Munich, the capital of Bavaria, exudes a captivating blend of history, beauty, and tradition. I’ve loved my time in Munich and can’t wait to return one day. From churches and castles to palaces and parks, there’s so much to fit in during two days in Munich!
Only got two days in Munich and struggling with what to pick out for your itinerary? I’ve compiled a list of must-see attractions along with details on public transportation to help you maximise your time and make the most of your visit to the city!
Two days in Munich: What to do, see and visit
What you need to know
- Is Munich worth visiting for 2 days? Absolutely! Two days in Munich are enough to get a taste of everything the city offers.
- How many days is ideal for Munich? I think a week in Munich is a good amount of time to visit all the major attractions while also leaving room for a couple of day trips.
- Is 2 days in Munich enough? I think two days in Munich can be enough if you’re organised and efficient. I recommend a longer stay to really see everything in the city!
- Is Munich worth exploring? There’s so much to see in Munich. It’s a city filled to the brim with history and definitely worth exploring!
Public transportation in Munich
Most of Munich’s main tourist attractions, including everything on this list, are within easy walking distance of each other. However, I also found public transportation to be quick and easy to use when I needed it. The main ways of getting around Munich are:
- U-Bahn (underground subway)
- S-Bahn (overground subway)
- Buses
- Trams
I prefer to take the U-Bahn and S-Bahn, you can purchase tickets online and on the MVV/MVG app. Furthermore, tickets can also be purchased at any of the stations. Unless you’re heading out of the city, a ticket in zone M will cover everywhere you want to go. Children under 6 travel free and these tickets are also valid on buses and trams making travel simple and easy.
Before travelling you must validate your ticket, this is done via a machine at the station.
Munich card
The Munich Card and CityTourCard are tourist passes designed to help you save money during your two days in Munich. Both cards provide free access to public transportation, big discounts at popular tourist spots, and reduced rates on sightseeing tours. Additionally, the Munich Card extends its benefits to discounts at numerous restaurants. If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in all that Munich has to offer, these cards can be excellent value for your money.
Map of attractions in Munich
How to use this map: Click on the markers for more information about each destination. The blue line shows the fastest walking route between each point. To save this map to your Google Maps, click the star in the top left corner.
Day one: Exploring Munich
Dedicate the first of your two days in Munich to acquainting yourself with the city. Munich offers a plethora of incredible attractions, ranging from churches and food markets to parks and town halls, ensuring a day filled with exploration and discovery!
Guided tours
If you don’t fancy exploring Munich on your own or just want to know more about the city’s history, Munich has some great guided tours. Here are a few recommendations:
- Hitler and the Third Reich Munich Walking Tour: This tour encompasses all the sites associated with the ascent of Hitler and the Nazi party in Munich, making it an excellent choice for history enthusiasts.
- Munich Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: Explore significant historical sites like the town halls, Hofbräuhaus, and Frauenkirche with this tour, where a local guide provides essential information to enhance your experience.
Neues Rathaus – New Town Hall
The sight of the Neues Rathaus is synonymous with a visit to Munich. Located in Marienplatz, the vibrant heart of the city, this town hall draws huge crowds of tourists all day long. Don’t miss out on the glockenspiel show at 11 am and 12 pm (you can also see the show at 5 pm between March and October), which narrates Munich’s fascinating history. Venture inside the town hall to climb the central tower for incredible views of the city.
Altes Rathaus – Old Town Hall
The Altes Rathaus boasts a charming fairytale-like facade, offering a striking contrast to the gothic stronghold of the Neues Rathaus. Positioned to the right of the New Town Hall on Marienplatz, its presence is unmissable. Today, it plays host to a popular toy museum, attracting visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit for both children and adults. Visiting both Town Halls is the perfect way to kick off two days in Munich!
Viktualienmarkt – Food market
The next stop on your first of two days in Munich has to be Viktualienmarkt. This expansive market is teeming with an abundance of fresh produce, flowers, souvenirs, and delectable food options. With numerous restaurants, including a beer garden, and the iconic maypole at the market’s centre, there’s no shortage of delights to explore. Don’t miss the fountains scattered around the market, depicting significant figures from Munich’s rich history.
Peterskirche – St Peter’s Church
If you’re only spending two days in Munich, you have to visit at least one of the city’s incredible churches. St. Peter’s Church, conveniently situated near Marienplatz with its unmistakable tower, is a must-visit. Climb up the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city—an absolute must-see if you’re not afraid of heights!
Frauenkirche Cathedral
Standing impressively at almost 99 meters, the twin towers of Frauenkirche command attention as an iconic landmark in Munich. Towards the rear of the church lies the Wittelsbach monument with some members of the royal Wittelsbach family buried below in the Bishop’s Crypt. Ensure you catch a glimpse of the Devil’s footprint in the entrance hall before ascending the South Tower for incredible views of the city and even the Alps, another must-see when you only have two days in Munich!
