48 hours in Munich – A 2 day Itinerary

Munich is a city of endless intrigue: it’s the capital of Bavaria, the home of Oktoberfest, and an economic powerhouse. The city draws in over 8 million tourists and produces over 600 million liters of beer annually.

Yet, in spite of its own fame, this quintessentially German city somehow manages to feel like a small village. Locals agree, lovingly coining the city “Millionendorf”, The Village of a Million People. 

Thinking of visiting this iconic German landmark? Great choice. We’ve got the perfect 2 Day Itinerary for Munich lined up, complete history, architecture, outdoor spaces, and of course, beer.

If you’re curious how many days in Munich is sufficient, we recommend granting at least 48 hours to Munich and the surrounding areas. 

First, let’s tackle transportation. When planning to visit Munich in 2 days, you’ll want to be sure your transport is as efficient as possible. Luckily, Germany is world renowned for its vast public transport systems, and the city of Munich is no exception to that.

If you’re arriving in Germany by plane, Munich’s city center is directly connected by train to all of the major and many of the smaller airports, too (Munich, Frankfurt, Augsburg, Stuttgart, etc.).

That said, Munich is also connected to all of these German cities (and more) by direct train, so if Munich isn’t the first stop on your itinerary, chances are, you’ll be able to get there by train quite easily.

If traveling by train from elsewhere in Europe, you can catch a direct connection to Munich from Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Paris, Venice, Milan, and more. 

So, without further ado, here’s your guide for things to see in Munich in 2 days. Although Munich is a lively metropolis and business center, the tourist-focused area is contained to a solidly walkable area.

That said, if you’re wondering how many days in Munich is enough, we’re confident that one weekend in Munich will grant you enough time to see what the city has to offer–and it might even leave room for a day trip, too.

This two days in Munich itinerary has been planned with budget in mind, with everything accessible either via foot or by the ol’ reliable German public transport system. 

With your transportation sorted, think next about accommodation for these two days in Munich, ensuring that you choose an area that’s both walkable and close to public transport. Our favorite low-cost option in Munich is the a&o Hostel München Hackerbrücke.

a&o operates hostels all over Europe, and they’re typically a solid option no matter where you find yourself. In Munich, the a&o Hackerbrücke is located adjacent to the Marsstraße tram stop, and it’s a quick walk to the “Hauptbahnhof” (the main train station), making it an ideal spot for public transport lovers and walkers alike.

It’s a fantastic choice for large groups (my friends and I once booked an entire 8 person dorm here for Oktoberfest), but you can also opt for more private rooms that sleep just two or three people. Be forewarned, though: on busy weekends, such as Oktoberfest, a&o and other hostels in town can get pretty rowdy.

a&o also has a second location across town, a&o Hostel München Hauptbahnhof. We also love the Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof (Wombat’s is a reliable choice all over Europe). 

If you’re looking for something more family or couple-oriented, opt for the Hotel Drei Löwen, an incredibly cozy, quiet, and slightly upscale hotel in Munich that’s located in between the Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz (the center of Old Town). The hotel has the homey feel of a traditional Bavarian inn, and they serve a delicious breakfast to boot.

Yet another family and couple-friendly option is the Boutique Hotel Atrium München. The rooms are your standard mid-range hotel style in that they’re clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious for a European city.

However, what sets this hotel apart is its gorgeous garden, a little urban oasis where you can start your day by enjoying the hotel’s delicious breakfast while surrounded by flowers and chirping birds.

Pro tip: If you find yourself at Boutique Hotel Atrium München, be sure to pop into nearby Schiller Bräu for a “stein” (mug) or “maß” (liter) of their homemade beer and a taste of their Munich-style schnitzel (schnitzel encrusted with breadcrumbs and mustard).

Now that you’ve booked transportation and accommodation for a weekend in Munich, it’s time to start planning your two days in Munich itinerary. Munich is a vibrant and culture-rich city that beckons its visitors to indulge in the most classic and unrequited display of German culture.

Roam the winding cobblestone streets of Old Town, surround yourself with nature at the English Garden, take a day trip out to the mountains, and of course, be sure to wash it all down with a stein of Munich’s specialty: a locally-brewed beer.

