day trip itinerary munich

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

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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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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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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.

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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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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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2 Days in Munich: Perfect Itinerary & Best Things To Do

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Thinking about visiting Munich on your Germany vacation? This guide will help you plan the perfect trip!

Planning a visit to Munich, Germany for the first time can be a daunting but ultimately rewarding experience if you’ve never been there before. This guide is here to help!

From historic plazas to world-renowned beer halls, the Bavarian capital offers plenty of places to experience Munich’s rich culture and unique activities for every kind of traveler.

I’ve visited Munich many times and have never run out of things to do and places to explore. In fact, the more I visit, the more I find to do!

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

If you’re planning a short visit and want to see as many sites as possible, this article will help you plan a Munich itinerary that will make the most out of your stay, whether you’re visiting for 2 days or even more!

• 1 When to Visit Munich
• 2 Getting to Munich
• 3 Where to Stay in Munich
• 4 Best Way to Get Around Munich
• 5 Best Guided Tours in Munich
• 6 2 Days In Munich Itinerary Ideas
• 7 What to Do & See in Munich in 2 Days
• 8 Old Town (Altstadt)
• 9 If You Have 3 Days in Munich
• 10 Best Day Trips from Munich

When to Visit Munich

There’s really no “best time” to visit Munich because it’s a wonderful city to visit any time of year. I’ve spent time there in the summer, fall, and late winter/early spring and have never been disappointed!

That said, each season can bring something totally different to your experience depending on what you’re looking for.

During summer , you’ll enjoy sunny blue skies and outdoor festivals, beer gardens, or picnics in the parks. But prepare yourself for crowded streets and the heat since there’s not as much air-conditioning in Germany.

If it’s Oktoberfest you’re after, visiting during the fall is the best option. The event begins mid- or late-September and lasts until early October, so you can expect accommodation and airfare costs to be at their peak during this time period. For the weather, September is usually still warm but it gets a bit colder towards October. 

Visiting during winter can be a great way to make the most out of the off-season prices, especially if you’re comfortable with snow and cold temperatures. The air is filled with festivities brought by the Christmas markets and events around the city. You can also plan a day trip and venture outside the city for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.

If you come during spring , you’ll be welcomed with trees and flowers blooming as well as outdoor markets and activities kicking into gear. But the weather can be unpredictable – a couple of days can bring light breezes and warmth but other days can be gloomy, rainy or even snowy.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Getting to Munich

Munich is one of the biggest cities in Germany, so it’s very well connected and easy to get to.

You can fly in via Munich Airport, which welcomes flights daily from all over the world. Depending on where you’re flying from, you might be able to find a direct flight from abroad into Munich (I’ve flown directly into Munich from the US east coast).

To get into Munich’s city-center from the airport you can take the S-bahn (cheap and takes 45-60 minutes), a taxi or arrange an airport transfer ahead of time.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in Germany, buying a train ticket to Munich’s central train station, (the main train station is called München Hauptbahnhof in German) is one of the easiest and best ways to get to the city.

Taking the bus is another option, and you’ll arrive at the bus station located right next to the train station.

If you’re traveling to Munich from another city in Germany or country in Europe, I recommend looking at both flights and train tickets. Flying within Europe and in Germany is easy but often it’s quicker, easier, and more relaxing to take the train.

Where to Stay in Munich

The first thing you should consider when planning your trip is where to stay. If you’re planning to be in Munich for 2 full days, plan to spend 3 nights in Munich. You can get away with 2 nights if you can arrive early in the morning and/or leave in the late afternoon or evening.

Luckily, Munich offers countless of options for accommodation. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose between luxury hotel rooms, serviced apartments, or boutique B&Bs.

I’ve stayed in both apartments and hotels in Munich. I enjoyed my stay at Hotel Am Viktualenmarkt a few years ago. It’s close to the old town but on a quiet street. The staff were friendly, the beds were comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious!

For more information on how to decide where to stay in Munich, check out our guide of the best hotels in Munich .

Best Way to Get Around Munich

There are a variety of ways to explore Munich. If you’re looking to see as many of the city’s best sights, I recommend booking a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour ticket here.

This is a great option that allows you to comfortably navigate each tourist attraction at your own pace or simply get a quick and easy tour of the city. You can choose from 3 routes, each taking an hour and covering 16 stops around the city, all for the price of one ticket!

We’ve started doing these tours because they’re a great way to quickly get an overview of a city before zeroing in on specific sights, and they enable you to see a lot in a short amount of time (if you ride the entire route without getting off), which is perfect when you’re only in a city for a couple days.

Besides taxis and rental cars, the city also has a robust and effective public transportation network. You can get everywhere you want to go on the U-bahn (underground train), the S-bahn (aboveground city railway), trams, and buses.

You can also get around the downtown area and city by foot, since it’s very walkable. When I stay in a downtown hotel I mostly walk around Munich. When I stay in an AirBnB away from downtown I buy day passes and use public transit.

Best Guided Tours in Munich

Guided tours are an excellent resource that travelers often overlook!

I sure did, and for many years I was determined to do everything on my own.

Then I started adding in guided tours and guided day trips and have enjoyed and appreciated what they’ve added to my vacation – time to actually be in the moment and enjoy my travels!

There are so many reasons and benefits for taking a guided tour.

First of all, tours take out the stress of planning the perfect itinerary, finding the best prices for tickets, and arranging transportation. These are all taken care of, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy!

Second, if you’re not staying in place for a long time, a local tour guide covers all the city highlights in the most time effective way – and you can ask questions and get to know a place in more depth.

It can be difficult to meet locals on a vacation, and taking a guided tour is one way to easily connect with interesting, knowledge, and fun locals.

Lastly, a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference if you don’t speak the country’s language. They can also give you insights into the local culture and show you hidden gems that you wouldn’t otherwise find by yourself.

If you’re only in the city for a day or two and are looking for an exciting twist to the typical walking tour, then book this Segway tour to zoom through the streets of Munich from a unique perspective. I’ve listed a few more guided tours below, so keep reading!

2 Days In Munich Itinerary Ideas

What you see while in Munich depends on several factors – your interests, whether you like sight-seeing at a fast or relaxed pace, whether you prefer to eat every meal in a sit-down restaurant or on the go, where your lodging is located, etc.

That said, here are a few ideas for how you could plan your 2-day Munich itinerary:

Itinerary #1: Self-Guided Munich Day 1: Visit the Old Town sites, Viktuellenmarkt (great for lunch), Munich Residenz or an art museum, and then spend the evening taking a stroll through the English Garden and having a beer at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden.

Day 2: Visit Nymphenburg Palace in the morning, hit up 1 or 2 museums in the afternoon, and then take a Bavarian beer and food tour in the evening.

Itinerary #2: Pack in As Much As Possible Day 1: Ride the Hop On Hop Off bus in the morning to get an overview of the city, enjoy a quick lunch at the Viktuellenmarkt then take a 3-hour segway tou r. After dinner enjoy a walk through the English Garden.

Day 2: Spend half of the day visiting Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial and the rest of the day visiting either the BMW museum or taking a Munich food tour or a 3rd Reich tour . Spend the evening enjoying dinner and a stroll through the Old Town.

Itinerary #3: Guided Tours & A Day Trip

Day 1: Spend the morning seeing the Old Town and taking a gourmet food tour of Viktuellenmarkt . In the afternoon, go on a guided bike tour of the city. Enjoy dinner and beer in the evening.

Day 2: Take a day trip to from Munich to Neuschwanstein , Linderhof and Neuschwanstein , the Romantic Road or Salzburg, Austria .

What to Do & See in Munich in 2 Days

Below are the top sights in Munich. You likely won’t be able to fit all of them in a 2-day visit but this guide gives you an idea of the best things to add to your itinerary. I’ve also listed a few of the best options for day trips.

Old Town (Altstadt)

Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is characterized by its historic buildings and streets lined with cathedrals, boutiques, and food stalls. There are many must-sees throughout Old Town such as the city center plaza called Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche cathedral and Staatliches Hofbräuhaus (Royal Brewery). Don’t miss out any of these famous landmarks and take this guided walking tour to learn about the city’s history.

New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus )

Located in the heart of the city in Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus is an iconic feature of Munich’s skyline. Though it mainly operates as a city hall for government employees, the building also attracts tourists because of its panoramic views and famous balcony where football team FC Bayern celebrates wins.

You also can’t miss out on the Glockenspiel’s daily chime at noon and dancing figures!

Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus )

Another one of Munich’s famous town halls is Altes Rathaus. Located in the eastern end of Marienplatz, this town hall’s history dates back to 1310. It has undergone many renovations and served the state in different capacities but is now used for celebrations, memorials or award ceremonies. It is also home to the Toy Museum (Munich Spielzeugmuseum).

Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)

This quirky, fun museum is a popular destination for families and kids. But if you’re feeling nostalgic you can also visit to admire the old-fashioned interiors or see how toys have developed over the years, from wooden toys to tin toys, to Barbies and steam engine trains.

St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)

Another historic symbol of Munich is the St. Peter’s Church, the city’s oldest remaining Catholic church located right by Marienplatz and Viktuellenmarkt . Dating all the way back to the 12 th century, the church is known for its Gothic architecture and ceiling frescos. Climbing the church tower’s 306 steps is worth it to get a stunning view of Old Town Munich.

Victulas Market (Viktuellenmarkt)

Just walking distance from Marienplatz, you’ll find Viktuellenmarkt, a food market with over 140 stalls selling fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, sausages, and so much more. Aside from these food staples, you can also try out exotic fruit or buy artisanal goods to gift as souvenirs. If you’re looking to learn about the market’s history and get a taste of Bavarian cuisine, book the ultimate food lover’s gourmet tour here .

Munich Residenz ( Residenz München)

At the center of Munich, you’ll find Munich Residenz, the biggest city palace in Germany. This magnificent palace complex is made up of lush gardens, lavish rooms, and courtyards that are open to the public through museum visits.

Some highlights here are the Cuvilliés Theatre, the Hercules Hall, and the Treasury. Because of the palace’s sheer size and its rich history, this would be the perfect place to book a guided tour to make the most out of your visit.

Cuvilles Theater (Old Residence Theater)

The Cuvillies Theater is one of Munich’s most important cultural venues. Located inside the Munich Residenz, this rococo theater is made up of four floors with 14 boxes each, all decorated in red walls and gold ornaments. Here you can watch classical concerts featuring resident soloists, members of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio. If you don’t have time for a show, you can simply visit through a guided tour.

English Garden (Englischer Garten )

Spanning over 21 acres, the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is one of the largest parks in the world, famously bigger than New York’s Central Park. The park is filled with cultural landmarks like the Chinese Tower, a Japanese tea house, and Monopteros, a Greek temple offering a panoramic view of the city. This is also a great place to visit if you have free time to enjoy recreational activities like cycling, rowing and even surfing!

Chinese Tower Beer Garden ( Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm )

The Chinese Tower Beer Garden is an essential stop in the English Garden. As one of the biggest beer gardens in the city, it has almost 7,000 seats which brings both locals and tourists together. It’s directly connected to a restaurant where you can enjoy Bavarian cuisine. On certain days, you can also catch live music performances by a brass band.

Deutsches Museum

The Deutsches Museum is an impressive institution with exhibits featuring over 50 different fields of science and technology. If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the best things you can do in the city. Each area is highly interactive, from the planetarium to a reproduction of a cave, and even an underground mining complex. You can easily spend a full day worth of fun here!

Alte Pinakothek

Munich is home to some of the best museums in the world, many of them located in the Kunstareal (Art District) area. Each museum features different time periods and art movements. Alte Pinakothek shows the development of art from the middle ages to the 18 th century. Among the 700+ artworks on display, you’ll see works from masters like Albrecht Dürer, Sandro Botticelli, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Pinakothek der Moderne

Another great museum in the art district is the Pinakothek der Moderne, which is comprised of 4 major museums. Each is dedicated to a different specialization: modern and contemporary art, design, architecture, and works on paper (graphic art). This comprehensive museum covers all the bases of modern art. A must-visit for anyone interested in the arts.

Neue Pinakothek

Neue Pinakothek is one of the most renowned museums of European art, featuring 18 th to 19 th century art from different movements such as Art Nouveau and Impressionism. In here you can admire works from the great pioneers of modern art like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Paul Cézanne.

Unfortunately, it has been closed down since December 2018 for renovations. You can get to all other museums easily by taking the tram line 27 and stopping at the Pinakothekstation.

Museum Brandhorst

The Museum Brandhorst is a museum for contemporary art located in the art district area. The vibrant and colorful exterior gives you an idea of the kind of art exhibited inside which features Pop Art, expressive painting and Cubism. The museum attracts visitors from all over the world as it is houses the Andy Warhol largest collection in Europe. Other famous works you can find here are by artists Cy Twombly and Pablo Picasso.

Beer Halls & Beer Gardens

You can’t leave the city without immersing yourself in Munich’s beer and food culture. One of the best ways to experience this is a night at a beer hall, tasting different beer and trying traditional Bavarian food.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options in the city but if you’re looking for the complete package, then book this tour for a one of a kind evening at a traditional beer-hall . It includes personalized recommendations by a local, an exclusive tour of the Oktoberfest Museum, and of course, a beer sampling session and a platter of Bavarian delicacies.

Munich Christmas Markets (Münchener Weihnachtsmarkt / Christkindlmarkt)

Like many German cities, Munich is no stranger to Christmas markets. The oldest and most authentic one is Munich Christmas Market, located in Marienplatz besides Neues Rathaus. Festive stalls line up the plaza selling handicrafts, hot chestnuts and almonds, and mulled wine. Traditional Bavarian music is performed throughout advent on the town hall balcony, complete with choirs and live musicians.

Since there are many markets scattered throughout the city, there is a Christmas market for every kind of traveler. For fun activities with kids like a treasure hunt and horse carriage rides, then Christmas Market at the Chinese Tower is the one for you. Another one worth visiting is the Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz. This market is modeled after an Alpine village and showcases more artisanal creations and gourmet food.

Olympic Park (Olympiapark)

Built for the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, the Olympic Park is still a popular destination that attracts both locals and tourists. More than a park, it is also where sporting, social and cultural events are held. If you’re a sports fan, you can visit the state-of-the art fitness facilities, swimming pools, and skating rink.

Other relaxing alternatives include dining at the park’s revolving restaurant, checking out an outdoor performance, or simply strolling along the Olympic lake. Though it’s located in the North of Munich, it is a quick 10-minute walk away from the Olympiazentrum U-bahn station.

