Ready to immerse yourself in the charm of Munich? This 3-day itinerary is your passport to exploring the best of Bavaria’s capital. With its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant beer culture, Munich offers a unique blend of history, culture, and art. This itinerary will inspire you to plan your own unforgettable trip to Munich. So let’s go!

How to spend 3 days in Munich?

Essential Tips for Munich Trip

Check our Top tips for visiting Munich to save time and money when you’re planning your Bavarian adventure.

Day 1: A Bavarian Adventure from Ancient Art to Olympic Sites

Bavarian National Museum

Distance from Munich Central Train Station (Hbf): around 20 minutes

The Bavarian National Museum showcases a vast collection of art and cultural artifacts. From prehistoric times to the present day, the museum houses a diverse range of exhibits, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and textiles. Visitors can explore the museum’s various galleries to gain insights into Bavarian history, culture, and artistic traditions.

I made sure to visit on Sunday to take advantage of the discounted ticket price. Some Munich museums, like the Bavarian National Museum, only cost 1 Euro on Sundays!

Lunch break

Starving after the museum tour, I decided to refuel at the Bavarian National Museum restaurant. They have a lovely indoor and outdoor seating area. I ordered a carpaccio dish, which was as delicious as it looked!

Olympiapark, a legacy of the Olympics

I fell head over heels for Olympiapark! The green spaces and peaceful lake create breathtaking views that are simply unforgettable. It’s a massive park, so be prepared for plenty of walking to explore it all.

You can reach Olympiapark by:

• Bus (30 minutes from Hbf): to the “Olympiaberg” stop which is closer to the lake and stadium.
• Metro (15 minutes from Hbf): to the “Olympiazentrum” stop which is closer to the BMW Welt and Museum.

These stops are located on opposite sides of the park. Choose the stop that best suits your itinerary.

I visited during the Euro Cup 2024 and experienced an incredible atmosphere. The park hosted live screenings of the matches, complete with vibrant ambiance and enthusiastic cheers.

The park’s origins date back to the 1972 Summer Olympics, and it remains a popular destination today with a variety of activities to enjoy:

• Olympic Tower: This 290-meter TV tower offers panoramic views from its observation platform. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations during my visit, so I missed out on the stunning vistas.
• Olympiaberg: Instead, I climbed up Olympiaberg to enjoy a fantastic view of the park. During the Euro Cup, you could also try the thrilling flying fox zip line, which takes you soaring above the lake.

• Olympic Swimming Pool: I checked out the pool for free. If you’d like to swim or watch a game from the seats, be sure to check their website for ticket availability. Sometimes, tickets are even free!
• Olympic Stadium: The venue for the Olympic football games, the stadium now hosts concerts and tours. I visited when they were setting up for a concert, and I was impressed by its unique architecture.

• Munich Olympic Walk of Stars: A walkway along the Olympic Lake where international stars have left their mark.

• BMW Welt and BMW Museum: These nearby attractions offer a glimpse into the world of BMW. BMW Welt is free to enter, while the museum requires a ticket.

Marienplatz: Munich’s old town square

After visiting the Olympic Park, I took the 11-minute metro from Olympiazentrum to Marienplatz. As night fell, I wanted to explore the old town strolling along the streets and admiring the beautiful buildings and fountains. Then I randomly picked a local restaurant to try Munich’s famous schnitzel.

But that’s not all! I dedicated a morning to explore the Old Town’s charm by daylight!

Day 2: An Adventure away from Munich center

Nymphenburg Palace and Park palaces

• Distance from Hbf: around 16 minutes by tram
• Opening hours: check the official website since opening hours vary with the season

Nestled in Munich, Nymphenburg Palace and Park offers a captivating journey through history and natural beauty. For just €13, you can purchase a combined ticket that grants you access to the palace, parks, and museum.

While you can explore the park for free, a ticket is required to enter the park palaces.

I chose to visit the palace and parks and I was enchanted. I began my visit by touring the palace rooms, each filled with exquisite furnishings and artwork.

Afterwards, I ventured into the gardens, where I discovered the enchanting park palaces. These smaller structures were truly a highlight for me, even surpassing the main palace in their charm and elegance.

My visit took approximately three hours, note that I didn’t visit the museums.

Nymphenburg Botanical Garden

Just a-5 minute-bus-ride from the palace you’ll find the botanical gardens! This was the first botanical garden I’ve ever visited and I was impressed by the huge hall rooms.

For just €5.50, you can immerse yourself in a world of diverse flora. One of the highlights is the impressive array of halls, each showcasing a unique collection of plants: cactus, orchids, palm trees, tropical plants… These huge spaces house different plant species from around the globe, creating a breathtaking spectacle of color and form.

Hall of Fame (Ruhmeshalle) and Bavaria

Distance from Botanical Garden Nymphenburg: 45 minutes (a combination of tram, metro and walking)

The Ruhmeshalle, or Hall of Fame, is a grand monument in Munich. It honors distinguished figures from Bavarian history, including scientists, artists, and politicians. The hall features a collection of busts, each commemorating a notable individual who has contributed to Bavaria’s legacy.

