this 3-day Munich itinerary short, sweet, and to the point, and … it didn’t happen. But I hope you found it easy to use regardless. 

Leave me a comment below with any questions or comments about this itinerary or visiting Munich in general. I’ve been several times and also have friends from Munich, so I can likely help you out! 

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!

Even More Things to Do In & Around Munich: 

• The Top Things to Do in Munich 
• Complete Guide to Munich’s Old Town
• The Best Day Trips from Munich (by Train!) 
• All of my Bavaria recommendations! 

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Munich Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Munich

Munich, in Germany, is a major tourist destination for many reasons, not the least of which is the annual Oktoberfest celebration. Munich is one of Germany’s most iconic cities, and as the third-largest city in the country and 11th largest in the whole of the European Union, Munich offers plenty of activities and sights that you won’t want to miss.

Unfortunately, visitors tend to rush through Munich, looking to fit in as much as they can during a trip to Germany as a whole, and a lot of its charm gets overlooked. That’s why we recommend this itinerary for 3 days in for Munich.

Three days in Munich is the perfect amount of time to see all the top spots, including a few hidden gems you’ve probably not heard about, and to go on a day trip out to Neuschwanstein, which is an absolutely must.

Also, if you’re planning to go to Munich for Oktoberfest , you’ll want to spend at least 2-3 extra days there in order to see the rest of the city, outside of the Theresienwiese, where the festival takes place. And did you know that Salzburg, Austria , is under 2 hours away by train?

Visiting other destinations in Germany? Check out our guide to traveling in Germany that includes information on many popular destinations like Berlin and Munich , plus Oktoberfest in Munich . Going outside of Germany? Here’s our Europe travel guide .

Table of Contents

Day 1: Munich’s Old Town 

Munich’s Old Town is the heart of the city, so what better way to kickstart your 3 days in Munich than by exploring this major tourist attraction.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied in the Old Town, so it’s best to divide your itinerary for your first day into morning and afternoon to make sure you have a structured plan to get where you need to go on time.

We’ll provide alternative suggestions throughout, so if anything doesn’t appeal to you, you can easily swap it out for something else. 

Morning 

We recommend starting your day in Munich’s Old Town bright and early at around 9 am with a tour of the Munich Residenz Palace , which is an integral part of Munich’s history as well as Germany’s past as a whole.

It was where Bavarian kings, dukes, and electors resided between the 16th and 20th centuries. 

The tour takes roughly 2 and a half hours (be sure to get a ticket for the treasury vault after the guided tour). When it’s done, head back in the direction of the Marienplatz (Munich’s central square).

Here, you can climb St. Peter’s Church (Old Peter) and enjoy the stunning view at the top. It’s 300+ steps up to the viewing platform and the tower is 91 meters high, so it’s the best view you can find over the city’s rooftops. It costs €5.00 for adults and is open from 9am to 6pm.

Alternatively, if climbing church towers doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, you might want to take a guided tour of Munich’s Old Town instead. We recommend this flexible private tour with a local that you can customize to fit your schedule.

You’ll have plenty of options in Munich’s Old Town when it comes to lunch. Grab a light lunch and German beer at the Viktualienmarkt where you can peruse the stalls for snacks, or go a little further to Eataly for a cheeky pizza.

For traditional German cuisine in a stunning neo-Gothic restaurant with amazing atmosphere, go to Ratskeller Munchen in the Marienplatz. You might think it’s touristy, but it’s not. It’s exactly the right place for your first day in Munich. If you don’t go here for lunch, consider coming back for dinner and be sure to get the pork knuckle!

Afternoon 

Now that you’ve refuelled it’s off for a jam-packed afternoon in the Old Town of Munich.

Either catch the subway or walk from the Marienplatz to the Königsplatz . In the early 19th century, King Ludwig I commissioned the construction of Königsplatz, which was modelled after the Acropolis in Athens.

This is where which marks the beginning of Munich’s Art Quarter and is where you’ll find most of the city’s museums and art galleries. 

You can choose which museums and galleries you’d like to visit based on your personal interest, but if you’re interested in traditional art, the Alte Pinakothek is likely to be high on your list. Or maybe the Ionic Glyptothek, which is the most renowned museum for Greek and Roman sculptures in Europe .

When you’re done at the museums, take a stroll through the Englischer Garten , which is the largest park in Munich.

There are beer gardens dotted around the park, so once you’ve done your exploring, treat yourself to another beer. Just find one that looks intriguing and sit down.

Unfortunately, the beer gardens at the Englischer Garten are closed during the winter, but you might be able to enjoy the yearly Christmas Market instead.

In our opinion, the perfect end to a busy first day in Munich is dinner at the famous Hofbräuhaus .

Known throughout Europe as the world’s most famous tavern, the Hofbräuhaus serves traditional German food and the best beer from the Bavarian region in a huge beer hall atmosphere that’s something you absolutely can’t miss.

Just make sure to reserve your table in advance because this tavern is a tourist hotspot year-round. If you’re doing it right, you’ll order a liter of Munich’s best beer (Spaten, Hofbrauhaus, Augustiner, Löwenbraü, Hacker-Pschorr, and Paulaner), along with half a roast chicken.

Day 2: Northern Munich

For your second day in Munich, we recommend moving away from the Old Town and travelling further afield to see what Northern Munich has to offer.

You have a couple of options for how to spend your morning in north Munich – specifically the Milbertshofen-Am Hart district – on day 2.

If you’re interested in cars, it’ll be a no-brainer, because the BMW Welt is located directly adjacent to the Olympiazentrum subway station.

While you’re exploring the BMW Welt, including the BMW plant and all the interesting architecture in the surrounding area, you’ll have time to see the BMW Museum , but be sure to reserve your tickets to this attraction ahead of time since it’s so popular. At the museum, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the BMW, spanning over a century. 

We know that not everyone is interested in cars, and if that’s the case for you, don’t worry – there are other ways you can spend your morning. If you prefer, stroll through the Olympiapark (same subway stop), which houses the Olympic Stadium for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

The park sometimes hosts events, including festivals, concerts, and theater productions, so definitely check the schedule for your trip. There are many other fun things to do in the park like renting a row boat to go out on Olympia Lake or visiting Sea Life, a small aquarium in the park.

Afterwards, getting a ticket for the Olympic Tower elevator , which will take you to the observation tower at 291 meters and a spectacular view of the whole city.

There’s a restaurant on the tower’s top floor, called Restaurant 181 , so you can stop there or at Restaurant Olympiasee for lunch. 

From the Olympic Tower, it’s just a short bus ride to Nymphenburg Palace , a stunning castle famous for being the birthplace of King Ludwig II.

The grounds surrounding the palace are considered to be one of the most significant gardens in Germany in terms of the artwork involved in the layout and construction.

Exploring the palace and gardens can take a few hours, so be aware of the time to make sure you leave yourself enough time to see some of the museums in the area before they close. 

The Bavarian National Museum is one of the most popular museums in Northern Munich, so if you’re interested in the cultural history of Bavaria, this is a must-visit attraction.

If you want to continue the palace theme of your afternoon, you may wish to visit the Marstallmuseum , which is a fascinating museum dedicated to court carriages. 

If you’d prefer to stay outdoors for as long as possible after exploring the Nymphenburg Palace gardens, you could spend more time walking through Nymphenburg’s botanical garden , where scientific research and gardening education takes place. 

The Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige , which is actually located in Nymphenburg Palace’s side building, is the perfect place to enjoy some traditional Bavarian food fine-dining style at the end of the day.

If you prefer a slightly more relaxed dinner, we recommend the Königlicher Hirschgarten Restaurant & Biergarten , which serves classics of German cuisine and beer until 10pm.

Another option, which we prefer, is to go on a Bavarian Beer & Food Evening Tour . If you want to do this, you can head back to your hotel to rest in the late afternoon and join the 6pm tour from Dachauer Straße 4, near Munich Central Station. The tour is just over 3 hours and will introduce you to some Bavarian beer halls, beer culture, and bar snacks.

Day 3: Neuschwanstein And Hohenschwangau

What better way to end your stay in Munich than to have a real-life fairytale experience? 

That’s exactly what you’ll get when you visit the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, which are located conveniently close to one another and each provide a unique, romantic perspective of Munich’s history and culture. 

You’ll need half a day to explore each castle fully, which is why we’ve allocated the whole of your third day itinerary to these incredible buildings. The trip there is on the train and a local bus. Be sure to read our instructions for how to get there from Munich Central Station.

Start by visiting Hohenschwangau Castle, which dates back to the 12th century and was owned by the knights of Schwangau until the 16th century.

Despite having been damaged and almost destroyed during various conflicts over the years, the castle was eventually rebuilt during the 19th century by King Maximillian II, after which point, it housed the Bavarian Royal Family. You can learn all about it by booking a guided tour of the castle , which lasts about 45 minutes.

