2 Days In Munich: The Perfect Itinerary For First Timers

A guide on how to plan the perfect 2 days in Munich for first time visitors. What to do, where to eat, and how to get around to make the most of your Munich itinerary.

Looking for ways to make the most of your 48 hours in Munich but don’t know where to start? As the state capital of Bavaria in Germany, Munich is bursting at the seams with everything from historic structures to modern lifestyles and nightlife. 

With so many possibilities, even as a native German, how could you ever cram everything into 2 days in Munich?

This guide includes your absolute must dos, where to go, and where to eat to create an unforgettable experience. 

Where to stay in Munich

With so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to stay! The best neighborhoods to stay in Munich are Altstadt-Lehel and Schwabing.

Altstadt-Lehel (Old Town)

As you explore this neighborhood, you’ll discover several of its most recognizable landmarks, from the New Town Hall and its famed Glockenspiel at the Marienplatz, to the Frauenkirche. This cathedral has come to symbolize Munich. 

Those with a penchant for museums will also like the Haus der Kunst, a museum dedicated to modern art located in this area – more of a shopping fan? There are countless high-end boutiques located in this neighborhood that will make your heart beat faster.

Schwabing

You’ll see why locals and visitors love to stroll the streets of this lively district, often known as Munich’s bohemian section. There are plenty of places to eat and drink and a wide variety of stores and boutiques to peruse.

In addition, Schwabing is home to one of the world’s largest urban parks, the Englisher Garten, where you can unwind and even surf on the Eisbach River. The Alte and Neue Pinakothek is one of the best museums in Germany to visit if you’re interested in art.

THE PERFECT 2 DAYS IN MUNICH ITINERARY FOR FIRST TIMERS

Day 1 – Altstadt-Lehel and Englischer Garten

Whether staying in Altstadt-Lehel or Schwabing, you have direct access to the efficient public transportation system, making getting around easy.

If you have only a limited amount of time, it’s best to start with the neighborhood you’re staying in – one of the reasons why choosing a good neighborhood is crucial, and why staying in Altstadt-Lehel is the best option. 

Stop 1. Altstadt-Lehel

But if you prefer to explore independently and you have only a day to spend in the city centre, make sure to spend your first day visiting these places:

Must see things in Alstadt-Lehel

• Marienplatz
• Frauenkirche 
• Residenz Museum 
• Viktualienmarkt 

Start at Marienplatz, where you’ll find buildings from various architectural eras surrounding the city’s central square, going back to 1158. Listen to the famous Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall and pay attention to the figures depicting different historical events – can you recognize any?

The Glockenspiel chimes every day at 11am and at 12pm, and from March to October at 5pm too.

Don’t leave Marienplatz without admiring the Old Town Hall building, which dates back to the 15th century and now houses a Toy Museum among other things.

Another building of note is St Peter’s Church (Alter Peter), Munich’s oldest church. Climb to the top of the tower for fantastic views of the square.

From here, head to Frauenkirche or the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady. It was built in the 15th century, and its distinctive domed towers – which survived World War II – have become an iconic feature of the cityscape.

When wandering around inside, keep an eye out for the mysterious black mark on the stairs, known as the “Devil’s Footsteps,” with an interesting legend behind it.

Continue exploring the streets of Aldstadt as you walk towards The Residenz Museum. The varied architectural styles of the greatest city palace in Germany range from Renaissance to Rococo to Classical.

Discover the luxurious chambers and halls of the old royal residence of the Wittelsbach rulers of Bavaria, loaded to the brim with artwork that provides a unique view into the royal lifestyle of the time. 

TOP TIP: Have you ever wished you could walk the halls like a princess? If you want some quiet time to yourself, you should go there just as they open or right before they close (instagrammable picture opportunity!).

The daily food market at the Viktualienmarkt has been an experience for all the senses since 1807.

Since its beginnings as a straightforward farmers’ market, it has evolved into a gourmet food market with its traditional Bavarian roots. It is an essential part of Munich’s heritage and a must-experience.

Fresh fruit, vegetables, unique spices, and many more possibilities give you a taste of the region and a look into local life – a true food lover’s paradise!

