2 Days in Munich: Ideal Itinerary for a German Adventure

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This 2 day Munich itinerary guides you through the rich history and vibrant culture of Bavaria’s capital. Uncover the hidden gems and must-see sights of this cosmopolitan city, as you dive into my personally curated, two-day Munich adventure.

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A city that has both a fascinating history as well as a distinct, modern edge, Munich is on one hand, steeped in its traditions and heritage, while on the other, offers attractive entrapments that a discerning millennial traveller will fawn over – think cool coffee shops, modern art galleries and boundary breaking eateries. 

It also harbours a darker past.

Having failed as an artist in Vienna, Hitler found himself drawn to the elegant boulevards of Munich and the city became the epicentre of the Nazi movement in Germany in the first half of the 20th century.

As the heart of the Nazi propaganda machine, it was a special target for the Allies in World War Two and suffered heavy allied bombing. The bombing was so heavy, that it resulted in 90% of Munich’s Altstadt (or Old Town) being completely destroyed.

Despite the considerable extra cost and time implications of their decision, after the war the people of Munich voted to painstakingly rebuild their Altstadt to exactly as it was before, rather than rebuild their city to newer designs.

But why so?

Well, before Hitler came the Wittelsbach dynasty. From 1180 until King Ludwig III was deposed in 1918, the House of Wittelsbach ruled Bavaria as dukes, electors and finally – kings. Wielding great power and wealth (along with their fair share of scandal and intrigue), they also shaped the fabric and culture of the region.

They bestowed upon the city of Munich great palaces such as Schloss Nymphenburg and the Munich Residenz, museums bursting with art and sculpture and elegant boulevards and squares. 

While Munich is very much metropolitan in a modern way today, it’s still a distinctly regal city with one foot planted firmly in its Bavarian history and traditions. Its citizens are proud of their culture and what makes it unique.

While this won’t apply to every citizen of Munich, it’s very common to see women wearing dirndl and men in lederhosen – and not only while Oktoberfest is in full flow. 

A city in which there are both beer halls and elegant wine bars, stores selling traditional Bavarian outfits beside designer-label showrooms and a serene, English-garden inspired urban park that boasts an artificial surfing wave, Munich is a city of intriguing contrasts.

Based on my personal experience and extensive research, spending 2 days in Munich allows you to deeply appreciate its rich, contrasting character without feeling rushed.

It’s a perfectly balanced window to uncover the city’s iconic monuments, delve into its layered history, savour a pretzel or two, and even indulge in the buzzing modern life, all while absorbing the Bavarian spirit.

This itinerary ensures an insightful and leisurely-paced journey, offering you an authentic slice of Munich’s intriguing essence. Read on to discover the treasures that await in this 2-day Munich itinerary.

Essential links for planning your Munich itinerary

Airport transfer: private taxi via HolidayTaxis // airport bus via Lufthansa Express Bus

Save on entrance fees & transport: the Munich City Tour Card offers discounted entrance fees and free transport, paying for itself if you’re visiting several attractions. 

Top Munich hotels: Hotel MIO by AMANO (affordable boutique hotel where I stayed // Louis Hotel (5-star art hotel) // Hotel Eder (quality budget hotel)
Top-rated Munich tours & experiences:

☆ Third Reich Walking Tour (brilliant for history lovers)
☆ Small Group Food Tour (perfect for foodies)
☆ Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich 
☆ Walking Tour of Munich Old Town (a great all-rounder)

Best day trips from Munich: Dachau Concentration Camp // Neuschwanstein Castle
Don’t forget to pack: DK Eyewitness Munich and the Bavarian Alps // Universal travel adapter // these **fantastic** compression packing cubes 

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Table of Contents

1. Where to stay for this 2 days in Munich itinerary
2. Your 2-day Munich itinerary in full
3. More than 2 days in Munich, or looking for some variations to this Munich 2 day itinerary?
4. Where to eat and drink during your 2 days in Munich
5. Logistics for your 2 days Munich itinerary
6. Munich 2 days itinerary on the map
7. Common questions when planning a Munich in 2 days itinerary

Where to stay for this 2 days in Munich itinerary

For a shorter, 2 days in Munich itinerary, location is key when you want to be close to all of the top sites in Munich. To that end, I’d recommend positioning yourself either in or just on the edge of Munich’s old town. 

If you’d like to explore some other options, here are some other places to stay in Munich worth taking a look at. 

Your 2-day Munich itinerary in full

While there is much to see in Munich, I’d recommend not trying to squish too much in. With two days in the city, you’ll have to cherry pick amongst some Munich must see attractions, but don’t worry – you’ll still manage to visit and do plenty.

Munich is relatively compact and also has fantastic public transport services, so it’s easy to make your way around the city. 

This two days in Munich itinerary fits in a mix of art, history, cosmopolitan living and dining, as well as plenty of time spent outdoors to enjoy and admire Munich’s generously proportioned public spaces. 

Day 1 in Munich

On your first day in Munich, I suggest getting your bearings in Munich’s city centre, sampling some of the fare at Munich’s famous Victualienmarkt and discovering a royal residence and its gardens, before finishing the day in one of Munich’s more modern restaurants. 

