2 Days in Munich: How to Experience the Best of Bavaria’s Capital

Last updated on July 4th, 2021

Easy to reach from all the main European cities, Munich is perfect for a weekend getaway in Europe. But how to spend 2 days in Munich and experience the best in the city?

Of course, the longer you stay the more you can discover. However, chances are that you’ll spend between 1 and 3 days in Munich, either during a weekend or as a leg of a longer journey across Germany. 

Coming from Berlin, where I’ve been several times, at a first glance Munich looked very different, almost opposite.  Where Berlin is trendy, vibrant, colored by the ubiquitous street art and graffiti, Munich is traditional, quieter, neat and overall more classy. 

The heavy bombings during World War II destroyed about 90% of the historical center, which was mostly rebuilt as it was before the destruction. Indeed, you can feel the impact of its strong economy in the facades of the well-kept buildings and the affluence exuding from every detail. 

Discover the best of Munich in 2 days

If you’re planning a weekend break in Munich, or a vacation in Bavaria, you’ll want to make the best of your time. Although a short time, 2 days in Munich are enough to visit the main attractions and explore the city.

However, since a couple of days are ending in a heartbeat, finding the best neighborhood when booking your accommodation in Munich is important. That’s why I wrote a dedicated post on the Best Hotels in Munich by district.

Also, if you have time to spend 3 days in Munich, there are many easy and beautiful day trips from Munich to discover more of charming Bavaria.

Munich has a lot to offer. Read about the city’s main attractions and start building-up your Munich itinerary.

Take an introduction tour of Munich

City guided tours have become more and more popular, and for a reason. When you don’t have much time, they’re an excellent option to get a first glimpse at some of the main attractions. It gives you also an idea of which ones you want to revisit at your own pace.

Two Munich guided tours which are worth looking into are:

• Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles from Munich: Discover the castles of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria: fairytale Neuschwanstein, and Versailles-inspired Linderhof. 
• the 3-hour bike tour, ideal for those liking active travel.  A guide will introduce you to Munich landmarks and must-see, telling you interesting stories and facts about the city.
• the Munich Third Reich Tour is utterly interesting since you’ll explore the city from a historical perspective. You’ll learn about some of the darkest moments of modern human history, and how Munich was reborn.

Marienplatz, the heart of the city

Like the Duomo and the Cathedral square in Milan, and other Europan cities which kept their medieval city planning, Marienplatz is the heart of the city and its most famous spot. Its name derives from the Mariensäule, the column built in 1638 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary to celebrate the end of the occupation from Sweden. 

Dominated by the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus), the Glockenspiel (the carillon re-enacting stories of royal weddings, tournaments, and dances from the 16th Century), and the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus), Marienplatz is always busy and a good place for people watching. 

Visit the Munich Residenz, imposing and eclectic Palace

Once the royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, the Munich Residenz is a vast complex whose erection and development took over four Centuries. As a result, the Residenz assembles several styles: Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neo-Classical, making it a rather interesting example of how art and architecture developed over time. 

The palace is huge, and you can easily spend half a day, or even a full day, visiting it. I was more interested in its architecture than in the Museum and inner rooms (coming from Italy, I’ve seen more palaces than I can even remember about). But if you have enough time, the Museum, the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre are certainly worth a visit. 

Tip: if you like classical music and happen to visit Munich on a Thursday or a Saturday, treat yourself with a concert in the Hofkapelle, where Mozart also played.

Take a stroll at the Viktualienmarkt

Although I’m Italian and live in Milan, I’m not a fashion victim and I don’t particularly like shopping. However, I love food markets. Whether it’s the Boquerìa in Barcelona, Borough Market in London or the farmers’ markets in Myanmar, I never miss visiting at least one wherever I travel. 

I’m drawn to the colors and I marvel when I look at foodstuffs I have never seen before and have no clue how to prepare it. Most of all, I like food markets because that’s where I feel I’m getting in touch with the local culture. 

Once a farmer’s market, Viktualienmarkt has become a place for gourmets. There, you can buy any kind of delicatessen, or have a bite in one of the small restaurants. The market is one of Munich’s main tourist attractions, but you’ll also spot locals wearing the traditional Bavarian outfits, or stumble upon a few people playing the typical music of the area.

