See & Do, Know before you go, Activities, Sights2 days ago
Munich is a perfect blend of history, culture, and Bavarian charm. Whether you want to explore magnificent palaces, sip on world-famous beer, or simply soak up the relaxed atmosphere, three days in Munich will give you a perfect introduction to what makes this city so special.
To make the most of your time, I’ve put together a day-by-day itinerary that covers all the must-see sights while leaving room to enjoy Munich at a relaxed pace.
Start your adventure right in the heart of Munich at Marienplatz, the city’s most famous square. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafés and find a good spot to watch the Glockenspiel performance at 11 AM or 12 PM. The charming mechanical figures reenact historical Bavarian events, and while it might sound touristy, it’s actually a delightful way to begin your trip.
The Glockenspiel has two different shows on two balconies. The first balcony shows a medieval joust, held on Marienplatzin the 16th century. The second balcony shows the dance of the barrel makers (Schäffler). The legend has it, that they were the first people in Munich who came out after the bubonic plague and danced in the streets, to encourage people also to come out as the plague was over.
From here, wander through the Old Town (Altstadt), passing by architectural marvels like the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) and the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). If you’re a history buff, a quick visit to St. Peter’s Church is a must—the oldest church in Munich offers an incredible panoramic view of the city from its tower (open for public; for a small fee you can climb the approx. 350 steps to the caged open platform at the top. be advised, that the staircase is narrow and steep. Not recommended for people with fear of small rooms and heights).
Just a few steps from Marienplatz, you’ll find Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s historic open-air market. This is the perfect place for a Bavarian-style lunch. The market is open daily from around 8 a.m. to around 8 p.m, except sundays and Christmas Eve/New Years Eve.. Each trader that owns a stall at Viktualenmarket can set thir openeing hours individually.
Make sure to grab a fresh pretzel with Obatzda (a creamy cheese spread), or try a traditional Weißwurst (white sausage) with sweet mustard and a pretzel. If the weather is nice, sit down in the official Viktualienmarket beer garden at the center of the market and enjoy a Maß (one liter mug) of Augustiner beer—a favorite among locals. Viktualienmarkt is foodies heaven. If you dare, you can also try a horse-bratwurst, a roasted sausage made of horse meat, as Viktuelenmarkt also features a horse butcher.
After lunch, take a short stroll to the Munich Residenz, north of Marienplatz, the former royal palace of Bavarian kings. The lavishly decorated rooms, grand halls, and the stunning Antiquarium will transport you back in time. If you’re a fan of opulence, the Treasury inside the Residenz is well worth a visit—it houses priceless jewels and artifacts.
The Royal Residence is a state museum. You can buy ticklets to see the rooms and the treasury. Plan with about 2 hours to see everything.
Shorcut: If you’re in a hurry or not a big fan of museums, you can also visit some areas for free which are good photo opportunities:
Once you’ve explored the Residenz, step outside to Odeonsplatz, one of Munich’s most picturesque squares. The grand Feldherrnhalle (field marshals‘ hall), inspired by Florence’s Loggia dei Lanzi, stands as a monument to Bavaria’s military history. You can see the statues of two Bavarian field marshalls – Duke Tilly and Duke Wrede. The heraldic animal of Bavaria, the lion is also present as well as a statue to honor the Bavarian army. On the opposite side, the Theatine Church with its striking yellow façade adds a Mediterranean touch to the scene. If you’re in the mood for a break, grab a coffee at the charming Café Tambosi, one of the city’s oldest cafés, and enjoy the elegant surroundings.
For a relaxing detour, walk through the Hofgarten, a beautifully manicured park right next to the Residenz. This peaceful oasis is the perfect spot to rest your feet while listening to street musicians performing under the central temple. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a game of bocce being played by locals—one of the many small details that make Munich so charming.
Your first day in Munich wouldn’t be complete without a proper Bavarian dinner. Head to the legendary Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous beer hall. While it’s a bit touristy, the lively atmosphere, live Bavarian music, and hearty dishes like Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) and Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes) make it a must-visit at least once.
If you prefer something more low-key, try Zum Dürrnbräu (which is my special tip here)—a more authentic and way smaller traditional restaurant, favored by locals. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to order a beer!
Start your day with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, a Baroque masterpiece that was once the summer residence of Bavarian royalty. Inside, admire the Hall of Mirrors and the beautifully painted ceilings, then take a peaceful walk through the palace gardens, which are especially stunning in spring and autumn.
If you’re into history, don’t miss the Marstallmuseum, home to a fascinating collection of royal carriages. Before starting your sightseeing trip at the Palace, you can grab a coffee and a pastry at the nearby Backspielhaus coffee shop.
