Itineraries for Your Trip to Munich
3 Days in Munich for First Timers
Each time I return to Munich, I find something new to appreciate about the city, whether its architecture, funky neighborhoods, amazing art scene, or easy mountain access. With three days in Munich, you have plenty of time to get to know the city on a deeper level, visiting highlights like the many palaces and galleries of the Wittelsbach family, the classic Bavarian street food (think pretzels and sausages of all stripes), and historic monuments. You may also have time to visit some of the hidden gems or fit in a day trip to see some of the attractions just outside the city. Here’s how to make the most of your three days in Munich.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Munich Residence.
Munich’s weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for anything.
Munich is a walkable city, but trying to see it all by foot can be exhausting, so opt for a bus tour if you’d like flexibility. With a hop-on hop-off bus, you can choose which parts of the city you’d like to investigate further, like Odeonsplatz, Olympiapark in the Schwabing neighborhood, or the heart of the historic Altstadt.
Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s grand squares and imposing buildings, get to know another side of Munich on a beer and street food tour. Munich is the home of Oktoberfest, after all.
On your second day, take a day trip to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles, the properties of 19th-century King Ludwig II located southwest of the city. Visiting these properties takes the better part of a day, but they’re worth the travel time.
Back in Munich, head beyond the Aldstadt for a late dinner. Au-Haidhausen, a residential neighborhood and community hub full of restaurants, is a great place to start. Later in the evening, see the city from a different perspective on a Night Watchman tour, where you’ll learn all of Munich’s best-kept secrets and historical quirks.
The Nymphenburg Palace, just outside of Munich, was once the summer residence of the Wittelsbach family, who ruled Bavaria. You can visit the palace and explore its many galleries and museums, stocked with artwork the royal family collected.
When you return to town, go for a tasting tour of the Viktualienmarkt, which has been open and operating six days a week for more than 200 years. During your last hours in Munich, shop along the pedestrian-only Kaufingerstrasse or head into the artsy Glockenbach neighborhood, where you’ll find boutiques, small artist’s shops, and cozy cafés.
