Take a look at our 3 days in Munich itinerary. Three days is relatively little time to visit all the city’s sights. But, on the other hand, rest assured that it is possible to get to know much of the city’s history and attractions. So, check out our tips.
First day in Munich
Is there anything more enjoyable than the first day of any trip? If it’s to Munich, there’s no doubt it will be even more special. That’s why we’ve listed the main attractions that, in our opinion, are essential to see on your first day in this German city. Check out the main attractions below to start your tour of Munich.
1. Start the day at Marienplatz and Neue Rathaus
This square is right in the center of Munich and was founded in 1158. In the center is Mary’s Column, erected in 1683 and named after the Virgin Mary. Marienplatz is also famous for being home to Munich’s town hall, the Neues Rathaus, which has a neo-Gothic style and attracts attention with its famous clock.
The façade of this building is richly decorated and surrounded by statues of various personalities who have been part of the city’s past. Without a doubt, it’s a sight you can’t miss in Munich, which is the scene of many events and lots of tourism.
2. Spend the afternoon at the Residenz Palace
Munich’s Residenz Palace is located in the heart of the city and was the official residence of dukes, electors and the kings of Bavaria. Considered the largest urban palace in all of Germany, today it is a museum of interior decoration, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
As well as a museum, this tourist attraction houses a concert hall, the Cuvillés Theater and the Royal Treasure House. One of the curiosities of the site is that it was built over time and therefore combines different types of architecture, such as Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Classicism.
It is also important to know that it is possible to visit the Residenz inside. But the vast majority of tourists visit the Residenz to take a stroll through its garden, which is very beautiful and pleasant.
3. End the day at Karlsplatz Square
Karslplatz is considered the heart of Munich, mainly because it is the city’s most important station. It is also considered to be the meeting point for young people, who gather there to enjoy the late afternoon, when Karlsplatz gets very crowded.
There, you’ll find Munich’s famous medieval gate, which gives access to Neuhauser Strasse, a beautiful street full of stores, restaurants and attractions. It connects to Marienplatz, Munich’s traditional historic square.
Second day in Munich
Get ready for a busy second day of your trip. You should know that for this half of the itinerary we’ve prepared some of Munich’s most traditional sights, such as the city center, cathedrals and open-air parks, which only exist in this destination. Check out all the tips and details for this second day in Munich.
1. Spend the morning at Munich Cathedral
Right next to Marienplatz is the Frauenkirche, or Cathedral of Our Lady. Construction of this tourist attraction began in 1468 and it was completely rebuilt after World War II, once it had been badly damaged. The cathedral is very large, dominating the center of this destination and can be seen from all sides, especially its large towers.
Climbing the towers is the main objective for tourists, but this tour is only available between April and October, always from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. The tours inside the cathedral take place between May and September, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm.
There you can also see the huge bronze tomb-monument of Emperor Louis VI of Bavaria, which stands near the entrance to Munich Cathedral.
2. Spend the afternoon in Englischer Garten Park
Did you know that one of the largest parks in the world is located in Munich? The Englischer Garten, situated on the banks of the River Isar and to the north-east of the city, is one of the largest urban parks, even larger than Central Park and Hyde Park in London.
Located in Munich since 1789, when Carl Theodor ordered the design of a public park along the River Isar, this tourist attraction offers beautiful scenery, as well as several monuments, such as the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) and the Monopteros (Greek Temple).
There you’ll find plenty of entertainment options, such as a jogging track, courts and playing fields, a cycle path and even an artificial channel where people surf. That’s right. You can find surfers in this park in Munich.
The Englischer Garten is also home to Munich’s second largest Biergarten (beer garden), which is located next to the Chinese Tower and seats 7,000 people.
3. End the day at the BMW Museum
Did you know that the BMW factory is located in Munich? The BMW Museum is dedicated to the history of the brand’s cars and motorcycles. It is located next to the BMW Tower and covers an area of over 5,000 m². It is one of the most visited museums in Munich and Germany, with approximately half a million visitors a year.
Entrance to the BMW Museum is free and the complex is open from Tuesday to Sunday, always from 10am to 6pm. Therefore, car lovers shouldn’t miss out on this real tourist attraction in Munich.
- Important tip: To make the most of your trip, staying in the best area is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the best region, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
Third day in Munich
In fact, three days in Munich is not much time, especially given the number of attractions this destination offers its visitors. So, we’ve listed the main points for you to visit on your farewell to this German city, and these are the sights that shouldn’t be left out of your Munich travel itinerary.
1. Start the morning at St. Peter’s Church
Called the Peterskirche, St. Peter’s Church has stood on the same site since the 11th century, having been renovated and enlarged during this time. This religious monument is very popular with tourists, especially for the fantastic view from its towers, which are considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of Munich.
To get to the top of St. Peter’s Church, you’ll have to climb almost 300 steps, but you should know that the effort will be worth it, as the views from there are amazing.
2. Spend the afternoon at Nymphenburg Palace
Another tip on what to do in Munich is to visit Nymphenburg Palace, a tourist attraction with a rich interior and a garden that is worth a visit in itself. This monument is in Baroque style and served as a summer residence for the rulers of the state of Bavaria.
The princes elect of Bavaria commissioned Nymphenburg Palace in 1664 after the birth of their son. In 1701, the heir led a major expansion of the palace. In 1825, the then King Maximilian I Joseph died on this site, thus passing it on to another generation.
Today, this place is open to the public, but it remains the home and chancellery of the House of Wittelsbach, represented by the Duke of Bavaria.
3. End the day at the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl
The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl is a restaurant that has become a real tourist attraction in Munich. Located near the Marienplatz square, this huge restaurant is one of the most famous beer halls in Munich, with a pleasant atmosphere, live music and waiters dressed in German costumes.
There, you’ll find typical dishes from the Bavarian region, such as pork knees, sausages, pork loin and many others. The most common type of beer at the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl is Helles, which is served in a large 1L mug, along with a wheat beer and wine, and is one of the most popular with tourists.
How to buy tickets for paid attractions in Munich?
To see the main sights of Munich on a budget, we have a very good tip for you: always buy tickets online, as this saves you time and money. To secure your tickets in advance and online, from the comfort of your own home, we recommend that you use this Munich Tickets Website, which is the one we use on all our trips.
We’ve traveled a lot and used several companies to buy our tickets, but since we met this one, we haven’t changed. It’s a guarantee of the best price on all the main tours not only in Munich, but all over the world.
The platform is very secure and well known: just log on and see for yourself. By buying your tickets, you won’t waste any time during your trip waiting in long lines or running the risk of finding sold-out tickets.
Save money on your trip to Munich:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Munich cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Munich. You will find out the best area and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