Bear in mind that unguided visits to the castle are not permitted so you will need to book well in advance since the capacity for this tour is limited. 

After touring Hohenschwangau, head over to one of the nearby restaurants, like Restaurant Alpenstuben , which is a 13-minute walk from Hohenschwangau Castle in the direction of Neuschwanstein. Be sure to try the Schnitzel & Kase Spaetzel with another local beer.

Neuschwanstein castle is the most famous palace in Germany. It’s known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty Castle’. Like Hohenschwangau, you can only visit Neuschwanstein if you book a guided tour at a specified time. You can buy them online at  hohenschwangau.de and also at the Ticket Center onsite, but don’t do that because there are limited tickets and they sell out fast! Buy in advance.

A guided tour of Neuschwanstein castle will allow you to see all of the palace’s most impressive rooms like the Throne Hall, which has only recently been restored.

You’ll also learn about the history of the castle, which is less than two centuries old but has inspired many creative works since its construction. 

If you want to have another meal before you head back, I highly recommend stopping at the Neuschwanstein Castle Restaurant , which has a beautiful view of the castle gardens. In the summer, you can even dine on the terrace directly overlooking the castle. It might seem too touristy, but it’s actually really good and it’s not more expensive than the other restaurants nearby.

Final Thoughts 

If this itinerary proves one thing, it’s that you definitely won’t risk getting bored if you decide to spend 3 whole days in Munich.

From museums and castles to outdoor sports and breathtaking gardens (not to mention the excellent food and beer), Munich is fun and exciting.

Just make sure to book your tours and tickets as far in advance as possible because most of these activities are in high demand. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

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Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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How to Spend One Magical Day in Munich (Itinerary + Travel Tips!)

Some cities are just so relaxing, and so downright enjoyable, that visiting always puts a smile on your face–and after spending one day in Munich, we hope you’ll agree that the capital of Bavaria is one of them!

Munich always brings to mind the word livable for us: while the sightseeing is excellent, it’s the atmosphere that truly makes Munich stand out (something that it has in common with Madrid , at least for us).

Nicknamed the “Village of a Million People” (or Millionendorf), Munich manages to simultaneously live up to its status as stately (former) capital city while offering the relaxed pace of a much smaller one.

If your idea of spending 24 hours in Munich (or less!) involves a palace, a church or two, plenty of wandering, delicious food, beautiful parks, a few unexpected highlights, and–of course–some excellent beer, then we put together this one day Munich itinerary for you.

Here’s how to fall in love with Munich in a day!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate One Day in Munich Itinerary

Where to stay in munich for a day, more than 24 hours in munich, germany, getting around during one day in munich, quick tips for visiting munich in a day, read more about visiting germany (and central europe), your one day munich itinerary map.

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Start your morning at Marienplatz.

Where better to begin your one day in Munich than in the very heart of the city?

Marienplatz has been Munich’s central square for going on 1000 years, and it remains one of the best places to visit in Munich!

Notable buildings include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall, which now houses a toy museum) and Neus Rathaus (New Town Hall), which are some of the most recognizable structures in the city.

Don’t miss the gorgeous Glockenspiel on the side of the Neus Rathaus!

It dances daily at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, and between March and October, you’ll have a third chance to catch it at 5:00 PM as well.

You’ll likely be a bit too early to catch it right now, but don’t worry–you’ll have another chance in a bit.

Soak up views of Munich from above at the Neus Rathaus or Peterskirche.

Before leaving the Marienplatz area, take the time to get a birds-eye view of the famous square and of Munich as a whole!

You have two options to do so: head to the top of the Neus Rathaus, or to the top of Peterskirche, which is Munich’s oldest church and worth visiting whether you climb the tower or not.

Opinions abound on which boasts the better view, but it’s safe to say you won’t be disappointed with either!

The two viewpoints more or less face each other, so decide whether you want to admire Marienplatz when looking to the south from the Neus Rathaus or to the north from Peterskirche (also affectionately known as Alter Peter, or “Old Peter”).

One other very notable difference?

Heading to the top of the Neus Rathaus involves an elevator… while heading to the top of Alter Peter requires a 306-step climb.

Make your way over to Viktualienmarkt.

The bustling Viktualienmarkt, or Victuals Market, is a must-see when trying to sample Munich in a day!

Located a very short walk from Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt was once a farmer’s market, but today caters more to foodies and souvenir shoppers–though if you’re hankering from some produce, you’ll still find that, too.

You’ll also find Munich’s very own Maypole here, as well as the city’s most central beer garden.

As the first of 2 beer gardens (potentially) included on this Munich itinerary, you may or may not want to stop for a drink–but it’s a wonderful place to do so!

The Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden offers a rotating selection of beer from Munich’s six major local breweries, so there’s no telling exactly what you’ll find on tap.

Bringing your own snacks is encouraged, so feel free to browse the market and then sit down to enjoy your purchases over a drink.

It’s worth noting that the Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden is also open year-round, weather permitting, while most beer gardens are seasonal.

If you’re hoping to enjoy this Bavarian tradition but are visiting Munich in winter, the Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden is your best bet for enjoying an outdoor brew.

Check out the Devil’s Footprint at Frauenkirche.

After enjoying the Viktualienmarkt, it’s time to head to another one of Munich’s most beautiful churches–but check the time, because you might want to pay a visit to the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz on the way!

From there, enjoy a very short walk over to Frauenkirche.

With its distinctive twin towers, Frauenkirche is one of Munich’s most iconic buildings–but it’s also known for a legendary visitor!

There are several versions of the story , but one way or the other, a very distinct footprint in Frauenkirche is attributed to the devil paying a visit to this Bavarian Cathedral.

Located just inside the entrance to the church, shortly before you enter the sanctuary, it’s one of the most popular things to see at Frauenkirche, so keep an eye out!

Odds are that there will be several people standing around photographing the footprint (and/or comparing their own footprint to the devil’s) when you walk in.

Fraunekirche is free to visit, with the exception of getting an audio guide or climbing one of the towers, which you most likely won’t have time for when trying to see Munich in 24 hours or less.

Step into Odeonsplatz.

One of Munich’s most important squares, Odeonplatz is dominated on one side by the bright yellow Theatinekirche, on another by the Munich Residenz (more on those two below), and on a third by the famous Feldherrnhalle.

If the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshals’ Hall) looks familiar, you might have been to Tuscany!

The Feldherrnhalle  was built in the 19th century as a replica of the Loggia dei Lanzi, which stands on the Piazza dell Signoria in Florence (right around the corner from the Uffizi Museum).

The Odeonplatz is also home to some dark history: it was the site of a deadly confrontation between German police officers and upcoming Nazis during the climax of the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch.

During the time of the Third Reich, a statue of Hitler stood here that passersby were expected to honor.

The statue was demolished in 1945.

If you’re curious about this chapter in Munich’s past, this well-reviewed Third Reich walking tour covers the rise and fall of, as well as the resistance to, the Nazis in Munich in far more detail.

… and stop to form your own opinion of Theatinekirche.

Built between 1663 and 1688, the Theatinekirche (officially the Church of St. Kajetan) is a bit controversial among visitors: not everyone is a fan of the bright yellow facade!

Like its next-door neighbor, Feldherrnhalle, the Theatinekirche takes inspiration from Italian architecture and features an opulent Baroque interior that is light on color but heavy on details.

Theatinekirche is free, quick, and easy to see, so be sure to step inside as you pass by when visiting Munich!

Marvel at the Munich Residenz.

For more than 400 years, the Wittelsbach royal family ruled Bavaria from the Munich Residenz–and today, you can step inside and tour it for yourself!

What started in the 14th century as a modest medieval castle grew and changed enormously over the centuries until the opulent palace that we see today took shape.

Today, the Munich Residenz is the largest urban palace in Germany, and visiting is one of the absolute best things to do in Munich.

Thanks to its many centuries of growth, you’ll see a wide variety of architectural styles on display, from Renaissance to Baroque to Rococo (so much Rococo!) and beyond.

Of all the roughly 120 rooms in the palace, the Antiquarium, which was housed to hold the monarchs’ collection of antiques, is arguably the best-known (and it’s quite the marvel in person):

Want to see a different side of the Munich Residenz?

If your one day in Munich happens to be a Saturday, you can enjoy a concert in the Residenz’s chapel !

(Other concerts are occasionally offered throughout the year, so if you’re a classical music fan, check and see if there’s anything available at the time of your trip.)

Whether you visit at night for a concert or not, though, touring the many rooms of the Munich Residenz should absolutely be a priority during your day in Munich.

Meander through Hofgarten.

With only a day in Munich to work with, you won’t need to spend long in the beautiful Hofgarten–but it’s worth stopping by!

