,regionOfInterest=(2880,1920))
,regionOfInterest=(2880,1920))
Best souvenirs to buy in Chiang Mai 2026: what to bring home
,regionOfInterest=(1264,842))
,regionOfInterest=(1264,842))
Culture
,regionOfInterest=(2184,1456))
,regionOfInterest=(2184,1456))
,regionOfInterest=(500,500))
,regionOfInterest=(500,500))
All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
Culture
Although, at first glance, 72 hours in Munich might seem rushed, it is enough time to get to know the city quite thoroughly, having the opportunity to combine major monuments with its most authentic neighbourhoods, museums, and pleasant outdoor spaces. Even so, it is important to be clear about what to see in Munich in 3 days, in order to organise yourself properly and know how to get around to avoid having to rush from one place to another.
There are many places to see in Munich, from historic squares and ancient palaces of the Wittelsbach dynasty, to huge urban parks, traditional markets, and neighbourhoods full of atmosphere. For this reason, choosing the order of visits well is essential to make the most of every minute in the city.
Here is a 3-day Munich itinerary that includes the main tourist attractions of the Bavarian capital, ordered by proximity to reduce travel time and to discover different sides of the city.
,regionOfInterest=(1720,1418.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1720,1418.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2326,3485))
,regionOfInterest=(2326,3485))
,regionOfInterest=(2184,1456))
,regionOfInterest=(2184,1456))
| DAYS | ROUTE FOCUS | MAIN AREAS |
|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Must-sees and historic centre | Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt, Residenz, Odeonsplatz and Hofbräuhaus |
| DAY 2 | Palaces, art and architecture | Nymphenburg Palace, Olympiapark, BMW Museum, Maxvorstadt and Alte Pinakothek |
| DAY 3 | Charming neighbourhoods and green spaces | English Garden, Schwabing, Haidhausen, Isar river and Theresienwiese |
To whet your appetite with everything there is to visit in Munich in 3 days, we will dedicate this first day to discovering the historic centre and its great symbols. This way you will have an ideal first contact with the city.
Marienplatz and New Town Hall
Much more than a square, Marienplatz has been the true heart of Munich since the Middle Ages and the perfect place to start this itinerary. Presided over by the great Column of St. Mary, this monumental space stands out for the impressive neo-Gothic façade of the New Town Hall, whose tower houses the famous Glockenspiel carillon.
At 11:00 am and 12:00 pm (and also at 5:00 pm between March and October), its life-size figures recreate scenes inspired by the history of Munich and ancient Bavaria. If you have the opportunity to witness one of these performances, it is worth stopping for a few minutes to enjoy one of the city's most iconic shows.
From here you can reach the next point on foot in less than 5 minutes.
Frauenkirche and St. Peter
The two towers with their characteristic green domes make the Frauenkirche one of the main religious symbols of Munich and a totally essential visit. In its late Gothic interior you will be able to admire the spaciousness of its nave and look for the mythical "Devil's Footprint", one of the city's best-known legends.
Just a few steps away is the Church of St. Peter (Alter Peter), considered the oldest parish in Munich. Its tower, which is accessed after climbing more than 300 steps, offers one of the best panoramic views of the historic centre. From the top you will be able to contemplate the roofs of the city, the towers of the Frauenkirche and, on the clearest days, even the silhouette of the Bavarian Alps on the horizon.
You can continue the tour on foot to the next point in about 5 minutes.
Viktualienmarkt
The Viktualienmarkt has been the gastronomic soul of Munich for more than two centuries and one of the best places to experience the authentic atmosphere of the city. This open-air market is a network of colourful stalls offering artisanal cheeses, regional sausages and freshly baked pretzels.
Everything revolves around the traditional Maypole and its lively central biergarten, making it the ideal place to try a homemade pretzel, which is one of the quintessential dishes of Bavaria.
From here you can reach the next point on foot in about 10 minutes.
,regionOfInterest=(1750,1167.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1750,1167.5))
Munich Residenz
It is one of the most majestic urban palaces in Europe. The Residenz was the seat of government and the official residence of the dukes, electors and kings of the Wittelsbach dynasty for more than four centuries.
The Antiquarium stands out here, a spectacular Renaissance hall decorated with paintings and sculptures, and the adjoining Hofgarten, an impeccable Italian-style garden with a central temple dedicated to the goddess Diana where you can relax in the middle of the afternoon.
