5 Days in Munich: The Best Places in the Region

Planning how to spend 5 days in Munich? As a local, I’ll help you plan the perfect Munich itinerary!

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a year-round destination best known for its Oktoberfest, Christmas Markets, fabulous nearby castles, and alpine lakes.

Since I moved here in 2018, I’ve visited the best spots in and around the city several times.

This 5-Day Munich Itinerary covers all the must-visit spots for a first-time visitor. I’ll share exactly how I would spend five days in Munich, with must-see attractions in the perfect order, including day trips to the best places around Munich.

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Getting to + Getting around in Munich

Munich has two international airports. Most visitors arrive at Munich Airport, located 40 km northeast of the city. The quickest way to get to the center is by taking the S-Bahn train – just look for the green (S) sign and take Line S8 to Ostbahnhof (Munich East station). It runs every 10-20 minutes. From there, switch to U-Bahn (metro) to reach your hotel.

If you arrive at Memmingen Airport, the easiest option is a bus to Munich, departing every 1-2 hours. Check the Memmingen to Munich bus timetable for details.

Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport. I had great experiences with Enterprise and Europcar. They have great cars and service at affordable rates.

Getting around in Munich:

Where to Stay in Munich

Stay close to the city center (around the Marienplatz) for easy access to attractions and day trips. Most tours start from the center, making it the most convenient location.

For charm and history, Old Town/Lehel offers beautiful old buildings. Glockenbachviertel is another great central area with a vibrant atmosphere. Munich is divided by the Isar River, and staying near the Isar is also a great option.

Hotel Recommendation:
– Motel One Deutsches Museum (great budget option)
– Arthotel Munich (mid-range, close to Central Station + Oktoberfest location)
– Rioca Posto 3 (mid-range, great breakfast, bit further away from the centre)
– Hotel Opera (insta-famous hotel)
– Living Hotel Viktualienmarkt (best location with Munich`s best market at your doorstep)

5 Days in Munich: The Ultimate Itinerary

This five-day Munich Itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your trip. It showcases the city’s diversity and stunning Bavarian surroundings. Each day is carefully planned to highlight what to see in Munich in five days, ensuring the best possible experience.

While Munich is a fantastic destination, its true charm lies in its nearby landscapes and castles. This Munich itinerary strategically alternates between city highlights and nearby attractions for a seamless journey.

At the end of the guide, you’ll find alternative options to tailor your trip. Let`s get started!

Map of Munich Attractions
Click on the map or download it to get a clear idea of where each attraction is located.

Day 1: Munich`s Dark History Walking Tour, Surfers, Historic Dinner

Morning:
Start your Munich trip with a WWII Walking Tour (starts daily ca. 10 AM at the Marienplatz). It’s one of the best ways to dive into Munich’s history, covering key sites tied to Hitler’s rise.
Joining this walking tour will be a memorable experience that sets the tone for your entire trip.

For lunch, soak in the Bavarian vibes at Viktualienmarkt, where you can enjoy sausages, beer, and local delicacies—perfect on a sunny day!

Afternoon:
In the afternoon, walk to Eisbachwelle to watch surfers on Munich’s river wave. Then, relax with a walk in the English Garden, stopping for a beer at the Chinese Tower`s Beer Garden.

Finish your day with a classic Bavarian dinner at Hofbräuhaus, the significance of which you already learned at your walking tour in the morning. Fun Fact: The Hofbräuhaus is Munich’s oldest beer hall, operating since the 16th century.

Rainy Day Option: Visit the Residenz and/or the Deutsches Museum. (both located in the centre)

Book the Walking Tour for Day 1: WWII Walking Tour

Day 2: Day Trip to the Castle of Neuschwanstein

No Munich Itinerary would be complete without a trip to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Whenever I have visitors, they always want to visit the famous Cinderella Castle – so I go with them every single time.

The Neuschwanstein Castle is stunning in any season and is a must-see addition to your 5 days in Munich Itinerary. Originally, the castle was dreamed by King Ludwig II, who never got to see the building finished.

Important: There are many organized trips to Neuschwanstein, this Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Tour offers the best price-to-quality ratio and is the number one choice for visitors.
For the best experience, choose a tour that also includes other attractions, with your ticket to the Castle of Neuschwanstein taken care of.

This organized trip to Neuschwanstein is a great option, as it also covers beautiful sights along the way. The tour usually starts at 8.30 am and it is a full-day trip. Due to high demand, book your Neuschwanstein Tour in advance.

Book the Neuschwanstein Castle Trip for Day 2: Neuschwanstein Day Trip
This is the most popular tour and sells out quickly!

Day 3: Day Trip to Königssee

You might not have heard of Königssee, but trust me—this place will take your breath away. When I first visited, I was convinced it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. And to this day, it remains high on my list.

Unlike any other lake, Königssee is truly magical and it`s always worth the visit.

For this day, I highly recommend renting a car. With an organized trip, you’ll have less flexibility, and this place deserves to be explored at your own pace. All you need to do is to drive straight to Schönau am Königssee.

From Schönau am Königssee, take the boat to St. Bartholomä or even one stop further. Witness the famous echo and soak in the most scenic views of Königssee.

