Munich
Where ancient beer hall tradition meets Alpine grandeur, and every evening ends under chestnut trees with a litre of Bavaria's finest.
1 day in Munich
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Munich in a single action-packed day.
Munich Highlights in 24 Hours
Marienplatz, Glockenspiel & Viktualienmarkt
Start at Marienplatz — Munich's central square dominated by the New Town Hall's Gothic facade. The Glockenspiel chimes at 11am and noon with mechanical jousting knights and dancers (5 minutes, worth seeing once). Walk to the Viktualienmarkt — Munich's daily open-air food market since 1807. Grab a Weisswurst (white sausage, €4–5) with sweet mustard and a pretzel — the traditional Bavarian breakfast, served only before noon.
Residenz & English Garden
Walk to the Munich Residenz (€9, or €17 combined with Treasury) — the former royal palace with 130 rooms spanning Renaissance to Baroque. The Antiquarium hall is staggering. Then to the English Garden — one of the world's largest urban parks. Watch the surfers riding the Eisbach wave (a standing wave in a canal), then rent a bike or walk to the Chinese Tower beer garden (6,000 seats, Maß €11).
Hofbräuhaus & Beer Hall Culture
The Hofbräuhaus (since 1589) is touristy but an essential Munich experience — a Maß of beer (1 litre, €11–12), a Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle, €18), and live oompah music in the vaulted beer hall. For a less touristy alternative, Augustiner Bräustuben (Landsberger Str.) serves Munich's most beloved beer in a traditional beer hall at local prices. Augustiner Helles is the Munich favourite.
3 days in Munich
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure — designed for younger travelers.
Old Town, Markets & Beer Halls
Marienplatz & Viktualienmarkt
Start at Marienplatz — the Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall chimes at 11am (mechanical knights, coopers' dance). Walk through the old town to the Viktualienmarkt — Munich's beloved daily market with 140 stalls selling Bavarian specialties. Traditional breakfast: Weisswurst (white sausage, €4–5) with sweet mustard, a pretzel, and a Weissbier — served only before noon, a sacred Bavarian tradition.
Residenz & Theatinerkirche
The Munich Residenz (€9, combined with Treasury €17) was the Wittelsbach palace for 500 years — 130 opulent rooms, the Antiquarium hall covered in frescoes, and the Treasury with crown jewels. Allow 2 hours. Walk to the bright yellow Theatinerkirche (free) — a Baroque masterpiece. Lunch at Schmalznudel (Café Frischhut) near Viktualienmarkt — legendary Schmalznudel doughnuts (€2) since 1973.
Beer Hall Evening
Munich without a beer hall is incomplete. Augustiner Bräustuben (Landsberger Str.) is the local favourite — authentic, less touristy than Hofbräuhaus, and serves Munich's most loved Augustiner Helles from wooden barrels. A Maß (litre, €10–11), Schweinshaxe (€16), and the buzz of Bavarian conviviality. Alternatively, Hofbräuhaus (since 1589) for the full oompah tourist experience.
English Garden, Pinakotheken & Schwabing
English Garden & Eisbach Surfers
The English Garden is one of the world's largest urban parks — bigger than Central Park. Start at the Eisbach wave where surfers ride a standing river wave year-round (near Haus der Kunst). Walk or cycle north through the park to the Chinese Tower beer garden (Chinesischer Turm, 6,000 seats). Rent a bike (€15/day from Spurwechsel) or walk the pastoral meadows and streams.
Pinakothek Museums
Munich's three Pinakotheken are world-class. The Alte Pinakothek (€7, €1 on Sundays) has Dürer, Rubens, and Raphael. The Neue Pinakothek covers 19th-century art (Monet, Van Gogh, Klimt). The Pinakothek der Moderne (€10, €1 Sundays) has modern art, design, and architecture. Choose one or two — all three in a day is overwhelming. Lunch at the museum cafes.