Overview Of 2 Days In Munich Itinerary

Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll see and do with 2 days in Munich:

Day 1 in Munich

• Breakfast with bread (and a view)
• Marienplatz
• “Alter Peter” Church
• Frauenkirche
• Museums
• Lunch
• Hofgarten/Residenz
• English Garden
• Chinese Tower Beer Garden
• Dinner in a traditional German cellar
• Hofbrauhaus

Day 2 in Munich

• Breakfast to go
• Day trip options by train
• Back to Munich
• Shopping at the Marienplatz
• A traditional Bavarian dinner
• One last “stein” before you go

What to do in Munich for 2 Days

Day 1 in Munich

Breakfast with bread (and a view)

If you haven’t ever experienced the delight of eating a classic German breakfast, you’re in for a treat. Germany might be most famous for its schnitzel and beer, but this bratwurst-loving nation is also home to some of the best breads you’ll ever taste.

Germans take their bread seriously–so seriously, in fact, that many supermarkets and restaurants actually employ someone known as the Chief Bread Officer, whose sole job is to ensure quality of the breads they sell.

Traditional German bakeries are everywhere in this country; even in the smallest of villages, you’ll almost definitely find at least one local bakery, where the doors fling open around 5am daily, and the scent of freshly baked “brot” (German for bread) is so tantalizing, you won’t be able to resist.

You’ll also conveniently find traditional bakeries in train stations, malls, supermarkets, and just about everywhere else.

Being the most German of all German cities, Munich probably has enough bakeries to satisfy you for at least a month, and the tourist district of town is no exception.

Start your day by entering Munich’s Old Town through the Karlsplatz gate, and you’ll immediately feel a shift in the city’s vibe: cobblestone streets, medieval facades, and outdoor cafes brimming with beer and coffee drinkers alike.

Head over to Müller Café & Bäckerei or Rischart for a quick bite. Pro tip: Be sure to try a “schnittlauchbrezel” (a German pretzel sandwich with cream cheese and chives) and a “milchkaffe” (coffee with steamed milk). Not only is German bread delicious, but their coffee is, too. 

If takeaway isn’t your thing, try the Cafe Glockenspiel, located right in the center of the Marienplatz (the central square of Munich’s Old Town). Cafe Glockenspiel serves up traditional German breakfast with a variety of meat, cheese, eggs, fruit, and bread, in addition to vegan and health-conscious options.

Best of all: the cafe has a direct view over the “Neues Rathaus” (the New Town Hall), perhaps the most famous building in all of Munich. Get there early, and you might be able to snag a table next to the window. Be sure to make a reservation. 

Marienplatz

Munich’s Marienplatz is the beating heart of Munich’s tourist district and Old Town. Complete with medieval architecture, towering church bells, fountains, and of course, plenty of tourists. Take in the sights and people of this iconic square before starting your day.

Here you’ll find famous sites including the New Town Hall, the Old Town Hall, the “Fischbrunnen” (a fountain adorned with fish sculptures), and the “Mariensäule” (a tower in the center of the Marienplatz).  

Alter Peter Church

Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing and people watching in the Marienplatz, it’s time to soak in the views from a different angle: 56 meters above ground, to be exact.

Head over to “Alter Peter” (St. Peter’s Church), where you’ll climb 300 stairs up a winding tower; it’s a moderately difficult climb, but fret not, because the journey is worth the destination.

At the top, you’ll reach a viewing platform that boasts a panoramic view of Munich, arguably the best in the city.

Walk around the platform, soak in the incredible views of Munich and the parallel towers of the “Frauenkirche” across the way. You might even be able to see the Alps in the distance.

Frauenkirche

You’ve seen the Frauenkirche from above, and now you need to see it up close. Upon your descent from St. Peter’s, head over to the Frauenkirche (5 min. walk), home of the Archdiocese of Munich, and considered to be the most beautiful church in the city.

The outer facade features two classic Bavarian bell-shaped towers, lovingly named the “Stasi” (south tower) and “Blasi” (north tower) by locals. 

Museums in Munich

Time permitting, we recommend popping into one of Munich’s wonderful museums before lunch. History lovers, be sure to check out the Münchner Stadtmuseum.

Art buffs should opt for the Kunsthalle München or the Kunstfoyer VKB, and tech geeks will love the Deutsches Museum, where German engineering and technology are on full display.

Finally, for something a bit more lighthearted, tuck into the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, where you can top off your visit with a freshly poured brew of your own.

Lunch

Ready for a break? Being in the center of Munich’s Old Town, there are plenty of options for your refuel before an afternoon of more sightseeing.

For a grab-and-go lunch, wander around the “Viktualienmarkt” (farmer’s market), where you’ll find sandwiches, coffee, bratwurst, pizza, and much more.