Morning – Explore the Altstadt, Munich’s historical centre

It sounds like there is a lot to the morning part of day 1 of this 2 days in Munich Germany itinerary and you wouldn’t be wrong-  but you’ll be happy to know that each leads to the next rather well and many are in fact adjacent to each other. 

Start with Marienplatz

Your first port of call should be to one of the most popular places to visit in Munich in 2 days – Marienplatz. A lot of Munich’s main shopping streets and boulevards radiate towards this central point and it is where you’ll see the most quintessential of Munich’s Bavarian architecture. 

Since the city’s foundation, Marienplatz square has firmly held its position at Munich’s core.

Having acted originally as Munich’s market place in the Middle Ages, the square evolved to house important buildings such as the town hall (both old and new), along with the impressive Rathaus Glockenspiel, which you may know in advance as the chiming bell tower with the dancing figures. 

While in the heart of Munich Alstadt at its central square, make sure to take in the following:

• Neues Rathaus & Glockenspiel | the most striking of all of the buildings in Marienplatz square, the Neues Rathaus (or ‘New Town Hall‘) has housed Munich’s government offices since 1874.
  
  Housed within this incredibly elaborate neo-Gothic building is Munich’s famous glockenspiel. Every day at 11 am and 12pm (and 5 pm in summer) the 43 bells and 32 figures spring into action.
  
  You can also elect to climb the tower for city views, but I’d recommend holding off for St Peter’s Church tower (unless it’s closed).
• Altes Rathaus | The Altes Rathaus (or ‘Old Town Hall‘) served as Munich’s town hall since medieval times. It’s distinctly different to its successor in appearance, with a fairytale like quality, having been in use since 1310 and being upgraded to its Gothic style in the 15th-century.
  
  Appended to the main building is a 55m tower that holds within it one of Munich’s 12th-century city gates. It’s now home to a toy museum. 

Climb St. Peter’s Church tower for city view

Peterskirche, or St. Peter’s Church in English, is one of Munich’s oldest churches. Although it’s been reconstructed numerous times over the years due to various wars and fires, the current church dates back some 800 years to the 12th century, although there has been a church on the site since the 8th century.

Before making your way to climb its tower, make sure to pop your head inside the church.

It houses an array of architectural styles (reflecting its various stages of rebuilding over the years) and worthy highlights include a frescoed ceiling by Johann Baptist Zimmermann, the St-Martin-Altar and a rather bizarre, bejewelled skeleton.

The real boon to St. Peter’s Church, however, is its 300ft high tower (with a slightly greater number of 306 steps), which offers spectacular views of Munich’s historic center from its observation deck a little higher than halfway up.

Just be aware of opening times – it’s open for a fairly brief period from 12 noon – 4.30PM each day. 

Having started its life as a royal brewery in the 16th century, King Ludwig I of Bavaria opened the Hofbräuhaus to the public in 1828, where the beer hall quickly became a centre of recreation in Munich, as well as a hotbed for political discussions and, even, the development of political ideologies.

The Munich Communist Government established their headquarters in the Hofbräuhaus in 1919 and just one year later, Hitler held his first meeting with what grew to be the Nazi party upstairs in the third floor festival hall.   

The venue has also paid host to many other famous (and infamous) characters during its lifetime, including Mozart, Lenin, Queen Sisi, Gorbachev and JFK, to name but a few. 

This huge cavern of festivity has brightly painted vaulted ceilings, rows upon rows of wooden benches and steins of beer galore, along with a carnival atmosphere created by a Bavarian-garb wearing brass band. It almost doesn’t get more Bavarian than this and it is truly a spectacle to behold. 

While it attracts its fair share of locals, it also attracts large swathes of tourists, so don’t be surprised to discover you’re not the only one there!

Considering its important place in history, however, it’s worth battling the masses for a gawk and a beer – although hold on the food, as you’ll get better elsewhere. 

Max-Joseph-Platz

Your next Munich place to visit is the marvellously classical looking Max-Joseph-Platz, or Max Joseph square. It was named after King Maximilian I Joseph, who finds himself immortalised in statue form at the heart of this elegant square.

At one end, is Munich’s impressive looking opera house. In the early 1800’s, a Franciscan monastery that had occupied the location was demolished to make way for its construction.

The opera house is a world renowned venue for attending a classical concert, with a jam packed schedule of ballet and opera running year round.

It’s home to the Bavarian State Orchestra, one of the oldest in Germany with roots dating back to 1523 and its annual opera festival is one of the world’s most important. 

To the left of the opera house is the ginormous facade of the Residence, which formerly served as Munich’s monarchs’ winter home. Today it houses the Residenz Museum and as many as 90 of the palace’s rooms are open to the public to visit at any one time. 

To the right of Max-Joseph-Platz runs Maximilianatrasse, which is one of Munich’s four royal avenues and which is today one of the most expensive streets in Germany. It’s home to a plethora of designer jewellery and fashion stores.

Finally, to the back of this bustling square are the gloriously quaint old town houses of Residenzstrasse – so all in all, this highly picturesque square is well worth stopping by at, if not for its attractiveness then at the very least as a great spot for people watching. 