The Biergarten Am Viktualienmarkt is one of the main hidden gems there, as there are so many things to see that you will easily overlook this beer garden.

It’s a favorite spot for residents and visitors, where you can sample Munich’s famed beers from the cellars beneath the chestnut trees. What better way to experience authentic German culture than to sip traditional Bavarian beer in a neighborhood garden full of locals?

Tours in Altstadt-Lehel

Altstadt-Lehel offers many tours that will allow you to dive deeper into the history and culture of Munich and Germany. Take advantage of Munich’s many walking tours to see the city’s rich history and diverse cultural offerings.

Other places to visit in Altstadt-Lehel

While I always love seeing the highlights of any place that I visit, I also love discovering hidden gems and less touristy places for that extra cultural feel. Therefore, I cannot recommend enough going to these places:

1. Asam Kirche (Asam Church): This small yet grand gem of late Baroque German architecture is tucked away between larger structures and side lanes. 

The brothers Egid Quirin Asam and Cosmas Damian Asam constructed this church between 1733 and 1746, making it a relatively recent structure.

Because it was formerly the brothers’ private church, its style and appearance are a rare example of an extensive work of art by two masters working together. 

2. Surfing at the Eisbach Wave: While not as historically significant, the Eisbach Wave is a unique part of Munich’s culture that has emerged only in the last few decades and is located between Lehel and Schwabing.

It is a popular spot for river surfers and an integral part of the urban lifestyle, so if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf on a man-made river, this may just be the thing for you!

Where to eat in Altstadt-Lehel

You may have an authentic German culinary experience practically anywhere because you are in one of the hubs of authentic German food. However, with so many choices, picking a good place is hard – I’ve got you!

Hofbräuhaus

One of the oldest beer halls in Munich, dating back to the 16th century, it’s a symbol of Munich’s hospitality.

With a cozy atmosphere and traditional Bavarian music playing in the background, you will be assured of having an unforgettable experience when sampling classic German dishes.

You must try: Pretzels, sausages, Schweinshaxe (pork knuckles), and any of the regional beers that are brewed based on centuries-old recipes.

You must try: Augustiner Beer, Weißwurst made out of minced veal and pork back bacon, or Käsespätzle, which is a German-style macaroni cheese made out of egg noodles. 

Zum Dürnbräu

This restaurant is one of Munich’s oldest restaurants and has served traditional Bavarian food since the 15th century (wow!). You can enjoy century-old recipes involving sausages and sauerkraut.

You must try: Dürnbräu Dunkel (dark beer), Bratwurst, Schnitzel Wiener Art, or Bavarian Cream (vanilla-infused custard thickened cream).

Writing about these makes me wish I could just beam back and enjoy them again!

Stop 2. Englischer Garten (English Garden)

The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world. The informal English landscape gardening style dates back to the late 18th century. Sir Benjamin Thompson, an American-British physicist, and investor, began developing the park in 1789.

You will notice that this garden will stick out among the other German and European gardens that are typically in the French style.

The gardener who oversaw the development was influenced by the English gardens of the time, prioritizing naturalistic landscapes over the more formal, geometric designs typical of the French and Italian styles – this alone makes this park a must.

If you, however, prefer to explore independently, here are the places you must not miss in the Englischer Garten.

Must visit places in the Englischer Garten

• Eisbach surfing 
• Monopteros 
• Chinese Tower

As the Eisbach surfing spot is a must for both stops, consider this a bridge between the two stops. This man-made creek runs through the Englischer Garten and is particularly famous for the Eisbachwelle (Eisbach Wave).

While you’re in Germany, you will notice all the different influences it has from outside cultures and countries.

Here, Monopteros is a Greek-style temple that was added to the Englischer Garten in 1836 by King Ludwig I of Bavaria during the neoclassicism movement in Germany – you will notice this movement in many buildings within Munich as well!

The neoclassical structure adds to the touch of ancient Greece and offers an amazing panoramic view of the Munich skyline. 

As mentioned, Germany can be a multicultural pot of different world influences. However, the Chinese Tower will stick out.