BMW World (BMW Welt)

BMW Welt is Bavaria’s most visited tourist attraction maybe because there is nothing else like it elsewhere in the world. Located next to the Olympic Park, BMW Welt is the home for all brands under the BMW Group which actually includes BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce.

This futuristic building contains an exhibition center, an event venue, a museum, and delivery center. You can learn about the brand’s history through the BMW Museum’s guided tours, admire the latest models in the showroom, or even watch exciting stunts by professional motorcyclists!

Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

Nymphenburg Palace and the beautiful gardens it occupies is one of the city’s most vibrant spots. Inside, you can get a glimpse into the palace’s history through its ornate furnishings and ballrooms. There are also several museums inside specializing in areas like natural history, porcelain, and royal carriages.

The sprawling gardens are also filled with pavilions and smaller palaces. Some worth mentioning are Amalienburg with its mirrored halls and Badenburg, a sauna and bathing hall. The palace is easily reached by bus or tram at the station called “Schloss Nymphenburg.”

Dachau Concentration Camp (KZ Gedenkstätte Dachau)

If you’re looking for an important educational tour, check out this half-day trip to the Dachau Memorial Site . Led by professionally trained guides, this tour is sensitive to the historical context of the former concentration camp. The tour covers the entire area including the museum exhibition, the original remaining structures, and the cinema that screens informative documentaries in English.

If You Have 3 Days in Munich

If you are staying in Munich for 3 days or even more, then you’ll certainly have a better chance of hitting as many of the spots listed above. Since a couple of the sites are close to each other, you’ll be able to see several attractions in one go.

You also have the opportunity to dive even deeper into the city’s history. If you are interested in learning about one of the darkest moments in both Munich and the world, then book this 2-hour walking tour that traces the rise of the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

Sports is also a big part of Munich’s history. If you are a big football fan, book this Bayern-München Football Stadium Tour to visit the team’s official museum and training grounds, and explore the grand Allianz Arena.

B est Day Trips from Munich

If you have more time and are looking to explore new sights beyond the city, you can take a day trip to any of Munich’s surrounding areas.

One of your travel options is to book full-day tours, which removes the stress of planning since transportation is usually taken care of. But you can also visit any of these cities and sites by renting a car or via public transportation, like trains or buses.

Linderhof & Neuschwanstein Castles

Bavaria is home to some of the most beautiful castles in Central Europe. One of them is Linderhof, located 1.5 hour away from Munich. Though it’s the smallest of King Ludwig II’s castles, it’s the only completed one and still just as stunning.

After Linderhof you can make your way to Neuschwanstein, Germany’s top tourist destination. This iconic castle is straight out of a fairytale and is known worldwide as the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s castle. For more information on how to get from Munich to Linderhof and then Neuschwanstein, check out this full-day tour complete with transportation here .  

Romantic Road

If you’re interested in experiencing medieval Germany, then go on this tour that takes you down the Romantic Road . The journey starts with Harburg Castle, one of the oldest castles in Southern Germany and takes you all the way to Rothenburg, a charming restored medieval town.

Salzburg, Austria

You can also make the most out of your stay in Munich and venture out to a whole other country by booking a day trip to Salzburg here .

From Munich you can cross the Austrian border into Salzburg via a 2-hour train ride. Salzburg, celebrated by many as Mozart’s hometown and the setting of “The Sound of Music”, is visited by millions of tourists per year.

This place is perfect for a day trip – it’s a well-preserved charming town unlike any in Europe and it’s small enough where you can visit most if not all of the most famous landmarks in a day.

Grab your FREE 10 Germany Gems Cheatsheet Now!

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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ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

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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!

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The Perfect 1 to 2 Days in Cologne Itinerary

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Dusseldorf Itinerary

Munich or Frankfurt: Which German City to Visit?

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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How to Spend Three Days in Munich: An Efficient, Fun-Filled Itinerary!

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

If you’re wondering the best way to spend three days in Munich, Germany, I have excellent news .

As a former local who pines over the city daily, I’ve already done all the leg work to create this action-packed three day itinerary for Munich that shows you the best of the city’s sights, and more.

This labour of love (based on over five years living in Bavaria’s gorgeous capital) uses a flexible format with sights organized by neighbourhood, and multiple options for activities, ensuring you have time to do what you actually  like.

So, read on for a comprehensive Munich 3 day itinerary that will help you plan your trip with ease. I apologize in advance for my unhinged Munich enthusiasm.

Save this 3 Day Munich Itinerary for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

Day 1: Munich Old Town & Around

The first day of our Munich three day itinerary is all about getting our bearings & hitting some of those main sights you’ve no doubt been dreaming of. Get ready to sightsee your face off and dive headfirst into the best of Munich!

Breakfast: Bavarian Breakfast

We shall begin our epic 3 days in Munich with a typical Bavarian breakfast.

Known around here as a Weißwurst Frühstück (White sausage breakfast), a Bavarian breakfast consists of three truly excellent staples:

• A doughy pretzel
• A pair of white sausages with sweet mustard
• And naturally, a cold glass of wheat beer to wash it all down

… Or as I like to call it, an edible Bavarian stereotype!

Always eaten before noon, here are some potential places to get a goold old Bavarian breakfast near our morning activities:

• Café Glockenspiel | Marienplatz 28: Meh service and slightly high prices but an AMAZING view over Marienplatz if you can score a table by the window.
• Schneider Brahaus | Tal 7: Nice ambiance combined with excellent Weißbier in a very central location.
• Hofbräuhaus | Platzl 9: A shamelessly touristy yet quintessentially Munich must-visit. If you don’t plan on coming here later, it’s a great place to grab a later breakfast (it usually opens at 11).

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like demolishing sausage, pretzels and beer as a morning activity, another classic place for breakfast near Marienplatz is Café Frischhut , known for its schmalznudel – a Bavarian pastry that’s essentially a slab of deep fried dough.

Morning: Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Alright, now let’s move onto our morning activity: gawking around open-mouthed at the beauty of Munich’s Altstadt (Old Town).

This is by far the most scenic part of Munich, and where I’d recommend focusing your attention for your first day.

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 😉

Here are some ideas for places to see & morning activities in Munich’s Altstadt, bearing in mind we’ll be visiting Viktualienmarkt, Odeonsplatz & Max-Joseph Platz a little later in the day:

• DIY your own walking tour to cover some of the main squares in Altstadt (Old Town), including Marienplatz, Platzl & Karlsplatz
• Visit the Frauenkirche and its peculiar ‘Devil’s Footprint’ in the back of the church
• Do some shopping on the ultra-luxe Maximilianstrasse, or on the much more affordable Kaufingerstrasse
• Step inside some beautiful churches like Asamkirche & Theatinerkirche
• Pay a visit to the epic Munich Residenz, where for centuries, Bavaria’s most important rulers and decisionmakers lived in opulent splendour
• Visit one of the Altstadt’s many museums – I quite enjoyed the Münchner Stadtmuseum & Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA), but there are quirkier picks too like the Toy Museum or the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum

Venture a little beyond Karlsplatz and you can go see the Justizpalast, one of the best free hidden gems in Munich.

Lunch: Viktualienmarkt

After tiring yourself out with some relentless sightseeing, it’s time for a tasty lunch stop.

Steps away from Marienplatz, you’ll find Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s vibrant 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.

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.

This is a great place to stop for lunch if you’re hungry. I’m a big fan of the Münchner Suppenküche, which has a tasty assortment of soups, but there are so many food options here you’ll be able to find something for every craving.

For instance, if you’re craving Italian, the massive Eataly nearby is a must-visit for lovers of Italian food, with plenty of delicious sit down and to-go options to choose from.

Afternoon: English Garden & Maxvorstadt

After lunch, it’s time to walk off the food coma by meandering over to one of the largest city parks in the world: the English Garden!

From Viktualienmarkt, I’d recommend walking through Altstadt via Max-Joseph Platz, Odeonsplatz, through Hofgarten, past the surfers, then entering the park after you’ve had your fill of watching brave surfers wipe out.

Here are some activities you can enjoy in the English Garden:

• Marvel at the Monopteros
• Visit the Japanese Garden
• Grab a treat at the Milchhäusl kiosk (open even in winter, with cute gondolas to sit in)
• Grab a beer at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden, one of the most famous beer gardens in Munich
• Wander further to the beautiful lakeside Seehaus Beer Garden, which has a much more local crowd

If you’d prefer to do a bit more sightseeing, you can plan your walk to exit via the western side of the park (by the Milchäusl kiosk) so you can explore the beautiful neighbourhood of Maxvorstadt, known for its dynamic energy (thanks to a dense student population)… as well as an abundance of cultural institutions and museums.

What is there to do in Maxvorstadt? Here are some highlights:

• Admire Siegestor, Munich’s Victory Arch, a monument built to honour the glory of the Bavarian army
• Take a moment at the Geschwister-Scholl-Platz (Scholl Siblings Square) to see the memorial dedicated to the “White Rose Resistance Group”, an anti-Nazi resistance group run by LMU students. In their memory, you will now see bronze replicas of their leaflets embedded in the square’s cobblestones
• Grab unique ice cream at Der Verruckte Eismacher, known for the Alice in Wonderland aesthetic and inventive rotation of ice cream flavours, which includes Bavarian treats like Augustiner beer and sometimes even sauerkraut
• Visit one of the many museums in Maxvorstadt’s museum quarter (Kunstareal), including the Pinakothek Moderne, NS Documentation Center, Glypothek, Lenbachaus, Museum Brandhorst and more
• Admire the views at Königsplatz, where the stunning Propyläen Gate makes a lovely centerpiece 

Dinner in Altstadt

From Maxvorstadt or the English Garden, you’re still close enough to the Altstadt (Old Town) to return for dinner, which is what I’d recommend you do to cap off your first 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 | Augustinerstraße 1 : My favourite place to enjoy traditional Bavarian food, and where I take every visitor who comes to town
• Haxnbauer | Sparkassenstraße 6 : A very famous place for pork knuckle, which is served with some truly awe-inspiring potato dumplings
• L’Osteria | Lenbachplatz 8 : MASSIVE pizzas for a great price – perfect if you want something other than Bavarian and they also have multiple locations

Evening: Wander around Altstadt (Old Town)

I know you’ve spent much of your day here so are probably sick of it already, but Munich’s Altstadt (Old Town) becomes all the more magical at night, so take the evening to have a little bumble around to admire how all those famous monuments look at night… with a fraction of their day time crowds!

You might also take this time to enjoy some Munich nightlife! I’ll admit, Munich isn’t as well known for this as it is for say…. leather pants and giant pretzels, BUT there are still plenty of places to enjoy an evening out.

Sadly, I’m an 80 year old grandma in disguise, so I’ll defer you to my much cooler friend Sooz who has written an extensive Munich nightlife guide here.

Day 2: North Munich

The second day of our Munich three day itinerary is all about spreading our wings and heading North to see a different side to the city. Get ready for palaces, parks & parts of Munich you didn’t realize existed!

Breakfast: Goodies from a German Bakery

We’ll be covering a lot of ground on our second day, so fuelling up quickly is a must!

And since you already had a taste of Bavaria’s go-to morning fuel of sausage, pretzel & beer yesterday, we’ll opt for something a bit sweeter for day two – a visit to a delicious German bakery!

German bakeries are next-level havens of baked goodness, with tantalizing options for sweet and savoury people alike.

So, to start your day off right, I’d suggest Googling your closest local bakery with good reviews, and popping in for a treat or two, as well as a coffee. Do note that German bakeries often pride themselves on efficiency though, so don’t take too long trying to decide what you want!

If you’re stuck on where to go, some popular and reliable chain bakeries in Munich include…

• Rischart 
• Zöttl 
• Dompierre (more of a French-style bakery, but it’s great!)

Morning: Nymphenburg Park & Palace

After breakfast, we’re going to continue our second day in Munich with a visit to a regal and quiet part of town that is (to me) one of the most beautiful spots that Munich has to offer.

Once upon a time, Nymphenburg Palace was the go-to summer residence of the Bavarian royal family. Originally commissioned in the 17th century, incoming royals kept adding, building, and spending, turning the palace and park into the sprawling estate it is today.

Besides marvelling at the gorgeous palace (whose width exceeds even that of Versailles), visitors can…

• Buy a ticket to explore the gorgeous inner rooms of the palace
• Go for a walk on the extensive palace park grounds
• Visit the many on-site museums, including the Marstallmuseum (Carriage Museum), Porzellanmuseum München (Nymphenburg porcelain museum), Museum of Man and Nature & Erwin von Kreibig-Museum
• Go on a pricey but romantic Venetian gondola ride 
• Visit the Munich Botanical Garden

Oh and believe it or not, the palace is still home to “Franz von Bayern”, the Duke of Bavaria whose great grandfather was the kingdom’s last ruling monarch.

Swanky digs aside however, he doesn’t have much actual political power, though (fun fact) if he had broader ambitions, he’d actually have a claim to the British throne too, as a direct descendant of the Stuart dynasty. You can fall into that random rabbit hole here.

Lunch: Hirschgarten

After scouring the palace grounds in search of eligible dukes, for lunch, we’ll be enjoying a classic Bavarian experience – a beer garden, or biergarten of course, as it’s known locally.

And where better to enjoy a biergarten experience than the largest one in all of Bavaria? With over 8000 seats (!!!), Hirschgarten is the epic beer garden that lays claim to this accolade, although I’d argue its more exciting feature is its actual deer!

Yup just as its name (which translates to ‘Deer Garden’) implies, this beer garden is famous for its friendly set of deer, who graze and frolic just steps away from where you can enjoy a delicious lunch of classic Bavarian eats & drinks.

Be careful though – it’s easy to lose an entire afternoon here!

Afternoon: Olympiapark

From Hirschgarten, you’re not too far by public transport to our next stop: Olympiapark, one of the more unique parts of the city.

While it may look futuristic, this impressive park was all built back in 1972 for the Summer Olympics, and even decades later, it 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.

Upon arrival, take some time to explore the park at your own pace. There’s loads to see! Here are some ideas:

• Visit the free BMW World to see some cool cars and displays or visit the paid BMW Museum for a more thorough walkthrough of BMW history through vintage cars
• Photograph the unique clover-shaped BMW Headquarters, modelled after the four cylinders of a car engine
• Walk along Olympiasee and check out its ‘Walk of Fame’, with handprints and signatures embedded into the ground from famous celebrities (mostly musicians) who have visited the city
• Visit SEA Life Munich
• Pay a visit to 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.
• Take a walk around Olydorf to see the uniquely painted student bungalows that form one of the most unique student residences in the world

Sunset: Olympiaberg or Olympia Tower

Alright, if we’ve timed things right, you should still be lurking around Olympiapark around sunset, which is perfect.