The Royal Garden dates to the 17th century and was once the exclusive strolling grounds of the aristocracy.

Don’t miss the Diana Temple while you’re there!

Make your way through the Englischer Garden to the Chinese Tower.

As you leave Hofgarten, it’s time to make your way into another park: the Englischer Garden, which is one of the largest urban parks in the world (even beating out Central Park in New York City and Hyde Park in London).

The park is expansive enough that there’s no way to see it all, but here are a few things to keep an eye out for.

Haus der Knust

As you enter the park, you’ll pass the formidable Haus der Knust.

Today, the building holds Munich’s Museum of Contemporary Art, but the building itself is also known for being the first major example of Nazi architecture.

Monopoteros

Built in 1836, this beautiful round gazebo offers beautiful views of the Englischer Garden, as well as of the rooftops of the Altstadt in the distance.

Chinesischer Turm

The Chinesischer Turm, or Chinese Tower, is a bit of a hike from the edge of the Englischer Garden–and in fact, walking here makes up a decent chunk of the actual distance covered in this Munich itinerary, so feel free to skip it if you’re short on time!

However, if you’re visiting Munich on a beautiful day, the Chinesischer Turm also offers one of the city’s most popular and idyllic beer gardens, perfect for relaxing while enjoying any extra time you have this afternoon.

Just don’t bother hiking over if the weather is too cold or wet: the beer garden’s hours are weather-dependent.

The tower also hosts a Christmas market during the holiday season!

And, as you walk back to Munich’s Altstadt, there’s one more place at the edge of the Englischer Garden to see…

Stop to admire Munich’s dedicated river surfers on your way back into the center.

Munich is a city known for its quirks, its easy access to nature, and its melding of the old and new… and a very fun example of that energy can be found at Eisbachwelle, one of the most famous river surfing spots in the world.

Year-round, very experienced (and sometimes professional) surfers jump into the river one after the other to ride the famous man-made wave, usually with plenty of onlookers around to watch them!

Eisbachwelle is located on the southern edge of the Englischer Garden, and you could easily see it on your way into the park as well.

However, since you’ll need to loop back into the center of town regardless, we placed them at the end of your park tour for the purposes of this itinerary for Munich.

You can find the right place by directing your GPS to Eisbachwelle or Eisbachbrücke (the name of the bridge where visitors watch the surfers).

Wrap up your one day in Munich with touristy fun and classic Bavarian food at Hofbräuhaus.

Dating to 1589, Munich’s iconic Hofbräuhaus is touristy in all the best ways.

Yes, you’ll be surrounded by many other visitors when eating and drinking there (plus some Munich residents shepherding their guests from out of town around), but you’ll also almost certainly have a great time, and spend far less than you might think for such an iconic location!

Classic Bavarian food like pork knuckle, pretzels, potatoes, and Bavarian meatloaf are featured on the menu, along with the classic beer served by the liter (if you haven’t ordered a full liter of beer yet in Munich, it’s worth ordering one for the photo op alone).

Prefer to step (ever so slightly) off the beaten path?

Augustiner, another beloved Munich brewery and one of our favorites, has a restaurant location right in front of the Frauenkirche.

Want to taste several varieties of Bavarian food and beer while learning a bit about Munich’s beer history?

If so, then this Bavarian beer and food culture tour might be right for you!

Book your Bavarian food and culture tour today!

On our most recent stay in Munich, we loved basing ourselves at Hotel Concorde !

The location, on a quiet street just a 7-minute walk from Marienplatz, was perfect, the room crisp and modern, the staff friendly, and the included breakfast great (we ate a lot of traditional sausages and pretzels for breakfast, among many other things).

For travelers on a budget, Hotel Kreis Residenz München gets great reviews, but note that you’ll be compromising significantly on location, so be prepared for a decent U-Bahn ride into the city center before kicking off your sightseeing!

Looking to splurge?

If so, then the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Munich is an incredible place to stay.

Check rates & book your stay in Munich today!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than one day in Munich, it’s time to start thinking a bit further afield–literally!

Attractions like the Nymphenburg Palace (the summer residence of the Kings of Bavaria), Olympic Park (grounds of the 1972 Summer Olympics), and the Alte Pinakothek (just one of several wonderful art museums in Munich) are all excellent options for extending your trip.

Autophiles will be drawn to the BMW Museum and BMW World (my stepmom is a big car fan and loved them), while those looking for a science and technology museum will love the Deutsches Museum, and football fans will want to tour the Allianz Arena .

If you’re looking to splurge on some shopping (or even just enjoy some luxury window shopping), head to the famous Maximilianstrasse.

In addition to all the cool things to do in Munich itself, though, it’s also hard to miss that the capital of Bavaria is one of the best-connected cities by train in Europe–meaning that the day trip possibilities are endless!

Just a handful of the best day trips from Munich include Neuschwanstein Castle , Nuremberg, Salzburg (only an hour away by train despite being across the border!), and Dachau (both the town and memorial site).

Looking to enjoy some time in nature?

Consider heading up to Zugspitze in the Bavarian Alps to enjoy views from the highest point in Germany (and–this being Bavaria–beers at the highest beer garden in Germany while you’re at it).

We designed this one day Munich itinerary to be completely walkable, and travelers who love to meander on foot won’t need any other transport to get around!

The route covers just under an hour and a half of walking, not including any time spent in each attraction (touring the Residenz, browsing the stalls at the Viktualienmarkt, etc.).

If you’re staying far outside the Altstadt or are taking a day trip to Munich from another city, you’ll want to take the U-Bahn (metro) or S-Bahn (commuter rail) to Marienplatz to kick off your day in Munich.

Hoping to avoid walking, or have some attractions well outside the Altstadt (like Olympic Park or Nymphenburg Palace) on your Munich bucket list?

If so, a hop-on/hop-off bus tour might be right for you.

Consider booking a tour to dive deeper into the city.

When trying to get an overview of Munich in a day, it’s hard to dive too deep into any one subject–but if you want to learn more about Munich’s history, booking an organized tour with a knowledgeable guide is a great way to do so!

For example, this popular bike tour will allow you to cover a wider geography than we included here.

For history buffs, this well-reviewed Third Reich tour offers an introduction to Munich’s Nazi-connected past.

And, for foodies whose love of Munich’s history is closely tied to its most famous drink, this Bavarian beer and food culture tour offers a chance to learn about (read: taste) far more varieties of beer than you’ll likely have time for on your own with only one day in Munich to work with!

Book your cultural tour of Munich today!

Come prepared with cash!

While credit cards are more widely accepted every year, Germany is still a very cash-based society in many ways.

There’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself reaching for your Euros more often than you might think during your day in Munich!

To make sure you’re not caught unaware, come prepared with cash, especially in places like beer gardens and when browsing the stalls at Viktualienmarkt.

Prepare for crowds during seasonal events.

If you happen to be planning a trip to Munich for Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets , you’re going to have a fantastic time.

However, some of the typical attractions that you’d like to see during a day in Munich might be impacted.

Crowded and pricey hotels (book ASAP if you’re visiting for an event), seasonal closings (see: beer gardens), and weather can all impact your trip, so keep that in mind as you plan.

Don’t plan to shop on Sundays.

Shops–including grocery stores–typically close on Sundays in Germany.

If you have any shopping planned, be sure to keep the day of the week in mind as you plan your 24 hours in Munich.

Tourist attractions and restaurants in central areas are generally less impacted by this, but it’s good to plan ahead!

Planning a trip to Germany soon and eager to keep reading?

You can browse our Germany blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• How to Travel Europe By Train: The Ultimate Guide (+ Tips!)
• Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle: A Fairytale Day Trip
• How to Celebrate Christmas in Europe: Itinerary Ideas, Tips + FAQ!
• Salzburg in Winter: A Massively Detailed Guide
• 17 Spectacular Places to Visit in Switzerland (+ Map!)

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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What to Do in Munich in 1 Day: the Perfect Itinerary for 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

Want to visit Munich but only have one day? No problem! This article will help you plan your perfect day in Munich!

• 1 Why Visit Munich?
• 2 When to Visit Munich
• 3 Getting to Munich
• 4 Where to Stay in Munich
• 5 Best Way to Get Around Munich
• 6 Best Guided Tours
• 7 What to Do & See in Munich in 1 Day
• 8 Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)
• 9 Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
• 10 Toy Museum
• 11 St. Peter’s Church
• 12 Viktualienmarkt
• 13 Munich Residenz
• 14 English Garden (Englischer Garten)
• 15 Haus der Kunst
• 16 Deutsches Museum
• 17 Alte Pinakothek
• 18 Neue Pinakothek
• 19 Pinakothek der Moderne
• 20 Nymphenburg Palace
• 21 Olympic Park
• 22 Christmas Markets
• 23 Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
• 24 Neuschwanstein Castle

Why Visit Munich?

