3 Days in Munich: What to See and Do

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Dec 10, 2024

You’ve probably heard of Munich, Bavaria’s capital and Germany’s third-largest city on the banks of the Isar River. Founded in 1158 as a trading hub, Munich has grown into a city known for its museums, such as the Deutsches Museum, and its domes, which are a key part of its architecture.

If you only have 1 to 3 days in Munich, how should you spend your time?

In this article, we’ll share 10 things to do in the city and some essential tips to make the most of your visit to Munich, Germany.

Munich Olympic Park, Germany

Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

10 Must-Do Things in Munich for Your Germany Itinerary

Visit Marienplatz and Glockenspiel

To learn a bit about its history, head to Marienplatz, the central square of Munich. Locals and tourists alike flock to the heart of the city to enjoy this architectural symbol and some traditional activities.

The Neues Rathaus, a neo-Gothic building built between 1867 and 1909, is the main protagonist of the square. In its 85-meter tower is the famous Glockenspiel, a mechanical bell tower that is activated daily at 11:00 and 12:00 hours, and also at 17:00 from March to October. The show lasts approximately 15 minutes and includes 43 bells and life-size figures representing historical events.

City Hall, Marienplatz, Munich

Photo by Dirk Gonçalves Martins on Unsplash

Walk Around Nymphenburg Palace

If you love baroque and rococo architecture, visiting the Nymphenburg Palace is one of the things you can do in Munich. Its construction began in 1664 to be the summer residence of the electors and kings of Bavaria. Over the years the palace has been expanded and remodeled with more pavilions on either side of the original building and the central facade in a French Baroque style.

Today, Nymphenburg Palace is a popular tourist attraction that collects several museums, including the Marstallmuseum, the Porzellanmuseum, and the Museum Mensch und Natur. Here Baroque elements are combined with Rococo influences, especially in its interiors decorated by prominent artists such as François de Cuvilliés. You definitely can’t miss this marvel!

Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, Germany

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Relax in the English Garden

Did you know that the English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world, even larger than New York’s Central Park? With an extension of approximately 375 hectares, it is located on the western bank of the Isar River. It’s a beautiful green space for its visitors.

Here are some of its most important features:

One of its main attractions is the Eisbach, an artificial channel where surfing is practiced all year.
The ornamental temple Monopteros with its Greek style offers a panoramic view of the park. It is an outstanding place to enjoy the scenery.

English Garden, Munich, Germany

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Tour the Pinakothek Museums

In Munich, art is everywhere, so if you are a fan the Pinakothek Museums are waiting for you. These are three important museums that are part of the Kunstareal, a popular cultural area in the city. The museums are the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, and the Pinakothek der Moderne, and each has its distinctive focus and collection.

Learn more about these emblematic places:

Alte Pinakothek

Inaugurated in 1836, it is one of the first museums specifically designed to exhibit paintings.
Recognized as one of the world’s most important art galleries.
Houses over 700 works, including masterpieces of European painting from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Features renowned artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Neue Pinakothek

Opened in 1853, it specializes in 19th-century art.
Currently closed for renovations until 2025.
Features works representing Romanticism, Impressionism, and later movements, including pieces by Goya, Monet, and Van Gogh.

Pinakothek der Moderne

Inaugurated in 2002, it unites four collections: modern art, contemporary design, architecture, and graphics.
Highlights 20th-century to contemporary art evolution.
Features major works with a multidisciplinary focus.

Celebrate at Oktoberfest

You’ve probably heard of Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival held annually in Munich since 1810. Millions of visitors from all over the world come to the festival, organized on the field known as Theresienwiese. It therefore has an important impact on the region’s economy because it generates significant income through tourism and the sale of local products.

Here are some details about Oktoberfest that you should know:

It began as a celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage with Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810.
Its success in 1810 started the tradition still celebrated today.
Oktoberfest runs from mid-September to early October, lasting 16 to 18 days.
Every year 6 to 7 million people attend the festival, with around 6 million liters of Munich beer consumed.
Features live music, folklore dances, attractions, and various activities alongside beer.

Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

Photo by Walter Martin on Unsplash

Explore Frauenkirche

The Gothic architecture of the Frauenkirche will surely leave you impressed. It is one of the most emblematic churches in Munich. It serves as the cathedral of the parish of Munich and Freising. It has three naves and is famous for its two 98-meter towers, icons of the city’s skyline. Its construction was completed in 1488, but during World War II, much of the Frauenkirche was destroyed, and it was restored between 1948 and 1955.

Do you know the popular legend of the “Teufelstritt” or “Devil’s Foot”? Supposedly it is the footprint left by the devil when he saw that the church had no windows. This story adds to the mysterious atmosphere of the place. The church is open to the public and offers tours of its south tower, from where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Munich and take the best photos.

Frauenkirchen, Munich, Germany

Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

See Cars at the BMW Museum

If you are a car enthusiast, visiting the BMW Museum is one of the things to do in Munich. This space is dedicated to the history and evolution of the BMW brand. It showcases its impact on the automotive industry and car culture. The museum is characterized by its circular shape and metallic color that simulate a tire and its spiral entrance that surprises you upon arrival.

Here are some other features you should know before visiting the BMW Museum:

The collection showcases BMW’s history, with a wide variety of vehicles, engines, and motorcycles, focusing on technological innovations and BMW’s iconic designs.
It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
General admission is 12 euros, with discounts for youth, and students, and free entry for children under 11. Families can get a special pass.

Take a Trip to Neuschwanstein

German romanticism has its mark on Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the country’s most iconic buildings. Its construction began on September 5, 1869, and its architecture combines Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine elements that reflect the idealization of the medieval monarchy that King Ludwig II desired.

Here are other highlights about the Neuschwanstein Castle:

Neuschwanstein features tall towers, decorative walls, and a luxurious interior design. The throne room is decorated with frescoes and red columns, while the Hall of the Singers shows scenes inspired by popular legends.
Despite its medieval appearance, the castle was equipped with modern conveniences, such as water service, central heating, and electricity.
Its design has inspired many other constructions, including the famous “Cinderella Castle” at Disneyland.
It is advisable to buy tickets for the castle in advance. You can do so online or at the information center in Hohenschwangau.
From the center of Hohenschwangau, you can walk to the castle for about 40 minutes, take a bus for 2.60 euros, or use a horse-drawn carriage for about 7 euros.

Neuschwastein Castle, Germany

Photo by Rachel Davis on Unsplash

Learn at the Deutsches Museum

Another museum not to be missed in Munich is the Deutsches Museum, one of the largest and most prestigious science and technology museums in the world. It was created by a group of engineers to make scientific and technological advances accessible to the public. It houses a vast collection of more than 100,000 objects that summarize various disciplines.

Here are some other important facts about this fascinating place:

It has around 50 sections covering mining, atomic physics, aeronautics, and medicine. Some highlights include Karl Benz’s first automobile and a U-boat submarine.
There is a dedicated children’s area called Kinderreich, where little ones can explore science through play.
Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Admission is €15 for adults, children between 6 and 17 pay €8, and admission is free for children under 6. Families can access packages of 31 euros.
The Museum is easily reached by public transportation; nearby stations include S-Bahn and U-Bahn.

Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany

Photo by Wolfgang Tröscher on Unsplash

Insider’s Tips for Visitors in Munich

If you are planning to visit Munich soon there are some essential tips you should keep in mind to make the most of your experience in this great city. Check out the following list:

Use public transportation: Munich has an excellent public transportation service that includes subway (U-Bahn), streetcars and buses. Consider buying a Tageskarte, a daily ticket for unlimited travel within the city.
Visit the local markets, like the Viktualienmarkt, a famous open-air market ideal for sampling Bavarian specialties such as pretzels, sausages, and beers.
Skip Tourist Beer Halls: Instead of the famous Hofbräuhaus, try less crowded beer gardens like Seehaus in the English Garden or Augustiner Bräustuben for an authentic local experience.
Opt for guided tours to gain a better understanding of Munich’s history and culture. Join guided tours that cover everything from Nazi history at the Nazi Documentation Center to gastronomic tours of the city.
Don’t Jaywalk: Bavarians are strict about following traffic rules, and jaywalking is frowned upon, especially in front of children.
Carry Change for Restrooms: Public toilets charge 50 cents to 1 euro, even in some beer gardens and train stations.
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