3 day Itinerary for Munich
With its rich culture, vibrant nightlife and breathtaking views, a 3 day trip to Munich is an exciting experience for any traveler. I myself have lived and travelled around Europe, and can confidently say that my time in Germany, and especially in Munich, was one of the best of my life.
For those wondering what to do for 3 days in this beautiful city, let me share with you some tips from my own experiences.
Try exploring the many attractions of the historic old town before taking a stroll along the Isar River. For a different type of adventure, take a half-day tour to nearby Neuschwanstein Castle or explore some of the local beer gardens – you’ll be amazed by how much there is to see!
No matter what kind of adventure you’re after, your 3 days in Munich is sure to be full of fun and excitement – something that I can speak from authority and trustworthiness about!
Munich: The vibrant capital of Bavaria, nestled just beyond the snow capped Alps, is a city that effortlessly blends rich history, stunning architecture, modern innovation, and quintessential German culture.
With three days in Germany’s most archetypal city, you will have ample time to immerse yourself in Munich’s lively atmosphere, iconic landmarks, and renowned Bavarian hospitality.
This comprehensive 3 Day Itinerary for Munich will guide you through insider tips on what to do in Munich for 3 days, including suggestions on where to stay, when to visit, and where to eat.
Trying to plan 3 perfect days in Munich? First, you will need to make an informed decision on when to visit. Truthfully, Munich can be enjoyed year round, but experienced Müncheners (Munich locals) agree that the springtime (April to June) and the autumn (September to October) are delightful.
Spring, with its blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures, beckons you to enjoy Munich’s wide range of outdoor activities. Autumn, though typically less warm, is a time when the city comes alive with its annual, world renowned Oktoberfest, with a beautiful fall foliage backdrop to boot.
We would be remiss not to mention Christmastime in Germany. While Munich’s winter is certainly cold, Munich’s annual Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) brings coziness, Christmas vibes, and twinkling lights to this already stunning city.
Combine your visit with other popular nearby Christmas markets (i.e. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Ulm), and you are sure to have an unforgettably festive time. Even better, 3 days in Munich is the perfect amount of time to experience both the Christmas markets and the rest of the city.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Munich depends on what you’re looking for in your trip. If you prefer mild weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in spring or autumn.
If you want to experience vibrant festivals and don’t mind larger crowds, then summer or the Oktoberfest period is ideal. For a festive winter experience, plan your trip during the holiday season.
When planning to visit Munich in 3 days, it’s important to choose a neighborhood that will lend itself well to sightseeing. For the very best experience, consider staying in Munich’s city center or nearby Altstadt (Old Town).
These central locations provide easy access to major attractions, excellent public transport, and a wide range of accommodations that suit different budgets.
Our favorite low-cost option in Munich is the a&o Hostel München Hackerbrücke. a&o operates hostels all over Europe, and they’re usually a solid option no matter where you are.
In Munich, the a&o Hackerbrücke is located adjacent to the Marsstraße tram stop, and it’s a quick walk to the Hauptbahnhof (the Munich Central Station), making it an ideal spot for public transport lovers and walkers alike.
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 another reliable hostel brand across the continent).
If you’re looking for something more family or couple-oriented, check out Hotel Drei Löwen—a cozy, family run inn with typical Bavarian furnishings—or the Boutique Hotel Atrium München.
Remember that Munich has an efficient public transport system, so even if you stay slightly outside the city center, you can easily access the main attractions.
Consider your interests, budget, and preferred atmosphere when choosing the best neighborhood to stay in Munich. Some of our favorite neighborhoods include Altstadt-Lehel, Schwabing, Glockenbachviertel, Haidhausen, Maxvorstadt, and Nymphenburg.
Plan your trip?
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Overview of 3 Days in Munich Itinerary
Can you really see all of Munich in 3 days? And how many days in Munich is truly enough? While Munich and the surrounding region have a lot to offer, we’re confident it’s possible to get well acquainted with the capital of Bavaria with this amount of time. It’ll be a packed three days in Munich, though! Here’s a preview of things to see in Munich in 3 days:
Day 1 in Munich
- Enjoy a hearty Bavarian breakfast
- Visit the Marienplatz
- Explore the Altstadt
- Shop at the Viktualienmarkt
- Indulge in a Bavarian lunch
- Wander through the English Garden
- Enjoy a classic German beer garden
Day 2 in Munich
- Start your day with a scenic breakfast
- Tour the Nymphenburg Palace
- Get lost in the Bavarian National Museum
- Grab lunch at the museum cafe
- Tour Munich’s Olympic Park
- End the day in the vibrant Glockenbachviertel district
Day 3 in Munich
- Breakfast to go
- Take a day trip outside of Munich
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
- Neuschwanstein Castle
Without further ado, let’s embark on your 3 day trip to Munich.