As the capital of Bavaria and also the third largest city in Germany, it’s no surprise that Munich has become one of the most popular city destinations in Germany.

And for good reason: you’ll never run out of places to see and things to do in this wonderful city!

Because of this though it can be a challenge to narrow down the best places to visit if you’re on a time crunch. But the good thing is that you’ll have a lot of options to choose from.

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Scenic views, beautiful architecture, good beer and delicious food, historic sites – you name it, Munich has it!

Even if you think you won’t have much time to see everything, with some careful planning you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time.

My very first two visits to Munich were just for the day and I was able to see quite a bit each time – and on one of those visits I made it to both Dachau and Oktoberfest!

So whether you find yourself in the city for a short amount of time because of a layover or maybe you’re passing by on your way to other German cities, we hope this article will help you plan your one day itinerary to make the most out of your trip to Munich!

When to Visit Munich

If you’re only in the city for a day, chances are you won’t have much control of how the weather will be like during your stay. But if you’re planning ahead, it still helps to have a general idea of each season to choose what time of the year you want to see Munich in.

Since Munich is known worldwide for Oktoberfest, it’s not a surprise that many tourists plan to visit during the fall season. If you’re visiting during mid- to late-September until early October, accommodations and flights will be at their highest.

Another tradition that brings in people from all over are Christmas markets in December. Winter is not only the best time to celebrate the holidays but it’s also a smart option for those who want to avoid peak season by visiting during late January and February.

If you’re not one for cold, snowy weather, then spring is a better choice. There are still odd rainy and windy days here and there, but you’ll be able to witness the city coming back to life and gearing up for warmer days ahead.

The summer months of June to August lets you experience Munich under warm, sunny days. The heat can reach very high temperatures and popular attractions might be crowded so keep this in mind if you’re visiting during this time.

Getting to Munich

As Munich has become a huge tourist destination over the past years, getting to the city has also become easier and more accessible. Munich Airport, Germany’s second busiest airport, sees daily arrivals and departures from all over the world from all airlines.

I’ve flown into Munich direct from the US and found the airport easy to navigate. To get into city center you can take public transportation, a taxi or book a convenient airport transfer here .

Can you visit Munich on a long airport layover? Maybe. If you arrive early in the morning and fly out late in the evening you could probably make it happen. Be sure to factor in things like going through passport control, getting to/from the airport, storing your luggage at the airport or train station, going through security before your next flight…and jet lag if you’re arriving from several timezones away!

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If you’re traveling from a nearby city in Germany the train is a great way to get to Munich. If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Europe it might take longer than flying but it’s a great eco-friendly alternative that also lets you see the countryside. The Deutsche Bahn (German rail) system is well connected and will lead you all the way to Munich’s central train station, München Hauptbahnhof.

And depending on the ticket you buy, you could easily schedule a multi-hour layover in Munich on your way to another destination. We’ve done this so many times! Be sure to either book a ticket that will allow you to take any train you want on your chosen day of travel or book a ticket on a specific train to Munich and then another ticket from Munich to your final destination.

Busses are another option and one that’s more popular these days than in the past. We typically favor trains or driving rental cars but busses can be an economical and fairly comfortable way to travel. The bus station is right next to the main train station.

Where to Stay in Munich

If you’re in Munich for a day trip then accommodations are likely not a priority in planning your itinerary. But if you have the opportunity to stay over a night or two to have a full day in Munich, choosing a centrally located hotel will make sightseeing around the city so much easier.

The city center is the ideal place to stay in because you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from many of the major attractions and must see tourist spots. I’ve stayed in both city center hotels near Marianplatz and in a neighborhood apartment. For short trips I prefer to stay in or near the city center (the apartment was for a longer work trip).

Luckily, there are many hotels for all budgets located right at the heart of Munich. Read our article on the best places to stay in when visiting Munich here.

Best Way to Get Around Munich

Like many European cities, Munich is easy to get around without a car. Most of the city’s main attractions are within close walking distance of each other. This is especially true in downtown or old town Munich since not only is it very walkable, it’s also packed with historic sites and top tourist spots.

All other points of interest outside downtown are still easily accessible by taking a cab or a short commute. Munich is an excellent city for using public transit. The well-developed public transportation network gives you a variety of options to choose from: the U-bahn (underground train), Straßenbahn or trams, the S-bahn (aboveground city railway), and buses.

If you think you’ll find yourself using any of these modes of transport frequently, then consider buying a Munich public transportation day ticket! A day ticket gives you access to an unlimited number of rides on busses, trams, and subways per day. It can save you quite a bit of money over buying a single ticket for every ride you take.

However, if you want to save yourself the trouble of learning and navigating the public transportation system, then the Hop On Hop Off Bus is an excellent alternative. This is the best way to explore Munich if you have a limited amount of time because it takes you directly to all of the city’s best sights, all for the price of one ticket.

You can approach HOHO tours one of two ways: 1) settle in and ride the entire tour in one go or 2) use the bus to take you from sight to sight. We’ve started using these tours as a quick and easy way to get to know a city or see more of a city we’re already familiar with. They can be a lot of fun and often have great narration of the sights you see.

Book your Hop On Hop Off Bus ticket here to really maximize your time in Munich!

Best Guided Tours

Another way to maximize your time and get the most out of your trip? Guided tours.

Similar to the Hop On Hop Off Bus tour, guided tours take care of all the logistics – from planning the itinerary for the day, to arranging transportation, buying tickets, and sometimes even choosing the food to eat! By removing all the stress of planning, you won’t be wasting any of your limited time worrying.

There many types of tours to choose from. If you want a comprehensive but exciting tour that shows Munich’s top attractions, then book this 3-hour Segway tour around the city. It’s a fun and unique way to go sightseeing that also doesn’t take up too much time of your day. After personal training by a professional, you can confidently glide through the streets of Munich and see sites like the Maximilianeum (seat of the Bavarian Parliament), the Theatine Church, Museum Island, the Hofgarten, and many more.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, then you can never go wrong with walking tours. We especially recommend doing this in the Altstadt (Old Town), since there’s so much to see in the area. From Marienplatz, to Frauenkirche, and the Staatliches Hofbräuhaus (Royal Brewery), going around with a tour guide makes sure you won’t get lost or miss anything important. To see everything Old Town has to offer, book an informative 1.5-hour walking tour here .

Other types of tours we recommend looking into are themed tours. An example of this would be historic tours. As Munich is a city full of history, many tours offer a rich, educational lens to discover the city in. If you’re a history buff eager to learn about the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party in Munich, book this walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide that teaches you about the infamous Third Reich while visiting historic World War II sites.

Another fun way to immerse yourself in Munich’s local culture is through food (mmm…our favorite). A great option to unwind after a long day of sightseeing is by booking a fun night of Bavarian beer and food here. Since it takes place in the evening, you’re really making the most out of your whole day plus you won’t have to worry about making dinner plans.

This tour comes with a table reservation in a famous beer hall where you can feast on delicious Bavarian food such as Weisswurst (white sausage), dumpling, roast pork, and more. And of course, you’ll get the opportunity to sample different kinds of the world’s finest beer while exploring beer gardens, the Oktoberfest Museum, and the Hofbräuhaus.

If you’re more interested in a day activity but still revolving around food then you can book a 2-hour gourmet food tour of Viktualienmarkt here . In this tour, you’ll get to explore the vibrant Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s largest outdoor market and stop by various stands to sample an assortment of food including German sausages, cheese and bread from different regions, exotic fruits, and pickled Bavarian delicacies. This is also a great tour to do in conjunction with the walking tour in Old Town since the market is also located there.

What to Do & See in Munich in 1 Day

To help you maximize your time in Munich, the following will give you an idea of things you can see. A few tips:

• If you only have a couple hours in Munich (e.g. if you only have a 2-4 hour layer before boarding your next train) stick to sights in and near Marienplatz (Altstadt/Old Town) so you’ll have time to get back to the train station.
• If you have a full day (e.g. if you drive or take the train to Munich in the early morning and can stay until the evening), you could see sights in the Altstadt (Old Town), take a stroll through the Englischer Garten (English Garden), have a brief meal, Kaffee und Kuchen or a beer, take guided tour or maybe even make it out to Nymphenburg Palace or Dachau. If you want to see a lot in a short amount of time with little planning or hassle, reserve a ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus !

Neues Rathau s ( New Town Hall )

Start your first day bright and early in Marienplatz, the central square of Munich. This main square is the perfect starting point for your trip to the Bavarian capital because it’s home to some of the city’s most important sites.

