On our 6-week journey across Europe, Munich stood out with its Bavarian charm, beer gardens, royal palaces, and cultural treasures. And just outside the city lies one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks: Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale fortress that inspired Disney.
If you’re planning a short trip, this 3 to 4 day Munich Itinerary gives you the best of both worlds—3 days to explore the city and 1 unforgettable day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.
See our full 6 week Itinerary here
WHAT IS IN THIS POST
Day 1: Exploring Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt)
We started our Munich adventure right in the heart of the Old Town (Altstadt).
Things to Do in Munich Old Town
- Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel Show – Standing in Marienplatz, we watched the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel chime to life. It’s one of the best introductions to Bavarian culture.
- Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady) – The twin-domed Frauenkirche is hard to miss and is a must on any Munich Old Town itinerary. You can climb the south tower for city views.
- Viktualienmarkt Food Market – Wandering through Viktualienmarkt is another must-do when in Munich Old Town. Try local cheeses, pretzels, and Bavarian snacks. It’s a foodie’s dream.
- You couldn’t leave Munich without raising a stein at Munich’s most famous beer hall. The mix of brass music, hearty sausages, and traditional pretzels made it a night to remember. Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall is a popular one. Read on to see our favorite Biergarten in Munich.
Tip: Know before you go, when is the Glockenspiel at Marienplatz? Daily at 11 am and at 12 pm, and from March to October additionally at 5 pm, the show begins and the Glockenspiel starts in the tower of the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) at Marienplatz, Munich
The wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renate of Lorraine, celebrated in February 1568, is what you will see. In honor of the bride and groom, a jousting tournament took place on Marienplatz. The Bayerische Ritter (the Bavarian knight) removes the Lorraine rival from his horse using a lance; after this comes the dance of the Munich Schäffler (barrel-maker), followed by the cheers and the spectators’ applause. [Center Photo above].
Day 2: Palaces, Art Museums & the English Garden
Morning at Munich Residenz
I began my day with a tour of the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace. Walking through the ornate rooms and the Treasury felt like stepping back into Bavarian history. (Book a Munich Residenz palace tour if you like to learn in-depth about all the treasures). For many, this is one of the main Munich attractions and top things to do when visiting the Bavarian town.
Afternoon in the Kunstareal (Art District)
Munich’s art scene blew me away. In one afternoon, I hopped through some of Europe’s most renowned museums:
- Alte Pinakothek – I admired Rubens and Rembrandt here.
- Neue Pinakothek – Famous for its Monet and van Gogh collections.
- Pinakothek der Moderne – Modern art, design, and architecture lovers will love this space.
- Lenbachhaus – The bold Expressionist art from Kandinsky and the Blue Rider group was unforgettable.
- Museum Brandhorst – I loved the Party of Life exhibit here, featuring Andy Warhol & Keith Haring
Pinakothek der Moderne: Museum of modern art in Munich
Evening in the English Garden
Later, I strolled through the English Garden, one of the largest city parks in the world. Watching surfers ride the Eisbach wave and ending the evening in a shady beer garden was pure Munich magic.
Day 3: Nymphenburg Palace, BMW Museum & Olympic Park
Morning at Nymphenburg Palace
We toured Nymphenburg Palace, the grand summer residence of Bavarian royalty. The sprawling gardens, baroque halls, and Amalienburg Pavilion were stunning.
Afternoon with Cars, Culture & Cafes
Next, we indulged hubby’s inner car geek at the BMW Museum and BMW Welt. From vintage classics to futuristic models. This, along with the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, was a highlight of the trip for him.
Right next door, is the Olympic Park, built for the 1972 Olympics. From the top of the Olympic Tower, the views stretch across Munich all the way to the Alps. Visiting the Olympic Park in Munich is one of the many things to do here.
Evening
A rest stop for coffee and dinner at a classic Munich beer garden was the perfect way to end the day.
Day 4: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
No trip to Bavaria is complete without a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich. We rented a car, and if you are not up to driving and wondering how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, I will link some of the best tours from Munich to Neuschwanstein below.
Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle
- By Train – 2 hours to Füssen, then a quick bus ride.
- By Car – About 1.5–2 hours with scenic countryside views.
- Guided Tours – Many companies offer skip-the-line access.
What to See
- Neuschwanstein Castle Interior Tour – King Ludwig II’s throne hall and fairytale-inspired rooms.
- Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) – The postcard-perfect view of the castle.
- Hohenschwangau Castle – Ludwig’s childhood home, just a short walk away.
Tip: Book tickets well in advance—entry often sells out weeks ahead.
Munich Beer Gardens
In between sightseeing, we fully embraced Munich’s food culture. From hearty sausages to oversized pretzels, Bavarian meals are best enjoyed with a cold beer.
The Viktualienmarkt is a food market and a square in the center of Munich, Germany. It’s a great place to get a beer and people-watch. While Hofbräuhaus is iconic, it is loud, a little touristy… so we decided to try Ayinger right across based on local recommendations and loved it. It is an old-school Brewery with typical Bavarian dishes & stuff wear the traditional dress.
