Munich 2 Day Itinerary: Discover Munich Like a Pro!
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Are you a first time traveler in Munich? Do you find it extremely overwhelming to plan an itinerary?
That’s where I come in to make your planning easier
Having traveled to Munich, I can definitely say you are going to love this city.
Munich is a city that perfectly blends rich history with modern charm.
It’s known for its royal palaces, beer gardens, bustling markets, and beautiful parks.
For first-time travelers, planning an itinerary can feel overwhelming because there’s so much to see and do.
I’ve specially curated this Munich 2 Day Itinerary which will help you experience Munich’s top attractions while also introducing you to lesser-known spots.
It’s structured to be easy to follow, efficient, and packed with practical tips to make your trip stress-free
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie excited to try traditional Bavarian cuisine, or someone who loves scenic strolls through charming neighborhoods, this itinerary will show you how to make every hour count.
Ready to dive in? Let’s have a look at your Bavarian adventure!
Munich 2 Day Itinerary Guide
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|
| Day 1 | Marienplatz, Glockenspiel, Viktualienmarkt | Munich Residenz, Hofgarten, Odeonsplatz | English Garden, Dinner at Chinese Tower Beer Garden |
| Day 2 | Nymphenburg Palace | BMW Welt & Museum, Olympic Park | Haidhausen Neighborhood or Oktoberfest |
To navigate your journey through the city, download MVV App and use their journey planner setting to make your travels around the city easy.
Day 1
Morning:
Marienplatz & Glockenspiel
Viktualienmarkt
Afternoon:
Munich Residenz
Hofgarten
Odeonsplatz
Evening:
English Garden
Dinner at a Beer Garden (Chinese Tower Beer Garden)
Your first day in Munich will focus on the city’s historic center.
This area is compact, easy to explore on foot, and packed with beautiful architecture, bustling markets, and landmarks that reflect Munich’s rich past.
Munich related articles:
Morning
Marienplatz and Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)
🕛Time: Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) – 10 AM to 7 PM
How to get there: Take the U-Bahn (U3 or U6) to Marienplatz Station
Start your day at Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, the heart of the city since.
This wonderful neo-gothic tower is one of the most visited places in Munich as for tourists.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings, but the centerpiece is the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), an impressive Neo-Gothic structure with ornate details, spires, and statues.
Something which you might not know is that, the balcony of the New Town Hall is where many sports team celebrate wining a title.
FC Bayern has been an active team to throw multiple celebratory parties on this balcony.
At 11:00 AM, watch the famous Glockenspiel show in the New Town Hall tower. I found the show a bit underwhelming. But many tourists still love it for its simplicity and vintage value.
If you miss out on the 11:00 AM show, don’t panic you can watch it when it’s displayed again at 12 PM and 5 PM.
The tiny mechanical figurines reenact events from Munich’s history in a form for a small skit, including a royal wedding. The show lasts about 12 minutes.
Many tourists enjoy visiting the Viewing gallery in the New Town Hall tower.
You only get a time slot of 15 minutes to tour the viewing gallery.
Book tickets online or get them directly at the venue.
Climb the New Town Hall tower for panoramic views of Munich and even the Alps on clear days.
There is no other place in Munich from where you get a bird’s eye view of the entire old town. Its well worth the climb even if it leaves you panting for a bit.
And for those who don’t want to exhaust themselves climbing the tower they can use the elevator which is open to everyone.
Viktualienmarkt
🕛Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM| Closed on Sundays
How to get there: A 4 minute walk from Marienplatz
After exploring Marienplatz, head to Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s oldest and most famous open-air food market.
Dating back to 1807, the market is filled with stalls selling all kinds of produce like fresh fruits, exotic vegetables, a variety of cheeses, freshly cooked meats and traditional Bavarian snacks.
For all the foodies, this place should be on your list of things to do in Munich
Visit the place right before or after lunchtime to avoid crowds.
But visiting the place when it’s crowded is a great way of experiencing the city’s youthful vibe. So if you are a city-lover like me, visit it in the evening.
Most of the shops here accept cards and cash both but still carry enough cash to get by your day.
Grab a quick Bavarian breakfast here. Try Weißwurst (traditional white sausage) with sweet mustard and a freshly baked Brezn (pretzel).
It’s common in Munich to pair this with a refreshing local beer, even in the morning.
Afternoon
Munich Residenz
🕛 Time:
April to 15 October
9 AM to 6PM (last entry at 5 PM)
16 October to March
10 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM)
Closed on : 1 January, Shrove Tuesday and 24 / 25 / 31 December.
How to get there: A 10-minute walk from Viktualienmarkt
The Munich Residenz was the royal palace of Bavarian monarchs and is now one of the most impressive palace museums in Europe.
It is one of the most visited museums in Munich and a must visit spot for your Munich 2 day itinerary.
You can easily spend 2 hours here appreciating the opulent rooms, grand halls, and beautiful courtyards, showcasing Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles.
Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot and if you get tired walking around there are seats present in every room to rest for a while.
You can choose a tour here based on how much time you plan on spending at this spot, the available tours are a short tour, mid tour or long tour.
