If you’re planning a trip to Germany, this 3 day Munich itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Bavaria’s capital. I love Munich, and even with just three days, you can see the city’s highlights, experience Bavarian culture, and take a fun day trip into the surrounding region.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through each day, from exploring the city’s historic palaces and beer halls to wandering vibrant markets and enjoying local cuisine. You’ll also find tips for day trips, places to stay, and helpful advice for getting around, so you can focus on enjoying everything Munich has to offer.
Published: February 22, 2026
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Your Ultimate 3 Day Munich Itinerary
I love Munich, and if you want to experience the city and Bavaria to the fullest, I’ve made you the perfect itinerary below. You’ll enjoy amazing food, tour the city, and see some of the most iconic sites.
Here is the ultimate 3 day Munich itinerary:
Day 1: Explore the City, Join a Tour, and Enjoy a Classic Bavarian Evening
I recommend starting your first day with a walking tour or a bike tour. I’ve done both, and each option works well depending on what you want. A bike tour lets you cover more ground and see more of Munich in a short time. A walking tour is more budget friendly and still gives you a solid overview of the city. Most tours begin around Marienplatz, so you can explore the square before or after. This is where you’ll see the New Town Hall and the Glockenspiel, two of the most recognizable landmarks in Munich.
Book your guided bike tour in Munich: Munich 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour.
If your tour didn’t visit them, make time for the English Garden and the Eisbachwelle. The English Garden is one of the largest city parks in Europe, and it’s an easy place to walk, relax, or stop for lunch. The Chinese Tower beer garden is a good lunch option with plenty of outdoor seating and casual Bavarian dishes. The Eisbachwelle sits at the southern edge of the park, and it’s a standing wave where surfers ride year-round. It’s quick to see and worth stopping by.
In the afternoon, you can explore areas close by such as Odeonsplatz or Viktualienmarkt. Odeonsplatz has open squares and historic buildings, and Viktualienmarkt is a good place to try local food or browse small stalls. If you want something cultural, the Munich Residenz is also nearby and easy to visit after lunch.
In the evening, make sure to visit a beer hall for classic Bavarian food. I love Bavarian dishes, and Munich is the best place to try them. Hofbräuhaus and Augustiner-Keller are the most famous options, but you can also choose a smaller beer hall if you want something more low-key. Order something traditional for dinner, like schnitzel, roast pork, or dumplings. It’s the perfect way to end your first day in the city.
Day 2: Palaces, Markets, and More Bavarian Beer
On your second day in Munich, start with a visit to the Munich Residenz, the city’s former royal palace. I loved exploring the ornate rooms, lavish decorations, and the treasury—it really gives you a sense of Bavaria’s history and the wealth of the Wittelsbach family. You can easily spend a couple of hours here, especially if you join a guided tour to learn more about the architecture and stories behind the palace.
Book your Munich Residenz and Hofgarten ticket: Munich: Residenz Palace and Hofgarten Skip-the-Line Tour
After the Residenz, head to Viktualienmarkt for lunch. This open-air market is full of fresh produce, local cheeses, sausages, and pastries. Grab a snack or a quick bite while wandering the stalls, and be sure to check out some Bavarian specialties. If your tour didn’t visit them, make time to see Marienplatz again or stop by a beer garden near the market for a mid-day refreshment—Munich has plenty of spots to enjoy a cold brew.
Book a Viktualienmarkt food tour in Munich: Munich: Viktualienmarkt Food Tour.
In the afternoon, visit Nymphenburg Palace, a stunning Baroque residence with expansive gardens. You can stroll through the palace rooms and wander the grounds, which are especially beautiful if the weather is nice. If you’re visiting in the winter months, check out my Munich Christmas Markets post for tips on combining your palace visit with festive seasonal activities.
Book your Nymphenburg Palace ticket: Munich: Nymphenburg Palace Entry Ticket.
End the day with another round of Bavarian food and beer. I like trying different beer halls each day to get a sense of the local atmosphere. Whether it’s a hearty schnitzel, roasted pork, or a creamy pretzel with mustard, make sure to enjoy a filling dinner—you’ll have earned it after a full day of sightseeing.
Day 3: Explore Beyond Munich – Day Trip Ideas
On your third day, take a day trip from Munich to see more of Bavaria or nearby Austria. One of the most popular options is Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The drive takes about two hours each way, and you can join a guided tour or take the train and a shuttle bus. Once there, stroll through the castle interiors, admire the views from Marienbrücke, and enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery.
