Want to stay in Munich for only two days? No matter whether it is your first visit or just a spontaneous escape, this more detailed 2-day itinerary will allow you to see all the landmarks, scenic parks, and most importantly experiences within these two short days.
Whether you visit in December for the festive season or are there in summer, this guide is carefully concocted to provide you with the best time in Munich.
Key Takeaways:
- This 2 Days in Munich Itinerary guides you through the city’s must-see landmarks, including Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and Viktualienmarkt.
- Perfect for a weekend getaway, whether you’re visiting in December for the Christmas markets or during summer to enjoy the city’s parks.
- The itinerary includes top attractions like Frauenkirche, English Garden, and Hofbräuhaus.
- Family-friendly suggestions, tips for traveling on a budget, and alternate itinerary options for longer stays.
- Learn how to spend 48 hours in Munich, including where to eat, what to see, and how to make the most of your time.
- Suggestions for different timeframes: 2 days, 3 days, and 5 days in Munich, including possible day trips.
2 Days in Munich Itinerary
Day 1: Uncover the Soul of Munich
Start at Marienplatz
Your journey begins in the heart of Munich at Marienplatz, the city’s central square, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Marienplatz is home to the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) and, of course, its spectacular Glockenspiel. Every day at 11 am (and at noon in summer), the Glockenspiel re-enchants historical Bavarian moments with figures.
End. This square goes all out for the holidays, transformed into a fairytale wonderland in December with one of the largest Christmas markets in Munich.
Pro Tip: Stop by Café Glockenspiel to grab a coffee and take in the view!
Frauenkirche: The Twin Towers
Standing within a block or so of Marienplatz is the Frauenkirche, or Cathedral of Our Lady, the most famous church in Munich. Its twin towers, topped by onion domes, are quite an iconic fixture on the city’s horizon. Inside, there awaits beautiful Gothic architecture and, a quiet atmosphere. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a climb up the south tower for panoramic views over Munich and, on clear days, the distant Alps.
Fun Fact: There is this mysterious ‘Devil’s Footprint’ near the entrance of Frauenkirche. According to legend, the devil himself made it when he came to visit the church.
Viktualienmarkt: Feast for the Foodies
From there, walk over to Viktualienmarkt, which is Munich’s oldest and most celebrated food market. There you will find not only local Bavarian sausage but almost any kind of international delicacy as well. Be sure to have some including perhaps a freshly baked pretzel, a bratwurst, or cheese-and enjoy the lively streets.
Traveler’s Tip: Get to one of the many beer gardens in the market. Here you can sit with locals and enjoy a cold drink while experiencing real Bavarian culture.
Visit Munich Residenz
By the afternoon, visit the Munich Residenz. Once the palace of the Bavarian kings, this is a very extensive complex of buildings, one of the largest in Germany and thus among the largest city palaces.
You may even catch a glimpse of private splendor in Bavaria’s rulers. The Antiquarium, for instance, offers a glorious array of ancient sculptures. And the Imperial Apartments are lavishly decorated.
Good to Know: The Residenz is enormous, so be prepared to devote a minimum of two hours to that to take it all in.
Dinner at Hofbräuhaus
Top off your first day in the legendary, world-famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall of 1589. If beers are not your cup of joe, you will still surely want to come here for the traditional Bavarian cuisine – schnitzel, sausages, and roast pork. The electricity is palpable with live Bavarian music and easy-going locals sharing long wooden tables.
Family-Friendly: If you are traveling with children, they will love the lively music and festive atmosphere. Of course, the traditional food is loved by kids, too!
Day 2: Art, History, and Parks
Morning at Nymphenburg Palace
The second day in Munich ought to start with visiting Nymphenburg Palace, one of the beautiful baroque castles that take some time and are located outside the city center.
This was the summer residence of the Bavarian royalties and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and canals. You could take a walk through the Palace Park and explore the Amalienburg hunting lodge or, for instance, take a pleasure boat ride on the canal.
Travel Tip: So, traveling to Munich in December? The palace gardens are magic with a light dusting of snow.
English Garden: Munich’s Urban Oasis
Exit Nymphenburg Palace through the beautiful gateway to get into one of the biggest urban parks in the world English Garden. It stretches over 900 acres, so there is lots of space to amble through and relax.
In summer, people can be seen sunbathing on sandy beaches, having picnics, or even surfing on the artificial Eisbach River. Take your time strolling through the park or rent a bicycle to see more of the hidden corners.
Don’t Miss: Chinese Tower Beer Garden: This park attraction is one of the most popular spots where, after climbing a bit up to the tower, you can cool down with beer at night. Then, head to
Alte Pinakothek:Art Lovers
The Alte Pinakothek, however, is the absolute must-see for any European art fan. It houses works by the Old Masters-Rubens, Dürer, and Rembrandt among others. Even if you don’t care much about art, the building itself is gorgeous, and it’s one of the quietest places around.
