Last Updated on January 26, 2023 by gregor
If you’re looking for a fun-filled, action-packed European city to visit, then Munich is the place for you! This German city has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a beer lover, or a foodie.
To help you make the most of your time in Munich, we’ve put together a three-day itinerary that hits all the city’s highlights. Day one is devoted to exploring Munich’s rich history and culture, day two is all about the museums, and day three is all about the surrounding castles. So what are you waiting for? Read on for the perfect 3 day Munich itinerary!
Looking to make the most of your time in Munich?
Here’s a 3-day itinerary that covers all the city’s must-sees.
Day 1 of 3 Days in Munich itinerary Marienplatz, English Gardens, Hofbräuhaus
Marienplatz
Start your day at Marienplatz, the city’s central square. Take in the Neo-Gothic architecture of the New Town Hall, then visit the nearby Frauenkirche, a towering 14th-century church with two distinctive onion domes.
Viktualienmarkt
Next, stroll over to Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famed open-air food market. Browse the stalls for fresh produce, meats, and cheeses, then stop for a bite at one of the many food stands.
Englischer Garten
In the afternoon, head to the Englischer Garten, one of Europe’s largest urban parks. Spread out a blanket and relax in the grass, go for a stroll or bike ride, or take a dip in the park’s bracingly cold Eisbach River.
Hofbräuhaus
End your day with a visit to the Hofbräuhaus, the world-famous beer hall. Grab a seat at one of the long wooden tables and order a stein of the house beer, then enjoy the lively atmosphere as you people-watch.
Day 2 of Days in Munich itinerary: Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Schwabing
Spend your second day in Munich exploring some of the city’s world-class museums.
Pinakothek Museum
Start at the Pinakothek der Moderne, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Deutsches Museum
Next, visit the Deutsches Museum, the largest museum of science and technology in the world. From there, it’s a short walk to the nearby Alte Pinakothek, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious art museums.
BMW Museum
In the afternoon, make your way to the BMW Museum, where you can learn all about the history and production of the iconic German automobiles.
Schwabing District
End your day with a stroll through the Schwabing district, Munich’s bohemian quarter. Browse the shops and stop for a meal or a drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Day 3 Days in Munich itinerary, Neuschwanstein Castle, Garmisch
On your final day in Munich, take a day trip to one of the nearby towns or villages.
Popular options include Dachau, the site of a former concentration camp; Neuschwanstein, the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle; and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a picturesque resort town in the Bavarian Alps.
No matter where you go, you’re sure to have a memorable day.
Are three days in Munich enough?
No, three days in Munich is not enough. A day in Munich is not enough. You need at least a week to see all the sights and take part in the many activities the city has to offer. From exploring the Bavarian countryside to visiting world-famous museums, there’s something for everyone in Munich. Plus, with so many great restaurants and cafes, you’ll want to take your time sampling the local cuisine. So plan your itinerary carefully and make sure you give yourself enough time to truly enjoy all that Munich has to offer.
How to Get Around Munich
Munich is a large city with plenty to see and do, so it can be daunting to figure out how to get around. The good news is that the public transportation system is excellent, and getting around Munich is relatively easy. If you’re staying in the city center or old town, you can walk to most attractions. Otherwise, the s-bahn (train) or u-bahn (subway) are your best bet. Tourists can purchase a day pass for unlimited travel on all public transport for €11.80, which is a great deal if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. Some popular attractions outside of the city center include Nymphenburg Palace and Munich International Airport. It takes about 45 minutes to get from the airport to the city center by train.
Munich City Card
One of the first things is to get a Munich Pass or City Card as it provides free access to a number of leading attractions, in addition to free access to public transport in the whole of the inner city zone.
The group ticket gives the best value for money as it allows up to five adults to travel together or substitute two children for each adult.
Where to Stay in Munich
Munich is a great city to visit, and there are plenty of places to stay.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, then the Old Town is the place for you. This is where you’ll find the Bavarian State Opera, Marienplatz (the city’s main square), and many other tourist attractions.
The city center is also a good option if you’re looking for places to stay in Munich. It’s less crowded than the Old Town and has plenty of restaurants and shops.