The 25-meter-high wooden tower was constructed in the 1790s and inspired by the “Great Pagoda” in London’s Kew Gardens. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during World War II, so what you see today is what they rebuilt.

The area surrounding this tower will give you access to Munich’s most popular beer garden – pairing history with good beer and a great place to people watch? I call this a win-win!

Other Places to Visit in/near Englischer Garten

If you have some extra time available, consider seeing either of these:

1. Kleinhesseloher Lake:  This picturesque lake is located in the northern part of the Englischer Garten. A popular destination for both locals and tourists, you can take some time to relax while appreciating nature. 

Here’s why you should go: This little artificial lake was created around 1800 by the same landscape designer as the entire Englischer Garten.

Within these 21 acres, you can do activities such as renting rowboats or pedal boats, walking or jogging with a scenic route, or visit the Seehaus beer garden and restaurant, the perfect place to enjoy the views of the lake.

2. Siegestor: Translated, it means “victory gate,” and it’s one of Munich’s most recognizable landmarks. It was built around the 1850s on Ludwigstraße, between Schwabing and Maxvorstadt.

Inspired by Rome’s Arch of Constantine, this monument to the bravery of the Bavarian army was substantially destroyed during World War II but has since been repaired, albeit with a few obvious wounds. 

Looking for some instagrammable places? This is one of them!

3. Friedensengel: The “Angel of Peace” is another iconic must in Munich if you have extra time on your hands.

It is located in the Bogenhausen district and is a testimony to the 25 years of peace at the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 – yep, many peaceful years since then!

This monument is rich in history with a lovely small park Maximiliansanlagen, next to the monument, and it’s also an instagrammable photo opportunity with the statue against the sky. 

Plus it offers accessibility compared to some other monuments as it’s just a short walk away from the banks of the Isar River.

Tours in or near Englischer Garten

Looking for some extra immersion? No worries, there are tons!

You can find lots of different tours within or near the Englischer Garten, including these highlighted ones:

Where to eat in or near Englischer Garten

Looking for some feasting while you’re there? There are SO many options! Here were my favorite ones!

Consider going to either of these within the Englischer Garten:

• Chinesischer Turm beer garden – the most iconic of the beer gardens in the area.
• Seehaus by the Kleinhesseloher Lake – beautiful views over the lake and a more upscale restaurant setting all in one. Opt-in for some Bavarian fare, fish, pasta, or more!
• Osterwaldgarten – in the northern part of the park, you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere among chestnut trees with a less touristy area.

If you’re looking for options near the Garten, check these ones out:

• Kaisergarten – More to the east of the park, it mixes traditional and modern Bavarian cuisine with a history dating back to the 16th century. 
• Veganista – If you’re vegan, this will be your place! It’s near the southern end and even offers vegan ice cream!
• Café Fröttmaning – At the west of the park, you will find some of the most delicious cakes and pastries!

Day 2 – Nymphenburg Palace and Olympiapark

On the second day, you should take some time to visit Nymphenburg, the historic neighborhood in the western part of Munich.

One of the most historically significant neighborhoods, it was established in 1664 when Elector Ferdinand Maria commissioned the construction of the Nymphenburg Palace as a gift to his beloved wife to celebrate the birth of their child.

When you walk through the neighborhood, pay attention to the romantic and different stages of architecture, including baroque, rococo, and neoclassical styles. 

However, the neighborhood expanded past the palace over time and evolved into a mix of historical and natural attractions that locals and tourists love.

On the other hand, you will want to visit Olympiapark (Olympic Park) as it’s a historic masterpiece from the Olympic Summer games of 1972.

As you’re walking through this area, you will see its influence and how it’s been integrated into the culture over the past decades.

Stop 1. Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

Nymphenburg is one of my favorite Munich neighborhoods as it harbors some of the most significant historical landmarks.

Start the day by visiting Nymphenburg Palace, the beautiful Baroque palace that was once the summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria.

Besides the main palace building, where you can explore the different impressive and luxurious rooms, including the bedroom of King Ludwig II, you can also wander around Nymphenburg Park, initially designed in an English landscape garden.

Hidden within the park, you can find several smaller palaces or pavilions, including the Amalienburg, Badeburg, Pagodenburg, and Magdalenenklause. 

