Munich 7 Day Itinerary

Munich: A 7-Day Bavarian Adventure

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: The Flushing Meadows Hotel (modern, centrally located) or Euro Youth Hostel (vibrant social atmosphere).
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Torbräu (traditional charm, near Marienplatz) or Bayerischer Hof (luxury with a rooftop pool).
  • Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Munich (elegant design, exceptional service)

Transportation:

  • Munich boasts an excellent public transport system. Purchase a “München Card” for unlimited travel on U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses within the city limits.

Things to Know:

  • Many museums and attractions offer free entry on Sundays.
  • German etiquette emphasizes punctuality and politeness.
  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (around 5-10% for good service).

Day 1: Arrival & Marienplatz Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Munich Airport (MUC) and take the S-Bahn to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a traditional Bavarian lunch at Augustiner-Keller beer garden.
  • Afternoon: Explore Marienplatz, the heart of Munich. Admire the Glockenspiel show, visit the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), and browse the shops in Kaufingerstrasse.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Hofbräuhaus, a world-famous beer hall with live music and traditional Bavarian cuisine.

Day 2: History & Art

  • Morning: Visit the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest science and technology museums. Explore interactive exhibits covering everything from airplanes to mining.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in art history at the Alte Pinakothek, home to masterpieces by Dürer, Rubens, and Rembrandt.
  • Evening: Dine at Ratskeller München, a historic restaurant beneath the Neues Rathaus offering Bavarian specialties with a modern twist.

Day 3: Royal Splendor & Gardens

  • Morning: Discover the opulent Residenz, former palace of Bavarian monarchs. Explore the lavish apartments, treasury, and Cuvilliés Theatre.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Englischer Garten (English Garden), one of the largest urban parks in the world. Relax by the Chinesischer Turm pagoda, rent a paddleboat on the Kleinhesseloher See lake, or simply enjoy the peaceful greenery.
  • Evening: Savor a romantic dinner at Zum Spöckmeier, a cozy restaurant with charming ambiance and delicious Bavarian cuisine.

Day 4: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

  • Morning: Take a train from Munich to Füssen (approx. 2 hours). From there, catch a shuttle bus to Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Explore the opulent interiors and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps.
  • Afternoon: Return to Munich and indulge in a traditional Bavarian dinner at Weisses Bräuhaus, known for its hearty meals and lively atmosphere.

Day 5: BMW Welt & Olympic Park

  • Morning: Visit the BMW Welt, a futuristic showroom showcasing the latest BMW models and offering interactive exhibits about the history of the car manufacturer.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Olympiapark (Olympic Park), home to the iconic Olympic Stadium and tower. Enjoy panoramic views of Munich from the top of the tower, rent bikes and explore the park’s trails, or catch a concert at the open-air stage.

Evening: Treat yourself to fine dining at Atelier im Bayerischen Hof, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative culinary creations.

Day 6: Shopping & Relaxation

  • Morning: Explore Munich’s shopping scene along Maximilianstrasse, home to luxury boutiques and designer stores.
  • Afternoon: Unwind at the Therme Erding, Europe’s largest thermal bath complex. Relax in various saunas, pools, and steam baths, and enjoy a massage or spa treatment.

Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s bustling food market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and international cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and soak up the last moments of Munich’s charm.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Munich Airport (MUC) with unforgettable memories of your Bavarian adventure.

Tips for Travelers:

  • Consider purchasing the “München Card” for unlimited public transport and discounts on attractions.
  • Learn a few basic German phrases.
  • Pack comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Enjoy the local beer culture, but drink responsibly.

Other Points of Interest:

  • Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: A sobering reminder of the atrocities of World War II.
  • BMW Museum: Explore the history of the iconic car brand.
  • Allianz Arena: Home to FC Bayern Munich football club.

Have a wonderful time exploring Munich!