Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Munich, is ideal for a short city break or as a gateway to some of the most gorgeous day trips and road trips in Europe. It offers a unique combination of rich history with contemporary cosmopolitanism. Known for its architectural splendour, the city showcases a blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication.
From the iconic Marienplatz and its bustling markets to the grandeur of the Munich Residenz, every corner of Munich has a story to tell. But that’s not all – beyond the city’s historical tapestry, Munich embraces innovation, exemplified by cutting-edge museums, technology hubs like BMW Welt, and a vibrant arts scene. Read on to plan that perfect trip to Munich:
Getting To Munich
Lufthansa flies directly to Munich from Delhi and Mumbai and recently launched direct flights from Bengaluru too. The flight is on an Airbus A350 – one of my favourite aircrafts as it is so quite. The business class cabin offers full-flat beds, a 1-2-1 configuration (favourite) and an extensive menu full of Indian and continental delicacies, and a wine list with some really nice German wines! Munich Airport has recently been awarded the best airport in Western Europe, so you can expect seamless immigration, fewer queues, lots of natural light, and shopping opportunities for both inbound and outbound passengers.
Where to stay
We suggest staying in an apartment or hotel in the city centre of Munich as that will make it easier for you to explore the city centre and commute to other places on this itinerary. We stayed at The
München, located in the heart of Munich. With a rich history dating back to 1858, this five-star hotel seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern comforts.
You can expect a unique blend of traditional Bavarian elements and contemporary amenities – the rooms feature plush furnishings, marble bathrooms, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring a truly indulgent stay. Don’t forget to have dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant lobby. The Jahreszeiten Bar is a perfect spot for an evening cocktail. The Kempinski München also has a world-class spa and wellness facilities, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city. With its central location near iconic landmarks and cultural attractions, the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München stands as a symbol of unparalleled luxury and hospitality in Munich.
Day 1: Exploring downtown Munich
- Munich Residenz: Start your day by exploring the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. Dive into the rich history and opulent architecture. The interiors will leave you awestruck
- New Town Hall & Marienplatz: After the Residenz, head to Marienplatz, Munich’s central square. Visit the Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. You can consider joining a guided tour of New Town Hall to learn more about its history and architecture. You can have lunch at one of the many cafés here and spend your evening people watching and enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown Munich
- English Garden & Hofgarten: Spend the afternoon at Hofgarten, a beautiful garden adjacent to the Residenz or the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks. Relax by the serene lakes, watch surfers at the Eisbach wave (this is super cool), and stroll through picturesque paths. The gardens of Munich are at their best during summertime and during autumn months when leaves turn yellow
- Sunset at St. Peter’s Church: As the day winds down, visit St. Peter’s Church for panoramic views of Munich during sunset. This is recommended only if you’re really fit as you have to climb almost 14 storeys to get to the top and there is no elevator
Day 2: Cars, Football, and Munich Neighbourhoods
This is a fun day packed with experiences and activity. Choose the ones that you and your family will enjoy the most
- BMW Welt/ BMW World: If you enjoy your cars, you must begin your day at BMW Welt, a fascinating exhibition space showcasing BMW’s innovative designs and technologies. The entire space is an homage to vintage and current BMW automobiles and is a sight to behold
- Allianz Arena + FC Bayern Museum: Alternatively you can visit the Allianz Arena, home to FC Bayern Munich, and explore the FC Bayern Museum to immerse yourself in the football culture.
- Volkswagen Tour of Unique Neighbourhoods: Next take a truly unique city tour in a vintage Volkswagen to explore distinctive neighbourhoods like Haidhausen and Au, each with its own charm and character. This tour also includes a picnic at some of the most scenic viewpoints in Munich and you can further personalise it to your taste – highly recommended!
- Beer Hall – Hofbräuhaus München: Wrap up the way by experiencing Munich’s beer culture at Hofbräuhaus, one of the city’s most famous beer halls in the city centre
Vid had a gala time here
Day 3: Day Trips to Fairy-Tale Castles and Alpine Views
Plan a spectacular day trip for yourself – if you have just one day then we recommend beginning your day early for a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. Explore the fairy-tale-like castle that inspired Disney and its surroundings. You must walk to Marienbrücke for a stunning panoramic view and capture memorable photos of Neuschwanstein Castle. And if you enjoy going offbeat, you must explore Hohenschwangau, a lesser-known neighbouring castle with its own unique history.
If that isn’t something you can, then consider a day trip to Lake Tegernsee & Mount Wallberg. Travel to Lake Tegernsee for a relaxing day by the water. Take a cable car to Mount Wallberg to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Tegernsee and the Alps.
The other option is to head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a beautiful alpine ski town – combine this with a walk down the Partnach gorge and a cable-car ride up to Zugspitze – the highest mountain in Germany. The view from the top is absolutely beautiful.
Whichever day trip you choose, you can easily return to Munich in the evening.
However you have some more time in Germany (at least 4-5 days), we highly recommend renting a car and driving the Deutsche Alpenstrasse – one of the most beautiful and scenic roads in the world. We have a detailed day by day guide for it
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide for Munich – the city is ideal for a short city break or as a gateway to some of the most gorgeous day trips and road trips in Europe. And if you go in December, you’ll witness some of the most charming Christmas markets. Have fun exploring
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