Odeonsplatz

Odeonsplatz is an elegant, emblematic square that houses some of Munich’s most iconic sites and as such, is a much see in Munich. It serves as an impressive entrance to Munich’s city centre, with the broad boulevard of Ludwigstrasse leading up to it.  

There are a number of important Munich must see sights to pay attention to here, including:

Theatinerkirche | in keeping with the Italian theme of the Felderrnhalle is the positively exquisite Theatinerkirche, a 17th century celebration of the birth of Prince Max Emanuel, heir to the Bavarian throne and fashioned in the Italian late-Baroque style, with an ochre-hued Rococo facade.

While its exterior may glow golden in the sunlight, inside is a glimmering all-white finish with fabulous stucco work, Corinthian columns and an incredible altarpiece. 

Feldherrnhalle | If you’ve ever been to Florence, then this loggia will strike you as being incredibly familiar and that is because it is based on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria.

Perhaps its most famous association is with the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, when Hitler and the Nazi party led a failed coup d’etat. It was here where gunfight broke out, resulting in the deaths of several policeman and Nazis.

In a sign of how things have moved on since then, nowadays the Felderrnhalle appears to serve as a popular backdrop for teenagers filming TikTok videos. 

Hofgarten | across the square from the Theatinerkirche is the Hofgarten, an Italian-Renaissance inspired garden with a Diana temple forming its centrepiece. In summer, musicians play in this green space and its not uncommon to see people dancing along.

Munich Residenz | Taking up much of Odeonsplatz is the vast Residenz palace. It’s been left off this Munich two day itinerary for Schloss Nymphenburg, but if you did want to visit, now would be a good time to slot it into your Munich travel itinerary.

The Drückebergergasserl | The Drückebergergasserl, or ‘Shirker’s Alley’, is a narrow alley that leads behind the back of the Felderrnhalle.

It earned its name following the Nazi’s rise to power in 1933, when the Nazi party placed a remembrance plaque on the side of the Felderrnhalle commemorating the Nazi participants who died.

SS police were placed at the plaque and citizens were expected to salute when they passed. Those who didn’t wish to do so began to use the alley behind the Felderrnhalle. Today, the cobbles have been inlaid with a snaking gold trail in commemoration. 

Visit some more of Munich’s beautiful churches

Munich is a city that is full of beautifully ornate churches. They are ornate in a way that is wholly different to those in the likes of Italy or Spain, so the term “see one, see them all” certainly does not apply and it’s well worth visiting several of Munich’s churches to see what they are all about.

I’ve already mentioned it above, but the Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche) stole my heart. It’s just so thoroughly distinct and its colour palette and design are magnificent. Other churches not already mentioned in this 2-day Munich itinerary that are worth checking out include the following: 

Asamkirche |  this church in miniature really packs a punch. Set in a row of townhouses behind a Rococo facade, upon entering you’re hit with a visual assault of glorious German Baroque design, where barely an inch is left unadorned.

Built in the 17th century by the Asam brothers (who were a painter and a sculptor, respectively) as a private chapel, you’ll discover frescoes, cherubs and impressive stucco work once you cross the threshold.

Frauenkirche |  Featuring works of art that span five centuries, Frauenkirche is Munich’s most famous church and its twin towers are a distinctive emblem along the city’s skyline.

Dating back to the 15th century, the church is late Gothic in design with a slightly less elaborate than usual interior, featuring lots of side chapels. Keep an eye out on the floor for the Devil’s Footprint, said to be left by the devil himself. It’s also possible to climb the south tower of the church for excellent views of the city. 

Michaelkriche | St. Michael’s Church is an easy one to pay a visit to, as it’s located right beside the Victualienmarkt, which is also just off Marienplatz. The church was built in the 16th century as part of the Counter Reformation and is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps.

Its unsupported barrel-vaulted ceiling is second only in the world to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Of particular note too, Bavaria’s ‘Mad’ King Ludwig II is buried at St. Michael’s Church. 

READ NEXT | How To Spend 2 Days In Florence – A Comprehensive Guide

Lunchtime – head to the Victualienmarkt 

By far and away one of the most popular attractions in Munich Germany, the Victualienmarkt is an incredible centrepiece to Munich old town, featuring over 140 vendors selling fresh vegetables and fruit, meats, cheeses, flowers and spices, to name but a mere few. 

An expansive area covering 22,000 square metres, the Victualienmarkt is a hive of activity, where merry voices carry across a colourful swathe of food stalls and where many people, whether living in or merely visiting the city, congregate to meet friends, grab a beer or pick up something from one of the many stalls. 

There are a number of bars selling wine and beer and the beer garden at the centre of the market space is the perfect space to plonk yourself onto a bench and revel in the atmosphere.

If you’re looking for something to eat, make sure to check out Caspar Plautz, an original and inventive food stall that builds its tasty dishes around one humble ingredient – the potato – resulting in flavour packed, filling dishes that will keep you going for the rest of your day of sightseeing.

If you’re looking for some quick-to-grab, traditional Bavarian street food, head to Schlemmermeyer’s Leckerbissen for a bratwurst (they have several different types of sausage), which will be served to you in a bread roll.