Englischer Garten – English Garden
An oasis in the middle of the city, stretching out over 375 hectares, two days in Munich would be incomplete without a visit to the English Garden. This vast park offers a plethora of activities. Whether you’re inclined to stroll through the gardens, unwind by the riverbank with your feet dipped in the water, or simply savour a refreshing drink on the open fields, here are some of the park’s undeniable highlights:
Monopteros temple
Climb the hill and marvel at the fantastic panoramic views of Munich from the Monopteros. Erected in the English Garden between 1832 and 1837, this temple has become a beloved gathering spot for both tourists and locals.
Japanese Tea House
During the summer months, make your way to the Japanese Tea House to see authentic Japanese tea ceremonies. The traditional Japanese building, nestled amidst the water, provides an excellent backdrop for some great photos!
Chinese Tower
The Chinese Tower is home to the second-largest beer garden in Munich and is an excellent central meeting point within the park. If you’re a beer lover with only two days in Munich this has to be on your list of things to do!
The Eisbach Wave
Undoubtedly the English Garden’s hotspot, the Eisbach wave steals the spotlight. This man-made wave serves as a magnet for dedicated surfers throughout the year, attracting a constant audience along the riverbanks. I spent hours sitting here watching people surf on the waves, it’s such a fun atmosphere and was one of my favourite ways to spend an evening!
Munich Residenz
Once a royal residence, the Munich Residenz boasts four centuries worth of treasures and tales. Explore the opulent royal apartments, majestic halls, and the court chapel to get a glimpse into the lives of those in positions of power. As one of the city’s premier tourist attractions, the Residenz is a compelling visit, especially if you have just two days in Munich.
Hofbrauhaus – Beer hall
Arguably the most famous beer hall in the world, Hofbräuhaus offers three floors of pure delight for beer enthusiasts. With a rich history that includes serving as the headquarters for the Communist Government, this establishment has achieved legendary status in the city. Even if you’re not a beer aficionado, don’t miss out on the fantastic food menu featuring traditional local specialities. A visit to Hofbräuhaus is a must if you’re spending just two days in Munich.
Day two: Daytrip
While the city centre itself is brimming with attractions, Munich is surrounded by amazing places to visit. Choosing just one is a challenge, so here are a few of my favourite places I visited outside of the city centre for the second of your two days in Munich
Option 1 – Neuschwanstein Castle
Embark on a fairytale adventure with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, an enchanting structure perched atop a hill nestled in the Alps. The journey to the castle involves a scenic 40-minute walk, with the option of a regular shuttle bus or even a horse-drawn cart. Once at the summit, the breathtaking views encompass not only the castle but also the picturesque surroundings. Guided tours offer a glimpse inside Neuschwanstein, and for even more spectacular views, head over to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) at the castle’s rear.
Option 2 – Dachau concentration camp, Palace and Old Town
Dachau Concentration Camp stands as a sombre testament to the darkest chapters of human history and is an important visit. Located just a short train ride outside of Munich, the site serves as a poignant reminder of the Holocaust’s atrocities.
Beyond the camp, Dachau Palace and its beautiful gardens are also a great visit. Once a royal abode, the palace now functions as a museum, offering insights into Bavarian history and culture through meticulously preserved rooms and exhibits. The charming Dachau Altstadt (old town) is also worth exploring.
Option 3 – Nymphenburg Palace + Museums
A former summer residence to the royals of Munich, visiting Schloss Numphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace) and its picturesque gardens is a great way to spend one of your two days in Munich. Embark on a palace tour to marvel at the Great Hall, opulent chambers, and the Gallery of Beauties, then meander through the vast gardens adorned with gondola rides, pagodas, and 180 hectares of natural beauty.
Once you’re done at Nymphenburg Palace you can check out some of Munich’s great museums, here are two of the best:
Deutsches Museum
As the world’s largest museum of science and technology, the Deutsches Museum showcases displays spanning chemistry, historical aviation, electronics, photography, and everything in between. With a myriad of engaging exhibits, this museum is an excellent option, particularly for those in the company of science enthusiasts.
Alte Pinakothek
For those who lean towards paintings rather than science, the Alte Pinakothek is an ideal destination. Housing a vast collection that includes masterpieces by renowned artists such as Da Vinci, the museum boasts 19 halls with over 700 paintings, offering a rich and immersive exploration of artistic treasures.
Summary
A city brimming with cultural richness and tradition, your two days in Munich will be filled with captivating sightseeing experiences. Munich holds a special place in my heart, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone without hesitation!