Schwabing & University Quarter
Schwabing is Munich's bohemian, university neighbourhood — Leopoldstraße is the main boulevard with cafes and cinemas. Walk the side streets for independent restaurants and bars. Dinner at Ruff's Burger (Munich's best burgers, €10–14) or Alter Simpl (historic pub, mains €12–18, where Thomas Mann used to drink). Walk to Münchner Freiheit for beer garden terraces.
Nymphenburg, Olympiapark & Beer Gardens
Nymphenburg Palace
Tram 17 to Nymphenburg Palace (€8 palace, €15 combined with park palaces) — the Wittelsbach summer residence. The Great Hall is a Rococo masterpiece, and King Ludwig I's Gallery of Beauties (portraits of 36 women he found beautiful) is fascinating. The 200-hectare park has lakes, canals, hidden pavilions, and the Amalienburg hunting lodge — one of Europe's most exquisite Rococo interiors.
Olympiapark & BMW World
Walk or metro to Olympiapark — built for the 1972 Olympics with iconic tent-roof architecture. The Olympic Tower (€13) has a viewing platform at 190m with Alpine views. BMW Welt next door is free — a futuristic showroom with concept cars and driving simulators. The BMW Museum (€10) traces automotive history. Lunch at the Olympiapark restaurants or nearby Schwabinger 7.
Beer Garden Farewell
A proper Munich farewell is in a beer garden. Hirschgarten is the world's largest (8,000 seats, Augustiner Maß €10), where you can bring your own food (beer garden tradition). Alternatively, Augustiner Keller (Arnulfstraße) has ancient chestnut trees and a loyal local crowd. The Seehaus in the English Garden sits on a lake with sunset views. A Maß, a pretzel, and a Bavarian goodbye.
7 days in Munich
A full week to go deep — from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
Old Town, Markets & Beer Halls
Marienplatz & Viktualienmarkt
Start at Marienplatz for the Glockenspiel at 11am. Walk the Altstadt — Peterskirche tower (€5, 306 steps, best city view), Frauenkirche (free, twin-domed landmark), and the Viktualienmarkt. Traditional breakfast: Weisswurst with sweet mustard, a Breze (pretzel), and a Weissbier — eaten before noon, never with ketchup. The market's beer garden serves all six Munich brewery beers.
Munich Residenz
The Residenz (€9, or €17 with Treasury) has 130 rooms of Wittelsbach opulence. The Antiquarium — a Renaissance barrel-vaulted hall covered in frescoes — is the highlight. The Treasury has Bavarian crown jewels, gem-encrusted reliquaries, and medieval goldsmiths' work. Allow 2 hours. Walk to the Odeonsplatz and the Theatinerkirche (free, stunning Baroque interior).
Augustiner Bräustuben
Augustiner Bräustuben (Landsberger Str.) is where Munich drinks. Augustiner Helles from the wooden barrel (Holzfass) is the city's most prized beer — locals say it tastes different from the bottled version. A Maß: €10–11. Schweinshaxe: €16. Obatzda (Bavarian cheese spread, €7) with a fresh pretzel. The atmosphere is convivial — share a table with strangers, as is tradition.
English Garden & Pinakotheken
English Garden & Eisbach Wave
The English Garden stretches 3.7km. Start at the Eisbach wave (Prinzregentenstraße end) where surfers ride a standing wave 365 days a year. Walk north along the stream to the Chinese Tower beer garden (opens 10am, Maß €11). Rent a bike from Spurwechsel (€15/day) and cycle to the Monopteros temple for a city view, then to the Seehaus beer garden on the lake.
Pinakothek Museums
The Alte Pinakothek (€7, Sundays €1) is one of Europe's finest — Dürer's Self-Portrait, Rubens' enormous canvases, and Raphael's Holy Family. The Pinakothek der Moderne (€10, Sundays €1) covers modern art, design, and architecture. Choose one and give it proper time. Lunch at the museum cafe or Turbine Bräu nearby for Bavarian gastropub food (mains €12–16).