One of the first things you can visit in Marienplatz is Neues Rathaus (or New Town Hall). This beautiful building is an iconic feature of Marienplatz and is also home to the famous Glockenspiel. Depending on what time you arrive here, you can catch the daily chime at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. (plus 5 p.m. during summer) and join the crowds of people gathering around the tower. The show lasts around 12 to 15 minutes and reenacts important scenes from Munich’s history. If you have time, you can also take an elevator to the top of the clock tower and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Munich.

Altes Rathaus ( Old Town Hall )

Next, you can make your way to Old Town Hall. Though it has a relatively plain façade compared to surrounding buildings, the town hall is an important building that is rich with history dating back to the 14 th century. Though it has undergone heavy reconstruction after World War II, its Gothic halls have been well-preserved and are now used for commemorations and state ceremonies.  

While you’re in the Old Town Hall, you can also visit the toy museum located right at the arch of the town hall. Since this more of a specialty museum, we recommend only going if you have spare time or you’re traveling with kids. But this place is also perfect for anyone who’s still a kid heart and wants to admire the museum’s vast collection of antique toys, teddy bears, dolls, and trains!

St. Peter’s Church

Right across Marienplatz, you’ll find St. Peter’s Church, the city’s oldest church. The church’s interior is an interesting mix of Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic architectural styles. You can also admire the ceiling frescoes and a rare golden figure of St. Peter on a high altar that’s almost 300 years old. If you’re eager for more views and you’re willing to climb the 300-step staircase of St. Peter’s tower, you can go to the church’s viewing platform that overlooks the old town. If the weather is good, you can even see the Alps!

Viktualienmarkt

Need to grab a quick bite and refuel in between all the sightseeing? Then head on to Viktualienmarkt, just a short walk away from St. Peter’s Church. Viktualienmarkt is the perfect place to get a taste of Bavarian cuisine and even explore other international gourmet dishes. This bustling food market houses over 140 stalls offering everything from staples such as fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, and cheese to more exotic treats and spices. After eating, you can also do some souvenir shopping and pick up artisanal crafts such as natural combs, kitchen accessories or traditional wooden decorations and ornaments.

Munich Residenz

A bit farther up from Marienplatz, you’ll stumble upon the largest city palace in Germany, Munich Residenz. The palace grounds span several city blocks and contain ten courtyards and 130 rooms. The lavish interiors, extensive collection of art, and historic antiques give you a glimpse into how the royals lived. If you don’t have enough time to see everything we recommend checking out the highlights: the Cuvilliés Theatre, the Treasury, and the Antiquarium.

We also recommend exploring the surrounding area where you’ll see the Hofgarten (Court Garden), an Italian Renaissance-style park offering a perfect place for tourists to take a break as they make their way around the palace and downtown Munich.

Fun fact: on one of my visits to Munich I was walking past the Residenz when I saw a hoard of people gathered outside despite the rainy weather (see photos below). Who where they waiting to see? Scandinavian royalty! You never know who you’ll run into in Munich. Ha!

English Garden (Englischer Garten)

Speaking of urban green spaces, we can’t discuss parks in Munich without talking about Englischer Garten. Not only is it a massive park (yes, even bigger than New York’s Central Park!) but it’s filled with all sorts of cultural landmarks and cool spots.

This park is a must-see! I’ve spent hours upon hours wandering through the English Garden on my various visits to Munich. This park is especially lovely if you’ve been traveling for a while and could use a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. In some parts of the park you can even disrobe and sunbath in the nude!

In the midst of the lush greenery and meadows, you’ll come across Monopteros, a small Greek temple, a Japanese tea house, and the famous Chinese Tower. It’s also by the Chinese Tower that you’ll find one of the largest beer gardens in the city, with over 7,000 seats beneath chestnut trees that provide shade during hot days. Englischer Garten is also a fun place for outdoor activities.

Aside from walking, jogging, and cycling, you can take boat rides on the Kleinhesseloher See lake and even surf on the Eisbach waves if you’re an experienced surfer! The first time I visited this part of the English Garden I spent like an hour mesmerized by the surfers!

With all the great things to do in Englischer Garten , you might have to set aside a bit more time to enjoy it all. It’s also a bit farther up north from the city center so you’ll need to add in 20 or so minutes to walk to the park entrance but it’s well worth the visit (and it’s a nice walk)! But if you’re short on time and still want to spend time in the outdoors, then Hofgarten is an excellent alternative.

Haus der Kunst

If you make your way to the southern edge of the Englischer Garten, you’ll discover Haus der Kunst, a leading modern art museum without a permanent collection. As a non-collecting museum, it instead hosts around ten exhibitions per year featuring work by both established and up-and-coming artists. The unique and out of the box exhibitions make Haus der Kunst a key global center for contemporary art.

Deutsches Museum

If you want to visit more museums, don’t worry you have countless options to choose from in Munich! Many of them are must-sees for first time visitors to the city, but we know that museum visits can be time consuming, so we recommend only going to ones you’re really interested in.

If you love technology, then Deutsches Museum is perfect. The exhibits feature over 28,000 objects from over 50 fields of science and technology. A 20-minute walk away from Marienplatz, the museum has various areas with different themes ranging from aerospace, oceanography, chemistry, and food technology. The interactive and multimedia tours also make this a great place to visit if you’re traveling with kids!

Take note that Deutsches Museum is the world’s largest science and technology museum, so you can expect to spend quite some time here. You might have trouble navigating all the areas but the museum has a free app you can download that has audio guides in English and German, interactive maps, and information on scheduled tours.

Alte Pinakothek

Some of the best museums can be found in Kunstareal, Munich’s art district located in the heart of the city. One of Europe’s most important cultural hubs, Kunstareal is home to a diversity of museums with collections covering everything from Egyptian, Classical, and modern art. The area itself is worth seeing for its historic buildings, large plazas, and trendy street cafés in the nearby Maxvorstadt district – that perfect blend of old and new that Munich is known for.

First, we have Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest galleries in Germany. The collection is made up of more than 700 artworks of old European masters from 14 th -18 th century, showcasing the progression of art from the Middle Ages up to the Renaissance, Baroque and all the way Rococo. Some highlights include portraits by Albrecht Dürer and works by Rembrandt, Raphael, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Neue Pinakothek

Neue Pinakothek focuses on more recent art from the 18 th and 19 th centuries. First founded by King Ludwig I as the first public contemporary art museum, the museum is now home to many famous masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas.

Take note that Neue Pinakothek has been closed for renovations since late 2018 and will likely open in 2025. Since a selection of works is on the display on the ground floor of the Alte Pinakothek, which saves you time from going to two museums.

Pinakothek der Moderne

If you’re more interested in modern contemporary art, then Pinakothek der Moderne is a must see. As one of the largest museums for modern art in the world,  it may seem like a big challenge to navigate especially if you’re short on time. But it helps to think of it as one big museum made up of four smaller ones dedicated to different areas: modern and contemporary art, design, architecture, and works on paper (graphic art). Though they’re all fascinating, you can pick and choose which ones interest you the most!

Nymphenburg Palace

Now if you’re looking to venture a bit farther from the city center, Nymphenburg Palace is one of most popular places to go to. Another one of Munich’s royal residences, this palace is filled with extravagant Baroque-style furnishings and halls. There’s even small museums dedicated to natural history, porcelain, and carriages.

If you have time, you can discover even more in the palace’s surrounding park. Inspired by the gardens of Versailles, the Nymphenburg Palace Park has everything from smaller castles, streams and canals, cascades, bridges, and even an artificial lake. When I visited Nymphenburg in the winter I actually spent more time wandering around the gardens (and eating a tasty Schnitzel with fries from the Schlosscafe) than I did inside!

As you can imagine, exploring the gardens plus the additional tram ride to the Schloss Nymphenburg station can easily take up half a day. So if this is not a priority, there are still other parks and palaces like Munich Residenz that are more centrally located and will take less time to explore.

Olympic Park

Similar to Nymphenburg Palace, Olympic Park is a farther up north from the city center but still accessible once you reach the Olympiazentrum U-bahn station. First built for the 1972 Olympics, the park still remains popular with both locals and tourists alike. Aside from being a beautiful park to picnic or relax in, there are tons of attractions you can visit: the Sea Life Aquarium, the Olympic swimming hall, the Olympic Tower with its revolving restaurant, the ice skating rink, and many more.

There’s truly so much to do here so if visiting Olympic Park is one of top things to do in your Munich bucket list, then set aside a good portion of your afternoon. Personally, I while I found the Olympia Park interesting, I wouldn’t place it as a priority for most people, especially if you only have one day.

Christmas Markets

Though this is obviously a seasonal attraction, if you’re visiting during late November and December then this section will give you an idea of what to expect. If you can visit Munich (or Stuttgart or anywhere in Germany for that matter) during Christmas Market season, I highly recommend it!

