Munich, Bavaria’s capital, blends royal grandeur with gemütlichkeit—the warm, convivial spirit of southern Germany. Founded in the 12th century by monks (hence “München”), the city grew under the Wittelsbach dynasty, which left a legacy of palaces, art, and leafy boulevards. Today, Munich is both refined and relaxed: orchestras and opera halls share a city with river surfers, cyclists, and beer gardens under chestnut trees.

Expect an easy-to-navigate Old Town, renowned museums like the Pinakotheken and the Deutsches Museum, and architectural icons from the onion-domed Frauenkirche to rococo jewel-box Asamkirche. Food lovers can graze at Viktualienmarkt, sip at storied beer halls, and savor modern Bavarian kitchens that rethink classics. Football fans find their mecca at the Allianz Arena; design fans at BMW Welt and Olympiapark.

Practical notes: public transit is excellent (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams). Many shops close on Sundays; beer gardens are seasonal but plentiful in good weather. Munich is safe and walkable. Cash is still handy, but cards are widely accepted. The best months are May–October for beer gardens and alpine day trips; December brings charming Christmas markets.

Munich

Munich is equal parts royal residence and river-city playground. Start in Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel, then stroll to Residenz palace courtyards and the shadowy Asamkirche. In fine weather, join locals in the English Garden—perhaps at the Chinesischer Turm beer garden—before catching sunset from Olympiaberg.

Culture seekers can devote days to the Alte, Neue, and Pinakothek der Moderne, plus the luminous Lenbachhaus for Blue Rider art. Science and families gravitate to the vast Deutsches Museum. Modern Munich thrives in Haidhausen’s cafe corners, Glockenbach’s cocktail bars, and Schwabing’s bohemian streets.

• Top sights: Marienplatz and Glockenspiel, Frauenkirche, Munich Residenz, Viktualienmarkt, English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, Olympiapark & BMW Welt, Asamkirche, Pinakotheken, Deutsches Museum.
• Local flavors: Weisswurst with sweet mustard (before noon, tradition!), pretzels, Leberkässemmel, roast pork with crackling, and crisp Helles lager. Modern kitchens riff on seasonal Alpine produce.
• Fun facts: Munich’s surfers ride the Eisbach wave year-round; the city has more than 1,000 beer gardens and beer halls; and Oktoberfest began as a royal wedding party in 1810.

Where to stay (book with our partners):

• Search apartments and homes: VRBO Munich
• Browse hotels citywide: Hotels.com Munich

• Classic grand hotel near Odeonsplatz: Hotel Bayerischer Hof
• Stylish, good-value base near Isar banks: Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre
• Family-friendly, by Gasteig/Haidhausen: Novotel München City
• Tram-linked, modern rooms (Arnulfpark): Novotel München City Arnulfpark
• Design on a budget (Old Town edge): Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor
• Affordable, south of center with U-Bahn: Motel One München-Campus
• Friendly hostel near Hauptbahnhof: Euro Youth Hotel Munich
• Budget hotel by Augustiner-Keller: Meininger Hotel Munich City Center

Getting to Munich:

• Flights to Europe or within Europe: compare on Omio (flights). From North America/Asia, also check Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Trains in Europe: ICE/TGV/rail to Munich Hbf—Berlin (≈4h), Vienna (≈4h), Zurich (≈4h), Paris (≈5h40). Check routes and prices on Omio (trains). Buses can be cheaper; see Omio (buses).
• Airport transfer: S1 or S8 S-Bahn from MUC to city center in ≈40 minutes; taxis/rideshares ≈30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrive, Old Town stroll, and a Bavarian welcome

Afternoon: Land in Munich and drop your bags. Stretch your legs on an easy loop: Marienplatz (watch the Glockenspiel at the Neues Rathaus), wander to Frauenkirche’s twin domes, then duck into the gilded Asamkirche—a tiny rococo marvel built by the Asam brothers.

Evening: Welcome dinner near Viktualienmarkt. Try Schneider Bräuhaus (Tal) for weisswurst before 8 pm and a malty Aventinus; or Der Pschorr for organic roast pork and potato-cucumber salad. Craving fish? Fisch Witte serves pristine seafood and a glass of Riesling.

Night: Toast the skyline from M’Uniqo Rooftop Bar (Andaz, Schwabing) with an alpine-inspired cocktail, or opt for the historic Goldene Bar inside Haus der Kunst—an art deco gem with serious mixology.

Day 2: Icons and museums—Munich’s heart and mind

Morning: Coffee and schmalznudel (fried dough) at Café Frischhut by Viktualienmarkt—sweet, warm, and perfect with espresso. Explore Munich Residenz: the Antiquarium hall, treasury, and Cuvilliés Theatre tell the story of Bavaria’s royals.

Afternoon: Art time in the Kunstareal. The Alte Pinakothek’s Rubens and Dürer, the Neue Pinakothek’s 19th-century masters, and Pinakothek der Moderne’s design wing can fill hours; pick two for depth. Quick lunch at Dallmayr Bar & Grill—grilled fish, tartare, and a glass from their legendary cellar.