This is also the perfect opportunity to try “döner”, Turkish-inspired takeaway food that–according to legend–was invented by Turkish immigrants in Berlin in the 1970s and has since become a phenomenon in Germany.

If your legs need a break, sit down at Hans im Glück, a national hamburger chain with cozy decor and surprisingly high quality burgers. 

Hofgarten/Residenz

Munich’s charm isn’t just in its architecture and history, but also in the vast green spaces that blend so seamlessly with the rest of the city.

Once refueled from lunch, head to the Hofgarten (12 min. walk from the Viktualienmarkt), a stately garden with pristine landscaping that dots the Residenz München, a palace that was once home to the royal family of Bavaria.

Time permitting, be sure to check out the Residenzmuseum for a tour of the inside of the palace. 

English Garden

Next, walk over to the icon English Garden, an expansive, peaceful utopia right in the center of the city.

Stop by the Eisbachwelle, where spectators can watch local surfers ride on machine-powered waves all year round.

Then, allow yourself to get lost among the winding paths and hidden hideaways of the English Garden, where you’ll find unexpected landmarks like the Monopteros, a replica Greek temple atop a small hill. 

Chinese Tower Beer Garden

A visit to Munich wouldn’t be complete without a true Bavarian beer garden experience. In the center of the English Garden, you’ll find the Chinese Tower, a large tower surrounded by a beer garden and restaurant, where on warm afternoons, you’ll probably find live music and locals and tourists alike.

Snag a table–don’t be shy if you have to share with strangers, it’s normal here–and enjoy a beer and a pretzel that’s as big as your head.

Pro tip: In Germany, many places charge a “Pfand” (deposit) for drinks served in special glassware (i.e. a beer stein or Christmas market mug).

The Chinese Tower Beer Garden serves beer in the iconic Hofbrauhaus beer mugs, and if you’d like to keep one, you can! You’ll just lose the cost of your pfand (likely 3 or so Euros). 

Dinner in a traditional German cellar

As the sun starts to set, head back to the Old Town for dinner at the Ratskeller, a traditional German cellar restaurant housed in the cellar of the New Town Hall.

The Ratskeller is a vast, medieval-style restaurant serving up classic German fare and a lively ambiance. It might not be the very best food in town, but it’s a solid option, and the experience is so worth it. 

Hofbrauhaus

We wouldn’t let you leave Munich without paying a visit to the world-famous Hofbrauhaus. The sprawling headquarters of this iconic beer brand is located in a cobblestone-lined neighborhood of Munich, just a few minutes’ walk from the Marienplatz.

Upon entering, you’ll likely find tables packed with jolly beer drinkers, a live polka band, and waiters balancing an impressive amount of beer and food in their hands.

While Hofbrauhaus serves food, we don’t recommend eating here (you can find much better food nearby elsewhere), but it’s a great place to start or spend your night out.

Grab an open seat anywhere you can find it, and settle in for a night of classic Bavarian fun.

Day 2 in Munich

On day 2, you might consider venturing out of Munich’s city limits to tip your toes in all that Bavaria has to offer.

Bavaria is rich in both culture and nature; some even consider it to be the most quintessentially German region in the country. With incredible nature, history, and sightseeing right at your fingertips, why not venture out of the city for half a day (or more)?

Pro tip: If you’re traveling by train, consider purchasing a “Bayern Ticket”, a public transit day pass that gets you unlimited train and bus rides throughout Bavaria for an entire day. Also, downloading the Deutsche Bahn app is a must for scheduling and buying tickets on-the-go.

Breakfast to go

As mentioned before, Germany has fantastic takeaway options for breakfast. At the Munich Hauptbahnhof, pop into any one of the numerous bakeries before your train to fill up before your day of adventure.

A personal favorite is Yorma’s (with its bright blue and yellow signage, you can’t miss it), a staple of German train stations and airports, where you’ll find plenty of tasty and affordable options for breakfast. Eating and drinking are permitted on German trains, so feel free to take it along for the ride. 

Day trip options by train

• Dachau Concentration Camp

The Dachau Concentration Camp is a memorial site and museum dedicated to the suffering and lives lost here during the Holocaust. Dachau is a quick trip from Munich.

Use the Deutsche Bahn app (a ticket machine at the station) to purchase a day pass ticket from Munich Hauptbahnhof to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Bus Stop.