If renting a car isn’t an option, this organized Königssee trip from Munich is your best alternative.

Book the Königssee Trip for Day 3: Königssee Day Tour by Van

Day 4: Olympiapark, BMW, Nymphenburg Castle,

On Day 4 of your 5-Day Munich Itinerary, we stay in the city but venture outside the center. For this day, I recommend purchasing a Munich Day Pass at one of the U-Bahn (metro) stations for just 10 EUR.

Morning:
In the morning, visit Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. This expansive park hosts event venues and Bavaria’s famous BMW Museum and BMW Welt, both open to visitors.

Afternoon:
From Olympiapark, take public transportation to Nymphenburg Palace, the birthplace of King Ludwig II, who envisioned the Neuschwanstein Castle. Built in the 17th century, this Baroque-style summer palace is worth visiting for its stunning architecture and gardens.

Evening:
End the day with beer and dinner at Hirschgarten, the world’s largest beer garden and a local favorite!

Pro Tip: Check if the Tollwood Festival is happening during your visit. This festival is held a few times a year and lasts around 1-1.5 months. It features fantastic food courts, concerts, and lively evening parties—definitely worth experiencing if you’re in Munich during the festival!

Rainy Day Option: SeaLife (great with kids, at the Olympiapark)

Day 5: Dachau, City Centre

Morning:
Dachau was the first concentration camp and operated for the longest time. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free. Visiting Dachau is a powerful but emotionally heavy experience, as it vividly portrays the horrors of World War II. Please be mindful that this visit can be deeply upsetting and is only recommended if you feel prepared.

Afternoon:
Return to the city center for your final afternoon around Marienplatz, home to the New Town Hall. Don’t miss the Glockenspiel show at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM (March–October), where figures reenact events from Munich’s history. Stroll along the shopping streets toward Karlsplatz and Odeonsplatz, and visit the iconic Frauenkirche with its twin towers.

Evening:
On a warm day, take a walk along the Isar River before ending your trip at one of Munich’s beer gardens. My favorites are Biergarten at the Wiener Platz and the Wirtshaus zum Isartal, offering an authentic, cozy atmosphere to end your trip.

Fun fact: it`s allowed to bring your own food to the beer gardens—just order drinks!

Visiting Munich During the Oktoberfest

If you’re in Munich during Oktoberfest, skip any city day(s) and experience the world’s largest beer festival instead! Expect massive crowds—over a million visitors can arrive in a single weekend.

The Oktoberfest takes place at Theresienwiese, close to the Central Train Station. It traditionally starts mid-September and lasts for 16 days, beginning on a Saturday and ending on the first weekend of October.

In 2025. the Oktoberfest is held between 20th September-5th October.

What to Expect at the Oktoberfest:

• Entry is free for both the Oktoberfest grounds and the large beer tents.
• It’s more than just beer—there are amusement rides, games, and an many food and souvenir stalls.
• As the day goes on, people dance on tables while enjoying Schlager and retro music that everyone sings along to.
• Most tents have similar music.
• The festival runs daily from 10 AM until close to midnight.

For the full experience, wear traditional Bavarian attire – Dirndl for the woman and Lederhose for the man. These outfits are available in traditional shops all over the city. Budget-friendly options can also be found in stores like C&A, where prices range from €30–40.

Alternative Day Trips & Activities Near Munich

If you’d like to swap out an activity from this 5-Day Munich Itinerary, there are plenty of great alternatives to choose from:

Hike in the Bavarian Alps
The Bavarian Alps are easily accessible from Munich by car or public transportation. If you’re using public transport, Jochberg or Herzogstand are great hiking options, as the bus stops right at the trailhead.

Visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber
For another romantic escape, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a must-visit. This charming medieval town looks straight out of a fairytale. Check out the best things to do in Rothenburg to get inspired!

Relax or have fun at Therme Erding
Europe`s largest thermal spa, the Therme Erding offers a massive sauna complex, 27 slides, and thermal relaxation zones—perfect for unwinding after days of exploring.

Go Cycling
Munich is a cyclist’s paradise! With excellent bike lanes and plenty of greenery, it’s a great way to explore. Cycle to Lake Starnberg or ride along the Isar River in either direction. Rent a bike and enjoy the ride!

Germany’s Highest Mountain
Rent a car and visit Zugspitze and the Lake Eibsee, where a scenic 2-hour circular hike offers breathtaking views. On the way back, stop at Partnachklamm, one of Bavaria’s most spectacular gorges.

Further Alps Hiking Resources

If you are thinking of expanding your 5 Days in Munich Itinerary and looking for more day trip ideas close to Munich, I recommend the following:

• Great Hiking Trails in the Bavarian Alps: Best Hikes in Bavaria
• Best Viewpoint above the Königssee: Archenkanzel Viewpoint
• Germany`s most beautiful lake (and a strenuous hike): Schrecksee
• Favourite Hike of people from Munich: Herzogstand
• Sleep in a mountain hut: Stöhrhaus
• Hidden Viewpoint above the Plansee: Plansee Viewpoint (Tirol, Austria- 1h16mins from Munich by car)