This park is by far one of my favourite places in Munich to catch sunset. You have two options here, depending on your budget and 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!

Or if you don’t mind paying, the Olympic Tower is a truly incredible place to watch sunset as well. 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.

Evening: Fun, Unique Nightlife

If you’ve followed this Munich 3 day itinerary closely, then you’ll have already enjoyed a taste of Munich’s nightlife last night.

Well, to cap off our second day, I’m going to give you a list of Munich’s quirkier and more unique nightlife spots to choose from.

Of course, if you just want to relax and continue (conventional) bar hopping, that’s fine too… but picking something from this list will give you some insight into the theme of our final day: Munich’s lesser visited gems!

So, here are some ideas for unique evening activities in Munich:

• Werksviertel-Mitte: A cool area behind Ostbahnhof train station with lots of cool murals and unique small businesses housed in shipping containers.
• Bahnwärter Thiel: A hip hang out spot that hosts various parties and events, with different bars scattered across a large venue decorated with repurposed shipping containers and structures.
• MS Utting: Literally an old boat perched on a bridge that is now a hangout spot where you can get food and drink, plus they host fun events like a Christmas market every year.

Day 3: Offbeat Munich

For the third day of our three day Munich itinerary, I’m showing you how to explore more of Munich a bit more off the beaten path, BUT if you’re looking to maximize your time, I might recommend taking the third day to enjoy one of the many amazing day trips from Munich .

If you’re happy to stay in the city though, here’s our Day 3 Itinerary for you to follow!

Morning: Walk Along the Isar

The Isar is the heart and soul of Munich.

This majestic river winds for almost 300km through Austria and Germany, from the Alps to the Danube. The scenic section through Munich is of course one of the most densely packed with sights, and a walk along here is a great way to appreciate the unique urban greenery of the city.

Come summer, the banks of the Isar are packed with picnickers, swimmers and sun revellers keen to make the most of the city’s warm days. Year-round, you’ll also spot fishermen and runners.

Truly, there’s no better place to appreciate the unique lifestyle of Munich.

I’d suggest walking from the Friedensengel (Angel of Peace) to the Deutsches Museum, a walk that takes approximately 30 minutes, although it’ll be much longer with photo/curiosity stops.

I’ve intentionally left this morning fairly breezy so you can explore at your own pace, so feel free to take some detours if something catches your eye.

So long as you end up near the Deutches Museum by lunch time, we’ll be on track!

Some sights to keep an eye out for during your Isar walk include…

• The Friedensengel (Angel of Peace) itself, as well as the view from its terrace
• The colourful murals in the tunnel below the Friedensengel (Angel of Peace)
• The Maximilianeum, a grand building that’s home to the Bavarian State Parliament. If you want a scenic detour, the entirety of Maximilianstrasse is gorgeous and lined with some of Munich’s most luxurious shops.
• The iconic St Lukas Church, one of the most prominent parts of the Munich skyline
• Müller’sches Volksbad, a beautiful Art Nouveau public bathing pool

If you have the time/want to make it a priority, the Deutsches Museum is one of the largest science and technology museums in the world. It’s a very cool stop for science geeks (and curious kids), although it does take some time to get through, so I wouldn’t necessarily prioritize it unless you’re really into science.

Lunch: Glockenbachviertel

Alright, after that walk, you must be starving!

Luckily, from the Deutches Museum, you’re in close proximity to one of the most vibrant districts in Munich, the Glockenbachviertel. Known as the epicentre of Munich’s LGBTQ+ scene, as well as the go-to spot for cool bars, cafes and food spots, this is an ideal place to grab lunch or a coffee.

I’d recommend going based on what you’re craving, because there are restaurants of all cuisines here, but if you’re feeling for Bavarian, the Paulaner Brauhaus am Kapuzinerplatz is great. I can also recommend Man versus Machine for a post-meal caffeine boost – their cold brew will change your life.

Or, lastly, if you want absolutely life-threatening portions of schnitzel, venture a little farther to Andy’s Krablergarten , where schnitzel’s the game and the prize is a certain coma.

NOTE: If you’re having an extraordinarily late lunch or plan to return to this neighbourhood for dinner, do NOT miss the epic vegan pizzas from Doctor Drooly . They annoyingly only open at 5pm and there’s no sit-down space apart from two benches outside, but it’s the best Isar picnic food and truly one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had.

Afternoon: Pick a Neighbourhood to Explore

Alright, for our final afternoon, we’re going to get a taste of Munich beyond the main sights! 

As for which neighbourhoods to explore, I’d say the choice depends on what you’re after. 

The Glockenbachviertel is well-connected to other parts of the city, with easy access via tram, U-Bahn or even on foot if you don’t mind a bit of walking, so there are plenty of options close to your lunch spot to consider.

Here are some potential options and what they have to offer:

Haidhausen: A quaint & village-like part of town with highlights including an elegant square (Wiener Platz), a bustling beer hall/garden (Hofbräukeller), an epic parliament building (the Maximilianeum) and plenty of delightful streets to wander down (Preysingstraße is a personal favourite). 

Bogenhausen: An elegant part of town with chic Art Nouveau villas & plenty of celebrity addresses. There’s not a ton here by way of attractions but it’s a beautiful neighborhood to wander through, with a lovely art museum (Museum Villa Stuck) and a unique relic of history – Hitler’s former Munich apartment, if that interests you (Prinzregentenplatz 16).

Giesing: Long known as a working class neighbourhood, Giesing is one of my favourite neighbourhoods to explore in Munich. Highlights include unique pieces of street art, a lovely rose garden, the idyllic neighbourhood of Klein Venedig (Little Venice), the quirky fairytale hangout space known as Gans Woanders, and the locals’ cult favourite brewery Giesinger Bräu. Oh! And the 1860 Munich football team is based here too.

Westpark: If you want a calm, nature-oriented escape, then Westpark is a beautiful part of Munich to explore. Year-round, there’s plenty to enjoy here, from outdoor movies and a beautiful rose garden in the summer to quirky Cafe Gans am Wasser, which is especially festive in the winter.

During Fall and Spring, beautiful blooms and foliage make the park and its hidden gardens a true delight. Make sure you don’t miss the Thai temple, Japanese garden and Chinese garden – they’re truly some of the prettiest spots in the city! 

Evening: Special Munich Experience

Alright, to cap off these beautiful three days in Munich, I’d suggest ending on a high note and partaking in a unique and memorable experience for your final evening.

Some options (if money is no object) include…

• A fine dining meal (Munich has 18 Michelin-starred restaurants , including one 3 star)
• A meal with a view like at the restaurant on top of the Olympic Tower
• Cocktails at a fancy rooftop bar (the Mahjong Rooftop Garden at the Mandarin Oriental has the best view)
• A sports game like a football game at the Allianz Arena

Some more cost-effective but still memorable options include…

• Asunset picnic somewhere along the Isar
• A quirky movie experience (Gloria Palast is gorgeous and special, whereas Museum Lichtspiele is a small unusual cinema known for showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show at least weekly for the past FOURTY YEARS. There’s also outdoor cinemas in the summer in Westpark and Olympiapark)
• A spin on the Umadum , a large ferris wheel (like the London Eye) behind Munich Ostbahnhof

Adding More Days Into This 3 Days in Munich Itinerary

If you’re lucky enough to be spending  more  than three days in Munich, then fret not, you can still use this itinerary for your first three days, then add on a day trip or further neighbourhood explorations to round out your trip.

There are tons of day trips that are easily doable with public transportation ( Neuschwanstein or Salzburg would be my go-to picks) but if you want convenience and efficiency, there are many private tours departing from Munich that help you see more in a short amount of time, like…

• This popular tour that takes you to both Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof in one day
• This sell-out day trip that goes to Dachau Concentration Camp
• This day tour that goes to the famous Eagle’s Nest

I Hope You Enjoyed This Guide on How to Spend Three Days in Munich!

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for bearing with my fanatical Munich rambles. Armed with this 3 Day Munich itinerary, I hope you’ll be able to make the most of every second you have in this epic gem of a city. Safe travels, and happy Prosting!

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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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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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 – our Munich itinerary of cool things to see and do

I spent 3 days in Munich, visiting just as the city was coming to life in springtime. The weather was warming up and everyone moving outdoors to the parks and biergarten.

My aim was to discover some of the hidden treasures of Munich, the must see spots but also the places you might not discover on a first visit. To help you plan your weekend I’ve put together a Munich 3 day itinerary with all the cool things to do in Munich that we enjoyed.

You may also enjoy: A taste of delicious food in Munich – where and what to eat

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Arriving at Munich Airport

If you fly into Munich Airport as we did, you’ll be in for a 5 star experience. The facilities here are first class and there’s everything you need to get your short break in Munich in 3 days off to a great start.

It’s worth taking a little time to look around if you’re not in a rush. The airport has lots on offer that is enjoyed by locals as well as those flying through.

When you come out into arrivals, turn left for the Bayern Lounge and cafe. Here there’s an interactive screen that gives you information on all the things to see in Munich.

For families or those who like to see the planes come and go, there’s an observation deck with the cute Cloud 7 coffee shop. Cloud 7 is modeled on a retro plane interior.

We took time to look at the art gallery space. When we passed through it was showing “Hope is Maybe”, an exhibition reflecting on the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.

Unique restaurant options

There are a wide range of restaurants in the upstairs food court. Many of the restaurant concepts are unique to Munich Airport.

You may also enjoy: 15 of the best day trips from Munich by train

We especially liked the SportsAlm restaurant which is designed to mimic a mountain ski restaurant. There’s a cute cable car with just enough room to seat two people. In sunny weather you can sit on a deckchair outside and soak up the sun as if you’d just stopped for a bite to eat on the ski slopes.

Looking for a hotel near Munich Airport? Check out the best prices here

Day 1 – Checking in at Hotel Cortiina

Want to try and see Munich in 3 days? It’s good to arrive on an early morning flight as we did, so you’ll have the whole day ahead of you. Then you can just leave your luggage at your hotel and get out to enjoy the city.

We stayed at a gorgeous boutique hotel in Munich – Hotel Cortiina which is located very centrally just 5 minutes walk from Marienplatz. It’s in an unassuming road that has a few interesting indie shops. The gift shop opposite sells dachshund gifts and another devoted to Cuban cigars.

Although we were too early to check in, the friendly staff were only too happy for us to leave our cases to we could get out and about in the city. What a treat we found once we did check in after lunch!

The hotel is inspired by Italian style blended with subtle Asian elements – it’s actually a Feng Shui hotel. Turns out that one of the owners is an architect and designer. This shows in the clean lines combined with the use of rich patterns and textures, adding up to a warm and elegant look.

Read more: Munich outdoors – where to go cycling, surfing and wild swimming

Our bathroom was wall to ceiling marble. A powerful walk in shower and a waxed paper door screen, echoes a Japanese style. The 4th floor room where we stayed was in an apartment annex. It’s next to the main hotel entrance, with its own doorway from the street.

Delicious breakfast options

We had breakfast in the Grapes Weinbar next to reception. They served an exceptional breakfast, beautifully presented on a long table. I’m still dreaming about that breakfast which had such a wide range of delicious things to try.

I enjoyed a hot dish of Turkish eggs, local artisan cheeses, and freshly squeezed orange juice. There was outstanding coffee and array of nuts and seeds to sprinkle on your fruit or muesli.

You may also enjoy: 20 fabulous things to do in Munich, Germany

A small internal courtyard to sit on sunny days led through to a well equipped gym. Once breakfast is over, the Grapes Weinbar becomes an all day cafe and evening winebar, serving light dishes, wine and other drinks.

We loved the impeccable sense of style and very professional and friendly service. Hotel Cortiina is part of a small group of hotels and restaurants, such as Bar Centrale across the road and Buffet Kass Bar nearby, both of which we tried.

More info Hotel Cortiina Website | Instagram | Facebook

Stay at the Cortiina Hotel in Munich

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Day 1 – Lunch at Bar Centrale

Once we had dropped our bags at Hotel Cortiina, we popped across the road for lunch at Bar Centrale. Part of the same hotel and restaurant family, this unassuming bar has a stylish Italian atmosphere.

We felt as if we were in the backstreets of Rome, with chatter and menus in Italian (although of course they switch effortlessly into English). We squashed into the informal seating at the back room of the bar and ordered from the short blackboard menu that was presented to us.

It was all pasta dishes and I tucked into my seafood linguine with a wine sauce and generous serving of shelled giant prawns. The coffee there was fantastic too.

More Info Bar Centrale Website | Ledererstraße 23 80331 Munich | Facebook

Day 1 – Wander around Marienplatz and the old town

On the first of our three days in Munich, we decided to wander the neighbourhood near the hotel. We aimed to get our bearings, just soaking up the atmosphere and seeing some of the centrally located sights.

As Marienplatz was so close to our hotel, we started at this tourist hub and heart of the old town in Munich. It was definitely a place for people watching.

It is bordered one side by the imposing Gothic Neue Rathaus or New Town Hall which was constructed at the turn of the century. You can climb the tower of the Rathaus and look down over the town.

The more popular option is to look back on the Rathaus from St Peter’s Church Tower opposite. The favourite thing to do here is to gather at 11am, 12pm or 5pm. At these times the painted figures at the top of the clock tower come to life and turn around to the sounds of the glockenspiel.

Looking for a hotel in Munich? Check prices here

More info Marienplatz on Munich tourism website

Day 1 – Climb St Peter’s Church tower

If you have time and the weather is good, this might be the time to climb up the Church tower of St Peter’s church. Look down on the square from the top to get the best known photos of Marienplatz.

Although it’s a steep climb and the wooden stairway is narrow in places, it’s not as claustrophobic as some towers I’ve climbed. There are regular landings where you can pass those coming up or down.

Once at the top, you can walk all around the platform. Be warned that it does get busy at times as the crowd shuffles around the perimeter waiting turns to get the best photo.

More info St Peter’s Church on Munich tourism website | Cost €3

Where to eat in Munich

If you’ve arrived on the Friday as we did, you might be thinking about where to eat. Perhaps somewhere that’s fun but informal. Here are a few suggestions, depending on what style of food you like.

Grapes Weinbar

For food that’s light and elegant, with a well chosen glass of wine, you’ll enjoy Grapes Weinbar which was within the Hotel Cortiina . It’s run as an independent enterprise, although part of the same family.