Munich’s main Christmas Market takes place in Marienplatz. The setting of the plaza and the town hall adds to the festive ambiance and charm though it can be quite crowded with tourists. You can take pictures of the huge Christmas tree at the center with hundreds of stalls around it selling traditional German gingerbread, mulled wine, and handmade crafts. Other noteworthy markets to look into: Winter Magic at Viktualienmarkt, Chinese Tower Christmas Market, and the Residenz Christmas Village.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

If you want to venture out of Munich but don’t have time for a full day trip, you can take a half-day trip to Dachau and learn about the history of the Dachau concentration camp. The memorial site stands on the grounds of the former concentration camp which held over 200,000 prisoners over twelve years. Now, the memorial pays respects to the victims. Visitors can learn about this dark period in history by exploring the surviving buildings and the museum exhibits. If you’ve never visited a concentration camp before, I highly recommend visiting Dachau.

It’s around 40 minutes away from the city center via public transportation but you can book a fully guided tour here that includes transportation from Munich and back. A professional tour guide will make sure that the tour is handled with utmost sensitivity and respect.

Neuschwanstein Castle

To visit Neuschwanstein Castle you really need a full day but I included it here because I get a lot of questions about it! If you only have time for one day in Munich but you’re not ready to leave Bavaria, this is one of the best day trips you can take from the city.

Neuschwanstein Castle draws many tourists each year to southern Germany, making it one of the country’s top tourist destinations. And it’s easy to see why – this iconic castle has appeared in many movies and inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Whether you travel by car or bus, even the drive is straight out of a fairytale as you drive through the Romantic Road in the Bavarian Alps.

Yes, it’s touristy! Some would even say kitschy. But it’s fun, especially if it’s something you’ve had on your Germany bucket list since you were a kid. I visited Neuschwanstein in the winter and spent the night in Füssen (I didn’t go to Munich on that trip), but to maximize your time in Munich, just add it on as a day trip.

To make the most out of this day trip, book this full day tour from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle . Not only does it include transportation and a guided tour of the castle, but it also has extra stops on the way back to other interesting spots like a cheese and sausage tasting at a Bavarian farm.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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36 Hours in Munich

By A.J. Goldmann April 18, 2024

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By A.J. Goldmann Photographs by Laetitia Vancon

A.J. Goldmann has written about European arts and culture for nearly two decades. He currently divides his time between Munich and Berlin.

Munich is giving Berlin, its longtime cultural rival, a run for its money. Shedding its reputation as the conservative Bavarian capital, Munich is emerging as a younger, laid-back hub that’s balancing tradition and innovation in unusual ways. Look to the Schlachthofviertel, a rapidly evolving cultural district centered around an active slaughterhouse (yes, really) that’s sprung to life with nightclubs and bars (including one in a decommissioned ship) and a beautiful new home for the Volkstheater , one of the city’s main playhouses. Head to the Isarphilharmonie , an ultra-modern new concert hall, to hear some of Munich's top musical ensembles, including the splendid Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra , which turns 75 this year. And if you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the Munich Opera Festival , which is nearing its 150th birthday.

Recommendations

• The Englischer Garten , or the English Garden, Munich’s sprawling and beloved central park, is popular with locals during the warmer months.
• The Lenbachhaus Museum has Germany’s most important collection of works by the artists of Der Blaue Reiter, the influential modern art association founded in 1911 in Munich.
• Bahnwärter Thiel , a hip cultural space in a formerly abandoned lot with graffitied freight containers and old subway cars, has a vibrant techno club at its center.
• The Viktualienmarkt , Munich’s central outdoor greengrocers market, is full of attractively displayed fresh produce and vendors selling street food.
• Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism , a sobering museum built on the former site of Nazi headquarters, traces the ideology and the crimes of the party that was founded in Munich in 1920.
• The grand Nationaltheater is home to the Bayerische Staatsoper , one of Germany’s best opera companies.
• The grassy banks of the Isar , the river that runs through Munich, form an urban oasis where locals (and their dogs) stroll, picnic and even go for a dip in the river.
• The Alte Pinakothek , in Munich’s museum quarter, houses a storied collection of European paintings from the 14th to the 18th centuries in a stately building.
• The Nymphenburg Palace was the former summer residence of Bavaria’s ruling family. The palace’s sweeping and stately gardens rival those of Versailles.
• Alva-Morgaine is a delightfully overstuffed second-hand shop with an unpredictable and ever-changing assortment of elegant and eccentric vintage clothing.
• Der Dantler gives a modern and refined take on Alpine cuisine in an informal atmosphere.
• Drei Mühlen is a bustling neighborhood restaurant where you can find the best deal on weisswurstfrühstück, a traditional Bavarian breakfast of veal sausages and a pretzel.
• Café Zimt und Trallala is a bakery and cafe that makes exquisite breakfast pastries.
• Deutsche Eiche is a gay-friendly restaurant and hotel with a lovely rooftop terrace.
• Alte Utting , a decommissioned ship perched on a railway bridge, is one of the city’s most unusual and most atmospheric places to have a cocktail.
• GötterSpeise is an eye-poppingly colorful cocoa emporium with a creative and delicious assortment of hot chocolate.
• Caspar Plautz , on the Viktualienmarkt, serves baked potatoes with a variety of stuffings.
• Kaffeerösterei Viktualienmarkt , a cafe and roastery in the middle of the market, is your best bet for coffee.
• Lea Zapf , a cafe and patisserie on the Viktualienmarkt, makes decadent cakes and small pastries.
• Eataly , in a cavernous indoor market next to the Viktualienmarkt, is a mecca for gourmet Italian products.
• Café Frischhut makes local doughnuts called schmalznudels and other deep-fried delights.
• Conviva im Blauen Haus , a restaurant attached to the Münchner Kammerspiele, one of the city’s main playhouses, is the place to go for a quick and delicious pre-theater meal.
• The Königlicher Hirschgarten , one of the world’s largest and oldest beer gardens, is a perfect place to enjoy local delicacies and have a pint with thousands of your closest friends.
• Cortiina Hotel is sophisticated and centrally located, within spitting distance of the Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s legendary beer hall, and a few blocks from the opera house. Wooden floors and furniture and stone tiling in the bathroom contribute to the sense of luxurious minimalism. Rooms start at 289 euros, or $307.
• Living Hotel Prinzessin Elisabeth , a block from the Isar River, offers a variety of tastefully furnished rooms and suites. The rooms are spacious and all come equipped with a kitchenette and free drinks in the minibar. Rooms start at €120.
• Hotel Mariandl offers elegant, rather old-fashioned rooms (some with shared bathrooms) with Belle Époque charm. Set on a leafy boulevard close to the central train station, the hotel also has an atmospheric Viennese-style cafe and restaurant, Café am Beethovenplatz. Rooms start at €69.
• For short-term rentals , consider looking in Maxvorstadt and Schwabing, two residential neighborhoods north of the center with more vacation properties than the cramped old town.
• Munich’s public transportation system, MVG , which includes trains , buses and trams , is extensive, efficient and affordable. In central Munich, a single ride costs €3.90, a day pass costs €9.20, and a week pass costs €21.10. On weekends, the system runs all night long. The MVG also offers bike sharing , which can be booked with an app . Uber operates in Germany as a regulated taxi service nearly identical to the city’s other taxi companies. A good local ride-hailing option is IsarFunk . It’s more common (and easier) to order a ride in advance than to hail one on the street.

The Eisbach in the Englischer Garten

Start by getting to know Munich’s beloved central park. From Odeonsplatz, a 19th-century square, stroll to the Hofgarten , a manicured park surrounded with hedges and crowned by an elegant central gazebo. From there, cross into the rambling Englischer Garten , which is larger than New York’s Central Park. Wave to the bathers bobbing up and down in the Eisbach, the freezing man-made river that snakes through the park, and watch the daredevil surfers who ride its waves. You can also stop for an inaugural pint at the beer garden next to the Chinese Tower, a five-story wooden pagoda; take a boat out on the placid Kleinhesseloher See lake; or visit the hilltop Monopteros , a 19th-century replica of a Greek temple that was built for the Bavarian king Ludwig I.

Germany’s culture of commemoration, seen in its willingness to examine the crimes it committed during World War II, make the country unique. The Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism , which opened in 2015 at the site of a former Nazi headquarters, charts the history of Nazism in Munich, the birthplace of the movement. It traces the rise of the party and Adolf Hitler, including his failed but deadly coup, known as the Beer Hall Putsch , in 1923, while also describing the persecution of Munich’s Jewish population, which numbered roughly 12,000 before Hitler’s rise to power, and the city’s postwar reckoning with its Nazi past. The current temporary exhibition (through July 28) examines right-wing terrorism in post-war Germany to the present day, including the 1980 Oktoberfest bombing and the 2016 attack at a Munich shopping mall. (Entry, free.)