Schwabing Night Out
Schwabing — Munich's university and bohemian quarter. Walk Leopoldstraße for the cinemas and cafe terraces. Dinner at Alter Simpl (since 1903, Thomas Mann's local, mains €12–18) or Chopan (excellent Afghan food, mains €11–15). Drinks at Münchner Freiheit beer gardens or the bars along Occamstraße. For clubs, head to Pacha Munich or Harry Klein (techno).
Nymphenburg & Olympiapark
Nymphenburg Palace & Gardens
Tram 17 to Nymphenburg (€8 palace, €15 combined). The Great Hall, the Gallery of Beauties, and the 200-hectare park with lakes, canals, and hidden pavilions. The Amalienburg hunting lodge has Europe's finest Rococo interior. The Badenburg pavilion has a heated indoor pool from 1721. Walk the park for at least an hour — it is peaceful and vast.
Olympiapark & BMW Welt
Olympiapark (1972 Olympic site) has the iconic tent-roof architecture, swimming pool, and tower (€13, 190m, Alpine views). BMW Welt (free) is a futuristic showroom with concept cars and simulators. The BMW Museum (€10) traces the brand's history. Lunch at Olympiapark or cycle to Tollwood Festival grounds (summer/winter cultural festival with food from around the world).
Glockenbach & Glockenbachviertel
Glockenbachviertel is Munich's trendiest neighbourhood — LGBTQ+-friendly, creative, and full of excellent restaurants and bars. Dinner at Hans im Glück (gourmet burgers, €10–14, birch-tree interior), Fraunhofer (traditional Bavarian in a theatre building, mains €12–18), or Thai on Fraunhoferstraße. Drinks at the bars along Müllerstraße or Baader Café for wine and people-watching.
Neuschwanstein Day Trip
Train to Füssen
Bayern-Ticket (€29, up to 5 people) covers the regional train to Füssen (2 hours). Pre-book Neuschwanstein Castle (€15, mandatory timed reservation, hohenschwangau.de) — King Ludwig II's fairy-tale castle inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. The 30-minute uphill walk from the village to the castle passes through Alpine meadows with mountain views. Allow 45 minutes to reach the entrance.
Castle Tour & Marienbrücke
The 30-minute guided tour reveals lavish rooms — the Throne Hall (Byzantine-inspired), the Singers' Hall (Wagner-themed), and bedrooms dripping with medieval fantasy. Ludwig II lived here only 172 days before his mysterious death. Walk to Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) for the iconic postcard view of the castle perched above the gorge with Alps behind. The bridge sways — thrilling.
Füssen & Return
Explore Füssen's colourful medieval old town — the Hohes Schloss (exterior view), the monastery of St. Mang, and cafes along the Lech River. Traditional Bavarian dinner at a Füssen Gasthaus — Allgäuer Kässpatzen (cheese noodles, €12) or Schnitzel (€14) with a local beer. Catch the evening train back to Munich. The Alpine scenery from the train window is spectacular.
Dachau, Markets & Haidhausen
Dachau Memorial Site
S-Bahn S2 to Dachau, then bus 726 to the memorial (free entry). Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp (1933) and the model for all others. The exhibition in the former maintenance building, the reconstructed barracks, the gas chamber, and the memorial sculptures are deeply harrowing. An audio guide (€4.50) provides essential context. Allow 3 hours minimum.
Recovery & Haidhausen
After Dachau, allow time to decompress. Head to Haidhausen — Munich's "French Quarter" with colourful Gründerzeit buildings, the Wiener Platz market (daily, smaller and more local than Viktualienmarkt), and excellent cafes. Lunch at Hofbräukeller (the less-touristy version of Hofbräuhaus with a huge beer garden, Maß €11) or a Wiener Platz cafe. Walk along the Isar river.
Isar Riverbank
The Isar River has been renaturalised and Munich's youth flock to its gravel banks on summer evenings. Walk the stretch from Reichenbachbrücke south to Flaucher — bring beer and snacks from a supermarket and join the locals grilling and swimming. The Flauchersteg beer garden (€9 Maß) overlooks the river. It is the most relaxed, authentically Munich evening you can have.