Evening: Dinner at Spatenhaus an der Oper (upper floor for views)—order duck with red cabbage or a crisp schnitzel. If you love classical music, check schedules for the Bavarian State Opera or the Munich Philharmonic; otherwise enjoy a nightcap at Schumann’s Bar, a temple of classic cocktails by the Hofgarten.

Day 3: Dachau Memorial and Nymphenburg Palace

Morning: Join a guided visit for context and respect at the Dachau Memorial (S-Bahn + short bus). We recommend:

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train

This half-day tour provides historical framing while visiting key sites. It’s a somber, essential experience.

Afternoon: Return for lunch in Haidhausen at Wirtshaus in der Au (excellent dumplings and seasonal specials). Then head to Nymphenburg Palace—baroque halls, the Amalienburg hunting lodge with mirror room, and canal-side walks. If time allows, peek into the Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain.

Evening: Modern Bavarian at Xaver’s (Gärtnerplatz) where classics get lighter touches—try the celery schnitzel or veal meatballs. Digestif at Bar Gabanyi (Beethovenplatz), a pianist-run cocktail spot with jazz vibes.

Day 4: English Garden, river surfers, BMW Welt, and beer culture

Morning: Start with specialty coffee at Man Versus Machine (Müllerstraße). Walk or cycle the English Garden: from the Eisbachwelle surfers to the Monopteros hill. Brunch-lunch at Seehaus with lakeside views—Bavarian char, tarte flambée, or a pretzel and Helles in the beer garden.

Afternoon: Tram to Olympiapark: climb Olympiaberg for city views, then cross to BMW Welt and the BMW Museum—sleek design, classic bikes, and future tech.

Evening: Dive deeper into Munich’s food-and-beer story with this small-group tasting:

Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich

You’ll learn brewing traditions under the Reinheitsgebot while sampling classic dishes—and visit atmospheric beer halls.

Day 5: Neuschwanstein & Linderhof—King Ludwig II’s fairytale world

Morning: Depart Munich for the Bavarian Alps and castles. This well-run day trip handles tickets and timing, so you can focus on scenery:

Neuschwanstein & Linderhof - Fairytale Castles Tour from Munich

Explore ornate Linderhof and gaze at Neuschwanstein’s turrets over Alpsee—then return to Munich by early evening.

Evening: Casual dinner at Augustiner-Keller’s storied beer garden (try the half-chicken and potato salad). If you’ve energy, stroll along the illuminated Isar embankments.

Day 6: Markets, design, and neighborhood Munich

Morning: Breakfast at Julius Brantner Brotwerkstatt—excellent sourdough and buttered pretzels. Browse Viktualienmarkt: pick up Caspar Plautz’s creative potato dishes, sample cheeses, and grab a Leberkässemmel from a butcher’s stall.

Afternoon: Design fix at Pinakothek der Moderne (product design and architecture exhibits) and the bold, color-rich Lenbachhaus (Kandinsky, Münter, and the Blue Rider circle). Coffee break at Vits der Kaffee (Rumfordstraße) for meticulous pour-overs.

Evening: Choose your flavor: Mural (Old Town) for Michelin-star seasonal plates; or NENI München (by the Hauptbahnhof) for vibrant Levantine sharing dishes in a stylish room. Nightcap in Glockenbach at Zephyr Bar for creative, fruit-forward cocktails.

Day 7: Salzburg by rail—Mozart, baroque domes, and strudel

Morning: Cross the border on an easy train and unlock Salzburg with a guide:

Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail

See the fortress, Mirabell Gardens, and Mozart sites, with free time for cafés and river views before returning to Munich.

Afternoon: Back in town, unwind in Haidhausen’s Wiener Platz beer garden at Hofbräukeller—shadier, more local than the big halls. Try Obatzda (cheese spread) with radishes and a Maß.

Evening: Dinner at Brenner Grill on Maximilianstraße (beef from the charcoal grill, seafood, and crisp salads). For music lovers, Jazzclub Unterfahrt hosts international acts most nights.

Day 8: Last sips and souvenirs—then departure

Morning: Light breakfast at Café Luitpold, a historic patisserie with excellent pastries and coffee. Pick up edible souvenirs: Dallmayr coffee, Lebkuchen, or a stoneware beer stein from the Old Town.

Afternoon (departure): If time allows, one final walk through the Hofgarten to Odeonsplatz. Then head to the airport by S-Bahn (≈40 minutes) or taxi. Safe travels—auf Wiedersehen!

Optional transit tips:

• Within Europe, compare trains and buses on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses). Flying to/from Europe? Check Omio (flights).
• Intercontinental flights: browse Trip.com and Kiwi.com for competitive fares and routes.

Seasonal note: If you’re visiting during late September/early October, Oktoberfest is a spectacle. You can secure guaranteed tent seating via:

(If attending) Book an escorted experience with food and beer included well in advance.

Summary: Eight days in Munich lets you savor Old Town grandeur, museum masterpieces, and park life—then step into the Alps for Ludwig II’s castles and hop to Salzburg. You’ll return with a head full of history, a camera full of mountain turrets, and a newfound appreciation for Bavarian food, beer, and gemütlichkeit.