The city’s beer gardens aren’t just about drinking—they’re about community, music, and tradition. While I’m not a beer drinker, I loved sampling the different beers and enjoying the biergärten in Munich. Some Favorites include:
Hirschgarten (Europe’s largest beer garden)
Hofbräuhaus (iconic)
Augustiner-Keller (classic Munich atmosphere)
Viktualienmarkt (city center, walkable location)
Ayinger (our favorite in Munich)
What to Eat in Munich: Bavarian Food & Vegan Options
No Munich trip is complete without indulging in Bavarian food culture. From hearty meat dishes to modern plant-based twists, Munich has something for everyone. Here are some must-try foods:
Bavarian Pretzels (Brezn)
Soft, salty, and best enjoyed fresh from a bakery or paired with a Maß (liter of beer) in a traditional beer hall.
Obatzda
A creamy cheese spread made with Camembert, butter, and paprika. It’s the perfect dip for pretzels at Munich’s beer gardens.
Weisswurst (Traditional & Vegan Versions)
Munich’s iconic white sausage is usually eaten before noon with sweet mustard and a pretzel. Many restaurants now offer vegan Weisswurst or vegan bratwurst, so plant-based eaters can enjoy this local classic. (Tip: Try Bodhi, a vegan restaurant in Munich known for its plant-based Bavarian dishes.)
Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle)
A hearty dish found in most beer halls, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Kartoffelsalat (Potato Salad)
Munich’s version is made with vinegar, onions, and broth (not mayo-based). Light and refreshing with sausages or schnitzel.
Sauerkraut (Fermented Cabbage)
Another popular side served with most Bavarian dishes. We loved that it was fresh and refreshing. Did you know that the average German eats just over two and a half pounds of this fermented cabbage each year?
Apfelstrudel
A warm apple pastry, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream. The perfect sweet ending to a Bavarian meal.
Bavarian Beer
Of course, Munich is synonymous with beer. From Helles (light lager) to Weißbier (wheat beer), every beer garden has its own specialty. Don’t miss Augustiner beer, brewed since the 14th century.
FAQs About Visiting Munich
Is 4 days in Munich enough?
Yes! Four days in Munich is the perfect amount of time to explore the Old Town, museums, and palaces, enjoy Bavarian food and beer gardens, and take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.
What is the best beer hall in Munich?
The most famous is Hofbräuhaus, but locals also love Augustiner-Keller and Hirschgarten for a more authentic vibe.
How do I get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich?
You can take a 2-hour train to Füssen, then a short bus to Hohenschwangau, or drive for 1.5–2 hours. Guided day tours from Munich are also very popular.
What’s the best time to visit Munich?
Spring and fall are ideal for fewer crowds, but if you love festivals, late September and early October bring Oktoberfest—the world’s largest beer festival.
Best Hotels in Munich Old Town
Where to Stay in Munich Old Town
- Platzl Hotel – Perfect for Bavarian charm, just steps from Marienplatz.
- Mandarin Oriental Munich – A luxury stay with rooftop views of the Old Town.
- Hotel Torbräu – Family-run with historic touches, one of Munich’s oldest hotels. (This is where we stayed and loved the room, morning breakfast, and most importantly, the location. It was close to all the things to do in Munich Old Town)
Other Munich Hotel Suggestions:
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost – Luxury near the train station.
- Schwabinger Wahrheit by Geisel – Modern boutique stay.
- Holiday Inn Munich City Centre – Convenient and affordable.
Seasonal Experiences in Munich
One of the best aspects of visiting Munich is how the city transforms with the seasons. Depending on when you go, you might stumble into a festival, market, or tradition that makes your trip even more special.
- Oktoberfest in September & October
The world’s biggest beer festival, Oktoberfest in Munich, actually starts in late September and runs into the first weekend of October. If you’re visiting during this time, add at least half a day to soak in the atmosphere at the Theresienwiese. Expect lively beer tents, Bavarian music, traditional dirndls and lederhosen, and plenty of pretzels to go with your Maß of beer. - Spring & Summer Beer Gardens
From May through August, Munich’s beer gardens are in full swing. Locals gather under chestnut trees for sausages, schnitzel, and fresh beer. The Englischer Garten Beer Garden and Hirschgarten (Europe’s largest) are two not-to-miss. - Munich Christmas Markets (Late November – December)
If you’re visiting in winter, the Munich Christmas Markets transform Marienplatz into a festive wonderland with wooden stalls, mulled wine (Glühwein), gingerbread, and twinkling lights. The medieval-themed market at Wittelsbacherplatz is also magical.
Final Thoughts
Our 4-day Munich itinerary—with 3 days in the city and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle—was the perfect way to experience Bavaria’s history, art, and fairytale landscapes. From Marienplatz’s Old Town charm to the Pinakothek art museums, the English Garden’s laid-back vibe, and the magical turrets of Neuschwanstein, Munich offers a wonderful mix of culture, creativity, and countryside romance.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, partnerships, or sponsored content. If you purchase an item via one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. But as always, images and opinions are our own. For more information on our affiliates and privacy policy at Outside Suburbia, see here.
CONNECT WITH US