Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is famous around the world for the Oktoberfest — but ask any local, and they’ll tell you there’s so much more to love about this city.
Munich is my base since 2018, and over the years, I’ve explored every corner — from hidden beer gardens to river beaches where you can actually swim right in the city center.
This 3-day Munich itinerary is how I’d show a friend around — a perfect mix of history, nature, local food, and the relaxed Bavarian lifestyle.
Even with just a few days, you can experience the best of Munich and its surroundings: charming old streets, alpine views, and that special blend of city life and outdoors that makes Munich so unique.
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3 Days in Munich at a Glance
Where to Stay:
– stay in the city centre (or close to a metro station)
– Motel One Deutsches Museum (budget hotel)
– Hotel Opera (most photographed hotel)
– Living Hotel Viktualienmarkt (great location + best market right next to you)
Must-Do Activities:
– Learn about Munich`s dark history: WWII Walking Tour
– Visit the Dachau Memorial Site
– Eat at the Viktualienmarkt & the Hofbräuhaus
– Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip (book it in advance!)
– If you love Medieval Towns: Rothenburg Day Trip
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Getting around & where to stay in Munich
How to reach the centre from the Airport
Most visitors arrive at Munich Airport (MUC), located about 40 km northeast of the city. Getting to the center is super easy — just follow the green S-Bahn (S) signs and hop on Line S8, which runs every 10–20 minutes. The ride takes you straight to Marienplatz, Munich’s main square, right in the heart of the city.
The S-Bahn connects seamlessly with the U-Bahn (Munich’s metro), so switching lines is quick and straightforward if your accommodation isn’t directly in the city center.
If you’re flying with a budget airline, you might land at Memmingen Airport, about 110 km west of Munich. The easiest way to reach the city is by direct airport bus, which runs every 1–2 hours and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can check the latest Memmingen–Munich bus schedule online before your trip.
Alternatively, you can rent a car directly at the airport. I’ve had great experiences with Enterprise and Europcar — both offer reliable service and well-maintained cars at fair prices.
Where to Stay in Munich
For 3 days in Munich, the best area to stay is close to the city center around Marienplatz. Most attractions and Munich day trips start here, so you’ll save time and easily explore the city on foot.
For classic charm and history, Old Town (Altstadt-Lehel) is perfect with its elegant architecture and proximity to major sights. If you prefer a lively and trendy vibe, stay in Glockenbachviertel, known for its cafés, boutiques, and nightlife. Munich is divided by the Isar River, and staying near the river also offers a relaxed, scenic atmosphere within walking distance of the main attractions.
If you’re visiting during Oktoberfest, book your hotel well in advance — rooms sell out months ahead and prices rise quickly.
Hotel Recommendations:
– Motel One Deutsches Museum – Stylish and affordable, perfect for budget travelers.
– Arthotel Munich – Great mid-range choice near Central Station and the Oktoberfest grounds.
– Rioca Posto 3 – Comfortable, vibrant, and known for its delicious breakfast
– Hotel Opera – An Instagram-famous boutique hotel
– Living Hotel Viktualienmarkt – Prime location right next to Munich’s best food market.
How to get around in Munich
3 Days in Munich: The Perfect Itinerary
This 3-day Munich itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the city’s highlights and explore its beautiful surroundings. It combines Munich’s must-see sights with a taste of Bavaria’s countryside — from Marienplatz and the English Garden to nearby castles and lakes.
Each day is planned to make the most of your time without rushing, offering a good mix of culture, history, and nature.
Map of Munich Attractions
Check out the map below (or download it) to see where each stop in this 3-day Munich itinerary is located.
Day 1: Munich’s Dark History, Eisbach Surfers & Dinner at the Oldest Beer Hall
Morning:
Kick off your 3 days in Munich with a World War II walking tour, starting daily at 10:10 AM from Marienplatz. It’s one of the best ways to understand Munich’s complex past, as you visit historic sites linked to Hitler’s rise and the Nazi movement.
For lunch, visit the Viktualienmarkt nearby, where you can try all the local dishes Bavaria has to offer.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, head to Eisbachwelle in the English Garden: I still remember the first time a friend showed me this spot. I was completely shocked: people were literally surfing on a river! It felt so unexpected, almost magical, and now it’s a must-see for anyone I host in Munich. Watching the surfers in action never gets old.