There are small plates for nibbles and bistro style dishes such as smoked trout fillet, beef tartare, terrines and sorbets. If the weather is fine there’s a small terrace at the back and they open the windows wide onto the street.

More info Grapes Weinbar Website | Facebook | Instagram | Ledererstraße 8, 80331 Munich

Hofbräuhaus: The traditional beer hall of Munich

If you fancy something that’s uncompromisingly Bavarian, you could head to the Hofbräuhaus (close to Hotel Cortiina). It’s a huge beer hall with many different rooms and a large beer garden at the back.

Although it’s definitely a tourist haunt, it’s also fun to mingle with the old boys in their Lederhosen. Because it’s so big, there always seems to be space to squeeze in somewhere. The atmosphere is very jolly, especially when they have the Bavarian band playing.

If you want to explore Munich’s beer scene check out this 3-hour Bavarian Beer and Food Culture guided tour

More info Hofbräuhaus website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Platzl 9, 80331 Munich

Haxnbauer : Hearty German fare

Also close by is Haxnbauer, another well known spot for hearty Bavarian food, especially if you are a big meat eater. I’ve eaten there on a previous visit and it’s known for the huge pork knuckles that you can see roasting on the spit in the window.

The restaurant is large, busy and informal with a fun atmosphere, although not the ideal choice for vegetarians. Read about my previous visit here

More info Haxnbauer Website | Sparkassenstraße 6, 80331 Munich

Our Day 2 Munich Itinerary – Saturday

Day 2 morning – visit the viktualienmarkt – munich food market.

Saturday morning is a great time to visit Munich’s main outdoor food market, the Viktualienmarkt which is very close to Marienplatz. Here you’ll find open-air stalls selling fruit, veg and other food products as well as cafes dotted around the market.

The biergarten area under the chestnut trees is a good place to eat some of the local produce you may have bought in the market as a picnic, so long as you buy a drink. The Maypole provides a focal point at the heart of the market. It’s decorated with figures that indicate different trades that you might find nearby in the city.

The market was moved to this square in 1807 after outgrowing its previous location in Marienplatz. In addition to the open air stalls there are smaller shops around the perimeter. These shops sell meat and sausages, including the famous Bavarian white sausage.

While we were there in May, piles of white asparagus were being sold on all the stalls together with globe artichokes. We tried both of these at dinner. The market stalls are a good indicator of what’s currently in season and at its most delicious. Look out for these items on restaurant menus.

More info Viktualienmarkt on Munich Tourism website

Day 2 – Lunch at the Hofgarten

Our Saturday wanderings around Munich brought us to the Hofgarten. This large formal garden features fountains, parterres and a central pavilion.

When the sun’s shining it’s a pretty place to wander or sit and soak up the sun on one of the many benches that line the paths. The garden was formerly the court garden of The Residenz, and the private space for the Wittelsbach rulers of Bavaria and it is bounded by colonnades on one side.

On the gravel terrace you’ll see people playing bowls. There’s a large biergarten and restaurant terrace which is an extension of the Tambosi restaurant at one corner of the garden. As the weather was beautiful, we decided to have lunch here al fresco, with a prime view of the gardens, cyclists and people passing by.

The menu was Italian inspired with pizza and pasta but we enjoyed our colourful salads served with fresh bread and beer. As you might expect, you do pay a bit of a premium for such a prime location but it’s very stylish in pretty surroundings.

For those on a budget I’d recommend bringing a picnic to eat on the grassy lawns of the Hofgarten. Or, just have a beer rather than a meal.

More info Tambosi Website

Day 2 Afternoon – visit a museum or gallery

The residenz munich.

Saturday afternoon is a good time to explore the cultural delights of Munich. There are endless museums and galleries to choose from.

One of the highlights is the Residenz, a huge complex of buildings and courtyards. This was the residence over the centuries for the Wittelsbach family who ruled Bavaria.

We walked through the endless suites of rooms, each added by a different generation of rulers. The amount of opulent gilt, decoration and general magnificence sometimes felt overwhelming.

You may also enjoy: 3 fabulous day trips from Dresden for culture lovers – Saxony, Germany

The highlights for me were the Grotto courtyard. The statues, shells and crystals created an ornamental pavilion encrusted with decoration at one end of the courtyard.

The magnificent Antiquarium hall was created in the 16th century as a place to exhibit the collection of Duke Albrecht V. The dais at one end was also used as a dining area for the rulers on ceremonial occasions. It’s also a popular spot for wedding photos as we discovered when a bride and groom arrived to have their photos taken.

At the end of the tour you’ll visit the Treasury. This houses the crown jewels and precious religious jewels belonging to the rulers of Bavaria.

Each generation of rulers would commission new and beautiful objects of gold, silver and jewels often used for religious devotion. As example, the spectacular St George and the Dragon reliquary was made in the 16th century and said to house a relic of St George himself.

More info Residenz Munich website

Modern art at Pinakothek der Moderne

The Residenz will take at least a couple of hours to look around. If your tastes lean more towards contemporary art, then head for the Pinakothek der Moderne which we also visited.

This gallery is one of a group of Pinakothek art museums. It includes impressionists and old masters, collected over the centuries by the ruling Bavarian families.

The collections of the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne are in separate buildings but all close together. Unless you are a complete art devotee, I’d pick just one that takes your fancy to visit.

If you want to get an easy overview of all the sights in Munich, check out this Hop on Hop off bus tour of Munich

Our choice was the contemporary art collections at Pinakothek der Moderne with artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries. We saw Picasso, Kandinsky, Delauney and Dali.

There was a special exhibition of the works of Paul Klee; who was part of the Bauhaus movement of the 1920s. The building itself is very sculptural with an open atrium and central glazed dome.

More info Pinakothek der Moderne

If you’re not really in the mood for culture and the weather is fine, you might just like to linger at the Hofgarten. There’s plenty of benches along the gravel paths and by the fountains.

Another great alternative would be to take the train to see the Nymphenberg Palace . This summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria includes a porcelain museum. The palace is fronted by a formal lake and set in landscaped gardens making it perfect for a visit in summer.

Day 2 – Dinner in Munich

For an excellent dinner on Saturday night we can recommend Bar Buffet Kull. It’s close to Hotel Cortiina where we stayed and part of the same family of restaurants and hotels.

This is Munich’s rather stylish answer to the classic French Bistro, with red checked table cloths and tables packed closely together. The dishes are simply prepared and presented. I tried a delicious pan-fried wild salmon with the sweet white asparagus that was in season with melted butter.

They do a delicious tuna tartare which is apparently one of their signature dishes and was presented to us as a starter. I also enjoyed my Aperol sour aperitif, a popular local alternative to the Aperol spritz. This drink seems to have migrated everywhere from northern Italy.

The restaurant is very popular and the kind of neighbourhood place that you’d want to come back to again and again. It’s worth asking your hotel to reserve you a table.

Although the food is uncomplicated, the menu is at the higher end of the price scale. The place seemed to attract an elegant older crowd. Restaurants in Munich are generally not cheap once you move away from the beer and pretzels!

More info Buffet Bar Kull Website

Stylish alternative dining

As an alternative for a nice dinner on Saturday night, you might like to try Brenner Grill (Maximilianstraße 15). This is also part of the same restaurant family and is close to the Residenz.

It’s a large bar and brasserie with a stylish atmosphere and outdoor terrace. Much of the fish and meat is prepared over a charcoal grill but there are good veggie options too. We didn’t eat here but thought it looked very nice.

Another great option if you are looking for somewhere atmospheric for drinks would be Die Goldene Bar . It’s located at the back of Haus der Kunst and has a terrace overlooking the Englischer Garten.

The bar is known for the golden wall maps from 1937 which give the bar its name and show the places that the spirits and tobacco came from around the world. We visited in the afternoon and had a drink on the terrace but thought the original bar would be a fabulous place for an evening cocktail or aperitif. They also have a menu of small plates, snacks and sandwiches.

The Munich Streetlife Festival

Munich’s biggest street party takes place twice a year in the Street Life festival. We happened to be there in early May when it was in full swing. Earlier in the day we’d noticed there seemed to be a lot of things being set up along the normally busy Leopoldstrasse.

When we passed by in the late afternoon the festival was just getting going. We decided to go with the flow and abandoned any plans for our Saturday night to follow the crowds.

The festival which takes place in May and September has a Green City theme and is free for everyone. The whole city seemed to be strolling up and down the boulevard.

People trying food from the numerous vendors, enjoying the music and trying out some of the activities like rollerblading and skateboarding. Information points are manned by different green organisations.

It was a happy and relaxed atmosphere and if you’re visiting Munich it’s worth checking out what other events or festivals might be happening on the Munich Tourism Events page .

More info Munich Streetlife Festival Website | Instagram | Facebook

Our Day 3 itinerary – Sunday

Day 3 morning – hire bikes for a sunday bike ride.

Sunday is a great time to relax and enjoy the parks and green spaces of Munich. Why not follow the local’s example and go for a bike ride? At Hotel Cortiina they keep some bikes to lend to guests and so we were able to borrow some at no charge. Guy was most impressed with the leather Brooks saddle!

I also noticed that there are loads of bike schemes in Munich where you are charged through your mobile. If you’re on a budget check out OBike , Nextbike , Call a Bike – there are probably others too.

If you want to be sure of a good quality bike then you can rent from an established bike rental shop. Mikes Bike Tours do both bike rentals and bike tours of Munich .

Day 3 – Cycle to the Deutsches Museum

The first stop on our self guided cycle tour was the Deutsches Museum. This museum is right beside the river and a short cycle ride from our Hotel Cortiina.

The museum covers all things related to science, technology and transport in a most engaging way. There are boats, trains and balloons on display and exhibitions on everything from turbines and windmills to the way the cells in our body work.

More info: Deutches Museum website | Adults €12

Day 3 – Cycle along the river Isar

From the Deutches Museum we were well placed to continue our cycle ride along the river Isar. There are cycle paths on both sides of the river.

We spotted a number of pebble beaches which we were told are very popular in summer for swimming and sunbathing as the river here is so shallow. There’s a huge bar of pebbles in the river near Mariannenbrucke, where we could see loads of people sunbathing. If you look back at the photo of me above on the bike you’ll see them in the background. You can cycle along the river right up to the Englischer Garten and beyond.

More info: Cycling trails and tours on the Munich Tourism website

Day 3 – Watch the surfers on the Eisbach in Munich

We cycled along the riverside cycle path until we reached the start of the Englischer Garten. We then turned up Prinzregentenstraße towards the Haus der Kunst and the bridge over the Eisbach river. If you go you’ll probably spot the crowds that gather there to watch the surfers who take it in turns to surf there.

It’s quite mesmerising to stand on the bank or the bridge to watch these experienced surfers jump on the board and twist and turn. They even do a few tricks before they either fall off or dive off into the river to let the next surfer try their luck.

The water is shallow here causing the swell of water and it’s only for the expert surfers as you need to be able to jump straight onto your board. Who’d want to make a fool of themselves anyway with such a large crowd watching?

More info Eisbach surfer website (German)

Day 3 – Cycle through the Englischer Garten to the Chinese Pavilion

We continued our bike ride into the Englischer Garten where there are numerous broad paths for walkers, cyclists and joggers. The park is huge and was laid out on the orders of elector Carl Theodor in 1789.

Created in the style of an English Country Park, it has large areas of grass, lakes and pavilions. It’s an ideal place to cycle as the size is so great you’d take a long time walking through it. An alternative would be to take one of the cycle rickshaws or a horse and carriage ride around the park.

Before too long the Chinesischer Turm or Chinese Pagoda came into sight. It sits in the middle of a stand of shady chestnut trees, with a biergarten all around it. This is an ideal place to come for lunch at the weekend. There’s loads of space to sit, even though it’s a very popular spot.

At several self-service cafe areas you can buy your lunch of traditional Bavarian favourites. Try sausage and sauerkraut, pretzels, potato salad, grilled trout and of course lots and lots of beer. If you want something a bit more refined there’s also a somewhat more elegant restaurant with table service.

There’s a bus service that stops by the Chinese biergarten. It’s also easy to find the horse and carriages and rickshaws that wait there.

More info: Englischer Garten on Munich tourism website | Info about Chinesischer Turm

Day 3 – Cycle on to the lake in the Englischergarten

After lunch we cycled on towards the Kleinhesseloher lake where there’s another popular biergarten with a similar self service cafe. From here you can hire a rowing boat or pedalo to have some fun on the lake.

By this time it was mid-afternoon and we were on the evening flight back to Bristol. We turned back and cycled back past the Haus der Kunst and on to our hotel.

On the way we noticed that there are some areas of the park used for nude sunbathing. This is quite accepted in Germany so it’s considered rude to stare, snigger or point a camera in that direction.

Outside the park we followed the well marked cycle paths and before we knew it were back at the hotel. We gathered our bags and hopped on the S-bahn from Marienplatz back to the airport ready for our flight home.

One last beer at Airbrau in Munich airport

We may have been heading for home but our weekend break wasn’t quite over as we arrived at Munich airport. In the sheltered area under the glazed roof, the white sails contrasting with the blue of the sky, we stopped for a bite to eat.

Airbrau is the only brewery that’s located in an airport. There’s an indoor restaurant, where you can eat next to the shiny copper vats that are used to brew the beer. Or, in fine weather you can sit outside in their biergarten area.

The menu has all the hearty Bavarian specialties. But, having seen enough of sausages for one weekend, I tried the trout, with parsley potatoes and the sweet white asparagus that was in season.

Beer brewed on premises

There are lots if different beers to choose from that are brewed on the premises. We tried seasonal specialities like the Mayday. This malty dark weissbier is only available from May onwards.

The brewery master is available to give a tour of the brewery most days except Sunday. Check when you arrive in the airport what tours they are running, and then book for one that you can do just before you leave. I expect all the locals stop here to get their final taste of their favourite Bavarian beer before they fly out of Munich or make it the first thing they taste when they get home!

More info: Airbrau website

We had such fun on our 3 day break to Munich, we saw loads and since everything runs so efficiently in Germany. It was effortless to get through Munich airport and into the city in no time at all. I hope I’ve showed you some of the cool things to do in Munich, the popular highlights but some of the more local “Hidden Treasures” too.

Getting from Munich airport to the city centre

There are a few options to get you from Munich Airport into the city centre and the one that seems most straightforward is the train. From the airport concourse you go straight down into the train station and take the S8 train which stops at Marienplatz and other train stations in the centre of the city. An alternative is the S1 train which takes a different route and takes a little longer to Marienplatz.