Bavarian Alps Day — Garmisch
Train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Bayern-Ticket (€29 for up to 5) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1.5 hours). This Alpine town hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics and sits at the base of Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze (2,962m). The old town Garmisch has painted facades (Lüftlmalerei) and a Bavarian village feel. Walk the Olympic ski jump and the Richard Strauss Platz.
Partnachklamm Gorge
Partnachklamm (€6 entry) is a dramatic 700-metre gorge with a path carved into the rock face — waterfalls cascade around you, and the turquoise water rushing through narrow walls is spectacular. The walk through takes 30 minutes each way. Accessible year-round (winter ice formations are extraordinary). Lunch in Garmisch at a traditional Gasthaus — Käsespätzle (cheese noodles, €12–14).
Return & Maxvorstadt
Train back to Munich. Explore Maxvorstadt — the neighbourhood around the Pinakotheken with student bars, cafes, and restaurants. Dinner at Brenner (Mediterranean-Bavarian fusion, mains €14–20) or Pasta e Basta (fresh Italian, €10–14). Walk through the Kunstareal (art quarter) and end at the Augustiner am Platzl for one more Bavarian beer in a gorgeous old-town setting.
Farewell — Beer Gardens & Last Bites
Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum (€15) on its island in the Isar is one of the world's largest science and technology museums — historic aircraft, submarines, mining tunnels, and a planetarium. The musical instruments and physics demonstrations are highlights. Allow 2–3 hours but you could spend a full day. The Museumsinsel setting on the river is photogenic.
Last Shopping & Schmalznudel
For souvenirs, Viktualienmarkt has Bavarian specialties — local honey, mustards, beer steins, and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Dallmayr (Dienerstraße) is Munich's legendary delicatessen since 1700 — excellent coffee and chocolate gifts. One last Schmalznudel doughnut at Café Frischhut (€2) and a final walk through the Altstadt.
Beer Garden Farewell
Munich deserves a beer garden farewell. Hirschgarten (world's largest, 8,000 seats, Augustiner Maß €10, bring your own food) or Augustiner Keller (Arnulfstraße, ancient chestnut trees, near Hauptbahnhof). A Maß of Augustiner Helles, a Breze with Obatzda, and the gentle clink of steins under the trees. Munich Airport is 45 minutes by S-Bahn S1/S8 (€12).
Budget tips
Sunday €1 museums
The Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, and several other state museums charge just €1 on Sundays — world-class art for the price of a pretzel. This is the best museum deal in Europe.
Beer garden BYO food
Traditional Bavarian beer gardens allow you to bring your own food — only drinks must be purchased. Pack bread, cheese, radishes, and Obatzda from a supermarket. A Maß of beer (€9–11) and BYO food is a €12 dinner.
Bayern-Ticket
The Bayern-Ticket (€29 for 1 person, €10 per additional up to 5) covers all regional trains in Bavaria for a full day. Perfect for Neuschwanstein, Salzburg, Garmisch, and Nuremberg day trips.
MVV transport
Munich MVV single ticket (inner zone): €3.70. Day ticket: €8.80. Partner day ticket (up to 5 people): €17.80. The IsarCard weekly pass is €18.50 — worth it for 4+ days.
Free experiences
English Garden, Eisbach surfers, Isar riverbanks, Viktualienmarkt browsing, old town walking, Olympiapark grounds, BMW Welt showroom, and church interiors (Frauenkirche, Asamkirche, Theatinerkirche) are all free.