The hall is like a temple with a big statue of Bavaria herself, a strong woman who represents the state, a symbol of the region’s strength and pride.

The hall itself doesn’t need a lot of time but there’s a 15-minute walk from the metro station to the hall of fame. There’s also a park, Bavariapark, just nearby where you can take a break and relax.

Umadum observation wheel

Distance from Hall of Fame : 30 minutes (a combination of metro and walking).

The Umadum is the world’s largest mobile Ferris wheel, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Munich. Soar above the city skyline and admire iconic landmarks like the Frauenkirche and the Olympic Tower from a unique perspective.

Hofbräuhaus beer hall and restaurant

Wrapping my day, I returned to the city center to experience the lively atmosphere of Hofbräuhaus, a world-renowned beer hall. This massive place, always bustling with activity, offers a taste of traditional Bavarian culture. I enjoyed a delicious German meal and enjoyed a local beer, immersing myself in the lively ambiance of the night.

Day 3: A Day in the Heart of Munich

Let’s embark on a walking tour of Munich, starting from the busy Hauptbahnhof (Hbf).

Justizpalatz, palace of justice

As I wandered through the city center, my eyes fell upon a beautiful building. Curious, I stepped inside and asked. Turns out I discovered the palace of justice, Justizpalast München! Not only is it a stunning piece of architecture, but it’s also open to the public for free tours.

Don’t miss the charming fountain right next to the palace. Be sure to circle the building to admire its beauty from every angle and check out the beautiful fountain.

Stachus, Karlsplatz

Just a 3-minute stroll from the Justizpalast, you’ll arrive at Stachus, Karlsplatz. Its iconic arcades, atmosphere, and beautiful fountains make it a popular square in the heart of Munich.

From Stachus, pass through the historic Karlstor city gate and immerse yourself in a world of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Your journey will lead you to St. Michael church and the iconic Frauenkirche.

Frauenkirche, Munich

The Frauenkirche, with its iconic twin towers, is a popular landmark in Munich. In front of the church, you’ll find the eye-catching water mushroom fountain (Wasserpilz Brunnen) where you can sit to relax and admire the church’s grandeur.

Marienplatz

From Frauenkirche, a short walk will lead you to Marienplatz, one of the most picturesque old town squares in Europe. This historic square holds a treasure of architectural wonders, including the stunning Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), St. Peter’s Church, the Holy Spirit Church (Heilig-Geist-Kirche), and Mariensäule, a golden statue of Mary in the middle of the square.

Don’t miss the famous clock Glockenspiel! A captivating hourly show featuring dancing figures and music, is performed daily from Neues Rathaus‘s tower at 11 am, 12 pm and 5 pm (from March to October).

For breathtaking panoramic views of the city center, you have several options: the Frauenkirche, St. Peter’s Church, or Neues Rathaus. I personally opted for the Neues Rathaus and captured stunning photos from its top.

Here, you’ll also encounter the Altes Rathaus, the former Town Hall that now houses a toy museum. Nearby, the Holy Spirit Church (Heilig-Geist-Kirche) stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.

Continue your stroll through the city center, admiring the beautiful fountains, browsing the shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the nearby Viktualienmarkt, the outdoor market where you can find all sorts of goods from fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, to flowers, bags and souvenirs.

Residenz and National Theatre

Continue your journey to reach the National Theatre, a cultural institution that has hosted countless world-class performances. From there, make your way to the Residenz, a former royal palace that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Bavarian royalty. While I only admired the stunning exterior, you can explore the interior and its museum collections based on your plans and time.

Odeonsplatz

Near the Residenz, you’ll reach Odeonsplatz, a stunning square dominated by the majestic Theatiner Church. This Baroque masterpiece, with its striking facade and twin towers, is a true architectural gem. The square is also home to Feldherrnhalle, a monument of the Bavarian army and lion statues.

St. Ludwig Church and Siegestor

I continued my exploration, and stumbled upon St. Ludwig Church. I stepped inside to admire its interior before exploring further. My journey led me to the Siegestor, a triumphal arch commemorating Bavarian victories.

Alte Pinakothekt and Königsplatz

After a long day of walking, I decided to take the bus to cover the remaining destinations on my list.

Alte Pinakothek is an art museum housing a vast collection of masterpieces. While Königsplatz, is the king’s square which has several temple-like building featuring the iconic Propyläen gate, the Glyptothek and State Collection of Antiquities museums.

While I didn’t have time to explore the museums, I admired both Alte Pinakothek and Königsplatz from the outside.

A Bavarian Bite

To conclude my day, I returned to the Hbf area. I opted for a local restaurant and enjoyed a delicious dish of baked veal spleen schnitzel served with potato salad and a flavorful sauce. It was a delightful surprise to see the waitresses dressed in traditional Bavarian attire, adding to the authentic dining experience.

As my unforgettable journey through Munich draws to a close, I will cherish the memories of exploring its historic streets and admiring its iconic landmarks. Munich, you have stolen my heart, and I eagerly await the opportunity to visit again.

Munich Awaits! Have a fantastic time!