You can buy your ticket from the ticket machine on the station platform with cash or card. If you are planning to make other journeys that day you may wish to buy a day pass which is €13. The train goes every 20 minutes and the journey is around 40 mins. More info: Munich Airport Website

Another option is the Lufthansa Airport Bus which runs every 15 minutes. It offers a non-stop service to the city centre. You can use the bus no matter what airline you fly with. Single tickets €10.50 Return €17

Plan your trip to Munich

Check out the Munich Airport website for all the things to see and do at this 5 star airport.

Check out the Munich Tourism website for more information to help plan your visit to Munich.

Need a guidebook for Munich? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Munich guide

Check out the Germany Tourism website if you are planning to visit other parts of Germany

I received complimentary flights, hotel stay and activities from Fly BMI, Munich Airport, Hotel Cortiina as part of a sponsored* visit to Munich to highlight the Hidden Treasures of Munich.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Joseph Howard

Saturday 11th of June 2022

This is so special. We will be doing this tour to the T. THANK YOU

Heather Cowper

Monday 15th of August 2022

@Joseph So pleased you found it useful

jackryanwills

Saturday 9th of February 2019

We all know Munich is rich, but during the festival time, it gets richer. Experience this remarkable German city. Now we are planning to visit Munich for 5days in this June-2019 for attending the Munich Streetlight Festival.

Monday 17th of September 2018

Hi Heather, the article is well written. The pictures are awesome. How much does it take approximately in USD for a 3 days trip to Munich please ?

Thursday 27th of September 2018

@Raj - Of course it would depend on your lifestyle but I'd say that Munich is on the higher side pricewise compared to northern European cities - although like everywhere there are good value options if you do your research.

Monday 4th of June 2018

Hi Heather! This is a really in-depth post on Munich. I recently visited Munich with my family. Marienplatz really is a tourist hub. And the SportsAlm restaurant is quite unique. Although i had heard of the Pinakothek der Moderne, we couldn't visit it. We went on a tour through Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland with the ‘Discover Europe with Disneyland’ package by Trident Net holidays: https://tridentnetholidays.wordpress.com

Mary O. Greenberg

Sunday 3rd of June 2018

Lovely blog post, Heather! My husband and I will be in Munich this fall, and I really enjoyed your photos and itinerary recommendations. Beautiful views from St. Peter's Tower!

@Mary So pleased you enjoyed this, there's lots to see in Munich

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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

Where to stay in munich, munich itinerary, day 1 munich itinerary, day 2 itinerary in munich, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in munich, day trips from munich, faq on munich itinerary.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

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The Best Munich Itinerary for First Timers: One Week in Bavaria!

Welcome to my 7 day Munich itinerary! Munich, or München in German, is the capital city of the state of Bavaria. It is located in the southeast corner of Germany and is most famous for the legendary Oktoberfest beer festival . 

However, you don’t have to love beer to enjoy this beautiful city (though it helps). Munich is full of rich history, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and great culture.

Below you will find a sample Munich itinerary for first timers visiting this incredible city! This itinerary assumes you are not in town for Oktoberfest – however, if you are, feel free to still use this Munich itinerary as a basis for your trip!

You can easily rearrange this itinerary and replace the day trips with your days at the festival.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! 

How to Spend One Epic Week in Munich, Germany

Getting to munich.

The best airport to fly into if you’re traveling to Munich is Munich Airport (MUC) . Depending on where you are flying from, you might have to connect and clear customs in Frankfurt ( FRA) . If you’re combing this 7 day Munich itinerary with another European country, you could also arrive by train!

If you’re flying into Munich airport, once you arrive, grab your first German pretzel (a staple) from one of the many stands and follow the signs for the S-Bahn (S-trail, in English!). This will lead you to the  München Airport Center (MAC) which is located right in between the two terminals.

From there, buy a ticket from the kiosk for the S-1 or S-8 trains – both of which leave every 10 minutes and will take you right into the heart of Munich in about 40 minutes. Depending on where your hotel is located, you will likely get off at Munich’s main station,  Hauptbahnhof, or Marienplatz , in the heart of Munich’s Old Town.

Where to Stay in Munich

There are a ton of hotel options in Munich, from typical hotel chains like Hilton or Marriot to cozy European bed and breakfasts. Which you choose will of course depend on your budget and style, but I’ll give a couple quick tips to help!

If it’s your first time in Munich, I highly recommend picking a hotel within the main city center, as shown in the map below. The Marientplatz , which translates to  Mary’s Square ,  is the main town square in the heart of Munich.

Nearby on the map, you’ll see “Munich Central Station”. Staying in a hotel near this train station will be extremely convenient, especially if you plan to take day trips outside the city (which this itinerary includes a few of!).

Another quick tip I can give: Most hotels in Europe do not have air conditioning ! So keep this in mind if you’re planning a trip in the summer. When we visited in March, this wasn’t an issue because the weather was cool and the nights were cozy.

However, August temperatures can get high and you might not think about this until you’re trying to sleep in the sticky humidity.

Day 1: Explore Old Town Munich

Today is your first full day in Munich! In the morning, head over to the Marienplatz and check out Sandeman’s FREE walking tour of Munich. It’s about 2.5 hours and will take you to the major landmarks in the city, including the famous Hofbrohaus, the Royal Residenz, and St. Peter’s Church.

This tour will give you a feel for the area and is packed full of information about Munich, without feeling too structured. And it’s free – but don’t forget to tip your tour guide at the end! 

Once the tour is over, head over to the famous Hofbrohaus beer hall for your first lunch in Germany! Order a liter of beer, a sausage platter, and enjoy the traditional Bavarian music. The atmosphere here is unlike any other. Don’t forget to get a giant pretzel while you’re there!

I recommend spending the rest of your afternoon wandering around the heart of Munich. The free walking tour probably showed you some areas that you want to explore further. If not, here are some popular things to do around the Marienplatz!

  1. Check out the Architecture of both Old Town & New Town Hall 2.  Visit St. Peter’s Church (Climb the tower for awesome views) 3. Wander along Kaufingerstrasse, a famous shopping street that runs from Marienplatz to Karlsplatz

Day 2: Fussen & Neuschwanstein Castle

The second day of this 7 day Munich itinerary will be centered around visiting one of the most famous places in southern Germany – Neuschwanstein! This castle is what fairy tale dreams are made of – literally. It was the inspiration for Walt Disney while designing Sleeping Beauty’s Castle for Disneyland.

To get here, catch the train from Munich to Fussen, which leaves every hour from Hauptbahnof station. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and has some spectacular scenery along the way.

Tip : Grab one of these delicious pretzel sandwiches from the station for breakfast before you leave!

Spend a wonderful day exploring the incredible Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, and the charming town of Fussen. There’s enough here to fill your whole day.

If you don’t love the idea of traveling this far alone, there a tons of also offers a paid tour of Neuschwanstein Castle, that departs from Munich so you don’t have to worry about all the trains, buses, and tickets! Check out different tour options here !

Day 3: Englischer Garten

Today you’ll spend the day seeing the beautiful nature of Munich. The  Englischer Garten (English Garden) is a huge public park in the middle of Munich. You can easily spend most of your day here, strolling through the gardens, riding bikes, etc.

Start your journey into the garden through the south end. Here, you will find the famous “Eisbachwelle”, where permanent waves are present on the Eisbach River. These waves draw in surfers year round and tourists gather to watch them!

Once you’re in the park, there is plenty to do and see. Follow the nature paths and explore as you wish. Make sure to visit the famous Chinese Tower, which boasts the second largest beer garden in all of Munich . When the weather is nice, locals flock to the beer gardens. So, grab a liter from the beer stand and enjoy the sunshine!

In the evening, you can check out the Glockenbachviertel , an area famous for its nightlife scene. If this isn’t really your style, you could visit one of the many other beer halls in Munich. Our favorite was Augstiner Keller. It has the third largest beer garden in Munich, as well as a gorgeous indoor space that has some WWII history!

Day 4: Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site , while emotionally heavy, is a must during your trip. It’s located about 30 minutes outside the city via train and a short bus ride. The site is free to enter, and there are also daily guided tours in English available for a few Euros.

During your visit, you can explore the grounds, walk through one of the dormitories, and learn about the extensive history of Dachau in the museum. Expect to spend a few hours here in order to see it all.

If you don’t want to make the journey to Dachau by yourself, there are tons of tours on Get Your Guide to choose from for very reasonable prices. Choosing a tour takes the worry out of getting on the right train and bus, and you’ll get to learn more from a local’s perspective.

After leaving Dachau, you likely won’t feel like doing much – the visit often takes an emotional toll. Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering around the BMW Museum back in Munich. It’s full of interactive exhibits and is a great place to mentally relax after the heaviness of Dachau.

If you’re not into cars/museums and the weather is nice, Olympiapark is also a great option. Located right across from the BMW museum, the park was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The park is still used for sporting, cultural, social, and religious events and is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Day 5: Nymphenburg Palace & Beer Tasting

Schloss Nymphenburg, or Nymphenburg Palace, is a large Baroque-style palace just west of Munich’s city center. Entrance to the palace itself is not free, but for about 15 euro , you will have access to multiple museums, tours of the residence areas, and more. Surrounding the palace is a beautiful park, with multiple gardens, canals, and pavillions. Spend your day learning about Munich’s royal history and enjoying the immaculet landscape.

After walking around all day, you’ve earned a beer! By this time, you’ve probably realized that beer is more than just a drink to Germans – it’s a way of life. Spend your evening with a local expert while you sample different types of German beers on the Sandeman’s Beer Tasting Tour.

Along the way, you’ll visit some of the most famous beer halls in Munich and learn about the history of beer in Germany and why it’s such a huge part of their culture. More details on this tour and pricing can be found at the link below:

Day 6: Day Trip to Zugspitze or Salzburg

Option 1 – zugspitze.

How you spend your second to last day of this 7 day Munich itinerary will depend on a few factors, including time of year, personal interests, weather, etc.

If you’re interested in skiing/snowboarding and are visiting between November and April, check out Zugspitze mountain . Located on the border of Germany and Austria, Zugspitze boasts the highest mountain peak in Germany and is only about 2.5 hours from Munich. To make travels easier, the ski resort offers a combination ticket that includes all of the transportation from Munich AND your lift pass for only 60 Euros.

In the summer months, Zugspitze is still a great place to visit. The mountain, and the nearby Eisbee lake, offers awesome hiking and nature activities.   

Option 2- Salzburg

If Zugspitze doesn’t fit your style, consider a day trip to Salzburg, Austria . Also around 2 hours by train from Munich, Salzburg is a great option for people who want to see another country on their trip to Germany without having to fly.

Highlights of Salzburg include Sound of Music tours, Mozart’s birthplace and museum, Mirabelle palace and gardens, and more. If you’re looking for more WWII history, check out the tours to the Eagle’s Nest from Salzburg.  There are tons of options on Viator.com  for any budget or style!

Day 7: Viktualienmarkt & Shopping

On your last day in Munich, head back to the Marienplatz and explore any sites you missed on the first day. Make sure to check out Viktualienmarkt , a daily farmer’s market with over 100 stalls. Make sure to bring your appetite!

Here you can sample a variety of German cuisine and purchase souvenirs from local vendors. And of course, grab a liter and enjoy the beer garden! If your last day happens to be on a Sunday, you’ll need to rearrange your schedule, as the Viktualienmarkt is only open Monday-Saturday.

For dinner on your last night, check out Ratskeller Munchen .  Dating back to the 19th century, this restaurant is located downstairs in the cellar and has a local, cozy vibe, making it one of the most popular restaurant’s in Munich! Its a great place to spend your last evening in Germany.

Final Thoughts

That concludes my 7 day Munich itinerary for first timers ! As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, this itinerary assumes you aren’t visiting Munich for Oktoberfest (we didn’t and it was still amazing!). However, if you are going to Oktoberfest, you can still use this itinerary for some ideas.

If you don’t have a full 7 days in Munich, I recommend cutting out the day trips and focus on the activities in central Munich. If you have more than 7 days or are looking to visit other areas in Germany, below are some other must-dos in Germany!

• See the Berlin Wall
• Visit the Black Forest
• Check out Nuremberg Christmas Market
• Drink Kölsch beer in Cologne  

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!

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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

The 20 Best Day Trips from Munich, Germany

A local’s list of the top tourist attractions near munich you can visit in one day..

Munich is one of the most affluent regions in the world. It also sits at the heart of a unique cultural landscape humans have been continuously shaping for the past 2,000 years and more. UNESCO World Heritage sites, national parks, medieval castles, half-timbered old towns – there are so many outstanding destinations in the direct vicinity, you could easily do a different day trip from Munich every weekend of the year.

But which are the best? Quite a hard question, which is why I put together the 20 most popular options. As we are all different, I leave you to judge. When writing this guide I tried to supply you with all the important information: How to get there, how long it takes, and what to see . So, the rest is up to your preferences.

But remember: There are a lot of things to do in Munich itself to keep you occupied for a week. So, you have to find a good balance between leaving the city and exploring the many museums and highlights in Bavaria’s capital itself . This is why I generally recommend spending at least 3 days in my hometown ( click to see a detailed itinerary ).

So, let’s start with my list of the 20 best day trips from Munich, shall we?

Note: I earn a small commission from links to GetYourGuide in this article

1. Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hours)

Without a doubt, Schloss Neuschwanstein is the most popular day trip from Munich. The fairy tale fantasy castle built by King Ludwig II inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and is just magnificent. I actually grew up only 15 kilometers away from it and I have visited so many times. Yet, whenever I return, I am still struck by its beauty.

You’ll find the castle close to the town of Füssen im Allgäu, which is actually home to another castle: Hohenschwangau. Both places are very crowded in summer and you absolutely need to reserve your entrance tickets in advance. There is a limited amount of people allowed inside at each given time and despite a complicated time-slot system, a lot of tourists will end up with no ticket.

Definitely check out my post of the 15 best castles near Munich for further inspiration.

Either way, you do have to climb towards the Marienbrücke (Bridge of our Lady) for the classic panorama . It’s just a short uphill walk, but it can be closed in winter. Another beautiful photography spot is the Reith-Alpe lodge in the east. Click here to check out how to visit from Munich .

Also, don’t forget to drop by at the amazing Linderhof palace – a particularly beautiful ensemble by King Ludwig II. only some 20 kilometers away from Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s impossible to see both places by public transport, which is why I recommend booking a tour. It’s faster and better.

