Planning a trip to Munich? You’re in for a treat. This city is a delightful mix of history, culture, and, of course, beer. So grab your lederhosen or dirndl and let’s dive into a three-day itinerary that caters to every kind of traveler. You’ll explore iconic landmarks, enjoy the outdoors, and even take a day trip to a fairy-tale castle. Ready? Let’s go!
Day 1: Explore the heart of the city
Your adventure begins at Marienplatz, the central square of Munich. Arrive early and be sure to catch the famous Glockenspiel at 11 a.m. It’s a charming show where figurines dance and twirl. Who doesn’t love a little clockwork magic in the morning? After the show, take a moment to snap a selfie with the New Town Hall as your backdrop.
- Morning: Start at Marienplatz. Grab a pastry from Café Frischhut and enjoy it while people-watching.
- Midday: Head to the Residenz Munich, the former royal palace. Allocate about two hours to explore its opulent rooms and museums. Trust me, the crown jewels are worth a look.
- Afternoon: Visit the English Garden. Walk over (it’s about a 20-minute stroll) or take the U-Bahn to Universität. Once there, stroll past the serene lakes, and don’t forget to check out the surfers at the Eisbach. Yes, you read that right—surfing in a river.
- Evening: Dinner at Hofbräuhaus. This iconic beer hall is a must-visit. Order a massive pretzel and a liter of beer. You’ll need it after all that walking.
Day 2: A day in nature and local brews
Day two is all about soaking up the fresh air. Start your morning by renting a bike. There’s nothing quite like pedaling through the picturesque English Garden. It’s huge, so don’t worry about running out of trails.
- Morning: Rent a bike from MVG Rad near the English Garden. Spend the morning cycling through the park, stopping at the Chinese Tower for a quick coffee break.
- Midday: Continue your ride to the Isar River. Find a nice spot to have a picnic. Grab some snacks from the Viktualienmarkt before you head out. You’ll find everything from cheese to sausages.
- Afternoon: After lunch, bike to the nearby Tierpark Hellabrunn. It’s a lovely zoo where you can see animals in natural habitats. Spend a couple of hours here, because who doesn’t enjoy watching penguins waddle?
- Evening: Head back to the city and wrap up your day at a local brewery like Giesinger Bräu. Enjoy a hearty meal paired with their craft beers. Bonus points if you try the Weisse beer!
Day 3: A fairy-tale adventure
Your final day takes you outside the city to Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. This is where the magic happens, so set your alarm early.
- Morning: Catch the train from Munich to Füssen (about 2 hours). The scenery is beautiful, so make sure to have your camera ready. Once you reach Füssen, take a bus or a short taxi ride to the castle.
- Midday: Explore Neuschwanstein Castle. Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines. The guided tour lasts about 30 minutes, but the views from the outside are Instagram-worthy.
- Afternoon: After your castle tour, hike to the Marienbrücke bridge for stunning views of the castle against the backdrop of the Alps. It’s about a 30-minute walk, but trust me, you’ll want to do it.
- Evening: Return to Munich by train. For your final dinner, head to Schneider Bräuhaus for some traditional Bavarian fare. Celebrate the end of your trip with a hearty meal and a toast to Munich!
Munich is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re wandering through historic streets, enjoying a bike ride in lush parks, or marveling at a castle that seems straight out of a storybook, you’ll find yourself captivated. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in this beautiful German city. Prost!
