Munich’s got a foot in both worlds: it’s proud of its 860-year-old roots, but it’s also one of Germany’s biggest tech and business hubs. You’ll find grand palaces and traditional beer halls sitting comfortably next to sleek modern buildings and buzzing startups. With standout architecture, massive parks, excellent museums, and a strong beer scene, it’s a city that’s easy to enjoy—whether you’re in for a quick stop or planning to stay a while. But how many days in Munich do you really need to make the most of your stay?
Munich doesn’t hit you with the edgy energy of Berlin or the fast pace of Frankfurt. Instead, it’s a bit more polished—calm, clean, and comfortable, with a slower rhythm and plenty of green space in Germany.
Most people spend 2–3 days in Munich, which is usually enough to get a good feel for the city. If you're into museums, how many days in Munich you want to stay may be a bit longer. The three Pinakothek museums and the Deutsches Museum are pretty big, and you’ll probably want more than a quick walkthrough. If beer’s more your thing, it’s easy to add a day or two just to check out a few of the city’s 180-plus beer gardens and breweries—not just the Hofbräuhaus, but some of the quieter spots locals like.
Shoppers might want extra time, too, especially if you're planning to browse the high-end stores on Maximilianstrasse or the smaller shops around Gärtnerplatz. If you’re coming during Frühlingsfest or the Christmas markets, that can also be a reason to slow things down a bit.
If you're visiting Munich as part of a larger trip to Germany, our sample Germany itinerary can be a really great place to start.
How many days in Munich do you need? Enough to see the Christmas markets © Shutterstock
If you're wondering how many days in Munich are the bare minimum, two days are enough to get a solid feel for the city. You’ll be able to see the main sights—like Marienplatz, the Residenz, and a few classic beer halls—without cramming too much in. Most of it’s walkable, so it’s easy to explore at a relaxed pace.
Start your day in Marienplatz, the central square where you can catch the Glockenspiel show at 11 AM. It’s a mechanical clock with moving figures that re-enact stories from Munich’s past with 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures and is one of the best things to do in Germany. It only plays a couple times a day, so it’s worth timing your visit.
From there, you’re right next to the New Town Hall, a Gothic-style building that's been home to city government since the late 1800s. You can walk through the main areas, but the real highlight is climbing the tower of nearby St. Peter’s Church. On a clear day, you’ll get a wide view over the rooftops—and if you’re lucky, the Alps in the distance.
For lunch, stroll over to Schneider Bräuhaus. They brew their own Weissbier, and it’s a solid spot for a relaxed midday meal. In the afternoon, make your way to the Residenz Palace, the former home of Bavarian royals. It’s huge—expect lots of rooms, courtyards, and some very ornate interiors. In the evening, stop by the Hofbräuhaus, one of the city’s most well-known beer halls. Mozart is said to have hung out here, and it’s still a lively spot to grab a drink.
Viktualienmarkt in Munich © Shutterstock
On your second day, begin with a morning walk through the English Garden, Munich's central park spanning 910 acres - larger than New York's Central Park. Head toward the Eisbach, where you can watch surfers riding a stationary wave in the river—it’s a bit unexpected if you haven’t seen it before.
From there, take a break at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden, a relaxed open-air spot that’s been around since the 1700s. For lunch, try Zum Dürnbräu, which dates back centuries and serves classic dishes like Käsespätzle—a cheesy noodle dish topped with crispy onions.
In the afternoon, head to the Pinakothek museums. There are three in the same area, so you can pick depending on what you're into—older paintings, modern art, or design. If you’re more into cars, BMW World isn’t far and has a mix of vintage and newer models on display.
End the day in Schwabing, a neighborhood that used to be a hub for artists and writers. These days it’s a mix of laid-back cafés, restaurants, and bars. If you managed to snag a reservation ahead of time, Tantris is a well-known Michelin-starred spot with a retro 1970s look that’s been kept intact.
Be sure to stop at Marienplatz no matter how many days in Munich you have © Shutterstock
With a third day, you can branch out a bit and see more than just the historic center. Olympic Park and Nymphenburg Palace are both worth a visit and give you a better sense of the city’s scale. You’ll also have time to check out a few local neighborhoods where things feel a bit more low-key—good places to find a meal or drink without the crowds.
Start your day at the Olympic Park from the 1972 Summer Games. It’s a big space, and the architecture still stands out. There’s a lot of history here, both exciting and heavy. You can go up the Olympic Tower—it’s about 955 feet (291 meters) tall and gives you a good view of the city.
From there, head to Nymphenburg Palace. It’s around 12 miles (20 km) from the center and was once the summer residence for Bavaria’s rulers. The palace features a central building flanked by pavilions stretching across 500 acres (200 hectares) of formal gardens. For lunch, Bratwurstherzl is a solid pick near Viktualienmarkt. It’s small, easy to miss, and they grill their bratwurst over beechwood, which gives it a rich flavor.
In the afternoon, you can head back into the palace grounds. The Marstallmuseum has old royal carriages and sleighs, while the porcelain museum shows pieces from a local factory that’s been around since 1747.
Wrap up the day in Schlachthofviertel. It used to be Munich’s slaughterhouse district, but these days it’s full of bars, galleries, and restaurants. For dinner, Haxnbauer is a good bet—there’s usually pork knuckle slowly turning on a wood-fired grill in the front window. After that, Goldene Bar is nearby and worth a stop.
Museum Brandhorst, Maxvorstadt, Munich © Shutterstock
A fourth day is a good chance to take a day trip. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most well-known ones from Munich, set in the mountains and easy to reach by train. It makes for a change of pace, with a mix of countryside views and time out of the city. You’ll still have your last evening free back in Munich.