• Recommended tours: Neuschwanstein Tour with Linderhof | Neuschwanstein Tour with Hohenschwangau (I went on both, and they offer excellent guides & perfect organization as they do it every day)
• How to get there: If you like to go by public transport, take the regional train to Füssen and then Bus 78 to Neuschwanstein Castle
• Why I like it: The most beautiful castle in Europe

2. Bamberg (1h 45 min)

Most people visiting Germany want to see at least on historic old own. Half-timbered houses and gothic churches all the way. Probably the best place to experience this fairy-tale vision in Bamberg. The UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its beautiful city hall and intact old-town.

There is also a wonderful palace and quite an imposing cathedral you can’t miss. Among locals, the city in the heart of the Frankonia region is particularly famous for its artisanal beer . There are quite a lot of small & excellent breweries in Bamberg, which is why a brewery tour is recommended! If you want to visit a lot of museums and use public transport, then you should get the BambergCard to save money ( buy it here ).

If you are fast, you can try to see the beautiful Seehof Castle in front of the city gates of Bamberg. The baroque hunting lodge was the summer residence of the bishops and is truly remarkable and quite the insider tip!

• Recommended tours: Private Brewery tour
• How to get there: There is a direct high-speed train (ICE) connection to Bamberg from the central station (1h 45min). You can also take the regional train, but then it will be 2 hours and 45 minutes one way. Best take a bus from Bamberg central station to the old town, as it is quite a long walk (2 kilometers)
• Why I like it: Easy to get there and a good combination of a beautiful old town, interesting museums, and excellent food

3. Regensburg (1h 30 min)

Regensburg might just be the most diverse day trip from Munich. The city is the seat of the Thurn und Taxis clan who have been running the German postal system for hundreds of years (and became wealthy beyond belief in the process). You can visit the Thurn & Taxis Palace (Schloss Emmeram) where the head of the house (Princess Gloria) is still living today.

But there is also a historic old-town with a beautiful cathedral , a mighty bridge across the Danube and some beautiful museums (the new House of the Bavarian History will blow your mind). You can even go on a short Danube cruise (2 hours) if you like, or explore the Roman past. One of the city gates, the Porta Pretoria, from 222 AD, still stands, can you believe it? So, definitely go on a walking tour through the old town.

And don’t forget to visit the Walhalla Memorial on the outskirts of Regensburg. The neoclassical temple was built in the 19th century by Crown Prince Ludwig to commemorate the deeds of important politicians, artists, and composers. It was also meant to garner support for the unification of Germany. From the top, you have an excellent view of the whole Danube valley. There is a regular bus (Bus no 5) from the city center, but it takes about 30 minutes).

• How to get there: There is an hourly regional train from the central station to Regensburg. You can easily walk to the old town from the station.
• Why I like it: Short train ride, a beautiful old town, Roman ruins, and the most beautiful neoclassic temple in Europe.

4. Salzburg (1h 45min)

Salzburg is the home of one of the biggest medieval fortresses in Europe, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the old town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site . It’s only a short train ride across the Austrian border and I’m pretty sure you will not regret visiting. There are quite a lot of museums in town, so it’s really worth getting the Salzburg Card for free admissions ( buy it here ).

The Sound of Music is one of the most famous (and still popular) movies in the USA. Large parts of the film were shot in Salzburg. So, if you are a fan, you absolutely need to visit the museum and perhaps even go on a Sound of Music tour to the historic sets of the movie.

Definitely make sure to visit Hellbrunn Palace as well. Some might say it’s the actual highlight of the city . The pleasure palace is famous for its intricate trick fountains. For example, there is an outdoor table with fountains in the actual seats (to surprise the guests) or an artificial cave where basically every statue can suddenly squirt water at you. Quite the experience!

• Recommended tours: Salzburg tour from Munich | Sound of Music Tour
• How to get from Munich to Salzburg: The regional train runs every hour from the central station. From here, you have to take the bus to the old town. You can walk but it’s almost 2 kilometers.
• Why I like it: Picturesque old town with good shopping opportunities and the most fun palace (Hellbrunn) I know.

Heres to get from Munich to Salzburg by train

5. Nuremberg (1 hour)

Nürnberg is a special place. It played both an important role in late medieval Germany and during the Nazi regime. As a tourist, you can explore remnants from each epoche. There is a beautiful medieval fortress (the Kaiserburg) looming above the old town. You can visit the birth house of the famous painter Albrecht Dürrer and there is the Germanic National Museum – one of the best museums in the country .

But only a short bus ride away, you can tour the infamous Rally Ground of the Nazi Party that was prominently featured in many propaganda movies of the Hitler regime. There is an important documentation center nearby to put it all into a context.

Due to its crucial role, the city was heavily bombed during World War II , so there is not much of the old town or the city walls left. It’s still somewhat pretty, and quite a lot of houses have been restored, but it is certainly nothing compared to places like Bamberg or Rothenburg.

• Recommended tours: Guided Day trip from Munich | Tour of Nazi Party Rally Ground
• How to get there: There is a highspeed train from Munich central station to Nurnberg almost every 20 minutes. If you take the region train, it will take 1 hour 45 minutes instead of 1 hour. From here, you can easily walk into the city center
• Why I like it: Very close to Munich, amazing museums, and a good mix of old & recent history

6. Würzburg (2 hours)

You might think of Germany as one unified country, but for almost a thousand years of its history, it was compromised of hundreds of smaller nations loosely ruled by an elected emperor. Some of these duchies and shires were ruled by old aristocracy, but there were also many free cities and some religious fiefdoms. Würzburg was one of them. The Prince-Bishop of Würzburg was one of the most important in the country and also one of the richest.

As a testament to their power, Johann Philipp Franz vo Schönborn had a palace built in 1720 that looked a lot more than Versaille than a monastery. Now, the famous Würzburg Residence is a UNESCO World Heritage site , because the interiors are nothing short of breathtaking. Inside, you’ll also find the largest ceiling fresco in the world, so be prepared to amazed.

You can also visit the gigantic fortress the prince bishops used in the centuries before the residence palace was finished. Sadly, Würzburg is another of these cities that suffered heavily in the last day of World War II, so there is not much of an old town.

• How to get there: You have to take the highspeed train from the central station in Munich. the leave basically every half hour. Please note that the regional train will take 3hours +, so it’s not an option for a day trip in my opinion.
• Why I like it: The most beautiful baroque palace in Germany and quite an interesting fortress.

7. Bayreuth (2 hours)

One of my personal favorite day trips is Bayreuth in the far North of Bavaria. Here, you will find the amazing Margravial Opera House. A UNESCO World Heritage site and the single most intact baroque court theater in Europe . Every single inch is covered with stucco work, wood carvings, paintings, and gold. You can only visit on a guided tour which always feels entirely too short to breathe in all the details.

But there is more, yet. You’ll also find a beautiful palace in the heart of Bayreuth from the same period. Definitely make sure to go on the tour of the Italian Building , where you can marvel at the most naturalistic stucco work ever. On the outskirts of Bayreuth, you can also visit the hunting and pleasure palace of Margravine Wilhelmine of Prussia. The Hermitage Palace is a late baroque dream come true and a must-visit.

• How to get there: Take the highspeed train to Nürnberg. From here, you have to switch to the regional train to Bayreuth.
• Why I like it: The most beautiful historic opera house in Europe, possibly in the world, and some beautiful palaces to keep you occupied for a day.

8. Augsburg (3o min)

The (former) free city of Augsburg is home to the oldest social housing complex in the world (the so-called Fuggerei from 1521 AD). The ancient water management system of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site , and the craftsmen of Augsburg have been supplying the European court with the finest silverware for centuries. Yet, so few tourists come to visit.

I’d like you to rethink your priorities. Augsburg is a beautiful city and so close to Munich. The two cathedrals of the city are extraordinary (you’ll find some of the oldest stained-glass windows in the world here), and there is a fantastic city palace with an outstanding old-masters gallery. In short, Augsburg is vastly underrated.

• How to get there: Trains to Augsburg leave every odd minute from the central station and you got a couple of highspeed train options (30 minutes) and regional trains (45 minutes) to choose from.
• Why I like it: Off the beaten path with few international tourists, some very important landmarks, and an interesting industrial past.

9. Ulm (1h 15 min)

The Ulmer Münster has the highest church tower in the world . The best part, you can climb all the way to the top of the 530 feet tall neogothic spire. But be aware, there is no elevator and there are 768 steps! The view from the top is quite amazing and totally worth the grueling hike.

The old town hall and the historic Fishermen’s Quarter are also quite popular , though I have mention that Ulm was heavily bombed during World War II and the old town cannot compare with other intact cities in Bavaria.

• How to get there: Take the highspeed train from the central station in Munich straight to Ulm. It’s a 10 minutes walk to the cathedral, and because it’s so big it’s hard to miss it. Regional trains take 2 hours.
• Why I like it: The view and the climb up to the highest church tower in the world is quite a memorable experience

10. Altötting (1h 45 min)

Are you looking for a little different day trip off the beaten paths? Then Altötting could be just the right thing for you. The town is a truly ancient pilgrimage site. At the heart, you will find the tiny Chapel of Grace which is one of the most-visited shrines in Germany. The current building was consecrated in 1494, but the inner sanctum is probably from the 8th century.

Pope Benedict XVI, Pius VI., and John Paul II. visited the place , which should tell you a lot about its significance. They all came to pray in front of the Black Madonna. Most of the hearts of the Bavarian Kings were buried here. Altöttingen is thus often called Bavarias National Sanctuary.

Definitely visit the Treasure Vault where you can see the Golden Horse (Goldenes Rössli) which is at outstanding medieval artwork made from pure gold, silver, and precious gems.

• How to get there: There are only regional train available; First you have to take the train to Mühldorf and then you have to change into the train to Burghausen but obviously get out at Altötting. It’s a walk of 200 meters to the city center from the station.
• Why I like it: A true hidden gem with a religious background of more than a thousand years and virtually no international tourists.

11. Burghausen (2h)

If you visited Altöttigen, you should definitely drop by in Burghausen as well, which is only a couple of kilometers away. Here, you will find the longest castle in Europe . The Burghausen castle is, all things put together, over 1 kilometer long. Inside, you will find churches, living quarters (still in use today), and shops. It’s quite a fascinating place.

In the valley below, you will find a quaint little old town. Quite the typical place, but otherwise not all that noteworthy. But definitely cross the bridge and climb the cliff on the other side to get a beautiful view of the whole length of the castle (fun fact: by crossing the river, you’ll actually cross the border to Austria). The closeby Raitenhaslach monastery is also worth a little detour.

• How to get there: It’s the same connection as to Altöttingen, but you have to stay in the train until the final stop. First, take the train to Mühldorf and then switch here to the regional train to Burghausen.
• Why I like it: It’s an authentic, sleepy little Bavarian backwater town with quite the imposing fortress and a beautiful setting.

12. Innsbruck (1h 45 min)

I already mentioned Salzburg and I love Germany, but I really want to imprint on you how very close Austria is. Tyrol is often cities as the most beautiful region of our neighboring country and Innsbruck is its capital. The historic old town is very popular among tourists, especially the famous Golden Roof (“Goldenes Dacherl”). There are also quite a lot of lovely museums and churches to keep you occupied for a day.

Above everything else, you should know that there are mountains all around Innsbruck . So, take the funicular up to the Hungerburg or go hiking in the afternoon. In winter, you might even be lucky to watch ski jumping at Berg Isel or visit the famous Christmas market. You should probably also visit the Swarovski Crystal World in closeby Wattens – most of the fine jewelry you know is actually produced here.

Very popular is also the Aquadome thermal baths very close. I have been there so many times and it’s one of my favorite spas. They have this huge outdoor area and quite a lovely sauna landscape.

• Recommended tours: Guided City tour | Swarovski Crystal World Tickets & Transfer from the old town
• How to get there: There is a direct Euro City train every two hours and I recommend you to take this one. The regional alternatives takes one hour longer and you need to transfer to a different train in Kufstein, Austria
• Why I like it: Wonderful old town in a fantastic alpine region with lots of hiking & skiing possibilities

13. Dachau Concentration Camp (40 min)

The Nazis slaughter probably over 6 million Jews and other political prisoners during their cruel reign. Most of the actual killing took place in so-called concentration camps and Dachau was one of them. The inmates were held worse than slaves and subsequently killed when they were too ill or weak to work. Some of the worst atrocities in human history were committed here . A genocide of unparalleled proportions.

Today, the Dachau Concentration Camp is a memorial so we are reminded of our past and never let it happen again . The exhibition in the old main building is quite graphic and not for the faint of the heart. But it’s equally important not to look away.

• Recommended tours to Dachau from Munich: Guided Tour from Munich | Combi Tour of Nazi sites in Munich and Dachau Concentration Camp
• Related blog post: Visiting Dachau Concentration Camp
• Munich to Dachau by train: Take the suburban train S2 from Hauptbahnhof (or any station along the line). Then get on Bus 726 in Dachau which will stop right at the entrance.
• Why you should visit: It’s never a good idea to forget the past, and this memorial helps you remember why we need to fight dictators and unjust regimes with all we got.

14. Fürstenfeld Abbey (40 min)

I know, there are a lot of beautiful churches in Munich itself. But there is one place close-by you really should have on your list of the best day tours from Munich as well: Fürstenfeld Abbey. The ancient Abbey was founded by the Bavarian dukes in the late medieval times (1263) to atone for murder by papal decree. Duke Ludwig II had his five murdered because the thought she was cheating on him (which turned out to be totally unfounded).

All the following generations kept the Abbey and funded it further. The idea of having their own church where monks prayed for their salvation was, after all, quite enticing. The current building dates to the early 18th century and is a true Baroque masterpiece .

• How to get there: Take the suburban train S4 from the central station (or any other station on the S4) and get out at Fürstenfeldbruck. From here, you can walk (about 10 minutes) to the abbey.
• Why I like it: A hidden gem very close to Munich with virtually no international tourists and yet so beautiful.

15. Schleissheim Palace (30 min)

Most tourists visit the Nymphenburg Palace and the Munich Residence, but very few know that there is actually a third spectacular palace very close to Bavaria’s capital. Schloss Schleissheim was meant to rival Versaille and was built to help the Prince-Elector Max Emanuel gain the imperial german throne. The ambitious ensemble fell into disuse soon after his death and was subsequently opened to the public as a museum. For me, it’s one of the best photo spots in Munich !

This is probably the reason why the huge Baroque park was never changed in the 19th century when English landscape parks were en vogue . The best part: There are actually three palaces in Schleissheim. You can more or less ignore the old palace houses where you’ll find a quaint museum about religious ceremonies around the world. But the beautiful Lustheim palace in the park is quite noteworthy, not only for its beauty but because there is one of the most important collections of early Meissen porcelain inside.

