I think that Munich is the ultimate European escape. History, culture, food, drink and plenty to do, this city has it all. We spent 72 hours in Munich last December and managed to see most of the sights, all whilst enjoying the famous Christmas Markets. There is lots to cram in during this time but, trust me, it is well worth it.
72 Hours in Munich | Your Quick Guide
Getting to Munich
Getting to Munich is easy. The city is incredibly well-connected by air, rail and road. The Munich Airport (MUC) is a large international hub and accommodates flights from across the world. To get into the city from here, it should only take 30 minutes or so. We usually opt for the S-Bahn (S1 or S8), which is quick and convenient.
If you want to come in by train – perhaps from an Interrail – then this is also really simple. The Munich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) is again really well connected to European capitals. From here, you can again catch the S-Bahn to your hotel. Roads are also an easy way and you can get here via the autobahn network which runs through the city.
Where to stay
If it is your first time staying in the city, I would recommend the Altstadt. It is ideal as a location and it is near all of the major attractions such as Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and the Munich Residenz. This can get quite pricey though, so there are some other alternatives too. Maxvorstadt is a cultural area filled with museums and galleries, whereas Schwabing is quieter and more out of the way.
For our last visit to Munich, we stayed at the King’s Hotel Center Munich, which was a five minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof (HBF). This was an ideal hotel for us and meant that we could explore the city with ease.
Tip: If you are staying for Oktoberfest, I would suggest staying in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, near Theresienwiese.
72 Hours in Munich | Your Quick Itinerary
Day 1 – Morning
I’d recommend arriving mid-morning. We caught a 06:55 plane from Heathrow and landed just after 07:55, German time. We eventually checked into our hotel at around 10:30 and were able to get into our room early to freshen up. If you are repeating this itinerary, then I would suggest you aim to get to your hotel at this point. It will allow you to flop a little bit to recover, before heading out.
The obvious place to start in the morning is Marienplatz, which is the central square. From the HBF, there is a large street filled with tonnes of options for shopping. Check out the German department stores for higher-end luxurious, or release your inner-child at the Lego or Haribo shop. Once you have shopped to your hearts content, you will get to Marienplatz, home to the town hall. Try to aim to arrive at 11:55 so that you can watch the famous Glockenspiel chime and its figurines reenact Bavarian history. From Marienplatz you can also visit the Frauenkirche, the iconic twin-domed cathedral.
Day 1 – Afternoon
For lunch you are spoilt for choice. I would suggest heading into the Galleria, a large department store. Whilst this is not the most glamorous of locations, you will have tonnes of German treats ready for you. Whether you fancy Bavarian classics, hearty food or a massive slice of cake, you can find it here. Once you have finished eating, you can then explore the department store a little bit more! Alternatively explore the Viktualienmarkt, a bustling outdoor market perfect for grabbing fresh snacks and coffee.
If you are up for a bit more walking, head to the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of Bavarian monarchs, to marvel at its ornate interiors and treasure-filled museums. Afterward, stroll to Odeonsplatz. There are more shops in this direction, all of which seem to be aimed at the more luxurious end of the market. Continue down this road and head towards the Feldherrnhalle. This impressive structure has a rather interesting history, especially during the Nazi regime.
The main road from Odeonsplatz goes on for a while, but I would recommend walking down towards the University. Whilst you cannot go in here to explore, you can see the famous White Rose memorial, which is dedicated to a group that stood up against the Nazis. If you don’t know much about them, do some research and the experience will be a lot more impactful.
Day 1 – Evening
Once you have seen enough, start to walk back to the hotel for a much-needed rest and prepare for an evening out for dinner. Whilst it is obviously your choice, we loved the Vi Vadi Rustico. It is Italian (so not the local food), but it certainly hit the spot for us. Alternatively, for a more traditional experience visit the legendary Hofbräuhaus. Enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes like roast pork and pretzels, washed down with a stein of beer, while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Day 2 – Morning
For day two, I would suggest starting your day with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace. Along the way, pick up a coffee and a pastry for breakfast. This is a large baroque estate, where you’ll find beautiful gardens and stunning interiors. We came here early in the morning and the Palace and grounds were covered in frost, adding to that fairytale-like atmosphere.
One thing I love about this place is the walk up. It is through leafy suburbs and eventually you’ll get to a lake. This lake is home to lots of different birds, especially swans. It just makes the experience so lovely and I really enjoyed coming here.
Day 2 – Afternoon
After stopping by a local brewery for lunch (there are plenty to choose from in Munich, but I must say that their food always hits the spot!), it is time to dive into the cultural heart of the city. The Kunstareal District is the cultural heart of the city and features 18 different museums and 40 galleries.
For those of you who love art, the Alte Pinakothek houses classic works by masters such as Rubens and Rembrandt. If you are after something a little more modern, I would suggest the Neu Pinakothek (19th Century) or the Pinakothek der Moderne for, you guessed it, modern art.
An alternative suggestion is the Deutsches Museum, found on the other side of the Old Town to Kunstareal. This is the Science Museum and we absolutely loved exploring the exhibits here. Even if you think that Science isn’t quite your thing, I promise you’ll find it interesting.
Day 2 – Evening
In the evening, I would suggest a walk down to the Olympiapark. This was the park used in the Olympics the last time Munich hosted them back in 1972. You can see the old stadium too. Nearby is also BMW World, which could still be open at this time depending on when you arrive. For dinner, either head into the Old Town to a brewery or another restaurant that takes your fancy. There is loads on offer.
Day 3 – Day Trip Option
For your final day of your 72 hours in Munich, I would actually consider a day trip out to the nearby towns and villages. One of my favourite day trips from Munich is to Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The interior is like nowhere else and there are plenty of places to take those oh-so-iconic photographs.
For more inspiration, check out my ultimate guide to day trips from Munich. I’ve covered all of my favourite ones and you can take your pick.
Day 3 – Stay in Munich Option
If you’d rather spend your final day in Munich, then I would spend the morning exploring If you the lively Schwabing district. There are a fair amount of cafés to choose from here for breakfast, but my personal choice would be Café Luitpold. The pastries are really good and it is in an excellent location.
In the afternoon, you have to go to the English Garden. This is actually one of the largest urban parks in the world and it changes with the seasons. In the summer, you can relax by the clear stream and watch the world go by – some people even try to surf the Eisbach Wave! In the winter, the Chinese Tower Beer Gardens is home to one of the best Christmas Markets in Munich. I like this one as, whilst it isn’t as large as the others, it is in a peaceful setting and is generally less touristy. Plus, the food at the Munich Christmas Markets is always worth exploring.
In the evening, I would head back to the Old Town and enjoy a beer in the Hofbräuhaus Brewery. The beer and food in this famous brewery is excellent and no visit to Munich is complete without it.
Tip: If you are here at Christmas, then spend this day exploring the markets. They are some of the best Christmas Markets in Bavaria.
Tips for Your Visit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn are ideal for fewer crowds. However, I love Munich at Christmas and Oktoberfest is certainly a bucket list experience!
- Getting Around: Munich has an excellent public transport system. I would suggest buying the München Card for € 16.90 for 24 hours.
Final Thoughts | 72 Hours in Munich
I think that 72 hours in Munich is perfect for a city getaway. In this time you’ll be able to see all that there is to offer in the city and maybe even travel further afield. However, Bavaria is one of my favourite places in Europe and you can definitely extend this time if you want. I hope that you found this quick guide useful and if you have any questions, please let me know. I always love hearing from you.