For a post-meal caffeine fix, grab a coffee in Kaffeerösterei Viktualienmarkt, a coffee roasters set in the heart of the market. 

Afternoon – take a trip to Nymphenburg Palace and garden

After lunch, you’re off to one of the top Munich places to go – Schloss Nymphenburg and its extensive, beautiful gardens.

Built in 1664 as a gift from then Elector Ferdinand Maria to his wife Adelheid of Savoy on the long-awaited birth of their son and heir, Max Emanuel, subsequent generations of the Wittelsbach dynasty used Nymphenburg Palace as their summer residence. 

Getting to Nymphenburg Palace from Munich city centre

This Munich 2 day itinerary will have left you off in the Marienplatz/Victualienmarkt vicinity. From there, you’ll need to make your way to either Sendliger Tor or Karlspatz (Stachus) tram stations. From there, you want to take line 17 in the direction of Amalienburgstraße.

The journey takes 20 minutes and you will need to alight at Schloss Nymphenburg. Tickets cost €3.50 one way, can be purchased at the vending machines at the stop. Make sure to validate your tickets before getting onto the tram!

What to see at Nymphenburg Palace

Incredibly symmetrical and also incredibly vast, you might be somewhat relieved to learn that the entire palace is not open for viewing (as it would take many, many hours to see). Instead, the rooms you can visit are the ones in the central part of the building and are across one floor only.

They are, however, an exquisite selection. 

First, is the striking ballroom when you ascend the stairs upon entry. Its Rococo finish could be pulled straight from Beauty and the Beast, with glorious gilt features and white walls soaring dramatically to pastel frescoes on the ceiling. 

The suite of rooms open for viewing run off each side of the ballroom.

Amongst them, are King Ludwig I’s rather unusual Gallery of Beauties, or Schönheitengalerie – a room which has immortalised Munich’s most beautiful women of the time.

Some non-Bavarian women have found there way in there too, however, including three of the king’s mistresses – an Englishwoman, a Florentine and the infamous ‘Lola Montez’ an Irish-born dancer who was born Eliza Gilbert and whose affair with Ludwig eventually forced his abdication. 

The other most noteworthy rooms in this section are those of the artistic Queen Caroline, including the birth room of King Ludwig II, which is decorated entirely in green silk. 

However, that’s not all there is to see within the palace walls. In the south wing of the palace, you’ll find the Marstallmuseum, featuring the Wittelsbach’s collection of royal coaches and sleighs, an exceptionally intricate and elaborate which showcase the results of highly skilled craftsmanship.

Also in the south wing is the Porcelain Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of porcelain, as well as the Erwin von Kreibig Museum, which displays the work of the artist by the same name, as well as other Bavarian artists.

In the north wing, you’ll find the natural history museum, “Mensch und Natur” (“Man and Nature”). 

The gardens at Nymphenburg Palace

You’ll want to allocate at least an hour or two for exploring the gardens at Schloss Nymphenburg. Stretching to a very generous 490 acres, the public park was once the private garden to the palace, and is arranged in an English style with green lawns, streams, a lake and fountains.

Rather uniquely, it’s also home to a number of smaller palaces and points of interests. These include:

• Amalienburg: this small hunting loge is extremely ornate, finished in Rococo-style. Pink on the outside, it sets a prelude for the intricate palace in miniature that is housed within its walls.  
• Badenburg: a unique conception, that includes a sauna and bathing house that borrows elements from Roman, Islamic and Baroque baths, there is also a banqueting hall with elaborate stucco-work and ceiling frescoes. 
• Pagodenburg: built in the early 18th century to mimic the style of a Chinese teahouse, this pagoda was used as a place for rest and refreshment following a game of “mailspiel“, which was a golf-like game popular at the time.
• Magdalenenklause: this rather interesting construction was deliberately designed to look like a ruin, to serve as a place of meditation and escape from court life.

Evening – delight in Munich’s gastronomy scene

After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll likely want to take an hour or so to yourself and to freshen up before dinner back at your accommodation. When you’re revived, night one of your 2 days in Munich itinerary will be spent experiencing Munich’s more contemporary food scene.

I ate at the cool but understated Ménage Bar, where inventive dishes, awesome cocktails and professional, friendly staff have placed them in the Michelin Guide for the last three years running. All those statements were true to my dining experience there too, and I would highly recommend if you’re a foodie. 

For somewhere more formal, take a look at Museum, a sophisticated space set in the elegant Bavarian National Museum Building.

There is a very civilised outdoor dining terrace set in the refined circular courtyard or alternatively, dine indoors in the plush, cavernous setting of its restaurant. Seasonal Mediterranean dishes are served in this truly beautiful restaurant. 

2 day Munich itinerary – day 2

On your second day in Munich, prepare to start your day with an immersion into culture – and depending on your interests, the choice is yours! Lunch will be spent sampling some Bavarian cuisine (and a couple of Bavarian beers, if you fancy).

In the afternoon, I’m allotting some time for you to do a guided tour – although you may find you need to schedule this one your first day, depending on availability. Then, it’s time to take in the fantastic English garden, before rounding off your weekend in Munich itinerary with a night of music. 