Cheap eats
Schmalznudel (€2) at Café Frischhut, Leberkässemmel (meatloaf sandwich, €3–4) from butchers, currywurst (€4), and döner (€5–7) keep food costs low. Student Mensa cafeterias near universities serve meals for €4–6.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in euros. Munich is pricier than Berlin but beer garden BYO food, €1 Sunday museums, and the Bayern-Ticket keep it reasonable.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury hotels | €20–40 | €70–130 | €170+ |
| Food Markets & street food → beer halls → fine dining | €12–22 | €25–45 | €60+ |
| Transport Day ticket & walking → taxis → private car | €5–9 | €10–18 | €25+ |
| Activities Free parks & churches → museums → castles & tours | €0–8 | €10–25 | €40+ |
| Drinks Beer gardens → bars → cocktail bars | €5–11 | €12–22 | €30+ |
| Daily Total $46–98 → $138–261 → $353+ | €42–90 | €127–240 | €325+ |
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone — most nationalities get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period
- Munich Airport (MUC): S-Bahn S1 or S8 to Hauptbahnhof (45 min, €12). Lufthansa Express Bus to Hauptbahnhof (45 min, €13)
- Passport valid for 3+ months beyond departure. EU/EEA citizens need only a national ID card
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is excellent — Munich water comes from Alpine springs. Drink it freely
- Munich is one of Germany's safest cities. Standard pickpocket awareness at Oktoberfest and Hauptbahnhof area
- Emergency 112. Pharmacies (Apotheke) marked by red A signs. Klinikum rechts der Isar for emergencies
Getting Around
- MVV runs U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. Single (inner zone): €3.70. Day ticket: €8.80. Group day: €17.80 (up to 5)
- The city centre is very walkable — Marienplatz to English Garden is 10 minutes on foot. Trams are scenic alternatives
- Cycling is excellent — flat terrain, dedicated lanes. MVG Rad bike share (€1 unlock + €0.08/min) or rent from shops (€15/day)
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and BayernWLAN hotspots in public buildings and some U-Bahn stations
- EU roaming works at home rates. Otherwise, Aldi Talk, Lebara, or O2 prepaid SIMs from €8 at supermarkets or electronics shops
- Download MVV app for transport, DB Navigator for trains, and Google Maps offline for navigation
Money
- Cash is more important in Munich than most European cities — many beer halls, markets, and smaller restaurants are cash-preferred or cash-only
- ATMs (Geldautomat) everywhere. Use Sparkasse, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank ATMs. Avoid Euronet tourist machines
- Tipping: round up or add 5–10%. Tell the waiter the total amount you wish to pay — do not leave cash on the table
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential — Munich weather is Alpine and changeable. Even summer evenings can be cool (15°C). Warm jacket for Nov–Mar
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and beer garden gravel. Smart-casual for nicer restaurants
- An umbrella or rain jacket year-round — Munich gets sudden showers. A reusable bottle for excellent tap water
Cultural tips
Munich is proud, traditional, and deeply Bavarian. Respect the beer culture, share tables with strangers, and never eat Weisswurst after noon.
Beer Culture
A Maß (1 litre) is the standard beer hall order. Augustiner is the local favourite, followed by Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, and Löwenbräu. Clink steins looking people in the eye — bad luck otherwise.
Shared Tables
In beer halls and beer gardens, sharing tables is normal and expected. Ask "Ist hier noch frei?" (is this seat free?) and sit. You may end up having the best conversation of your trip with a Bavarian stranger.
Food Rules
Weisswurst is eaten before noon only — never in the evening. Peel it, dip in sweet mustard. Never put ketchup on a Weisswurst. Obatzda (cheese spread) comes with pretzels. These traditions are taken seriously.
Grüß Gott
"Grüß Gott" (greet God) is the Bavarian hello — used instead of "Hallo." In shops, restaurants, and elevators. Locals appreciate the effort. "Pfüad di" or "Servus" for goodbye.
Bavarian Identity
Bavaria considers itself distinct from the rest of Germany. Locals are proud Bavarians first, Germans second. Lederhosen and Dirndl are worn seriously at festivals and some beer gardens — not costumes.
Sunday Quiet
German Sundays are quiet — almost all shops are closed. Restaurants, beer gardens, and museums are open. Plan your shopping for Saturday. Sunday is for beer gardens, parks, and church bells.
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