A 3-Day Munich Itinerary

Visit Munich for an immersion into classic Bavarian culture. You'll find the finest beers, picturesque landscapes, and abundance of castles - in fact, there are almost twice as many castles in Germany than there are McDonald's in the U.S. Whether participating in the famous Oktoberfest festivities, using the city as a starting point for countryside and alpine lake exploration, or learning about its historical significance during World War II, Munich offers a diverse experience of tradition, nature, and history.

Transportation

Munich's transportation network includes the U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (commuter train) lines. The U-Bahn is particularly useful for navigating within the city center, while the S-Bahn extends beyond the city limits, connecting Munich with its surrounding areas. Uber is also an option.

What To Eat

Weißwurst (white sausage)

Traditional Bavarian white sausage, made with veal and pork, served with sweet mustard and fresh pretzels. Served in a large bowl of water, this dish may not immediately catch your eye, but don't let appearances deceive you because they are very flavorful.

• There's a German saying that “no weisswurst should ever hear the afternoon church bells," meaning it should only be eaten before noon.

• Make sure you remove the casing before eating

Tip: The German "ß" is pronounced as "ss"

Bratwurst

A staple of German cuisine, Bratwurst is a flavorful sausage made from pork, veal, or beef seasoned with various herbs and spices and often served with mustard and a side of bread or in a roll.

Käsespätzle

The Bavarian take on macaroni and cheese. This hearty dish features egg noodles smothered in melted cheese, often topped with crispy onions.

Schweinshaxe

A roasted pork knuckle with crispy skin and tender meat, served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings.

Brez'n/Bretzel

Soft pretzels are a beloved German snack, and you'll find them in bakeries and street food stalls. Enjoy them plain or with mustard.

Apfelstrudel

A pastry filled with thinly sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. It's often served warm and dusted with powdered sugar.

Beer

A trip to Munich would be incomplete without trying the local beer. Visit one of the city's historic beer halls or beer gardens to savor the diverse beer offerings, including the famous Munich Helles and Dunkel.

Day 1: Explore Munich City

Morning: Marienplatz & Glockenspiel

Marienplatz is the bustling central square surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and cafes, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the city.

The Glockenspiel, situated atop the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), hosts a daily show at 11 AM and 12 PM (another at 5 PM March - October). Animated figurines narrate a royal wedding, jousting tournament and ritualistic dance accompanied by various tunes played on its 43 bells, celebrating a part of the city's history.

• The top half portrays the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine in 1568.

• The Kröndlstechen, crown joust that took place on the Marienplatz, shows a Bavarian knight battling a French jouster and as you'd expect, the Bavarian wins.

• The bottom half shows coopers (barrel makers) performing the Schäfflertanz dance that gave Munich’s residents the all-clear that the plague was done in 1517.

Lunch: Viktualienmarkt

At the Viktualienmarkt, you'll find fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal crafts. For a laid-back lunch, consider trying local specialties like pretzels or sausages from the market stalls. The market's lively vibe is perfect for enjoying a casual meal

Afternoon: Munich Residenz & English Garden

Explore the rooms of the Munich Residenz, displaying art and furnishings that offer insights into the lives of past monarchs. Although the Residenz experienced damage in World War II, restoration efforts have preserved some of the most important sections, such as the Antiquarium, the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps.

Afterwards, head into the English Gardens for a relaxing afternoon. Walk along the trails, rent a rowboat on the Kleinhesseloher See, or unwind at one of the beer gardens - Chinese Tower or Seehaus. Don't miss the river surfers challenging the waves at the Eisbach.

Evening: St. Peter's Town Hall Tower

Explore the historic and scenic side of Munich at St. Peter's Tower. After the climbing 306 steps up a narrow spiral staircase, you'll be met with panoramic views of the sunset over the city. Located in the heart of Marienplatz, this historic tower is part of St. Peter's Church, dating back to the 12th century. You’ll pass 8 historic bells of St. Peter – some dating back to 1327 AD. It cost ~2 euro to ascend, but keep in mind it can get crowded at the top due to the narrow space.

Dinner: Augustiner Klosterwirt

Augustiner Klosterwirt is renowned for being one of Munich's oldest and most traditional restaurants. It's gained popularity because its authenticity, historic ambiance, and for its excellent selection of Augustiner beers.

It also sits just across from the Frauenkirche, the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, recognized by its twin towers. According to local legend, the devil's footprint can be seen in one of them.

Day 2: Historic Munich

Option 1: Dachau Concentration Camp

Experience a historic day in Berlin by visiting Dachau Concentration Camp. Absorb the somber and reflective atmosphere as you walk through the preserved barracks and museum that provide historical insights into the hardships faced by prisoners during World War II. Walking through the camp grounds serves as a respectful acknowledgment of the past.

Option 2: Nymphenburg Palace

For a lighter historical experience, consider a visit to the Nymphenburg Palace. In contrast to the Munich Residenz, which served as the primary residence of the Wittelsbach rulers, Nymphenburg was initially designed as a summer retreat. What distinguishes this palace is its extensive gardens and parklands. In the summer months, you can even take a gondola ride on the canal flowing through the palace grounds

Dinner at Hofbräuhaus

Experience Bavarian hospitality at a traditional beer hall with local dishes and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy Bavarian cuisine, including classics like schnitzels, sausages, and pretzels, complemented by Hofbräu beer.

While many know Hofbräuhaus for it's spirited atmosphere, it is also a historic site. Upstairs, the Festsaal (Festival Hall), is where Hitler and the National Socialist Part held their first meeting and would later celebrate the founding of the Nazi party on its anniversary.

Day 3: Explore the Outskirts

Embark on a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps, a place that feels straight out of a fairytale and served as the inspiration for King Stefan's castle in Sleeping Beauty.

Begin with a scenic drive through Bavaria's picturesque countryside. Upon arriving in Hohenschwangau, choose between hiking the steep path (~45 minutes) or taking a shuttle (2-3 euros, 10 minutes) to the castle entrance.

Explore the medieval-influenced chambers of Neuschwanstein with a guided tour. While you can explore the castle's exterior on your own, the interior is accessible only through tours. Remember to reserve your tickets well in advance, as they tend to sell out.

Don't miss Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge), a 15-minute walk from the castle, offering the best panoramic view.

Conclude your day with a meal in Hohenschwangau Village after a day of exploration before heading back into Munich.