Day 1 of 3 days in Munich, Germany
The first of your three days in Munich is all about getting acquainted with the city. On this first day, you’ll hit Munich’s major tourist sites, get your bearings and go for a wander, and top it all off with some classic German grub.
A hearty Bavarian breakfast to start the day
Kick off your first day in Munich with a hearty, classic Bavarian breakfast at Café Frischhut in Viktualienmarkt. This highly rated bakery and café serves up regional fare like schmalznudel (a large but light donut without the hole).
Visit the iconic Marienplatz
Begin your sightseeing journey at Marienplatz, arguably Munich’s most iconic and historically significant square, and witness the famous Glockenspiel performance at the New Town Hall.
Marienplatz is one of Munich’s most iconic and historically significant squares. Its history dates back to the founding of the city itself.
Marienplatz stands as a testament to Munich’s history and has witnessed the city’s growth and transformation over the centuries. It remains an integral part of Munich’s identity, combining historical significance with modern vitality.
During World War II, Marienplatz and much of Munich suffered significant damage from bombing raids. After the war, the square and its surrounding buildings were reconstructed, preserving their historical architecture.
Explore Munich’s Altstadt (Old Town)
After marveling at the Marienplatz’s architecture, explore the historic streets of Munich’s Altstadt, visiting landmarks like the Frauenkirche, the Old Town Hall, Asam Church, St. Peter’s Church, Odeonsplatz, and the Residenz Palace along the way.
During World War II, much of the Altstadt suffered significant damage from bombing raids. After the war, a major effort went underway to reconstruct the area, preserving the buildings’ historical architecture for generations to come.
Shop for local goods at the Viktualienmarkt
Located just a short walk from Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt is a bustling food market offering fresh produce, Bavarian delicacies, snacks, and souvenirs.
It’s a great place to sample local treats. Keep an eye out for local dishes like Weisswurst (white sausage), pretzels, and apple strudel.
Indulge in a traditional Bavarian lunch
Just outside Viktualienmarkt, you’ll find a cozy, family owned restaurant called Zwickl that serves up traditional regional cuisine.
For something less German, try the nearby installation of Hans im Glück, a national hamburger chain with cozy decor and surprisingly high quality burgers.
Get lost in the Englischer Garten
After lunch, let’s walk off that heavy (but delicious!) Bavarian fare with a stroll through the beautiful Englischer Garten.
The English Garden (Englischer Garten) is one of Munich’s most beloved and expansive urban parks. It is one of the largest city parks in the world—covers an area of over 900 acres—even larger than New York City’s Central Park.
Within the English Garden, you’ll find several notable landmarks and monuments, such as the Monopteros, a Greek-style temple offering panoramic views of the park.
The Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) is another popular attraction, featuring a traditional beer garden where visitors can enjoy Bavarian beer and food.
Chinese Tower Beer Garden
Speaking of the Chinese Tower Beer Garden, a visit to Munich wouldn’t be complete without a pit stop at this picturesque spot in the heart of the English Garden.
A large tower surrounded by a beer garden and restaurant, you’ll find live music, along with locals and tourists alike enjoying a fresh pint of beer and solid Bavarian fare. 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), but you won’t get in trouble.
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.
For dinner, we recommend the Schiller Bräu—where home brewed beers and traditional Bavarian fare are on the menu—or, if you need a break from German beer and food, enjoy a delicious glass of wine and lighter fare at Vinothek by Geisel or splurge at a French steakhouse at La Bohème Schwabing.
Day 2 of 3 days in Munich, Germany
With your first of three days in Munich, Germany under your belt, it’s time to start exploring beyond the city center. Day two is all about history, culture, shopping, and food, of course!
Start your day with a scenic breakfast
Grab a bite at the Schlosscafé im Palmenhaus, a bright and airy spot located in the gardens of Nymphenburg Palace. They offer an impressive late breakfast spread and views of the palace.
Tour the Nymphenburg Palace
Kick off your tourist activities for the day with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian rulers.
Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) is a magnificent Baroque palace that’s considered one of the most culturally and historically significant in Bavaria.