Get a taste of modern Bavaria at Der Dantler, one of a new crop of restaurants injecting Alpine cuisine with Asian accents. The restaurant, in the former working-class neighborhood of Giesing, has a casual, hole-in-the-wall vibe; friendly and attentive staff; and, in the evenings, a frequently changing five-course menu (105 euros per person) with ambitious preparations of regional produce. A recent dinner included roasted carrots coated with preserved lemon and a spicy macadamia crunch; and a tender saddle of veal in jus, served with schupfnudeln, or German gnocchi. Vegetarian and pescatarian options available. The wine pairing (currently 56 euros per person) is a great way to get to know the menu’s German and Austrian bottles, including some adventurous natural wines. Reservations required.

The Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain) on Marienplatz, the central square in Munich’s old town, with the white Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) in the distance.

Drei Mühlen

Weisswurstfrühstück is a time-honored German tradition in the south: A pair of boiled veal sausages, eaten with sweet mustard and a chewy pretzel, washed down with beer. It’s the Bavarian breakfast of champions. Try it at Drei Mühlen , a restaurant that gets its sausages from the area’s best-known butcher, Magnus Bauch . Drei Mühlen recently raised its prices, but even so, its weisswurstfrühstück remains an unbeatable deal at €6.55 (which includes a half-liter of Augustiner lager beer). It’s a bustling locals’ hang, especially on weekends, so you might end up sitting at the cramped bar. Reservations recommended. For vegetarians, Café Zimt und Trallala , around the corner, bakes some of the best croissants in the city and not-to-be-missed franzbrötchen, a sticky, flaky, cinnamon-and butter-pastry (€2.80 each).

After you’ve polished off your beer, head to the Isar, the river that flows through Munich. Cross the Wittelsbacherbrücke, a bridge, and walk along the dirt paths on the river’s grassy bank. A bold, decade-long rewilding project , completed in 2011, widened the Isar here, purified its waters and added a series of gravel paths along its banks. Watch (and maybe even join) the courageous swimmers carried by the strong current around the Weideninsel, a small island that emerged during the rewilding. To keep exploring the banks of the Isar, walk south, past the lovingly maintained Rosengarten, whose flowers are just starting to bloom. You will soon reach the Flaucher, a series of pebbled beaches, connected by an elevated walkway, that are popular with both nudists and families who barbecue (they keep to their separate shores).

The years that Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock group Queen, lived in Munich (between 1979 and 1985) made him a local hero and one of the city’s gay icons. Visit some of his haunts around Gärtnerplatz, a circular plaza, like the nearby Deutsche Eiche , nowadays a hotel and restaurant with a stunning rooftop terrace. (He was also a habitué at Pimpernel and Ochsengarten , two still-operating gay bars and nightclubs on the neighboring Müllerstrasse.) Mercury bought an apartment with the Austrian actress Barbara Valentin on Hans-Sachs-Strasse, a quaint street lined with prewar buildings. There, find Alva-Morgaine , a delightful wunderkammer (or cabinet of curiosities) of one-of-a-kind fashion, like 1920s flapper dresses. Around the corner is GötterSpeise , a cocoa emporium with a creative assortment of hot chocolates (€4 to €6).

If the Englischer Garten are the lungs of Munich, then the Viktualienmarkt , one of Europe’s best outdoor food markets, is the city’s stomach. Try the heavenly pressed sandwiches at Luiginos Bio Feinkost , which include a pastrami-Cheddar melt or grilled eggplant, chevre and spinach (from €6.90); or head to Caspar Plautz , a potato merchant that serves stuffed baked spuds (from €7.50 a plate). If the weather is inclement, duck inside the temple-like Eataly directly next door for a slice of focaccia (from about €6). For dessert, try the freshly fried schmalznudels – Bavarian doughnuts — at Café Frischhut (from €3) — or the decadent cakes and pastries at Lea Zapf (from €4). The house-roasted coffee at the Kaffeerösterei Viktualienmarkt might be the best in town.

Der Blaue Reiter, or the Blue Rider , a group of Expressionist artists which coalesced in Munich in 1911, is arguably the city’s greatest contribution to 20th-century art. In boldly colorful works, the Blue Rider artists used modern painting as a conduit to the spiritual. The Lenbachhaus Museum , in the city’s central Kunstareal, or museum quarter, boasts the world’s largest collection of paintings by the group whose members included Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Marc and Paul Klee. The trove exists because of Gabriele Münter , a distinctive and prolific painter who was also Kandinsky’s lover (he eventually left her to move back to Russia). In 1957, when she turned 80, she donated more than 1,000 works by herself, Kandinsky, Marc, Klee and others to the museum. (Entry, €10.)

It’s easy to miss Conviva im Blauen Haus , an unassuming restaurant behind the Münchner Kammerspiele , one of the city’s three publicly funded theaters. The restaurant, with industrial lighting and long wooden tables, doubles as the theater’s canteen and employs people with mental and physical disabilities as cooks and servers. Prompt and attentive service ensures that everyone — actors and audience members alike — gets to the show on time. A recent evening menu featured osso buco on saffron risotto, Iberian pork loin with king oyster mushroom and potato strudel, and sea bream with artichokes and fennel puree, all in the €20 range.

Nationaltheater

Germany is home to more than 80 opera companies and the Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera), which traces its history back more than 350 years, might be the country’s finest. These days, it has a reputation for a varied operatic repertoire, often presented in avant-garde productions. Locals love to get gussied up for performances at the company’s grand main venue, the nearly 2,000-seat Nationaltheater . Germany’s lavish public subsidies mean that there are tickets for every budget, including over 300 standing room tickets for under €20. Upcoming highlights include Romeo Castellucci’s densely symbolic take on Wagner’s “ Tannhäuser ,” a new “ Tosca ,” directed by the Hungarian filmmaker Kornel Mundruczo and the summertime premiere of “ Le Grand Macabre ,” directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski, in honor of the Hungarian composer Gyorgy Ligeti’s centennial.

Alte Utting

Munich still lags behind Berlin when it comes to clubbing, but its nightlife has become much more varied over the past decade. One of the most unusual club venues is Bahnwärter Thiel , a cultural space in the edgy Schlachhofviertel district, just south of the center of town. The large outdoor area contains abandoned subway cars and sea freight containers, one of which contains the Kulturhaus, a club that attracts some of Germany’s best techno D.J.s. (Most concert tickets, €10.) A few blocks away is the Alte Utting , a bar and event space in a decommissioned passenger steam ship perched high above street level on a disused railway bridge.

The statue of Bavaria, the female personification of the southern German state, looks over the expansive Theresienwiese, the site of the annual Oktoberfest beer festival.

Alte Pinakothek

On Sundays, Munich’s state-run museums charge €1 entry to their permanent exhibitions. If you need to choose just one, head to the Alte Pinakothek , one of the world’s finest collections of European paintings, which is housed under the soaring ceiling of an early-19th-century building. Highlights include a richly varied assortment of paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, which looks more stunning than ever after recent improvements to the skylights. More than 200 paintings in the main upper galleries have changed places as part of a recent reorganization that eschews traditional ordering along geographical and chronological lines in favor of a more flexible presentation. If you have time to spare, cross the road to the Pinakothek der Moderne , home to 20th- and 21st-century art. Be warned, though: It will set you back another euro.

Königlicher Hirschgarten

Man does not live by art alone. After you’re done soaking in centuries’ worth of masterpieces, head over to the Königlicher Hirschgarten , one of the world’s largest beer gardens, founded in 1791. Find a spot in the main 7,000-seat area, which is self-service and has long, shared tables and Augustiner lager on tap. Sausages, potato salad and rotisserie chicken are king here, but the steckerlfisch, a whole grilled fish on a stick, is also a local delicacy. (Half-liter beer, €4.20; beer garden food, €3 to €20.) After lunch, stroll through the nearby Nymphenburg Palace , the former summer residence of Bavaria’s ruling family. Explore the 445-acre garden and marvel at the palace’s vast main building, whose 2,000-foot-long facade is larger than that of Versailles (gardens and parks entry, free; ceremonial rooms, €8).