From there, keep walking through the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks, and stop for a refreshing beer at the Chinese Tower`s Beer Garden.
End your first day with a dinner at Hofbräuhaus — I’d highly recommend trying a Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) or Käsespätzle if you’re vegetarian. The building itself is full of history — even Hitler gave a speech here back in the day. And if you love beer, now’s the perfect time to grab a Maß and enjoy some live Bavarian music
Book the Walking Tour for Day 1: WWII Walking Tour
Day 2: Castle of Neuschwanstein Day Trip
Whole Day Trip — Neuschwanstein Castle
No trip to Munich is complete without visiting Neuschwanstein Castle (as of July 2025, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). When I first moved to Munich in 2018, I couldn’t wait to see it. It was my very first day trip, and visiting in late October, with the leaves turning golden, the castle was as magical as I expected.
The castle was originally dreamed up by King Ludwig II, though he never got to see it fully completed.
Although the Neuschwanstein Castle is touristy, it`s worth it. For taking photos outside of the castle, the Mariabrücke is the best spot.
Pro Tip: Many tours depart from Munich, but I always recommend the Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Day Trip. It’s the best value because it includes multiple castles and takes care of your castle tickets, so you can enjoy exploring the inside of Neuschwanstein stress-free.
Book the Neuschwanstein Castle Trip for Day 2: Neuschwanstein Day Trip
This is the most popular tour and sells out quickly!
Day 3: Olympiapark, BMW Museum, Nymphenburg Palace
Morning: Olympiapark & BMW Museum
Start your day at Olympiapark, the venue of the 1972 Summer Olympics. Climb the Olympiaturm for amazing views of Munich and the Alps, or rent a boat on the lake. There are several U-Bahn stations nearby—just check Google Maps for the best one from your hotel.
Grab lunch at the Olympiaalm on top of the hill — the short walk is worth it for the views over the park and the city skyline.
Afterwards, visit the BMW Museum and BMW Welt, located just across the street. You’ll find everything from vintage classics to futuristic concept cars — a must-see for car lovers.
Afternoon: Nymphenburg Palace (Optional)
If you still have energy after yesterday’s castle trip, visit Nymphenburg Palace, Munich’s grand Baroque residence surrounded by beautiful gardens. From Olympiapark, take bus 180 to Maria-Ward-Straße.
Evening: Beer Gardens & City Stroll
End your Munich trip the Bavarian way — in a beer garden. Locals love Hirschgarten the world`s biggest beer garden (and it`s very close to the Nymphenburg Palace). Then, take a walk in the city center and discover hidden streets you haven´t seen before.
City strolls Olympiapark
Rainy Day Options — Museums & Therme Erding
If it rains during your 3 days in Munich, don’t worry — the city has plenty of indoor options. I usually head to the Residenz or the Deutsches Museum (the world`s largets science museum), both centrally located and perfect for soaking up history and culture without getting wet.
If you’re traveling with family and have swimsuits handy, Therme Erding is another favorite of mine — it’s the world’s largest thermal spa and a fun way to relax, swim, and enjoy slides and saunas.
Winter Visitors: Christmas Markets & Festivals
If you’re visiting Munich in winter, the Christmas markets are a must-see. They run from November 24 to December 24, 2025, with several locations across the city.
My personal favorite is the medieval Christmas market, which feels like stepping back in time. You can enjoy mulled wine, traditional crafts, and festive treats at all venues.
During the Christmas season, the Tollwood Winter Festival at Theresienwiese—the same venue as Oktoberfest—is another highlight. In 2025, it runs from November 25 to December 23 and features concerts, street food, and theater performances in a unique atmosphere with festive decorations.
It is often referred to as the “alternative Christmas market.”
Summer Visitors: Outdoor Activities
- Beer Gardens: Munich boasts dozens of open-air beer gardens.
- Flaucher & Isar River: Head to Flaucher, a popular stretch along the Isar River, for a refreshing swim or a stroll. It’s a favorite spot for locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- Shopping & Strolling: Wander around Marienplatz for shopping and people-watching. The area is filled with boutiques, cafes, and historic sites.
- Tollwood Summer Festival: Held from June 19 to July 20, 2025, at Olympiapark, this multicultural festival features international cuisine and live concerts.
- Hiking in the Alps: Munich has a slice of the Alps, so why not visit on a hot summer day? Choose any of the list of the best hikes in Bavaria and you are good to go!
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