Book a tour of Neuschwanstein Castle: From Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Trip
If castles aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other day trips to consider. You could visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site for a sobering but important historical experience, or head to Salzburg, Austria, to explore Mozart’s hometown, its fortress, and charming old town streets. Other options include picturesque Bavarian towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber or Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where you can enjoy small-town charm, local food, and scenic mountain views.
Book a tour of Dachau Concentration Camp: From Munich to Dachau: Guided tour of the Dachau Concentration Camp or Private Guided Tour to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Plan your day carefully, as these trips can take most of the day. Whether you choose history, architecture, or fairy-tale castles, a day trip from Munich is the perfect way to round out your Munich 3-day itinerary and see more of what Bavaria has to offer.
Here are some great tours to book for your day trip from Munich:
- Neuschwanstein Castle – The iconic fairytale castle near Füssen. Book a tour here to skip the lines and explore the castle with a guide.
- Dachau Memorial Site – A sobering historical experience close to Munich. Reserve your guided visit here to learn the full history.
- Salzburg, Austria – Explore Mozart’s hometown, its fortress, and charming old town. Book a day trip from Munich here.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Picturesque medieval town in Bavaria. Join a guided tour here to see the highlights.
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Alpine town with stunning mountain scenery. Reserve a scenic tour here.
Where to Stay in Munich
Staying in Munich near the city center or a main transit hub makes it easy to reach attractions, restaurants, and your day trip departures.
Budget: Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof – A lively, budget-friendly hostel located near the central train station. It offers dorms and private rooms, plus a social common area that’s great for meeting other travelers.
Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express Munich East – A comfortable hotel with clean rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to public transport. It’s a convenient choice if you want a quieter area but still want to reach the city center quickly.
Luxury: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München -A top luxury option in the heart of Munich. This elegant hotel offers spacious rooms, fine dining, and easy walking access to Marienplatz, shopping streets, and historic sites.
Tours to Book in Munich
Booking a tour in Munich is a great way to see the city and learn more about its history, culture, and hidden spots. Whether you want a walking or bike tour, a day trip to nearby castles, or a beer hall experience, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Here are the top tours to make the most of your 3-day Munich itinerary:
Tips for Visiting Munich
Getting Around: Munich has an excellent public transportation system, including the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses. Most major attractions in the city center are easily walkable, but for longer distances or day trips, public transport is fast and reliable. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, consider getting a Munich City Tour Card or a day pass for unlimited rides. Walking tours and bike tours are also a fun way to see the city at your own pace.
Day Trips: Many of the castles, alpine towns, and nearby cities require either a train ride or a guided tour. Booking in advance helps you save time and guarantees availability, especially for popular spots like Neuschwanstein Castle.
Best Time to Visit: Munich is beautiful year-round. Fall is famous for Oktoberfest, while winter brings festive Christmas markets. Spring and summer are perfect for strolling gardens, enjoying beer gardens, and exploring outdoor markets. Keep in mind that the city center can get crowded during peak tourist months.
Tickets & Reservations: For palaces like the Residenz and Nymphenburg, as well as museum exhibitions, it’s worth checking if timed-entry tickets are available. Some beer halls also allow reservations, which can be handy if you’re visiting during peak hours.
Cash & Payments: While many places accept cards, some smaller beer halls, markets, and local vendors prefer cash (Euros). Carry some cash to avoid being caught off guard.
Local Customs: Bavarians take pride in their culture. At beer halls, it’s polite to make eye contact when clinking glasses. Tipping around 5–10% in restaurants is standard. Always follow posted rules in historic sites and palaces to preserve the buildings and grounds.
Weather Prep: Munich’s weather can change quickly. Pack layers, especially if you’re visiting in spring or fall. A light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes are essential if you plan to explore on foot.
Conclusion: 3 Day Munich Itinerary
Munich is a city I absolutely love, and even in just three days, you can see so much of what makes it special. From historic palaces and vibrant markets to world-famous beer halls and stunning day trips, there’s a little bit of everything packed into the city. Three days gives you enough time to explore the highlights, enjoy Bavarian food and culture, and even take a day trip to see castles or alpine towns.
No matter what you choose to do, planning your days and prioritizing what interests you most will make your time in Munich memorable. Whether it’s strolling through the English Garden, tasting local beers, or marveling at Neuschwanstein Castle, this 3-day Munich itinerary is designed to help you see the best of the city and beyond.
Need more help planning your perfect trip to Germany? Check out my other guides:
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