Morning – start your day at the Museum Quarter (Kunstareal)

Start your day with one of the best places to visit in Munich to get your art and culture fix – its Museum Quarter. Whilst it doesn’t encompass all of the many, many museums that Munich has, it certainly includes quite a few of its best ones. 

Because there are quite a few options I’m not going to tell you where to go – I’d recommend choosing two from the below list based on what appeals to you the most and allotting all of the second morning of your Munich two days itinerary to the city’s Museum Quarter. 

Alte Pinakothek

The Alte Pinakothek was my own personal first choice, as it houses one of the most important collections in the world of German, Dutch and Italian masters. The collection first begun as a private one, started in 1528 by the Bavarian monarchy. It was subsequently opened to the public in 1836.

It’s a vast building and you can expect to see the likes of Da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Brueghal, Rembrant, Van Dyck and Rubens housed within its hallowed halls.

Standouts for me were Albrecht Dürer’s unusual self portrait and the Rembrant Hall as a whole – a giant room full of humungous canvases depicting dramatic events, the entire effect is awe-inspiring. 

While the Neue Pinakothek is undergoing renovation works, some of its best pieces are also being shown as part of a temporary exhibition that feature works by Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, William Turner, et al. 

Neue Pinakothek

All that needs to be said about the Neue Pinakothek between now and some time in 2025, is that the museum is closed to the public do to essential building renovations.

When the museum opened in 1853 it was the world’s first collection of modern art – a collection that has only grown since then.

Some of its best pieces are currently on display in the Alte Pinakothek, and it was both that (along with my love of Dutch & Italian masters) that influenced my choice in visiting the Alte Pinakotheke. 

Pinakothek der Moderne

The Pinakothek der Moderne is an extremely interesting proposition – it in facts boasts not one but four museums under its roof. First up is the modern art collection. In this, visitors will discover all manners of contemporary art, including Cubism, Expressionism, Pop Art and Minimal Art. 

Secondly, the museum is home to what is widely acknowledged as the best design museum in the world, which includes lots of every day items like cars, chairs, jewellery and computer design.

The third collection is one of architecture – which includes a stock of 500,000 drawings and plans by more than 700 architects, mainly focussing on German architecture from the 19th-21st centuries. 

Finally, is the graphic art museum, which contains holdings from the 15th century right up to modern times. Like some of the other collections, it’s considered one of the most important collections of graphic art in the world. 

Glyptothek

The Glyptothek is Munich’s oldest museum. It’s a fascinating collection of ancient Roman and Greek sculpture that has King Ludwig I of Bavaria to thank for its inception.

The building itself is magnificent, styled as it is in the form of an ancient temple and the treasures within have been collected from four different eras – the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Imperial periods.

If you’re looking for a unique museum or collection of art to visit, then this should most certainly tick a lot of boxes. 

NS-Dokumentationszentrum München

As you make your way around the city of Munich, you’ll notice that there is little to suggest its connections with Hitler, the Nazis and the Third Reich. There is a wealth of information housed, however, in the NS-Dokumentationszentrum, which tells the story of National Socialism in Munich.

The centre documents and addresses the crimes of the Nazi regime and has been built on the site of the former “Brown House”, which was once the headquarters of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP).

The purpose of the centre is to educate and commemorate and to acknowledge the city’s part in the rise of Nazism and its struggles to confront its past post-1945.

A thoroughly thought-provoking visit. 

Munich Museum of Egyptian Art

Again, here is a museum and collection that is quite unique to Munich. Located right in the middle of the Museum Quarter, the Munich Museum of Egyptian Art is home to a compact but high quality collection of Ancient Egyptian artistic works, with a particularly lauded sculpture collection. 

And again, we also have King Ludwig I to thank for beginning this collection. Since its early days it has now grown to house sarcophagi, death masks, glassware, sculpture and more. 

Brandhorst Museum 

One of the most striking things about this museum is the construction itself – its covered in tens of thousands of vertical ceramic tiles, with more than 20 different coloured glazes.

The museum is home to a wonderful collection of modern and contemporary art, including Europe’s largest collection of Andy Warhol pieces. Along with contemporary painters, you’ll find works from the neo-avant-garde movement of the 1960s and 1970s along with displays by postmodernist artists.

Lunch – stop for refreshments and a Bavarian meal

Even if it’s not quite up your street, you should at least try some Bavarian cuisine and visit a traditional Bavarian restaurant to see what it’s all about during your 2 nights in Munich. Zum Dürnbraü has been serving up Bavarian fare within its wood-panelled walls since 1487 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Munich.

While inside has all the appearance of a Bavarian beer hall, outdoors there are two terraces – one in front of the building and the other within an inner courtyard – which makes this a lovely spot to stop off at when the weather is warm. 

Only 10 minutes’ walk from Marienplatz, here you will find a range of Bavarian classics including pork knuckle, wiener schnitzel, spaetzle with fried onions and white sausages, or weisswurst. 

Early afternoon – take a walking tour

I always feel that any itinerary to a culturally rich destination should include at least one type of tour during the trip and your Munich vacation itinerary should be no different. Munich is a city of several sides, so you just need to choose which one appeals to you the most!