The app will also give you exact train times and numbers, plus the platform you’re leaving from. You’ll take either the “regiobahn” (regional train/RB) or the “regioexpress” (express regional train/RE), and you’ll be in Dachau in less than 20 minutes.

Once in Dachau, take Bus #726 (your ticket covers the bus, too), and you’ll be at the memorial site in just a few minutes.

Visits to the concentration camp are free, and we recommend spending at least a few hours here. For those who prefer guided tours, try the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour, and your guide will plan transport for you. 

• Neuschwanstein Castle

Perhaps one of Bavaria’s most iconic sites, Neuschwanstein Castle is perched on a high hill, nestled among mountains and forests.

Said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle, Neuschwanstein might be the closest thing to a real-life fairytale you’ll ever experience.

Nearby is the Hohenschwangau Castle and also the Linderhof Palace, an equally enchanting former royal residences that are also well worth a visit.

Neuschwanstein and the surrounding sites aren’t easily accessible to Munich by train, but there are plenty of guided tours to choose from that will provide transportation for you.

This Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich or this 10.5 hour tour in a luxury coach bus are both great options.

Alternatively, if organized tours aren’t your thing, you can rent a car and drive just 1.5 hour north of Munich to reach Neuschwanstein. 

• Chiemsee

Looking to relax for the day? At 80 square kilometers, Chiemsee Lake is the largest in all of Bavaria, and it is a favorite hangout among both locals and tourists alike.

A serene alpine lake surrounded by mountains and small villages, Chiemsee offers relaxation, outdoor activities, and even some sightseeing.

From Munich, simply take a direct regional train in the direction of Salzburg to Prien am Chiemsee (57 min. ride), Bernau (1:02 hour ride), or Übersee (1:08 hour). The lake is a pleasant 20 minute walk through town from the train station.

You’ll find plenty of restaurant and sightseeing options situated along the lake. For waterfront dining within walking distance, try the See-Restaurant Chiemsee or the Restaurant Westernacher Chiemsee.

Sightseers can hop on a taxi boat to the Herrseninsel, a small island that houses a palace, museum, and Bavarian restaurant. Outdoor lovers will find several designated swim and lounge areas near town, labeled “Badeplatz” (swim area). 

Back to Munich

As your day’s adventures wind down, it’s time to start thinking about heading back to Munich. If you traveled on your own, be sure to plan ahead; use the Deutsche Bahn app to check train and bus times back to Munich.

If you purchased a Bavarian day ticket on your way out of Munich, this ticket is valid for your return journey as well. If you did not purchase a day ticket, you’ll need to get a return ticket at this point. 

Shopping at the Marienplatz

Once back in the bustling Bavarian capital, you might want to pop into your hotel to freshen up and get ready for a night out. If you’re ready early enough, take a stroll along the Marienplatz’s many storefronts.

You’ll find souvenir shops, trendy clothing and shoes, and you might even pick up a traditional Bavarian dirndl or lederhosen along the way. Most stores in Germany close by 8pm, so be sure to keep that in mind.

A traditional Bavarian dinner

Local grub is in order for your last meal in Munich. From the Marienplatz shopping district, a 4 minute walk will bring you to Zwickl, a traditional Bavarian tavern with outdoor dining in a quaint courtyard.

A 15 minute walk in the opposite direction is Schiller Bräu, a craft beer bar and restaurant serving up excellent schnitzel. Whatever you choose, be sure to make a reservation, especially if it’s a weekend.

One last “stein” before you go

If you have any energy left at this point, why not spend your last night in Munich at one of the many beer halls or breweries in town?

Hofbrauhaus is just the start of beer halls in Munich: Augustiner keller, Löwenbräukeller, and Der Pschorr are lively beer-drinking destinations that are sure to serve up a fun night out.

There’s also Giesinger Bräu, a brewery where you’ll find beers only available in Munich, and for a night of dancing, head to Barschwein, a two-story club with a lively dance floor upstairs.

Recommended tours in Germany

• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train
• Hitler and the Third Reich Munich Walking Tour
• Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich
• Munich Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour
• Munich Ghosts and Spirits Evening Walking Tour
• Munich Sightseeing Bike Tour
• Munich Viktualienmarkt and Beyond Small-Group Food Tasting Tour
• Munich Segway Tour
• Munich Christmas Markets Tour
• Bodyflying in windtunnel Flystation
• City Walk + English Garden and Colorful History + Culture in the City Center
• On the road with the night watchman
• Third Reich Walking Tour: Historic Facts and Sites in Munich

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