• How to get there: Take the suburban train S1 from the central station and then either walk (800 meters) or take bus 292 to the palace
• Why I like it: Far less crowded than all the other castles near Munich and one of the most beautiful gardens in the area.

16. Rothenburg ob der Tauber (2h 30min)

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the highlight on the famous Romantic Road. It looks a bit like a village from a fairy tale picture book or a Disney movie . There is an intact city wall and half-timbered houses wherever you look. Definitely make sure to climb the tower of the town hall to get a nice view from the top.

To be quite honest with you, it is a bit complicated to get there from Munich . I feel you got two options. Either book a guided tour by bus, which will take a full day but will be reasonably efficient, or use it as a stop on your way to or from Berlin/Dresden. Public transport is doable, but maybe a bit too complicated for first-time visitors.

• Recommended tours: Guided Rothenburg trip from Munich
• How to get there: The fastest connection involves 3 transfers. First, to Nürnberg, then switch to the train to Ansbach, from here, you need to go to Steinach, and then finally on the train to Rothenburg. It’s quite complicated with tight transfer times.
• Why I like it: Such a beautiful old town and half-timbered perfection

17. Herrenchiemsee (2 hours)

I already mentioned two castles build by King Ludwig II, but there is one more: Herrenchiemsee. During his visit to Paris, the Bavarian King was dearly impressed by Versaille so he promptly decided to built his own version – but in the middle of an island on Bavaria’s biggest lake .

The palace never got finished completely, but it’s still insanely beautiful and the giant mirror hall is a true highlight. The best part: There is another island right next to the Herreninsel (Gentlemen’s Island) where you’ll find a little monastery and a scenic little village famous for its smoked fish. The whole Chiemsee region is incredibly beautiful and you could even rent a bike and explore a bit on your own.

• Recommended tours: Day tour to Herrenchiemsee from Munich
• How to get there: Take the regional train to Prien am Chiemsee. From here, you have to walk to the harbor and then take the ferry to the island.
• Why I like it: Very scenic trip, where you see so much more than just a castle.

18. Königssee (3 hours)

Half of the dairy products in German supermarkets feature pictures from the Berchtesgaden region. The whole region is incredibly beautiful and Lake Königsee (Lake of the Kings) is, forgive the bad pun, the jewel in the crown. Right on the banks of the scenic mountain lake, there is a famous church: St. Bartholomew’s Church (St. Bartholomä). It’s a famous pilgrimage site for Catholics and photographers alike.

A lot of hikers come to the region and you should not miss the chance to hike the Eagle’s Nest – one of the most spectacular mountain lodges in the alps. It’s almost like a movie set and there are paths for every skill level. And if hiking is not your thing, you will enjoy the scenic ferry across the lake nevertheless, eh?

• Recommended tours: Direct day trip from Munich
• How to get there: First, take the train from central station to Freilassing. From here, transfer to the train to Berchtesgaden. Then take Bus 841 to Lake Königsee. It takes quite a long time, and a guided bus tour is recommended.
• Why I like it: Very beautiful alpine scenery and lots of hiking and walking opportunities

19. Blaubeurren (1h 45min)

Blaubeurren is a true insider tip. This might sound a bit weird because it is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site – but only recently so. Before, the city was “only” famous for its scenic half-timbered houses and a natural well of the deepest blue color .

But things changed drastically when the Venus of Hohle Fels was unearthed in a nearby cave in 2008. The tiny ivory figure is the oldest known artwork depicting a human body . It has been dated to be 35,000 to 40,000 years old and you can actually see her in the URMU museum in the city center. It’s such a fascinating place and will leave you quite in awe.

• How to get there: Take the highspeed train to Ulm. Here you need to transfer to the regional train to Sigmaringen and get out at Blaubeurren
• Why I like it: A charming medieval old town and the most significant prehistoric artifacts in Germany.

20. Church of the Wies (2h 30 min)

I already mentioned a couple o f UNESCO World Heritage sites , but there is one more: The Wieskirche. In the very south of Germany, quite close to Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll find a region often called Pfaffenwinkel – Shavelings Corner. It was named thus because there is an unusual amount of beautiful churches in that area (and the locals are very catholic).

The most important example of this devotion is the Wieskirche. Built around 1745 it features the most ambitious ceiling frescos by Johann Baptist und Dominikus Zimmermann you can ever imagine. It’s like a true gate into heaven and an outstanding example of the Rococco in German y.

• Recommended tours: Sadly, there is only a combination tour with Neuschwanstein castle
• How to get there: The fastest connection is taking the train to Weilheim, then transferring to bus 9651 to Steingaden. And from here, you can catch another bus to the Church of the Wies. So, either book a combo tour to Neuschwanstein Castle or rent a car.
• Why I like it: One of the prime examples of Bavarian Pilgrimage churches

Other day trips from Munich

At the beginning of this post, I promised you a day trip for every weekend of the year. For me, Munich is the city most worth visiting in Germany . Well, this post is already quite long, so I want to keep things brief and just do some name-dropping. Lake Starnberg is a favorite weekend trip among locals, and so is the beautiful Museum Buchheim and the Andechs Abbey. Kehlheim Abbey should be mentioned in the same breath.

If you like mountains, you could take the ropeway to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Or explore one of several deep mountain gorges like the Breitachklamm , the Höllentalklamm, or the Partnachklamm. The Wildpark Poing is a wonderful (and sustainable) alternative to the Munich Zoo.

If you like to visit an authentic Bavarian town, then Murnau, Garmisch-Partnerkirchen or Oberammergau will be your best bet. All feature beautiful air-paintings and traditional houses. Freising would be a beautiful city with quite a history as well. Passau is another popular city and Stuttgart in Badenwürtemberg is also quite close by train.

If everything fails, pick a blindfold and randomly point your finger on a map of Bavaria – it’s hard to hit an area without a castle or beautiful church. Still, in this post, I tried to focus on sites that would be of interest to an international crowd on their first visit.

Some practical tips

Most of the directions I gave you involved taking the train. It’s not only the cheapest but often the fastest way to get anywhere . For reference: The train to Nürnberg takes only 1 hour, with the car you will probably need 2 hours (but the highway is famous for its frequent traffic jams).

The German Railway has a website where you can check connections in a matter of seconds and even book your tickets: Here is the direct link

They also have an app , which you really should download. I use it all the time, and it’s very helpful to check the platforms for connecting trains and any delays.

Another thing you should definitely be aware of is the BayernTicket (Bavaria ticket). For 26 euro, you get unlimited train rides on the regional trains, buses, and most subway systems in Bavaria . Every additional passenger pays 8 extra euros. So, a group of 4 would pay only 50 euros for a full day of travel. You only have to make sure you sign your tickets and you do not use it 9 am on weekdays (weekends is unlimited).

Now, here is the problem. A lot of the day trips from Munich involve taking the highspeed train which is NOT covered by the Bavaria Ticket. But, if you book a month or so in advance , you can usually score a bargain (the so-called Sparpreis). Or, you could buy a German Rail Pass if you plan to travel by train a lot.

Also, you should be aware that some of these day trips are very popular. So, the trains right after breakfast and the return trains around 5 am are usually super busy. The highspeed trains to Berlin and Hamburg (which will get you to Nürnberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, etc) are used by commuters. This means you absolutely need to reserve your seats (costs extra in 2nd class) in case you do not want to risk standing all the way.

This is the end of my guide to the best day trips from Munich. I hope I was able to give you some solid inspiration for your Germany itinerary. Feel free to comment with your questions.

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Germany > Munich > Suggested Itineraries for Munich

Top 10 Munich Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Munich

• Top 10 Things To Do
• Old Town Walking Tour
• English Garden Walking Tour
• Oktoberfest
• Dachau Memorial
• More Sights
• Overview & Dates
• Top 25 Oktoberfest Tips
• Best Beer Tents
• How To Dress
• Most Popular Songs
• Table Reservations
• Beer and Wine Tips
• History Of Oktoberfest
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Tourist Tips
• Suggested Itineraries for Munich
• Transportation Tips
• Historical Overview

Suggested Itineraries for Munich:

Suggested Stay :  3-4 Full Days Oktoberfest Changes :  Obviously the sample itineraries for Munich listed below would change to be heavy on Oktoberfest if you are visiting during the end of September.  Make sure to read our complete  Oktoberfest guide  to help plan your visit.  Table reservation for Oktoberfest can be super hard to get, so you may want to visit during the week of instead of the packed weekends.  You will also want to plan ahead and have a hotel reserved as early as 6-8 months in advance as the prices will skyrocket and rooms will sell out.

Related Article :   Top 10 Things To Do In Munich

Helpful Tip :   Best Places To Stay In Munich

Planning Your Time:

Overall, itineraries for Munich can differ greatly so here are our suggestions to make sure you can fit all of the best experiences into your schedule.  We often get asked “what is there to do in Munich in two days?”, and the answer really depends on how much you are willing to plan out your time.  Three to four days is the minimum amount of time you need to truly see all of the main sights around Munich, but you can still do a lot with a well planned 1-2 day itinerary as seen below.  We suggest staying 4 full days if you can as we like to take a  side trip from Munich  while visiting town and we also usually need plenty of time to sleep off Bavarian beer hall hangovers.  Regardless of how long your visit is we know you’ll love this amazing city and enjoy our suggested itineraries for Munich!

One Day In Munich:

If you only have one full day in Munich you really should center your itinerary in and around Munich’s historic Old Town ( Altstadt ).  If you start this suggested itinerary for Munich early you will be able to see all of our  Old Town Walking Tour  sights including a full visit to the Munich Residenz.  Victuals Market ( Closed Sundays ) is a good place to grab lunch during while following our walking tour, although there are also options near Old Town Square.

In the afternoon you will have time to wander through the Southern half of our  English Garden Walking Tour  including the River Surfing and Chinese Tower Beer Garden.  The outdoor beer garden is self-service with many food options, has over 6,000 seats, and is centered on a 6 story tall gazebo.  After relaxing in the English Garden, spend your evening with dinner and drinks at the famous Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall for a truly German experience; it’s amazing.  From our own experience, this suggested itinerary is the best way to spend 24 hours in Munich.

•Day 1:  Morning  Old Town Walking Tour  with full Munich Residenz tour.  Lunch at Victuals Market.  Afternoon  English Garden Walking Tour .  Evening dinner and drinks at the Hofbräuhaus.

Morning  Old Town Walking Tour  with full Munich Residenz tour.

Afternoon  English Garden Walking Tour .

Evening dinner and drinks at the Hofbräuhaus.

Two Days In Munich:

There is a TON you can accomplish with 2 days in Munich, but you’ll need to choose what to do wisely!  Even with just 48 hours in Munich, it really starts to open your itinerary options up as you can use your 2nd day to pop out to the amazing Neuschwanstein Castle.  The Castle is considered the greatest fairy tale castle in all of Europe and is our favorite castle to visit in the entire World.  If this Alpine castle looks familiar that may because it inspired Walt Disney to design his iconic theme park castle.

You need to book your Neuschwanstein Castle tour time at least 3 days in advance, but the train ticket with the Bayern Pass you can get the same day.  We suggest leaving early to make the itinerary more flexibility but don’t worry you can always take a nap on the train if needed.  Depending on your preferences you can swap Neuschwanstein Castle one of our other day trips  or more time in Munich.  In the other suggested itineraries for Munich listed below, we list more options, but we feel this is the best way to maximize the fun for two days in Munich.  End night two at for dinner and drinks at the Augustiner Beer Garden which is the favorite of locals and sits just north of the train station.

•Day 1: Morning   Old Town Munich Walking Tour  with Lunch at Victuals Market or Old Town Square.  Afternoon  English Garden Tour .  Dinner & drinks at the Hofbräuhaus.

• Day 2:   Day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle ( 2 hour train ).  Evening at Augustiner Beer Garden.

Day trip  to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Evening at Augustiner Beer Hall & Garden.

Three Days In Munich:

If you can stay at least 3 days in Munich you will start to really fall in love with the city.  The best thing that a 3-day itinerary for Munich does is lets you see Old Town at a slower pace on day 1 so you can really investigate the museums in a little better depth.  Our favorite museum in Old Town is the Munich Royal Residence ( Residenz ) which was built as a small castle in 1385, was expanded over the centuries into a sprawling palace, and remained the royal residence until 1918.  The ornate rooms, portrait galleries, elegant theater, and the impressive treasury of the Munich Residenz deserve half of a day’s attention.  Ending your 1st day in Munich at the lively Hofbrauhaus is always a must.

Just like our 2-day suggested itinerary for Munich, you’ll get a full day at Neuschwanstein Castle, but will also be able fit in a visit to the historic Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial on your last morning.  With 3 days to work with we also like to split up our Old Town and English Garden walking tours on separate days to help make it feel more relaxed.  After watching some river surfing, relaxing in the park, and grabbing a laid-back drink at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden, get your final dinner in Munich at the Baker’s Mill Restaurant ( Pfistermühle ).   Dating back to 1573, the restaurant was originally the grain mill for the Duke of Munich, and today is beautifully covered in vines.  The Baker’s Mill is also very close to the Hofbräuhaus if you are looking to re-visit it once last time for a nightcap.

•Day 1: Morning  Old Town Munich Walk with lunch and shopping time.  Afternoon a full Munich Residenz tour.  Evening at the Hofbräuhaus for dinner, drinks, and music.

• Day 2:   Day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle ( 2-hour train ).  Dinner and drinks at the Augustiner Beer Hall & Garden.

• Day 3:  Morning take a short side trip to the  Dachau Concentration Camp .  Afternoon  English Garden Walking Tour  with Chinese Tower Beer Garden.  Dinner at the Baker’s Mill Restaurant ( Pfistermühle ) and a nightcap at Hofbräuhaus.

Side trip to the  Dachau Concentration Camp .

Afternoon  English Garden Walking Tour  with time to relax.

After visiting the Chinese Tower Beer Garden, dinner at the Baker’s Mill Restaurant (Pfistermühle).

Four Days In Munich:

Four days in Munich is really the perfect amount of time to spend here as your days will be full, but you’ll still be left with a strong desire to return again someday.  This longer 4 day suggested itinerary for Munich will let you see the highlights of Old Town and the surrounding area without getting burnt out.  It will also give you a little flexibility in your schedule a to sleep in one morning if needed after drinking one too many strong Bavarian beers the night before.