For tourists who don’t speak German audiobooks are available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Arabic.
These audiobooks are completely free of cost.
You can get a combination ticket which consists of Residence Museum + Treasury + Cuvilliés Theatre.
You can get this ticket at the cash desk near the entrance or online.
I highly suggest booking a ticket online because if you don’t you will have to wait in the queue for a long time because of how crowded it gets.
Even though the wait time may be long or it may be filled with tourists, I’d still recommend this place because I have never seen anything more grand than this.
Highlights include the Antiquarium, the oldest hall in the Residenz, decorated with stunning frescoes and classical sculptures.
Don’t miss the Residenz Treasury, which displays royal crowns, jewels, and religious artifacts.
After your palace tour, have lunch at Schwarzreiter Tagesbar, a nearby restaurant offering modern Bavarian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. This restaurant also have a vegan menu.
It’s a great spot to relax before continuing your afternoon sightseeing.
Hofgarten and Odeonsplatz
How to get there: The Hofgarten is just a 2 minute walk from the Munich Residenz.
Take a leisurely stroll through the Hofgarten, a serene Italian-style Renaissance garden adjacent to the Residenz.
The Hofgarten has a beautiful dome in the center where often a girl is playing a piano.
The combination of the lush green trees, the cool breeze and the soothing tunes of a piano makes is the best place to unwind and relax an escape from the bustling chaos of the city.
No matter which season you visit, the newly blossomed flowers in spring, the orange hues of autumn foliage or the snow covered trees, make it a must visit place in your Munich 2 day itinerary.
How to Get There: You can get to Odeonsplatz with the U5 from the Munich central station.
From the Hofgarten, walk to Odeonsplatz, a historic square surrounded by impressive architecture.
But if you don’t want random photobombers in every picture that you click of this place, reach early before the hungover beer fans wake up.
Avoid coming to this spot on weekends as it’s extremely crowded.
The Odeonsplatz is full of historical structures so you can enjoy a scenic walk and adore the plaza.
Whether you are a history buff or simply a tourist who wants to explore Odeonsplatz, this place should be a part of your Munich 2 day itinerary.
You can also find a number of cafes and restaurants here, gourmet and local both.
For someone who is interested in the history of war, a notable landmarks include the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshals’ Hall), modeled after Florence’s Loggia dei Lanzi, and the beautiful yellow Theatinerkirche, with its Baroque interiors.
Evening
English Garden (Englischer Garten)
How to get there: A 15-minute walk from Odeonsplatz or take the U-Bahn to Universität Station
End your day one at the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world bigger than New York’s Central Park.
The English Garden will be a perfect escape for some peace and quiet away from the crowds and noise of the city.
Whenever I ask anyone who has been to the English Garden, I have only heard praises and good experiences about this place.
It’s difficult to tour the garden in one go because it really is spread across a vast area. Spend an evening here, lay down on the grass and relax.
This park offers a mix of open meadows, wooded paths, and riverside views which will leave you in awe.
Walk along the Eisbach River to see the famous Eisbachwelle, where surfers ride a standing wave created by an artificial current.
It’s fascinating to watch, especially since people surf here year-round, even in winter.
There are many fun activities here like surfing, musical shows and trails for small hikes.
One of my favorites is the beer cycling! Yes, it looks as fun as it sounds.
If this wasn’t enough, the cherry on the top is a Chinese Tower Beer Garden within the park.
It’s one of Munich’s largest and most popular beer gardens, offering traditional Bavarian food like roast chicken, sausages, potato salad, and, of course, large mugs of local beer.
Day 2
Morning:
Nymphenburg Palace
Afternoon:
BMW Welt & BMW Museum
Olympic Park
Evening:
Haidhausen Neighborhood
Oktoberfest
Morning
Nymphenburg Palace
🕛Time:
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
During winter – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
How to get there: Take Tram 17 from the city center to Schloss Nymphenburg (around 30 minutes)
I hate the fact that Nymphenburg palace doesn’t get enough attention and praise from travel bloggers.
It is one of the most architecturally appealing palaces in all of Germany and has to be a part of your itinerary – no matter how short your visit too Munich.
So start your day 2 at Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty.
The Nymphenburg Palace is a sight to be seen all year around, no matter which season you visit. However it does close early during winter days.
The Baroque palace is surrounded by extensive gardens, canals, and pavilions, making it a peaceful and scenic spot to explore.
Inside, the palace boasts grand halls, ornate frescoes, and opulent royal apartments.
The highlight is the Hall of Mirrors, a stunning room that reflects the luxury and grandeur of Bavaria’s royal past.
Don’t miss the Marstallmuseum, which displays royal carriages, sleighs, and other historical artifacts.
Reach this palace as early as possible after your lunch if you wish to explore the outside premises as this palace really has a huge outdoor complex.
Audiobooks are available at the entry or you can take a guided tour of 30 minutes where you’ll be walked through the ornamental corridors and get a chance to know the detailed explanation of the palace’s history.