On your fourth day, catch an early train to Füssen—it’s about a 2-hour ride from Munich. Once you’re there, make your way to Neuschwanstein Castle. It was built in the late 1800s by King Ludwig II as a personal retreat and a tribute to Wagner. The design looks medieval from the outside, but inside it had running water, flush toilets, and central heating—pretty advanced for the time. Only 14 of its planned 200 rooms were completed before Ludwig's mysterious death in 1886.
Nearby is Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig grew up. It’s smaller and more understated, but it adds context to the Neuschwanstein visit.
Back in Munich, head to Augustiner-Keller for dinner. It opened in 1812 and used to store beer in underground cellars to keep it cool before refrigeration. The food’s hearty, and the atmosphere is easygoing. If you’re traveling in the winter, you might catch locals ice curling outside.
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany © VOJTa Herout/Shutterstock
Munich’s neighborhoods each have their own feel, so no matter how many days in Munich you'll be staying, choosing the right place to stay can shape your experience. Here's a quick list of some favorite areas, depending on what you're looking for. For a more detailed look, see our guide to where to stay in Munich.
If you want to be in the middle of things, Altstadt is a good place to start. This is Munich’s historic core, and it’s where you’ll find major landmarks like Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel, the Frauenkirche, and the Viktualienmarkt. It’s very walkable, with pedestrian streets full of shops, restaurants, and beer halls—including the Hofbräuhaus, which is always packed. Places to stay here tend to cost more, but you’re right where everything’s happening, which means you can skip figuring out public transport for a while and just head out the door to explore.
Schwabing is a quieter, more residential part of the city that’s still close to the center. It borders the English Garden—a huge park with open fields, streams, playgrounds, and a casual beer garden by the Chinese Tower that’s surprisingly kid-friendly. The sidewalks are wide, there’s plenty of space, and it’s easy to get into town by train or tram.
It’s a neighborhood that feels lived-in, with restaurants, shops, and apartments that are a bit roomier than what you’ll find in the center. It’s a nice spot if you're traveling with kids and want to keep things calm but still be close to everything.
Haidhausen sits just across the river from the city center and has a more laid-back, local vibe. It used to be a working-class district, but now it’s full of cafés, bars, and restaurants tucked into old buildings. The area around the former Kultfabrik and Optimolwerke complexes still has a nightlife scene, and the nearby French Quarter is known for its mix of cuisines and relaxed atmosphere. Even with all that, it doesn’t feel too hectic. It’s easy to get around from here, and it’s a solid pick if you want to hang out in the evenings without needing to trek across town.
Prices in Munich can be quite a bit higher during Oktoberfest © Shutterstock
Munich is not just Oktoberfest—there’s plenty happening throughout the year.
People here really value punctuality, so it’s worth showing up on time for trains, tours, and dinner reservations. The local currency is the Euro. Credit cards work in most places, but smaller spots might still prefer cash, so it’s good to keep some on hand.
You’ll hear plenty of English around the main tourist areas, but knowing a few basic German phrases helps and is usually appreciated.
It’s also worth factoring in the weather—rain or snow might slow you down, while a string of sunny days makes it easier to explore the city on foot or hang out in the beer gardens.
It's also worth noting that Munich can be brutal weather-wise in the winter. For more on that, see our guide to the best time to visit Germany.
Munich isn’t the cheapest city in Germany, but it’s manageable with a bit of planning. Prices can climb during Oktoberfest or major events, but on an average day, you’ve got a good range of options depending on how you like to travel. Your daily expenses will influence how many days in Munich you can afford.
Munich is a great place to go with kids © Shutterstock
Munich’s public transport is easy to use and gets you pretty much anywhere you want to go. The MVV network includes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (regional trains), trams, and buses. They all work on the same ticket system and connect smoothly, so you won’t have to think too hard about transfers. This is often the case when getting around Germany.
If you're staying a few days and plan to use public transport a lot, the IsarCard is a good pick for unlimited travel. The Munich CityTourCard is another option—it covers transport and gives you small discounts at a bunch of places around town.
The city center is compact and walkable, especially around Marienplatz, where many of the main sights are. If you're up for cycling, Munich is bike-friendly with marked lanes and bike-sharing through the MVG Rad app.
Taxis are around, but they’re expensive compared to trains and trams. Unless you’re in a hurry, public transport is usually the way to go. The MVV app is helpful for checking routes and real-time schedules. During Oktoberfest and big events, trains and buses run later than usual, but they can get crowded.
Munich International Airport (MUC) connects with cities across Europe and beyond—there are direct flights from places like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dubai, and Singapore. Once you land, the S1 or S8 S-Bahn lines will get you into the city in about 40 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €13.20.
If you're arriving by train, Munich Hauptbahnhof is the main station. It’s well connected to Germany’s high-speed train network, and you can get here directly from cities like Vienna, Zurich, or Paris. For cheaper fares, look up “Sparpreis” tickets on the Deutsche Bahn website—booking in advance usually helps.
Coming from nearby European cities? FlixBus runs regular trips into Munich, and the central bus terminal is just a short walk from Hackerbrücke station. If you're traveling around Bavaria by train, check out the Länder-Ticket. It’s a day pass for regional trains—€25 for one person, plus €8 for each extra person, up to five total.
If you're planning your Munich city break or a trip to Europe at large, our tailor-made trips can help. Our trips are created by locals who know the area inside and out, and created for you uniquely. You can customize the trip to your liking, and you'll receive support while on the road, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Or plan a trip on your own with our Rough Guide to Germany for a full range of must-see sights, off-the-beaten-track places, and detailed practical travel tips.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 24.03.2025
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