With 4 days to work with, we like to use the 3rd day as a float day where you can see some of the other sights around the edges of Munich.  If you are feeling really energetic you easily pop on a morning train to either Salzburg or Berchtesgaden for an extra day trip from Munich  while napping on the train on the way.  The Bayern Regional Train Pass covers your round-trip travel for a group really cheap to either place making it very tempting if you are up for it.  Other popular day trips as fillers are Zugspitze Peak and Rothenburg, although we like to stay overnight while visiting Rothenburg as it’s more romantic when the hoards of tourist leave in the evening.

Day 4 will pretty much carry over from our 3-day suggested itinerary for Munich.   This final day will let you visit the Dachau Memorial Camp, stroll through the English Garden sights, and get an excellent final dinner at the historic Baker’s Mill Restaurant.

•Day 1:   Old Town Munich Walking Tour  with Residenz tour during the day.  Hofbräuhaus for dinner and drinks at night.

• Day 2: Side trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle ( 2-hour train ).  Evening at Augustiner Beer Garden.

• Day 3:  Morning visit to  Nymphenburg Palace  followed by the Pinakothek Museums in the afternoon.  Also consider the BMW factory & the Olympic Park Area.

•Alternative Day 3:   Day trip from Munich to Salzburg ( 90-minute train ) or Zugspitze Peak ( 2 hours away ).

• Day 4:  A short side trip to the  Dachau Concentration Camp .  Afternoon  English Garden Walking Tour  with Chinese Tower Beer Garden.  Dinner at the Baker’s Mill Restaurant ( Pfistermühle ).

Five Days In Munich:

What is there to do in Munich over 5 full days and how can I fill my time?  If you have 5 full days in Munich you can pretty much fit all of the major things to do into your itinerary without feeling rushed.  Much of our 5-day plan follows the outline of the shorter sample itineraries for Munich listed above, but with the added option to fit in a 2nd potential day trip .

Depending on your travel plans before or after Munich, you may want to strongly consider staying overnight in either Salzburg or Rothenberg on the 3rd or 4th night to give yourself two trips in one.  After your mid-trip overnight stay, you’ll then be able to return to Munich with plenty of time to re-visit any of our suggested walking tour sights you may have had to rush days earlier.  The 5th day will also give you a chance to tour some of the great sights on the edges of Munich that many tourists overlook like the Nymphenburg Palace, the Pinakothek Museums, the BMW factory, and the Olympic Park Area.

•Day 1: Old Town Walk with full Residenz tour during the day.  Dinner at the Hofbräuhaus.

• Day 2: Neuschwanstein Castle day trip ( 22-hour train ).  Evening at Augustiner Beer Garden.

• Day 3: Dachau Concentration Camp & the English Garden

• Day 4: Day trip from Munich to Salzburg ( 90 minute train ), Berchtesgaden ( 2.5 hour train ), -or-  Rothenburg ( 2.5 hour train ).  Possible overnight stay.

•Day 5:  Visit Nymphenburg Palace and your choice of Other Munich Sights .  Revisit anything to missed from our walking tours.

Top 10 Things To Do In Munich:

1.  Attend Oktoberfest 2. Beer Gardens & Hofbräuhaus 3.  Explore Old Town Munich 4. Old Town Square 5. English Garden Walking Tour

Read More : Top 10 Things To Do In Munich

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10 of the best day trips from Munich: nature, culture, and fairy-tale castles

May 18, 2024 • 10 min read

From the lakeside beauty of Berchtesgadan to stunning Bavarian castles, here are the best day trips from Munich © Cavan Images / Getty Images

If the residents of Munich look pleased with their lot, it’s little wonder. Not only is this cosmopolitan city a fantastic place to live, it also serves as a great base for exploring the nearby mountains and lakes, as well as other cities and countries. When you've had your fill of art collections, parks and rollicking beer halls, head a little farther afield for new cultural thrills and outdoor adventures.

Within an hour or so of the Bavarian capital, you hit the Alps, where hiking trails and cable cars scale cloud-shredding peaks and winter snowfall entices skiers. Alternatively, you can explore the history-rich cities of Augsburg or Ulm, or one of "Mad" King Ludwig’s palaces. Austria is also within easy reach, with glorious Salzburg just a short train ride away. Here are ten of the best day trips from Munich.

1. Enjoy the natural beauty of Chiemsee, the region's largest lake

Travel time: 1 hour

This looking-glass lake offers heaven-on-earth mountain views – on warm summer days, it’s tempting to just hang out at the lakeside lido beaches, rent a boat or paddle along the shores, but there are some sights here too. 

The big cultural deal on the lake is the riotously romantic and unashamedly opulent Schloss Herrenchiemsee , which Ludwig II ambitiously modeled on Versailles back in 1878. The lavishly frescoed, gilded and chandelier-lit Grosse Spiegelgalerie is longer than its Versailles counterpart at 98m (321ft) and elicits a chorus of "wows" from visitors.

How to get to Chiemsee from Munich: Prien am Chiemsee – the easiest access point – is an hour’s drive southeast of Munich via the A8. Trains depart frequently from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, making the journey in an hour. To reach the palace, take the ferry from Prien-Stock to Herreninsel (it’s a 20-minute walk through pretty gardens from there). 

2. Have a fun day out with the kids at Wildpark Poing 

Travel time: 30 minutes 

Founded in 1959, this wildlife park is home to deer, racoons, wolves and wild boar, as well as a family of brown bears. A circular trail passes through the enclosures, from dense forest to open meadows, with several residents also sharing the footpath. Be sure to bring a few 50 cent coins to chuck into the animal-feed vending machines dotted across the park. 

If visiting with kids, leave ample time to explore the huge play area about halfway round. There are rope courses, steep slides, water fountains, pirate ships and areas suitable for toddlers, as well as picnic tables dotted throughout – don’t be surprised if a peacock struts past as you’re enjoying your lunch.  

How to reach Wildpark Poing from Munich: Public transport options are limited here, unless you are happy to walk around 2km (1.2 miles) from the nearest S-Bahn station (Poing). It takes about 30 minutes to drive there.  

The best things to do with kids in Munich

3. Stroll around Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities

Travel time: 30 minutes/1 hour (train/car)

If you fancy a breather from Munich but crave more culture and churches, Augsburg hits the mark. History is writ large across one of Germany’s oldest cities, founded by the stepchildren of Emperor Augustus (hence the name) some 2000 years ago, and made great and glorious by the medieval textile trade.

A city of spires and pretty gables, Augsburg is real eye candy on the  Romantic Road , which meanders from the vineyards of Würzburg to the foothills of the Alps. The city’s Old Town revolves around the Rathausplatz , with its fountain honoring the Roman emperor and its 17th-century, twin onion dome-spired Rathaus, topped with an almost 4m-tall (13ft) pinecone (the city’s emblem). Note: much of the building is closed for renovation until 2026. 

Factor in a trip to the alley-woven Fuggerei , too, Augsburg’s Catholic welfare settlement, where the rent remains frozen at 1 Rhenish guilder (€0.88) per year. You can also book tickets ahead for the Augsburger Puppenkiste , one of the world’s most fabled puppet theaters, that brings fairy tales to life. 

How to get to Augsburg from Munich: Augsburg is an hour’s drive northwest of Munich via the A8 motorway. There are also frequent fast trains (ICE, EC) departing from the Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes.

4. See Schloss Neuschwanstein, an inspiration to Walt Disney 

Travel time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Part of the fun is getting your tongue in a twist pronouncing the name of this whimsically turreted 19th-century castle, with its beautiful backdrop of forests and the Alps. King Ludwig II loved to give free rein to his fertile imagination and nowhere more so than here in Schloss Neuschwanstein . Kids’ bedtime story stuff, the Schloss even inspired Walt Disney and made an appearance in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang .

With its interior bearing the hallmark of a stage designer (as opposed to an architect), the castle is more exuberant folly than fortress, with its gaudy grotto, Byzantine-style Thronsaal (Throne Room) and Sängersaal (Minstrels’ Hall) dancing with frescoes from Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser . In 2024, one of the most extensive restoration projects in the castle’s history will be completed, which included work to several rooms.

Allow time for the short walk to Marienbrücke, a bridge straddling the sheer-sided, waterfall-laced Pöllat Gorge, with knockout views of the castle perched high on its wooded crag.

How to get to Schloss Neuschwanstein from Munich: Get an early start to visit the castle from Munich in a day. The castle is a highly scenic one-and-three-quarter hour drive to the southwest. Or take the train to Füssen, from where it is an eight-minute bus ride to the castle.

17 of the best things to do in Germany

5. Eat well by the shores of Lake Tegernsee 

Travel time: One hour  

Almost directly to the south of Munich, Tegernsee is a popular day trip for locals. You’ll find boat trips, water sports, and a public sauna overlooking the water here, as well as some top spots to eat and drink. 

Stop at the lakeside brewery (full name: Herzoglich Bayerisches Brauhaus Tegernsee ) for refreshing beers, warm hospitality and classic dishes, not to mention plenty of people in traditional clothing – felt hats with feathers included. Alternatively, for something a little more contemporary, try the stylish dining space at recently opened hotel blyb ; the kitchen is run by the team behind Munich’s Michelin-starred restaurant Mural . 

How to reach Tegernsee from Munich: Hourly trains to Tegernsee depart from the main station. Alternatively, you can get there by car via the A8, but beware of traffic when the weather is fine. 

6. Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

The concentration camp in Dachau was one of the first to exist, built by Heinrich Himmler to house political prisoners in March 1933. The sobering statistics show that more than 200,000 people were imprisoned here and at least 41,500 were killed. Today it is a hard-hitting memorial, known as  KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau , and serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the Third Reich.

You’ll need at least a full morning or afternoon to fully absorb the exhibits (note that children may find them too disturbing). Harrowing displays include original photos of the camp, its guards and prisoners. 

The visitors center is a logical starting point, with its tour-booking desk where you can pick up an audio guide. English tours depart at 11am and 1pm daily, and tickets should be purchased at least 30 minutes in advance. Note: Groups need to book well in advance. 

How to get to Dachau from Munich: Dachau is a half-hour (30km/19 mile) drive north of Munich via the A99. Follow the signs to KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau. Alternatively, there are very frequent regional trains (11 minutes) or S-Bahn trains (21 minutes) from Munich Hauptbahnhof. Change for bus 726 (direction Saubachsiedlung) to reach the site. 

7. Head up to the mountains around Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Propelling you into the Bavarian Alps proper, this double-barreled resort snuggles up close to the Austrian border. Garmisch and Partenkirchen are actually two towns (twinned for the 1936 Winter Olympics), the latter being the most appealing of the two, with its pastel-daubed old-world charm. 

Surrounding this hub, you’ll find mountainscapes that make your heart sing, whether you're schussing down slopes or hiking high in Alpine meadows. First up should be a ride up to Zugspitze , Germany’s highest mountain at 2962m (9718ft) above sea level. A cable car departs from nearby Eibsee and provides arresting views into four countries (Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany). 

For more action, ramble through the 700m-long (2296ft) Partnachklamm gorge , with its steep sides, wild waterfalls, and roaring rapids. It’s about a 30-minute walk to the entrance from the parking lot at the Olympia Skistadion in Partenkirchen.  

How to get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Munich: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an hour’s drive south of Munich on the A95. You can also hop on one of the hourly trains from the Hauptbahnhof; the journey takes around an hour and a half. From Garmisch a cogwheel train chugs to Eibsee and the cable car. 

Discover Germany on these 6 incredible hikes

8. It's easy to spend more than a day in Berchtesgaden

Travel time: 2 hours

While doable as a day trip, the alpine dream that is Berchtesgaden is better savored on a long-weekend detour from Munich. Landscape-wise, it’s astounding, with jewel-colored lakes and rugged limestone mountains, among them the Watzmann (2713m/8900ft), Germany’s second-highest peak.

The Königssee , a fjord-like lake of dazzling jade green cradled by rocky mountain walls, is the scenic icing on the proverbial cake. Much of the area is protected by the Berchtesgaden National Park , a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve crisscrossed by some of Germany’s most exhilarating hiking trails. Away from the trails, the area has a more sinister aspect – the mountaintop  Eagle’s Nest , a lodge built for Hitler on his 50th birthday, is a major dark-tourism destination. Despite its origins, the precipitous road to the top and the Alpine views rarely fail to impress.

If you have more time, you can cross over the border into Austria from here and head up to Salzburg – it’s only half an hour north by car. 

How to get to Berchtesgaden from Munich: Berchtesgaden is roughly a two-hour drive southeast of Munich via the A8. The journey takes longer by train, with regional lines departing from Ostbahnhof. 

9. Learn about German expressionist artists at the Franz Marc Museum 

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes 

One of Munich’s top art galleries, the Lenbachhaus has an extensive collection of works from the ground-breaking German expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter (the Blue Rider) formed in the city in 1911. More of their works can be found in a number of museums located in the nearby alpine foothills, a landscape which inspired their work.

Franz Marc spent childhood holidays and much of his creative life in and around the attractive village of Kochel am See, and it is here, above the lake, that you’ll find a museum with his name. The turn-of-the-century villa with a modern extensive is home to a large number pieces from artists such as Paul Klee and August Macke, as well as a diverse selection of drawings, watercolors, and sculptures from Marc himself. Don’t miss the views from the observation room on the second floor. 

How to get to the Franz Marc Museum from Munich: Regional trains from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Kochel depart roughly every hour and take around 60 minutes. You can walk to the museum from the station or hop on the 9608 bus – there’s one an hour. 

10. Explore unique sights in the city of Ulm

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Under-the-radar Ulm deserves to be better feted, not least because this historic juggernaut of a city, the birthplace of physicist Albert Einstein, has sights you won’t see anywhere else: from the world’s most crooked house (as listed in the Guinness World Records) to the world’s oldest zoomorphic sculpture (aged 30,000 years). 

Top billing naturally goes to the colossal Münster – and the world’s tallest cathedral steeple –  lording above the Marktplatz , which took almost 500 years to build from when the first stone was laid in 1377. From here, dive into the warren of lanes leading to the Fischerviertel , the old fishers’ and tanners’ quarter, where half-timbered houses huddle along the channels of the Blau River, a tributary of the Danube. 

If you’re on an Einstein mission, you won’t want to miss the rocket-snail fountain  depicting the wild-haired genius, or the memorial marking the spot where he was born in 1879.

How to get to Ulm from Munich: Ulm is roughly an hour-and-a-half drive to the west of Munich via the A8 motorway. There are twice hourly trains (1¼ hours).

This article was first published Feb 24, 2021 and updated May 18, 2024.

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