The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a vast park, known as the Nymphenburg Park. The park was designed in the English garden style and includes lush green spaces, tree-lined alleys, charming canals, and serene lakes.
Get lost in the Bavarian National Museum
The Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum) showcases a vast collection of art, artifacts, and cultural objects spanning various periods and regions.
When visiting the museum, be sure to catch collections of Bavarian religious and folk art, including historic musical instruments, sculptures, and even a coin collection.
Grab lunch at the museum cafe
Cafes and restaurants housed within Germany’s tourist attractions are usually of surprisingly good quality.
After a long morning of touring the palace and museum, you won’t have to go far for a great lunch. Stop by Café & Restaurant Museum for a high quality meal in a beautiful setting.
Tour Munich’s Olympic Park
Once refueled from lunch, head off to discover the Munich Olympic Park and enjoy panoramic views from the Olympic Tower. Visiting the Olympic Park in Munich is a great idea for several reasons.
The park holds significant historical importance and offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different interests. Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a relaxing boat ride in the beautiful artificial lake within the park.
End the day in the vibrant Glockenbachviertel district
It’s been a long day of sightseeing, so if you’re ready to take it easy, we wouldn’t blame you. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the bustling streets of the Glockenbachviertel, known for its diverse range of restaurants and lively nightlife.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Bavarian cuisine, international flavors, or trendy cafes, Glockenbachviertel has something for everyone.
For dinner, we recommend Gaststätte Burg Pappenheim for traditional Bavarian fare like schnitzel, sausages, and roasted meats.
If you’re in the mood for healthy and wholesome food, California Bean offers a range of fresh salads, wraps, and smoothies to satisfy your cravings.\
Day 3 of 3 days in Munich, Germany
On your third and last day of your 3 days in Munich, let’s take a day trip beyond the city limits and get a taste for all that Bavaria has to offer.
Munich’s central location and fantastic public transport make it an ideal jumping off point for day trips in the region. Below are some solid ideas for day trips from Munich:
Breakfast to go
Before heading off on your day trip, be sure to fuel up with some breakfast and coffee. 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.
Take a day trip outside of Munich
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial 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 a guided walking tour, 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.
Recommended tours in Munich
- Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train
- Hitler and the Third Reich Munich Walking Tour
- Salzburg Sightseeing Small-Group Day Tour from Munich by Rail
- Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Small-Group Premium All-Inc Tour from Munich
- Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich
- Munich Ghosts and Spirits Evening Walking Tour
- Munich Sightseeing Bike Tour
- Munich WWII Combo: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site and Third Reich Walking Tour
- Open Group Munich City Immersion
- Munich Oktoberfest Tickets and Tour
- Private Custom Munich Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems
- Munich Viktualienmarkt and Beyond Small-Group Food Tasting Tour
FAQs About 3 perfect days munich
Can I get around Munich easily by public transport?
Yes! Munich has an extensive public transportation network that covers all areas of the city. You can find trams, buses and even a few underground metro lines connecting key locations in town. With a single ticket, you can travel around most parts of central Munich in just minutes.
is 3 days enough to see munich?
Yes, 3 days is definitely enough time to get a good overview of Munich and experience some of the best attractions it has to offer.
With 3 days in Munich, you have plenty of time to visit popular sites like the English Garden, Marienplatz square, and the world-famous Hofbräuhaus brewery.
Spend a day exploring the city centre or take in some of Munich’s classic art and culture at museums such as the Alte Pinakothek or Deutsches Museum. Don’t forget to visit Nymphenburg Palace and its beautiful grounds for a taste of Bavarian grandeur!
how many days in munich and berlin
Munich and Berlin are both destinations that could offer a great holiday. If you want to explore both cities, it is best to plan for around 5-7 days in Munich and another 4-5 days in Berlin.
Both cities have plenty of attractions and experiences to offer, so allowing enough time to enjoy the activities will make your trip more enjoyable.
Be sure to also factor in travel time between the two cities – Depending on which mode of transport you take, this can add up on the overall duration of your trip.
Final Thoughts: 3 day munich itinerary
With three days in Munich, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s historic sites, cultural treasures, and nearby attractions.
From the iconic landmarks of the Altstadt to the opulent Nymphenburg Palace and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, Munich offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
Whether you’re strolling through the English Garden, sampling Bavarian cuisine in traditional beer halls, or immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant nightlife, Munich will captivate you with its unique charm and warm hospitality.
So pack your bags, follow this itinerary, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Bavaria.
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