Start exploring the highlights by visiting first the Main Palace (Hauptbau), with its lavishly decorated rooms like the lavishly opulent Great Hall (Steinerner Saal).

The Gallery of Beauties (Schönheitengalerie), commissioned by King Ludwig I, displays 36 portraits of beautiful women of all social classes during his reign. Great chance to make it a 37th with you next to it!

Find the Carriage Museum (Marstallmuseum) in the former royal stables, where you can see historic carriages, sleighs, and other riding equipment from the past few centuries.

And don’t miss the Porcelain Museum (Porzellanmuseum), displaying an extensive collection of porcelain with one-of-a-kind craftsmanship and styles over the last few centuries.

If you’re looking for some Instagram opportunities, head to The Gardens. See structured formal gardens change into English-style landscape gardens involving canals, lakes, and waterways. An absolute beauty!

And there’s more! There are several smaller palaces and pavilions in it actually, which can be explored separately.

• Amalienburg – Pink palace famous for its Hall of Mirrors and its fine Rococo architecture
• Badenburg – The highlight is the bathing room that showcases the bathing culture of the Baroque era – pretty cool, huh?
• Pagodenburg – This little palace stands out for its unique two-story pavilion with beautiful Chinese and Dutch Delft tilework.

A visit to Nymphenburg Palace will fill up most of your time on this day, however, chances are, you may not be into everything you will find here. So, make sure to check out the surrounding places and Stop number 2 for this day!

Tours in Nymphenburg Palace

As you see, this is a ginormous place with lots of things to see. Joining a tour to move through the location quicker and see the best things faster can be beneficial.

Tour guides have inside knowledge and can often tell you way more than you can even find in brochures or online. They’re a wealth of knowledge with a passion like no other.

Here’s a selection of the different tours in and around Nymphenburg Palace you could take:

Other places to visit near Nymphenburg Palace

Looking for something else to do because spending too much time at the palace just isn’t your thing? No worries. I’ve got you!

Here are some of the best places you should consider visiting:

1. Botanical Gardens (Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg): Right next to the palace, you can see various plant species. Not to mention the beautiful instagrammable pictures you could take here!

2. Hirschgarten: This is the largest beer garden in Munich that you can visit when you’re done at the palace. Try some Bavarian food, beer, and relax with the views of the palace.

3. Hubertusbrunnen: This one-of-a-kind neo-Baroque fountain is located on the west of the palace and offers scenic spots to relax and take breathtaking pictures.

Where to Eat in Nymphenburg Palace

Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige Nymphenburg

Located right within the palace, you can visit the Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige Nymphenburg, where you can enjoy Bavarian dishes in a historical setting. The ambiance is elegant yet not expensive, so you will have an amazing time no matter what time of the year you go.

Café Palemhaus

Café Palemhaus is the former royal greenhouse and offers lighter options, including sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee for that snack in between.

Not your thing? There are so many more options surrounding the palace.

Stop 2. Olympiapark 

Olympiapark is the largest urban park built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It was especially significant for its post-war renovation and modernization and should be your second stop.

Since then, it has hosted various concerts, sporting events, and other special occasions. 

Some of the highlights to visit in this park include the Olympiastadion (Olympic Stadium), the main venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It has since been used as the primary stadium for Munich’s major football matches.

The Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm) is the tallest structure in Munich, 291 meters high (955 feet!), offering a panoramic view of the city. It also has an amazing restaurant near the top!

There are a number of annual festivals that take place at Olympiapark. 

Every summer the Tollwood Summer Festival brings live music, theater, art, and markets to both visitors and locals. (Please note that the Tollwood Winter Festival is located in Theresienwiese).

SUMMERFEST Olympiapark is another summer festival that offers all the good stuff, including live music, fireworks, lots of food, and family-friendly activities.

And, Munich Mash is a major action sports event that attracts even international athletes involving BMX, skateboarding, and wakeboarding competitions as examples.

Other places to visit in/near Olympiapark

1. BMW Welt (BMW World): Looking for something unique? Visit BMW Welt (BMW World) to see the latest BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles in a multi-purpose customer experience and exhibition facility.