Personally, I chose to do a Third Reich Tour, as I am a huge history lover and have a huge interest in, and have studied, World War II and the political environment that lead to its culmination.

The opportunity to visit and learn some more about some key sites in the rise of the Nazi party and Hitler was too interesting for me to pass up. 

I don’t think you need to be a huge World War history buff to enjoy a Third Reich tour, either.

If its something you know little about then you will learn a great deal and if you do know a lot about World War II then you’re still guaranteed to pick up something, as well as be in the unique position of visiting in person some key sites in the story of the rise of the Nazi party in Munich.

Some other, more light-hearted tours that provide an alternative view of Munich include the following: 

• Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich – learn about the history of German brewing by tasting local Bavarian beers while sampling some Bavarian bites too eat also. 
• Small-Group Food Tasting Tour – a well reviewed food tour that includes the Victualienmarkt on its route. You’ll sample classic Bavarian foods like Weisswurst and Brezenknödel, alongside some local beer.
• Munich Small-Group Bike Tour – a great way to see lots of the city and learn about its history. You’ll visit popular squares like Marienplatz, Königsplatz, and Odeonsplatz, as well as cycling through the English Garden and stopping at the Chinese Tower beer garden for refreshments. 
• Munich Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour –  classic walking tour through Munich’s old town, that covers the area between Marienplatz and Odeonplatz and which focusses on Munich’s history, cultural heritage and beer-brewing legacy.

Late afternoon – head to the English Garden

The amazing city of Munich is also home to a rather amazing public park – the English Garden, or Englischer Garten in German. While Munich is home to a number of green parks that are open to the public, the daddy of them all has to be the English Garden. 

Firstly, is its sheer size. Coming in at a whopping 900 acres, the English Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world and is even bigger than Central Park in New York.

Opened in 1789, it mimics an English landscape park and is a fantastic public amenity with over 78km of paths weaving their way throughout the park.  

This must see in Munich in 2 days sees huge use by the residents of Munich, and who can blame them.

When I visited on a Sunday in March the park was positively humming with activity – groups of friends chatting and playing volleyball, families cycling around the trails, solo visitors having mindful moments and couples nervously chatting on first dates on some of its benches. 

There are a couple of key points in the park that you should look out for: 

• stop for a while and watch the surfers on the two Eisbach waves – it’s so unusual to see surfers in the centre of the city so it makes for some novel observing!
• the monopteros is a classically shaped temple sitting atop a small hill, that offers panoramic views of the grounds below.
• look out for the Chinese tower, as well as the Japanese tea house. There is a beer garden that seats a whopping 7,000 people beside the Chinese tower, where a brass brand plays for the ultimate Bavarian cheer. People often hold Japanese tea ceremonies at the Japanese tea house too! 

Evening – time for music

On the second night of your Munich Germany itinerary, it’s time to sample some of the musical offerings of the city. Below is a choice of three; classical, chilled and dance!

Classical |  With one of the most famous opera houses in the world situated in the heart of Munich, if you’re a classical music lover (or want to sample an opera or ballet), then Munich opera house offers a fantastic venue to be immersed in emotive music.

Check out the official website for an up to date programme and remember to book well in advance if you wish to visit a more well-known work. 

Relaxed |  For laid back vibes in which you can enjoy a cocktail and some good company, pay a visit to Jazzbar Vogler, a classic and stylish jazz bar that features jazz, Latin and soul musicians.  

Dance the night away | with serious industrial vibes, located in a former museum space and serving up live electronic performances and sets, BLITZ Club is a late night music venue with a much-applauded sound system which is popular amongst Techno lovers in Munich. 

More than 2 days in Munich, or looking for some variations to this Munich 2 day itinerary?

If you have some extra time and are planning more than a couple of days in Munich (or if something from the below appeals to you more than my suggested itinerary above), then here are some further famous landmarks to see and things to do in Munich. 

BMW Museum & Welt | Munich is the home of one of the world’s best known luxury car brands – BMW. If you’re a car lover then once of the best things to do in Munich is to pay a visit to both or either of the BMW Welt and Museum.

The Welt is situated in the main BMW factory and serves as a showroom for the company’s most impressive car models. It’s free to enter. The BMW is a separate, ticketed venue that explores the more than 100 years’ of history of BMW and its cars. 

Munich Residenz | You’ll find this sprawling palace complex in many other Munich 2 day itineraries. The Residenz serviced as the Bavarian monarch’s winter home, but I chose to visit their summer residence in the form of Schloss Nymphenburg instead.

Why so? Although Munich Residenz is easier to get to as it’s within walking distance of everything in Munich’s historic old town, it’s a huge palace that requires several hours. Schloss Nymphenburg also has magnificent gardens, dotted throughout with palaces in miniature. 

Day trips | Situated in the heart of southern Germany, Munich is a great base from which to take day trips and you may wish to switch out one of your 2 days in Munich for one.

If you’re interested in Adolf Hitler and WWII history, then popular day trips include Dachau Concentration Camp, or Berchtesgaden and the Eagle’s Nest.