If you’re planning a trip to Munich, I recommend staying here for 3 days. This will give you enough time to see everything the city has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Munich
The best time to visit Munich is from April to May, or September to October, or during the Christmas market season in December. These are the ideal times to see and experience the city, as the weather is usually mild and there are fewer tourists.
If you’re planning your trip, try to stay for at least three days so you can really explore all that Munich has to offer.
The Perfect 3-Day Munich Itinerary
Assuming you’re starting in Munich, a perfect three-day itinerary would be as follows:
Day One: Start with a walking tour of the city center to get your bearings. Then, head to the world-famous Hofbräuhaus for lunch and a beer. In the afternoon, explore Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. For dinner, try some traditional Bavarian food at one of the many restaurants in the city center.
Day Two: Spend the day exploring some of Munich’s world-renowned museums, including the Deutsches Museum and the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum. In the evening, take a stroll through Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants lining the square.
Day Three: On your last day in Munich, take a day trip to one of Bavaria’s beautiful lakes. The most popular options are Lake Constance (Bodensee) and Lake Chiemsee. After spending some time relaxing by the lake, head back into Munich for some final sightseeing before heading home.
Alternate tour suggestions for 3 days Munich itinerary
1. Take a day trip to one of Munich’s nearby castles, such as Neuschwanstein or Hohenschwangau.
2. Spend a day exploring the city’s museums and galleries, including the Alte Pinakothek, the Deutsches Museum, and the Bavarian National Museum.
3. Take a day trip to one of Munich’s nearby lakes, such as Lake Starnberg or Lake Tegernsee.
4. Head out of the city for a day of hiking or biking in one of Munich’s nearby parks, such as the English Garden or the Isar River Valley.
5. If you’re interested in the city’s history, consider taking a walking tour of Munich’s old town or visiting Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial.
Additional travel tips for 3 days Munich itinerary
If you’re looking for some additional travel tips for your 3-day Munich itinerary, here are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Munich is a very tourist-friendly city, so getting around and finding your way won’t be difficult.
However, if you’re relying on public transport to get around, be sure to purchase a 3-day ticket in advance. This will give you unlimited access to the city’s public transport system and will save you money in the long run.
Secondly, while Munich is a relatively safe city, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling alone. Finally, try to enjoy your time in the city and take in all that it has to offer – from its rich history to its vibrant culture.
Lunch at the Hofgarten
If you’re looking for a delicious and picturesque lunch spot in Munich, the Hofgarten is a great option! This serene park is located right in the city center and is the perfect place to enjoy a meal while enjoying the fresh air. The Hofgarten has a number of different restaurants to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste. After lunch, take a stroll through the park and take in the beautiful flowers and greenery.
Hire Bikes for a Sunday bike ride
Looking for something fun to do on a sunny Sunday in Munich? Why not rent some bikes and go for a lovely bike ride around the city? There are plenty of great routes to take, and you can even stop for a picnic lunch along the way.
To make the most of your day, start by renting bikes from a reputable company. Then, map out your route in advance so you can make the most of your time. Some great places to bike in Munich include the Englischer Garten, Isar River, and Schwabing.
Once you’re out on the open road, take your time and enjoy the scenery. Make sure to stop for a break now and then, and to refuel with some snacks and drinks. A picnic lunch is a perfect way to break up the day, and it’s a great way to try some of the local food.
End your day with a refreshing beer or two at one of Munich’s many beer gardens. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the city by bike.
Cycle along the river Isar
Munich is a great city for cycling, and one of the best ways to see it is by cycling along the river Isar. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the sights, and the route is flat so it’s perfect for all levels of cyclists.
Start your journey at the Isartor, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From here, cycle along the river towards the English Garden. This is one of Munich’s most popular parks, and it’s easy to see why when you’re cycling through it. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, and you can even take a dip in the river if it’s a hot day.
Continue your journey through the park and towards the Olympic Park. This was the site of the 1972 Olympic Games, and it’s now a popular spot for all kinds of sporting events. There’s plenty to see here, so make sure you take your time.
Finally, head back to the Isartor and finish your journey. This is a great way to see some of Munich’s best sights, and you’ll definitely work up a sweat!
Watch the surfers on the Eisbach in Munich
Munich is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. If you’re looking for a unique activity, why not watch the surfers on the Eisbach? This man-made river wave is a popular spot for surfers of all levels, and it’s fun to watch them ride the waves.
