Munich 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Munich Itinerary: Beer Gardens, Bavarian Charm & Beyond

This itinerary balances iconic Munich experiences with off-the-beaten-path discoveries, perfect for first-time visitors.

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Wombats City Hostel Munich (modern, social) or The Circus Hostel (quirky, central)
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Am Viktualienmarkt (charming, market views), Hotel München Palace (elegant, near Englischer Garten)
  • Luxury: Bayerischer Hof (historic grandeur), Mandarin Oriental Munich (sophisticated, spa amenities)

Transportation:

  • Munich Public Transport (MVV): Efficient and affordable. Purchase day tickets or multi-day passes.
  • Walking: Munich is very walkable, especially the city center.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: German, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Tipping: Not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is appreciated.

Day 1: Classic Munich

  • Morning: Explore Marienplatz, Munich’s central square. Admire the New Town Hall with its Glockenspiel show (11am, 12pm, 5pm).
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Bavarian food at Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s famous beer hall. Try a Weisswurst (white sausage) and a pretzel with a Maß (liter) of beer.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest science and technology museums. Alternatively, explore the Residenz, the former royal palace.
  • Evening: Stroll through Englischer Garten, one of the world’s largest urban parks. Have dinner at a Biergarten like the Chinesischer Turm or Hirschgarten.

Day 2: Art & History

  • Morning: Visit the Alte Pinakothek, home to masterpieces by Albrecht Dürer, Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite from Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s bustling food market. Sample local delicacies like Obatzda (cheese spread) and Weißwurst.
  • Afternoon: Explore Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of Bavarian monarchs. Stroll through its beautiful gardens.
  • Evening: Catch a performance at the Bavarian State Opera or enjoy a concert at the Gasteig cultural center.

Day 3: Beyond the City

  • Day Trip to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: A sobering and essential experience to learn about Germany’s dark past. Allow ample time for reflection. (Accessible by public transport)
  • Alternative: Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale castle that inspired Disney. (Requires pre-booking and a scenic train journey)

Additional Tips:

  • Purchase the Munich Card for free public transportation and discounts on attractions.
  • Consider taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
  • Sample local beers at one of Munich’s many breweries, such as Augustiner-Keller or Paulaner Bräuhaus.
  • Don’t forget to try a traditional Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) for dessert.

Enjoy your time in Munich! Prost!