Should you wish to visit the places of Mad King Ludwig II, then consider a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle. Other popular day trips from Munich include Salzburg, the Romantic Road and Nuremburg. 

Shopping | while I hate to overly extoll the virtues of consumerism, those who like to dabble in some retail therapy should know that the shopping Munich is next level.

With pretty much any high street store you can think of, independent and boutique stores, as well as luxury, high-end brands if you’re a fashion maven make sure to leave some room in your suitcase. Most of the main shopping streets radiate from Marienplatz – just go for a wander from there. 

Olympia Park | Built for the 1972 Olympic Games that were hosted in Munich, today the former Olympic Park has been adapted to be a fantastic public amenity. 85 hectares in size, a must do if you are visiting is to head to the top if the Olympic Tower, which will provide you with some amazing views of Munich.

Other highlights include an Olympic sized swimming pool, Sea Life and the Olympic Stadium. 

More museums | While you’d need a very long time to get through all of what Munich has to offer, if you’ve covered off Munich’s most popular art museums, there are still some further museums that you can sink your teeth into.

The Deutsches Museum is the largest museum of science and technology in the world, the Bavarian National Museum is a haven of decorative arts, the Stadtmuseum covers the city’s history from the Middle Ages to today, while the Jewish Museum showcases the history and culture of the Jewish community in Munich. 

Where to eat and drink during your 2 days in Munich

Where to have brunch and/or grab a coffee in Munich

Vollaths | Thalkirchner Strasse 1, Ecke Mullerstrasse, 80337 Munich

We loved this buzzy little cafe that served up a wide range of breakfast and brunch dishes – we even ate there twice! Clearly very popular with trendy locals, the interiors strike a balance between cosy and cool. We were lucky to get a table both times we walked in, but I would recommend booking a table in advance.

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Aroma Kaffeebar | Pestalozzistrasse 24, 80469 Munich

If you’re a lover of coffee shops, then this place is heaven. Quirky yet friendly, they serve a limited range of brunch dishes but those they do serve are divine. Expect a tasty eggs and avocado on toast offering, along with smoothie bowls. 

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Man vs Machine | Maxvorstadt location: Schellingstrasse 18, 80799 Munich | Glockenback location: Mullerstrasse 23, 80469 Munich   

Man vs Machine is an independently run coffee shop that sports some rather cool branding. They roast their own beans and even sell wholesale too – watch out for their coffee in other establishments around Munich.

In true sustainable fashion, takeaway coffees are served in jam jars (for which you’ll be refunded a small amount for returning the jar). 

Where to have dinner in Munich

Ménage Bar | Buttermelcher Straße 9, 80469 Munich

I loved the cool but understated Ménage Bar, where inventive dishes, awesome cocktails and professional, friendly staff have placed them in the Michelin Guide for the last three years running. All those statements were true to my dining experience there too, and I would highly recommend if you’re a foodie. 

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Museum | Prinzregentenstrasse 3 Bavarian National Museum, 80538 Munich

For somewhere more formal, take a look at Museum, a sophisticated space set in the elegant Bavarian National Museum Building. There is a very civilised outdoor dining terrace set in the refined circular courtyard or alternatively, dine indoors in the plush, cavernous setting of its restaurant.

Seasonal Mediterranean dishes are served in this truly beautiful restaurant. 

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Zum Dürnbraü | Duernbraeugasse 2, 80331 Munich

This traditional Bavarian restaurant in Munich has been serving up Bavarian fare within its wood-panelled walls since 1487 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Munich.

While inside has all the appearance of a Bavarian beer hall, outdoors there are two terraces – one in front of the building and the other within an inner courtyard – which makes this a lovely spot to stop off at when the weather is warm. 

Only 10 minutes’ walk from Marienplatz, here you will find a range of Bavarian classics including pork knuckle, wiener schnitzel, spaetzle with fried onions and white sausages, or weisswurst. 

Where to go for drinks in Munich

Zephyr Bar | Baaderstrasse 68, 80469 Munich

A lively spot that’s home to some talented mixologists, head here if you want something a little stronger than beer. Underpinned by great service and a willingness to cater drinks to your requests, Zephyr Bar is the perfect bar for a drink in the evening. 

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True Brew Brewing Co. | Dreimuhlenstrasse 25, 80469 Munich

True Brew is a micro brewery and brewpub, with a craft beer shop attached too. If you want to explore Munich’s more modern, craft beer scene outside of the traditional beer halls, then here is the place. Tasty morsels also dished out to accompany your brew. 

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GRAPES Weinbar | Ledererstrasse 8, 80331 Munich

Heaven for oenophiles, this suave, contemporary wine bar has a seriously extensive wine list, including plenty of premium bottles. You don’t have to fork out for the good stuff, however – simply ask their knowledgeable staff to guide you through the list, which includes a solid offering of German and Austrian bottles. 

Logistics for your 2 days Munich itinerary

Getting to Munich by plane

The city is extremely well served by the rather snazzy Munich International Airport, which is the second largest airport in Germany. It sees flights from many of the world’s major airline carriers (budget and other), often at competitive rates. 

Getting from Munich Airport to Munich city centre

In true German fashion, getting to Munich city centre from the airport is a cinch, due to well running and efficient train and bus services. 