After watching the surfers, head to one of Munich’s many museums or art galleries. The city is home to some world-class museums, so you’re sure to find something interesting. If you’re a fan of beer, make sure to tour one of Munich’s breweries. And no visit to Munich is complete without sampling the city’s famous sausages!
Cycle through the Englischer Garten to the Chinese Pavilion
Start your day with a leisurely cycle through Englischer Garten, one of Munich’s largest parks. Stop to admire the park’s many monuments, including the Bavaria statue, before continuing on to the Chinese Pavilion. Take a break to explore the pavilion’s ornate interior before heading back to the city center.
If you’re feeling energetic, continue your cycle to the Isar River. Once there, you can either relax by the water’s edge or take a dip in one of the city’s many swimming spots.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous beer hall. Sit back with a pint of beer and enjoy the traditional Bavarian atmosphere.
As the day comes to an end, take a stroll through the Marienplatz, the city’s main square. marvel at the Glockenspiel, a mechanical clock that tells the story of the Bavarian Duke Friedrich and the Dragon.
Visiting Castles
There is no shortage of castles to visit in and around Munich! Here are just a few of the must-see castles in the area:
Neuschwanstein Castle
Is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The castle was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century and is a prime example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Visitors can tour the castle’s interior, which includes a throne room, a king’s bedroom, and a queen’s parlor. The castle grounds are also open to the public and feature a number of bridges, ponds, and gardens.
It is located about an hour and a half from Munich.
Read more: Neuschwanstein Castle Tourism Information and activities
Hohenschwangau Castle: This castle is located just a few miles from Neuschwanstein and is also worth a visit.
Linderhof Palace: This palace is located in the Bavarian Alps and is one of the most beautiful castles in all of Europe.
Burg Trausnitz: This castle is located in Landshut and is one of the largest castles in Bavaria.
These are just a few of the many castles worth visiting in and around Munich. Be sure to add a few of these to your itinerary for an unforgettable trip!
Old Town Exploration
Assuming you are starting in the morning, your first stop should be Marienplatz, the central square in Munich. Here you will find the New Town Hall with its Glockenspiel, as well as the Old Town Hall. You can also see the Frauenkirche, a large Gothic church with two distinctive domes. If you are interested in art, the Alte Pinakothek is nearby and houses one of the largest collections of Old Master paintings in the world.
For lunch, you might want to try some traditional Bavarian food. There are many restaurants in the Old Town, or you could stop at one of the stalls in the Viktualienmarkt, a large food market. In the afternoon, you could visit the Residenz, the former palace of the Bavarian rulers. It is now a museum, and you can see some of the lavish rooms as well as the Treasury, which contains a collection of precious objects.
If you are interested in history, you might want to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, which is a short train ride from Munich. This was one of the first Nazi concentration camps, and it is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.
In the evening, you could enjoy a beer in one of Munich’s many beer gardens. The Hofbräuhaus is the most famous, but there are others that are worth exploring. If you are looking for something a little more lively, you could check out the bars and clubs in the Schwabing district.
Oktoberfest- things to do in Munich
If you’re looking to get into the Oktoberfest spirit while in Munich, there are plenty of activities to choose from! Here are a few ideas:
1. Visit the Oktoberfest Museum – This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Oktoberfest, and is a great way to learn more about the event.
2. Take a tour of the Hofbräuhaus – This world-famous beer hall is a must-visit for any Oktoberfest enthusiast, and a tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the brewery and how the beer is made.
3. Go on a beer-themed walking tour – Many companies offer walking tours of Munich that focus on the city’s beer culture. This is a great way to sample some of the local brews while learning about the history of beer in Munich.
4. Attend a beer-tasting event – There are often beer-tasting events taking place during Oktoberfest, where you can try a variety of different beers and learn about the brewing process.
5. Visit a local beer garden – This is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors while still being in the Oktoberfest spirit. Most beer gardens will have a selection of Oktoberfest beers on tap, and some may even have live music or other entertainment.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun-filled, action-packed trip to Europe, then look no further than Munich! This city has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in exploring its rich history and culture, or simply want to enjoy its delicious food and beer. With so much to see and do, you’ll need at least three days to make the most of your trip. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip to Munich!