Good to Know: The entrance fee of the museum is free on Sundays, so you won’t have to spend much to make room for it in your itinerary!
BMW Museum or Olympic Park
Conclude your two-day adventure at either the BMW Museum or Olympic Park – whichever activity you’d enjoy doing best. A visit to the BMW Museum gives an exciting insight into the past and future of one of the world’s most famous car brands. Or Olympic Park, the venue of the 1972 Summer Olympics, is ideal for lovers of views and outdoor activities. Take the elevator up the Olympic Tower for panoramic views of Munich and beyond.
Family Tip: With kids in tow, head to the BMW Museum, where the interactive exhibitions will entertain them, or to Olympic Park, where they can run around freely in outdoor areas.
Is 2 Days in Munich Enough?
A fair question that comes up fairly often about planning a trip to Munich is: is two days enough? Well, although, admittedly, two days in Munich will provide a pretty good feel for the city’s prime attractions, you most likely won’t be able to have time for some of the more in-depth experiences or day excursions.
But if you use this itinerary you will check everything off your list from a tourist standpoint and leave with a good feeling about your understanding of Munich’s culture and its history.
Extra Day Itinerary Ideas: If you have an extra day, you may wish to tack on a 3-day Munich itinerary, which can also include a few day trips in to see nearby castles like Neuschwanstein, or visit Dachau.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Munich?
The amount of days you may need in Munich will depend on what interests you and how far off the beaten path you’d like to stray. Two days should be enough to get an idea of the essentials, but 3 to 5 days would let you dig into museums, parks, and the surrounding countryside.
2 Days in Munich Itinerary with Kids
If you are traveling with young children, there is still much to do in Munich that is family-friendly. The Deutsches Museum offers children-oriented interactive exhibits, and the Englischer Garten is spacious enough to encourage playing outside in nature. The city is also stroller-friendly, making it a stress-free destination for families.
Alternative Itineraries for Munich
- 2 Days in Munich in December: Regardless of whether you visit in winter, Munich is a charming city, with Christkindlmarkt, special food, and the white pavements in the parks. This will be fine, but you’ll want to add an extra day to go to the festive Christmas markets in Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz.
- Munich 1-Day Itinerary: If you have very little time to spend in Munich, you should focus on the major attractions like Marienplatz, Residenz, and the enormous English Garden.
- Munich Itinerary 5 Days: For five days, you can take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg, or the Bavarian Alps.
FAQ
Is 2 days enough for Munich?
Absolutely. If you just want to see Munich’s high points, including Marienplatz, the English Garden, and Nymphenburg Palace, then two days are enough. You’ll be able to see most of the highlights within the weekend
How many days do I need in Munich?
For a richer experience, you would need at least 3-4 days in Munich. That would give you time to see the museums and parks, and maybe a day trip to local castles.
How to spend 48 hours in Munich?
In 48 hours, you should visit Marienplatz, explore the English Garden, and take a tour of Nymphenburg Palace. And do not forget to make it down to Viktualienmarkt for snacks and Hofbräuhaus for dinner
What is the best month for visiting Munich?
The best months to visit in Munich are May to September in case you want warm weather or December for some festive Christmas markets.
Is Munich expensive?
Munich could be pretty pricey when compared with many other German cities, though there are quite a few budget options in terms of food and accommodation.
Is Munich budget-friendly in general?
No, Munich is not a budget-tourist city, but inexpensive hostels, free public transport, and free sites such as parks make your vacation inexpensive.
Is Munich walkable?
Munich is very walkable. The city center is relatively compact and most attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Berlin vs. Munich, Which one is better?
Berlin is more cosmopolitan and enormous, while Munich is best for old Bavaria. That is very much on you if you prefer history or culture.
How far can you see the Alps from Munich?
You can see the Alps from Munich, depending on how clean the air is, and indeed on where you will be taking an elevation. You can see it on the right-hand side of the Olympic Tower.
Is 3 days in Munich enough?
3 days in Munich is enough. Indeed, it’s quite enough for at least three days of visiting all the significant attractions of Munich and also to take some time around the area for a one-day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Conclusion
On this 2 Days in Munich itinerary, explore the city’s greatest places such iconic landmarks as Marienplatz and Frauenkirche to soothing parks like English Garden. You can visit at any time of the year, in winter or summer, and always find something incredible to look at in the best of Munich in two days.
In the event of a longer visit, it is worth extending your trip with a 3-day or even 5-day Munich itinerary. No matter how long your visit will be, visit Munich and you’ll not forget it!