By train

From arrivals, you literally head outside into the impressive courtyard, cross it and take the escalator down to the train station, from where you can catch the next S-Bahn train to downtown Munich.

Lines servicing the airport are the S1 and S8 lines and the journey to Munich city centre’s main train station, Hauptbahnhof, takes around 40 minutes with trains leaving every 10 minutes.

If you’re travelling right into Munich’s historic centre, another 5 minutes or so will get you to Marienplatz on the same line. The journey costs €11.60 one way, although you can purchase an all day ticket for €13 if you’re planning on using the train again on the same day.   

By bus

The Lufthansa Express Bus runs every 15 minutes or so and offers a reliable service to Munich’s central station. Simply follow the bus signs when you enter the Arrivals hall and from there, look out for the Lufthansa signage. The journey costs €12 one way and tickets can be purchased here. 

By private transfer

If you would prefer a private transfer from Munich Airport, you can book one in advance through HolidayTaxis, an award-winning and highly reliable private transfer service that operates globally in over 150 countries. 

Getting to Munich by train

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Germany, or from a nearby neighboring country, then taking a train is worth considering.

While it may take a little longer than a flight, it may be worth it when you factor in the time spent in the airport before and after your flight, as well as being better for the environment. You’ll also get to see some beautiful countryside as you pass through

You can search for train routes, timetables and prices in Europe via Trainline. 

Getting to Munich by bus

As with trains, a bus might be a good option from you if you’re travelling from within Germany or from another country closeby, if you don’t mind your journey taking that bit longer and if you’re looking for a budget option. 

You can search for bus routes, timetables and prices within Europe to Munich via Omio. 

Getting around Munich

Once you’ve landed in Munich, what’s the best way to get around? 

Munich’s city centre is extremely walkable, with much of its historic town centre located in a concentrated area. For the most part, it’s unlikely that you’ll need transport to get around if you follow this 2-day Munich itinerary to the letter. 

An exception to this would be getting to Schloss Nymphenburg, which is just that little bit too far to walk to. For this, you would take the tram and I’ve outlined that process in the relevant section above. 

If your mobility or fitness is limited or if you’re trying to fit in a lot of Munich’s must see sights, then it may be worth considering the Hop-on hop-off bus. Their Grand Ticket has 10 stops that encompasses 36 different Munich sites to visit so you should be well covered. 

Munich 2 days itinerary on the map

I’ve mentioned quite a lot in this Munich itinerary and so it might help to visualise things a little bit. On the map below, you’ll find all the Munich attractions I’ve mentioned, along with where to eat and drink, plus the additional things to do in case you want to re-jig things for your own visit. 

You can save the map to your own Google Maps by clicking on the star beside the title. 

Common questions when planning a Munich in 2 days itinerary

Is Munich worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s so worth visiting that I struggled to keep this article from being any shorter than 9,000 words (well done if you’ve made it this far!).

It’s so easy to jet off to more obvious spots like Rome, Lisbon or Seville for a city breafk in Europe, but Munich offers oodles of culture, a wonderful atmosphere, generous green areas and delectable cuisine. 

It’s also a breeze getting to the city centre from the airport, as well as being easy to get around, so it’s particularly suited for those tight on time and planning to make the most of a weekend in Munich, as you’ll spend very little time waiting for transport. 

Can you see Munich in two days?

If you’re a lover of culture and museums, then you won’t cover off absolutely everything that you’ll want to see, but you’ll certainly see a good chunk of Munich in 2 days.

The itinerary I’ve provided above offers a good balance of all the things that Munich is about: art, history, culture, beautiful public spaces and parks and some great restaurants and bars. 

How many days in Munich is enough?

If you were to ‘do’ Munich – that is cover the majority of its main tourist attractions plus a few other less known gems – then I would say that you’d need around 4-5 days in Munich to tick off all boxes that you may have, particularly if you want to visit the majority of its museums and art galleries. 

However, as mentioned above, Munich is also a perfect spot for a city break and is well-suited to visiting across a weekend

What if I don’t have 2 full days in Munich?

If you don’t have two full days in Munich, don’t sweat it. You’ll still get a great taste for what this elegant, spotless city is all about in less than 48 hours.

Focus your time on Munich’s historic old town and for each day you do have in the city, pick one ‘big’ thing to do, like visiting one of the palaces or one if its art galleries. 

What is the best time to visit Munich

In terms of what is the best time to visit Munich, this will vary slightly depending on what appeals to you most. I would say the sweet spot however is likely going to be from March – May, when the weather starts to pick up a little, room rates are reasonable and the city isn’t too heavily visited.

If you want to make the most of Munich’s wonderful parks and beers gardens and don’t mind spending a bit more on accommodation, summer can also be a lovely time to visit, albeit a busier one.

Autumn heralds the famous Oktoberfest; this can be a draw or a deterrent for travellers, depending on your interests! While winter is cold, in the lead up to Christmas Munich’s city centre is transformed into a winter wonderland and is a popular destination due to its Christmas markets. 

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2 Days in Munich: Ideal Itinerary for a German Adventure