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Nuremberg & Munich in 4 Days: A Cultural Journey

April 17, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a 4-day cultural journey through the historic cities of Nuremberg and Munich. Begin your adventure in Munich at the Alte Pinakothek, an art gallery housing an impressive collection of European masterpieces. Spend an hour immersed in art before heading to Marienplatz, the city's central square, adorned with monuments and the stunning New Town Hall. Nearby, visit St. Peter's Church, Munich's oldest church offering panoramic city views. Conclude your first day at the bustling Victuals Market, a haven for food lovers. Day two invites you to the iconic Hofbrauhaus, Munich's famous beer hall, followed by a tour of the grand Munich Residenz, once the royal palace of Bavarian monarchs. A brief stop at the Feldherrnhalle, a historical monument, rounds off the day. On the third day, ascend the Olympiaturm for breathtaking views, explore the sprawling Olympiapark, and delve into the world of automobiles at BMW Welt and the BMW Museum. Your final day takes you to Nuremberg, starting with the serene Lorenzkirche, followed by the vibrant Hauptmarkt square. Marvel at the Schoener Brunnen, a beautiful fountain, before stepping back in time at Albrecht Dürer's House. Conclude your tour at the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, a symbol of the city's medieval power. This itinerary promises a blend of art, history, and modern marvels, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

• Day 1: Art, History, and Market Wonders in Munich

Alte Pinakothek

Begin your Munich adventure with a cultural infusion at the Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest art galleries in the world. As you step into this temple of fine arts, allow yourself about an hour to wander through rooms adorned with masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the Rococo period. The gallery's vast collection promises a visual feast of European paintings, ensuring an inspiring start to your day.

Attraction Info

• Barer Street 27 | Entrance Theresienstrasse, 80333 Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open on Thu-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Open on Tue-Wed,10:00am-8:00pm，The following holidays are regularly closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, Shrove Tuesday (02/13/2024), Labor Day (05/01/2024); other holiday opening hours are subject to the official website announcement.

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Marienplatz

Next, immerse yourself in the heart of Munich at Marienplatz, the city's central square. This iconic gathering place is a tapestry of history and daily life, where monuments stand as sentinels of the past. Spend an hour here, basking in the architectural splendor, and perhaps catch the famous Glockenspiel show that brings local legends to life.

• Marienplatz 1, 80331 Munich, Germany
• Open 24 hours

New Town Hall

A stone's throw from Marienplatz, the New Town Hall awaits. Dedicate half an hour to marvel at its Gothic Revival architecture and the grandeur of its façade. While the Rathaus-Glockenspiel enchants onlookers outside, the New Town Hall's intricate design and political significance command attention and respect.

• Marienplatz 8, 80331 München, Germany
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
• Open on Mon-Sat,10:00am-7:00pm;Open on Sun,10:00am-5:00pm

St. Peter's Church

Continue your journey through time at St. Peter's Church, Munich's oldest parish church. Allocate an hour to ascend the tower for a panoramic view of the city or to simply appreciate the serene beauty of its interior. The church's storied history and spiritual ambiance offer a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling cityscape.

• Rindermarkt 1, 80331 München, Germany
• Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
• Open from 7:30am-7:00pm

Victuals Market

Conclude your day's exploration at the Victuals Market, a paradise for food lovers and a spectacle of local flavors and traditions. With an hour to spare, meander through the vibrant stalls, sample Bavarian delicacies, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this beloved marketplace. It's the perfect spot to reflect on the day's experiences and to savor the culinary delights of Munich.

• Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München, Germany
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
• Open on Mon-Sat,8:00am-8:00pm;Closed on Sun

Where to Stay Tonight

Hotel am markt, living hotel das viktualienmarkt.

• Day 2: Savoring Munich's Iconic Brews and Grandeur

Hofbrauhaus

Begin your second day in Munich with a visit to the legendary Hofbrauhaus, a temple of Bavarian beer culture. Nestled at Platzl 9, this world-famous beer hall has been a social hotspot since 1589. Spend a couple of hours soaking in the lively atmosphere, where the clinking of beer steins and the hum of folk music create an unforgettable experience. Savor traditional Bavarian fare and, of course, their renowned beers, as you immerse yourself in the convivial spirit that defines Munich's beloved bar.

• Platzl 9.80331 Munich
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 11:00am-0:00am

Munich Residenz

After indulging in the hearty flavors of Hofbrauhaus, make your way to the Munich Residenz, a mere stone's throw away at Residenzstraße 1. As the former royal palace of Bavarian monarchs, this sprawling complex is a treasure trove of art, history, and architecture. Allocate a good two hours to explore its opulent rooms, stunning courtyards, and the rich tapestry of stories that each hall whispers. The Residenz is not just a walk through history; it's a stride through the lavish lifestyles of the kings and queens who once called it home.

• Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München, Germany
• Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour

Feldherrnhalle

Conclude your day's exploration with a brief yet impactful visit to the Feldherrnhalle, located at the same prestigious address as the Munich Residenz. This monumental loggia, honoring Bavarian generals and their armies, stands as a testament to the city's historical and architectural heritage. Though your stay may only be half an hour, the Feldherrnhalle offers a poignant moment to reflect on Munich's past, with its grand statues and the Odeonsplatz square serving as a picturesque backdrop for your memories of this vibrant city.

• Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 Munich, Germany
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5 hour

Rosewood Munich

Hotel bayerischer hof.

• Day 3: Soaring Heights and Engineering Sights in Munich

Olympiaturm

Begin your third day with a sky-high adventure at the Olympiaturm, an iconic monument in Munich's Olympiapark. Offering breathtaking observation decks, the Olympiaturm is the perfect spot to get a panoramic view of the city and start your day with inspiration. Spend an hour here, soaking in the vistas and perhaps planning your next stops from this unique vantage point.

• Olympiapark, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Open from 9:00am-11:00pm

Olympiapark

After descending from the Olympiaturm, immerse yourself in the greenery and sporting history of the Olympiapark. Just a stone's throw away, this city park is not only a tranquil retreat but also a hub for sports enthusiasts. With about an hour to explore, you can appreciate the park's modern architecture, stroll along its paths, or simply relax by the lake, reflecting on the park's legacy from the 1972 Olympics.

• Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 Munich, Germany

Next, delve into the world of automotive innovation at BMW Welt, a futuristic museum showcasing the latest models and technologies from the iconic car manufacturer. Located within an hour's walk from the Olympiapark, BMW Welt is a must-visit for car lovers and technology aficionados. Spend an hour exploring interactive exhibits and getting up close with some of the sleekest designs on the market.

• Am Olympiapark 1, 80809 Munich
• Open on Sun,9:00am-0:00am;Open on Mon-Sat,7:30am-0:00am

Conclude your day's exploration with a visit to the BMW Museum, situated right next to BMW Welt. This museum offers a deep dive into the history of one of Germany's most prestigious car makers. With another hour to wander through the exhibits, you'll discover the evolution of BMW, from its earliest vehicles to the modern marvels that continue to shape the automotive industry.

• Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München, Germany
• Open on Tue-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Arthotel Ana im Olympiapark

The niu brass.

• Day 4: Nuremberg's Historical Treasures and Architectural Gems

Lorenzkirche

Begin your final day in Nuremberg with a serene visit to Lorenzkirche, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. As the morning light filters through its intricate stained glass, the church's majestic interior provides a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling city. This sacred site, nestled at Lorenzer Platz 10, invites visitors to marvel at its artistic masterpieces for an hour, setting a reflective tone for the day ahead.

• Lorenzer Platz 10, 90402 Nuremberg
• Open on Mon-Sat,9:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sun,1:00pm-3:30pm

Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg's central square. Just a short stroll from Lorenzkirche, this bustling marketplace is the heartbeat of the city. Spend an hour here absorbing the local culture, from the colorful stalls selling fresh produce to the historical buildings that frame the square, each telling a story of Nuremberg's rich past.

• Open on Mon-Sat,7:00am-8:00pm;Closed on Sun

Schoener Brunnen

A stone's throw away from the Hauptmarkt's lively scene, discover the Schoener Brunnen, a true marvel of medieval craftsmanship. Dedicate half an hour to admire this ornate public fountain, whose detailed sculptures and golden ring are steeped in local legend. It's a picture-perfect spot that captures the essence of Nuremberg's historical charm.

• Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany

Albrecht Dürer's House

Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to Albrecht Dürer's House, located at Albrecht-Dürer-Strasse 39. Spend an hour in the former residence of Germany's Renaissance master, now a museum. The house offers a unique glimpse into Dürer's life and work, with its well-preserved interiors and fascinating exhibits that bring the artist's world to life.

• Albrecht-Dürer-Strasse 39, 90403 Nuremberg
• Open on Tue-Fri,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Imperial Castle of Nuremberg

Conclude your Nuremberg journey at the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, perched high above the city. With an hour to explore, you can delve into the castle's storied history, from its imperial grandeur to its strategic importance. The castle grounds offer panoramic views of the city, providing a majestic finale to your four-day adventure through Nuremberg and Munich.

• Burg 17, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany
• Open from 3/29-10/3,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 10/4-3/28,10:00am-4:00pm，Public holidays: The Imperial Castle is only closed on 1 January, Shrove Tuesday, 24 / 25 / 31 December

Duerer Hotel

Hotel agneshof nurnberg.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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