Munich, Germany-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Munich

  • Morning: Arrive at Munich Airport (MUC) and take the train (S-Bahn) or bus (Lufthansa CityLine) to your accommodation
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
    • Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Excelsior, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Munich’s old town
  • Evening:
    • Head to Marienplatz, one of Munich’s most iconic squares
    • Watch the famous Glockenspiel show at 11am, noon, and 5pm (check schedule for exact times)
    • Grab a traditional German beer at the Hofbräuhaus, a historic beer hall

Day 2: Explore Munich’s History

  • Morning: Visit Neue Residenz, the former residence of Bavarian kings
  • Afternoon:
    • Stop by Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive science and technology museums
    • Take a stroll along the Isar River
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy traditional German cuisine at Schwabinger Wirtshaus, a cozy beer garden with outdoor seating

Day 3: Castles and Parks

  • Morning: Visit Nymphenburg Palace, a stunning baroque palace with beautiful gardens
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a stroll through the adjacent Englischer Garten, one of Europe’s largest urban parks
    • Head to Schleissheim Castle, a former summer residence of Bavarian kings
  • Evening:
    • Treat yourself to dinner at Augustiner-Keller, a historic beer garden with outdoor seating

Day 4: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein

  • Full Day: Take a guided tour to Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale-like castle made famous by Disney’s Cinderella
    • Book a guided tour in advance to avoid long wait times
    • Visit the nearby village of Hohenschwangau for lunch and shopping

Day 5: Art, Culture, and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Pinakothek der Moderne, one of Europe’s most comprehensive modern art museums
  • Afternoon:
    • Stop by the adjacent Viktualienmarkt, a bustling marketplace with food stalls and souvenir shops
    • Browse through the upscale shopping street, Maximilianstraße
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Schwabinger Wirtshaus, offering traditional German cuisine

Day 6: Beer Culture

  • Morning: Visit Weihenstephan Brewery, one of Germany’s oldest and most respected breweries
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a tour of the brewery and learn about the brewing process
    • Head to the nearby Augustiner-Keller, a historic beer garden with outdoor seating
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at Biergarten zur Schleuse, offering traditional German cuisine

Day 7: Last Day in Munich

  • Morning: Visit the Olympiapark, a large park built for the 1972 Summer Olympics
  • Afternoon:
    • Stop by the adjacent BMW Museum, showcasing the history of BMW and its innovative designs
    • Take some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departing
  • Evening: Depart from Munich Airport (MUC) or take a train/bus to your next destination

Tips and Things to Know:

  • Transportation: Use public transportation, such as buses and trains, to get around the city. Buy a Tages-Ticket (daily ticket) for unlimited travel on public transportation.
  • Weather: Munich’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and bring an umbrella in case of rain.
  • Language: While many locals speak English, it’s still useful to learn basic German phrases, such as “Hallo” (hello), “Danke” (thank you), and “Auf Wiedersehen” (goodbye).
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. Aim to tip around 5-10% in restaurants and bars.
  • Currency: Euros are the official currency of Germany.

Other Interesting Facts:

  • Oktoberfest: If you’re visiting Munich during Oktoberfest (mid-September to early October), be prepared for a lively atmosphere, traditional beer tents, and plenty of delicious food.
  • Christmas Markets: Visit the Christmas markets in December for a festive atmosphere, mulled wine, and handmade crafts.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Take advantage of Munich’s proximity to the Alps by visiting the nearby ski resorts during winter.