From the Residenz you can walk to the next point in about 5 minutes.
Odeonsplatz
Odeonsplatz is one of the most elegant monumental squares in Munich. The Theatinerkirche (it is a Catholic religious temple in Baroque style recognisable by its striking yellow façade), the Feldherrnhalle (a porticoed gallery built as a historic monument to pay tribute to the military leaders of Bavaria) and the buildings of the Residenz create a beautiful architectural ensemble around it.
From here you can continue along Ludwigstraße (a large monumental avenue designed in the 19th century flanked by imposing neoclassical public buildings), head north or head towards the English Garden (a gigantic urban park famous for its canals and wide green meadows in the heart of the city). It is a good time to take a short break before continuing with the route.
You can reach the next point on foot in about 20 minutes.
Hofbräuhaus
You cannot leave Munich without entering the Hofbräuhaus, probably the most well-known brewery. It was founded in the 16th century and is a real institution among the locals. Its large halls, wooden tables, traditional music and lively atmosphere will allow you to get closer to one of the quintessential Bavarian traditions.
Altstadt
When the sun goes down it is the best time to quietly wander through the Altstadt (the city's old town), especially the streets surrounding Marienplatz and the pedestrian areas of the centre. With the lights turned on, the Gothic architecture of the New Town Hall takes on a majestic and almost theatrical air, ideal for photography lovers. At this time, you will find a very different atmosphere, intimate and much quieter than the rest of the day
The second day of this 3-day itinerary in Munich will take you to discover a different and more unknown side of the city.
Nymphenburg Palace
The Nymphenburg Palace was built as a summer residence for the Bavarian monarchy and is one of the most impressive Baroque complexes in Munich, surrounded by a pond with swans and huge French-style gardens, which seems to have been taken from a fairy tale.
From here you can reach the next point by public transport in about 20-25 minutes.
Olympiapark
The Olympiapark is one of the most recognisable spaces in Munich thanks to the spectacular roof built for the 1972 Olympic Games, considered one of the masterpieces of contemporary German architecture.
You can walk by the lake, tour the old sports facilities and enjoy the views of this large complex, which continues to host concerts, cultural events and sports competitions. Its innovative design continues to be one of the great symbols of the city.
From here you can reach the next point on foot in a few minutes.
BMW Museum
Next to the Olympiapark is the BMW Museum, a highly recommended visit if you like the world of motoring and, especially, are a fan of the designs of this prestigious German brand.
You can travel to the next point by public transport or in about 25-30 minutes on foot.
,regionOfInterest=(2184,1456))
,regionOfInterest=(2184,1456))
Maxvorstadt
In the afternoon it is time to discover Maxvorstadt, Munich's cultural and university district, with streets full of museums, galleries, bookshops, cafés and academic buildings that are a real pleasure to walk through.
It is a great area to have a bite to eat before continuing your visit, as there are various signature cuisine restaurants and traditional taverns near Königsplatz and Türkenstraße.
From here you can reach the next point on foot in a few minutes.
Alte Pinakothek
The Alte Pinakothek is one of the great art galleries in Europe, boasting an extraordinary collection of European painting. Among its works you will find pieces by artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Velázquez or Leonardo da Vinci.
You can continue walking to the next point in about 15-20 minutes.
Schwabing
The Schwabing district is perfect for ending this second day, where you will find a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Historically known as the bohemian district of the city's artists and writers, it is ideal for walking at dusk, dining in one of its avant-garde trattorias or bistros and enjoying its lively terraces.
After two days dedicated mainly to monuments and museums, to end this 3-day trip to Munich I suggest slowing down a little. It is time to discover some of the green spaces and neighbourhoods that show how the locals live.
English Garden
The English Garden (Englischer Garten) is an immense urban green lung that, with its more than 400 hectares, exceeds in surface area giants like New York's Central Park. This space is the perfect reflection of the authentic Munich lifestyle, where nature is fully integrated into the day-to-day life of its inhabitants.
At the southern end of the park is its most famous corner: the Eisbach wave (Eisbachwelle). It is a curious river phenomenon where the force of the water, upon colliding with a stone step at the bottom of the channel, generates a static, continuous and permanent wave one metre high. Here, experienced surfers equipped with wetsuits defy the current all year round (even with the park covered in snow), creating one of the most surprising and photographed visual spectacles in the city.