Pop in one of the Munich Museums

I have friends who wince when they hear the word “Museum” but in Munich, you can choose between a wide array and there’s something for everyone. Art lovers can’t miss one (or all) of the three main art galleries (Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne), and if you’re passionate about cars, a must-see in Munich is the futuristic BMW Museum.

If you’re only spending 2 days in Munich, you’ll likely have time for just one Museum. I eventually decided to visit the Museum Brandhorst to feed my interest in contemporary art. It was an excellent choice, as I utterly enjoyed the architecture and the collection of more than 200 works by the American artist Cy Twombly, wonderfully displayed in wide and airy rooms. 

Chill out at the Englisher Garten

Nothing makes life good in a city like public parks. It’s good at some point to be far from the traffic, the urban noise and the crowded streets. The Englischer Garten is a wonderful spot to chill out, walk amid nature, have a picnic or a bike ride. 

The park was created in the late 1700s and derives its name from the informal English garden style, popular at that time. It’s a huge green oasis and I was surprised to find out that not only it is one of the largest urban parks in Europe but it is also larger than Central Park in NYC.

Discover the opulence of the Bavarian monarchy at the Nymphenburg Palace

Once the Summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs, the Nymphenburg Palace is one of the most visited spots in Munich and I suspect this is partly related to  King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was born there in 1845.

Often referred to as “Mad King Ludwig”, due to his eccentric behavior and tastes, Ludwig II of Bavaria is generally known for having built Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched atop a steep rock, Neuschwanstein inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. The day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular tours from the Bavaria capital. King Ludwig II of Bavaria epitomizes the Romantic spirit, which emphasized intense emotions and led to a revival of the Medieval age. 

Like with the Munich Residenz, you can decide whether you want to focus on the external architecture, admiring the perfect proportions of the Palace and strolling in the manicured gardens, or also visit the 20 lavishly decorated rooms. 

If you like classical music, you may want to attend an evening concert at the Nymphenburg Palace, where Mozart performed as a child. 

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Start planning your trip!

Munich Practical information

Getting to Munich

Munich airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving a wide number of international destinations (including low-cost European carriers). 

Getting around

Munich is very tourist-friendly, and getting around on foot and by public transport is very easy. The public transport network in Munich covers a very wide area, but you’re unlikely to travel too far. The Inner-Munich 1-day ticket costs 7,80 Euro (validity from validation until 6 am the following day). More information on Munich public transport network and fares here.

Another option is to buy the City Tour Card, for public transport and a range of discounts to visit the main attractions.

Where to stay in Munich

Two days in Munich is not a long time. Therefore, I suggest you stay in the city center and near the subway to easily reach the main attractions.

To help you choose the best area to stay in Munich according to your interests and travel style, I wrote a dedicated article on where to stay in Munich and the best hotels by neighborhood. 

Tip: If you plan to visit Munich during Oktoberfest or the Christmas Markets season, I suggest you book largely in advance.

Fun things to do in Munich 

If you’re keen to discover the city in a fun and alternative way or to discover the secrets of German Beer, have a look at this unusual Munich tours.

• Munich Beer Halls and Breweries: visit the oldest breweries and discover the secrets of this delicious beverage.
• An Evening of Bavarian Beer and Food Culture: A fun 3-hours visit tasting the best traditional Bavarian food and beer, including a tour of the Oktoberfest Museum.
• Take a Segway tour and explore the best of Munich with a guide. 

And if you stay longer…

In case you’re staying more than 2 days in Munich, you can take advantage of the city’s geographic location, nearby many interesting attractions. There are plenty of day tours from Munich to choose from, and there’s something for any taste. Hereunder, I mention the 3 most popular. However, there are many more, so I suggest you read my article on the best day trips from Munich.

• Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles from Munich: Discover the castles of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria: fairytale Neuschwanstein, and Versailles-inspired Linderhof. 
• Day Trip from Munich to Salzburg by Train: Salzburg is so beautiful that it deserves more than a day trip, but if you only have little time, this tour will give you a taste of Mozart’s hometown. 
• Dachau Concentration Camp Tour in English: Not your usual touristy visit, but a must if you want to know about one of the darkest periods of Europe in the 20th century. A 5 hours tour to Germany’s first Nazi concentration camp, to remember and honor the victims of the Holocaust. 

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