Head to Hirschgarten, one of Munich’s largest and most traditional beer gardens. It is just a short walk from Nymphenburg Palace. Hirsch is the German term for stag/deer. And in fact, until the 1940s, deer walked freely through the park and also the beer garden. Today you can see them next to the beer garden in a fenced area – great for the little ones. Legend has it that deer still roam the park! Enjoy a typical Bavarian lunch—perhaps a crispy roast pork with dumplings—under the shade of century-old chestnut trees. If the weather is bad, you can still visit Hirschgarten, as they also feature a traditional restaurant.
Feom Hirschagarten, take the public transport to Lehel station in Lehel district and walk towards the English Garden. Spend the afternoon at the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Rent a bike or simply stroll along the paths, stopping by the Chinesischer Turm beer garden for a refreshing drink.
Don’t miss the Eisbach Wave, where surfers ride an artificial wave on the river, no matter the season. It’s one of the quirkiest and coolest things to see in Munich.
If the weather conditions are not great, you can alternatively head to the Olympic Park. And visit BMW World there as well as BMW Museum. The entrance to BMW World is free. This futuristic glass-and-steel building is more than just an exhibition space—it’s an immersive experience into the world of one of Germany’s most famous car brands. Here, you can see the latest BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce models up close, explore interactive exhibits on cutting-edge automotive technology, and even watch lucky buyers pick up their brand-new BMWs in a handover ceremony.
You deserve a rest to let all the impressions sink in. The best is, you head to a rooftop bar where you can enjoy a nice sundowner with stunning views. I recommend the following:
By your third day in Munich, you’ve likely seen the city’s major landmarks, enjoyed a hearty Bavarian meal (or two), and perhaps even discovered your favorite beer garden. Now, it’s time to venture beyond the city center and explore some of the incredible day trips that make Bavaria so special. Whether you’re drawn to fairytale castles, stunning alpine landscapes, or charming historic towns, there’s a perfect excursion for you.
There are many possibilities for a day trip from Munich. To get the best out of your 3-day-visit, I will give you three options for a great day trip from Munich.
No trip to Bavaria is complete without visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, the breathtaking inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this 19th-century masterpiece was built by King Ludwig II, often called the “Fairy Tale King” or the „Crazy King“ for his extravagant architectural visions. The castle’s romantic turrets, grand halls, and dreamy mountain backdrop make it one of Germany’s most iconic but also most touristy sights.
Make sure you book your tickets weeks before your visit or join a tour bus from Munich, which I recommend, so you don’t have to mess around with train and bus tickets to get there. Guided tours of the castle interior provide a fascinating glimpse into Ludwig’s eccentric mind, but even just admiring the exterior and soaking in the alpine scenery is worth the journey. If you have extra time, explore Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig’s childhood home, located just down the hill.
For those looking for a more reflective and historical experience, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a very moving visit. Located just a short train ride from Munich, Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp, established in 1933. Today, it stands as a memorial and documentation center, offering visitors an in-depth look at one of history’s darkest periods.
Walking through the site, you’ll see the preserved barracks, the main gate with the infamous inscription „Arbeit macht frei“, and the solemn memorial chapels. The exhibition provides detailed historical context, with personal accounts, photographs, and artifacts that ensure the stories of the victims are never forgotten. While it’s a sobering experience, it’s an important one for anyone wanting to understand Munich’s full history.
If you’re craving a more relaxing day, head to Lake Starnberg, just 30 minutes from Munich by train. This idyllic lake, surrounded by charming villages and Alpine views, is a favorite escape for locals looking to unwind. It’s also historically significant—King Ludwig II mysteriously drowned here in 1886, and his memorial site can be visited in the town of Berg.
You can rent a boat, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or enjoy a lakeside meal at one of the traditional Bavarian restaurants. If you’re up for a leisurely bike ride, a scenic cycling path circles the lake, offering spectacular views at every turn. Starnberg is a perfect place to slow down and experience the laid-back, elegant side of Bavarian life.
My special tip if you want to have a relaxing day: Take a boat ride on lake Starnberg. From late April to mid October, there are regular boat rides with boats that offer sun decks and drinks/snacks. Sit in the sun while taking the „Grand Tour“, a nearly 4 hour boat ride with many possibilities to take stunning pictures.
Whether you choose to step into a fairytale, reflect on history, or relax by the water, Munich offers it all.
I hope you liked the pre-made Itinerary for your short visit to Munich.
If you like to have a more detailed itinerary with more Ideas and a detailed description, filled with possibilities where to have lunch and dinner you can try out my Personalized Planner service, where I take over the planning and reserach so you can enjoy your trip without the stress preparing your trip.