Anyone who is interested in history, an architecture lover or simply someone who lives to visit such charming places, the Nymphenburg Palace is spot which you shouldn’t miss out on, in your Munich 2 day itinerary.
Afternoon
BMW Welt and BMW Museum
🕛Time:
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday – Closed
How to Get There: The route from Nymphenburg Palace to BMW Welt isn’t direct. It may require changing connections. Check out the MVV journey planner for the best real-time options. Search for a route between Schloss Nymphenburg to Olympiazentrum.
After visiting the palace, head to BMW Welt and the BMW Museum, located near Munich’s Olympic Park.
BMW Welt is a futuristic showroom where you can see the latest BMW models, concept cars, and motorcycles. You can even sit in some of the cars on display.
You can easily do an entire tour in 2 hours.
It might be a little crowded on weekends and public holidays so I strongly suggest booking your tickets well in advance to avoid wasting your time standing in long queues.
Across the street, the BMW Museum showcases the brand’s history, with exhibits featuring vintage cars, motorcycles, and displays on automotive technology and design.
It’s an engaging stop, even if you’re not a car enthusiast, thanks to its sleek architecture and interactive exhibits.
There are a few coffee shops and restaurants in the museum which are quite reasonable and have a variety of food options for you to choose from.
Olympic Park
How to get there: A 5 minute walk from the BMW Welt and BMW Museum
After lunch, explore Olympic Park, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics.
The park features striking modern architecture, large green spaces, and scenic walking paths.
Here, you can get to take a part in a number of activities like badminton, go on a afternoon stroll or go on a bike ride and explore the Olympia Park.
It also has a swimming pool which is open to all.
Climb or use an elevator up to the top of the Olympic Tower for panoramic views of Munich and on clear days, the distant Alps.
Take the roof-top climb tour, where you can walk along the stadium’s roof with a harness and guide for a thrilling view of the city.
Evening
To end your last day in Munich, you can choose from two these options.
You can explore the Haidhausen Neighborhood which is all about the quaint lanes and charming architecture.
Or if you are visiting Munich during fall (during the months of September-October) you can skip the Haidhausen Neighborhood and have your Oktoberfest experience in Munich.
Haidhausen Neighborhood
How to Get There: Take the S-Bahn to Rosenheimer Platz
End your Munich adventure in Haidhausen, an artsy, offbeat neighborhood on the eastern side of the Isar River.
Unlike the busy city center, Haidhausen has a laid-back vibe with cobblestone streets, charming cafés, boutique shops, and cozy beer halls.
Walk around Weißenburger Platz, a picturesque square with fountains, flower gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere.
The neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art and small galleries, making it a great place to explore local culture.
For your final dinner in Munich, head to Wirtshaus in der Au, a traditional Bavarian restaurant famous for its hearty dumplings, roasted meats, and selection of local beers.
Oktoberfest
Experience the Oktoberfest if you are visiting Germany between late September and the first Sunday of October.
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, attracting over 6 million visitors annually.
In 2025, the 190th Oktoberfest will take place from September 20th to 5th October.
This is the official website of the Munich Oktoberfest 2025, you can check out all the events and even book a table well in advance from this website.
It’s held at Theresienwiese in Munich, where massive beer tents, traditional food stalls, and carnival rides create an unforgettable festival atmosphere.
Explore the city’s most loved festival on the second half of the day. A memorable end to your Munich 2 day itinerary.
You can sip on beers and enjoy the traditional Bavarian snacks while wearing traditional Oktoberfest German attire, a dirndl for women and men can wear a Lederhosen.
Weekdays are less crowded, while weekends are lively but packed.
Recommended Guided Tour
One of the best ways to get the most out of Oktoberfest without getting overwhelmed as a first-timer in Munich is on a guided tour. I highly recommend the Munich Beer & Food Tour. It takes you through the full experience without the need to plan your outing yourself.
(Check the latest prices and availability here)
FAQs for Munich 2 day itinerary
1. Are 2 days in Munich enough?
2 days in Munich are enough to see all the top touristy places in Munich at a comfortable pace.
But Munich is also a great hub for visiting
– a number of lake towns like Tegernsee, Schliersee, etc
– fairy tale towns Rothenburg ob der Tauber or the Neuschwanstein Castle or
– historical towns like Nuremberg
It is also well-connected with Salzburg which is just a 2.5-hour train ride away.
So try to get in a couple of extra days in Munich to go on fun day trips to nearby places.
2. What is the best way to get around Munich?
The best way to get around Munich is by using public transportation, which includes the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses.
The system is efficient, easy to navigate, and covers the entire city.
A Day Ticket (Tageskarte) allows unlimited travel within selected zones, making it cost-effective if you plan to take multiple trips in a day.
The city center is also very walkable, especially around Marienplatz, where many major attractions are located close to each other.
You can check out the MVV App journey planner to check out different routes and which ones will help you reach faster.
3. What is the best time of year to visit Munich?
Visit Munich in spring (April–June) or fall (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
For Oktoberfest, plan your visit in late September.
Winter in Munich is beautiful if you enjoy Christmas markets and festive decorations.