But that’s not it. BMW Welt also includes a BMW Museum that offers a comprehensive history of the brand and its development over the decades. If you’re a fan of cars, this will be a must!

2. Rock Museum: Learn about the history of rock and pop music in Germany starting in the 1950s, featuring lots of memorabilia. Some highlights are guitars from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, and Eric Clapton.

Where to eat in or near Olympiapark

Considering its historical significance, there are many historic restaurants nearby.

• Olympia-Alm – a cozy and rustic restaurant with traditional Bavarian dishes with a panoramic view of the park.
• Restaurant 181 – located within the Olympic Tower, where you can access two different dining experiences: 181 First, a fine dining restaurant, and 181 Business, which offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. The food is the same; it’s just the ambiance.
• Taverna Olympiapark – down for something different? This restaurant offers Greek dishes, and it’s just a short walk away. Enjoy Mediterranean foods like moussaka and souvlaki!

Visit the international restaurant M1 or the Bikers’ Lodge for a quick bite if you’re feeling hungry at the BMW Welt and Museum.

If you have more than 2 days in Munich

If you have more than 2 days in Munich, consider visiting the Kunstareal (Art District), where you can experience at least one art museum like Pinakothek der Moderne, Alte Pinakothek, and Neue Pinakothek.

Another outstanding museum to visit is the Deutsches Museum, located in Museumsinsel. It’s the world’s largest museum of science and technology, with a huge collection of items on display across 50 different fields, including interactive exhibits.

Germany’s castles, like the castles in South Bohemia, are world famous. And perhaps the most famous one of all is Neuschwanstein Castle, a true fairytale castle.

FAQs about Munich

Is 2 days in Munich enough?

Munich is rich in history with a vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and plenty to see. Two full days is not really enough to see everything, but it will give you a small glimpse into German culture. 

Nonetheless, 2 days would be enough to see some of the major highlights and get a taste of more in the future.

What’s the best time of the year to visit Munich?

The best time to visit Munich is late spring to early summer, between May to June, as you will have warm and pleasant weather with blossoming parks and gardens and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.

Alternatively, it’d also be best to visit early fall of September to October as the mild weather and the changing colors of leaves provide beautiful backdrops for those IG moments. 

One of the most popular times to visit Munich is, of course, Oktoberfest, the world’s most famous beer festival, takes place from late September to the first weekend of October.

December is also a fantastic time to visit the Munich Christmas Markets, an iconic German tradition.

Is there Uber in Munich?

While Uber exists in Munich and Germany as a whole, it doesn’t operate the same way as it does in most countries. In Munich, Uber drivers usually are licensed taxi drivers or professional chauffeurs rather than individuals, making it even safer.

Is Munich safe for travel?

Yes! Despite its size, Munich is widely regarded as one of the safest major cities in Europe. Although you should always exercise caution, the violent crime rate is lower here than in most other big cities. 

Here are some quick safety tips:

• Keep your eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transportation
• Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and the location of your country’s embassy or consulate (the German police’ number is 110).
• Don’t be too noisy and loud in residential areas, especially on Sundays, which is Ruhe Tag (rest day), out of respect for local consumers and traditions.

How to get to Munich

Getting to Munich is relatively easy, and there are different ways to reach the city, depending on where you’re coming from.

By Air

It will take around 40 minutes to travel to the city’s heart from the airport using the S-Bahn (S1 and S8 lines). The train ticket is the least expensive option, but you can also book a private transfer, an Uber, take the airport express bus, or rent a car.

By Train

By train, you will want to arrive at the Munich Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station), Germany’s largest train station. You can easily take the S1 or S8 lines from here to the city center.

By Car

If you’re coming from other parts of Germany or from neighboring countries, you will want to take the A9 that directly connects Munich to Berlin, the A8 from Stuttgart, and the A93 from Austria.

Alternatively, you can also take the bus, as FlixBus is a long-distance bus company connecting you with various other European cities. 

Conclusion

This is a very comprehensive itinerary with a lot to pack in, so here are some tips on how to overcome post-holiday exhaustion.

Do you have any questions about this 2 days in Munich itinerary?
Let me know in the comments!

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