Going a little deeper into the park, the silhouette of the Chinese Tower stands out, a striking 25-metre-high wooden structure inspired by a pagoda. At its feet unfolds one of the largest and most popular Biergärten (beer gardens) in Munich. These types of traditional outdoor terraces are the ideal place to make a stop along the way, sit at their long wooden tables and enjoy a good local beer and typical Bavarian dishes in a relaxed and neighbourly atmosphere.
To continue with the route, the design of the park itself allows you to continue walking quietly towards the next point of the itinerary on foot and surrounded by nature, without the need to use public transport.
Schwabing
Although you have already walked through Schwabing the night before, it is well worth spending time there during the day, when its streets offer a quieter perspective of the neighbourhood and, in addition, you can discover cafés, small shops and historic buildings.
One option is to walk along Leopoldstraße and continue to Münchner Freiheit, one of the main meeting points in this area.
You can continue the tour on foot towards the next neighbourhood.
,regionOfInterest=(2390,1641))
,regionOfInterest=(2390,1641))
Haidhausen
On the other side of the Isar river is Haidhausen, one of the most iconic neighbourhoods and one of the most pleasant places for a walk. Its old houses, squares and residential streets give it a quieter air than the historic centre.
The Wiener Platz is one of its most characteristic places, with a small market and multiple terraces that make it perfect for a stop to eat or have a drink.
From here you can reach the next point on foot in about 10-15 minutes.
Isar River
The Isar river is one of Munich's great leisure spaces. Its banks are very much integrated into the daily life of the city and, when the weather is good, the locals come here to walk, play sports or simply sit and disconnect by the water.
You can travel to the next point by public transport in about 20 minutes.
Theresienwiese
To finish the tour you can go to Theresienwiese, a huge esplanade of approximately 42 hectares known throughout the world for being the official venue of the Oktoberfest.
During the great Bavarian festival, this space is completely transformed with huge beer tents, traditional gastronomy, music, parades and fairground attractions. In 2026, the Oktoberfest will be held from 19 September to 4 October.
However, Theresienwiese does not only live during these dates. Throughout the year it also hosts popular events such as the Frühlingsfest, considered the 'little Oktoberfest', or the Tollwood cultural festival, which combines music, gastronomy, themed markets and artistic proposals.
Although your trip does not coincide with any of these celebrations, it remains an interesting place to understand the importance that traditions and major popular events have in the identity of Munich.
You can finish the route here or return comfortably to the historic centre by public transport.
Dinner and a walk through the centre
To say goodbye to Munich, I encourage you to return to the historic centre to enjoy a final dinner in one of its traditional restaurants. For me, after three days without stopping, ending the night with a quiet walk through the illuminated streets of the centre is the best way to bring the trip to a close.
To follow this 3-day Munich itinerary, I recommend organising yourself with these maps by area:
,regionOfInterest=(2880,1920))
,regionOfInterest=(2880,1920))
Three days in Munich is the ideal time to discover its great attractions and fall in love with the city without having to worry about rushing. Through this itinerary you will be able to go from the monumentality of Marienplatz and the Residenz, to the atmosphere of the biergarten, the large urban parks and the neighbourhoods where daily life takes place.
I recommend booking in advance the visits you want to make to the interior of the main monuments and museums, especially if you travel in high season. It is also important to check opening hours before organising each day.
And if your trip coincides with the Oktoberfest, keep in mind that the experience will be completely different. During the 2026 edition, from 19 September to 4 October, Theresienwiese will concentrate a good part of the city's tourist activity. Book accommodation well in advance and prepare to find a much busier and more festive Munich.
,regionOfInterest=(2653,1747))
,regionOfInterest=(2653,1747))
,regionOfInterest=(2500,1667))
,regionOfInterest=(2500,1667))
,regionOfInterest=(1376,768))
,regionOfInterest=(1376,768))
,regionOfInterest=(632,423))
,regionOfInterest=(632,423))
,regionOfInterest=(2944,1656))
,regionOfInterest=(2944,1656))
,regionOfInterest=(1750,1575))
,regionOfInterest=(1750,1575))