Why You Need 48 Hours in Munich
Munich is a beautiful city that is steeped in history and culture, as the capitol of Bavaria you are sure to find stunning architecture and amazing museums. It is a perfect destination for a quick getaway, and 48 hours in Munich is just enough time to see some of the city’s highlights. From world-class museums to beautiful parks and gardens, there is something for everyone in Munich.
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Whether you are traveling solo, with your family, or with a group, this itinerary provides a great mix of things to do for everyone. If you have more than two days in Munich around Oktoberfest, check out this itinerary.
Things to Do with 48 Hours in Munich
There are so many things to do and see in Munich that it can be overwhelming to plan an itinerary. However, some of the must-see attractions include Marienplatz, the English Garden, and the Deutsches Museum. Marienplatz is the central square of Munich and is home to the iconic Glockenspiel, a clock tower that puts on a show at 11 am and 12 pm each day. The English Garden is a massive park that is perfect for a relaxing stroll, picnic, or bike ride. The Deutsches Museum is the largest science and technology museum in the world and is a great place to spend an afternoon.
When it comes to activities, there is no shortage of things to do in Munich. You can take a bike tour of the city, visit a traditional Bavarian beer hall, or explore the city’s art scene. If you’re a football fan, be sure to check out the Allianz Arena, home to FC Bayern Munich, and take a tour of the stadium.
Transportation Around Munich
Munich has an excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around the city. The subway system is reliable and efficient, and buses and trams run throughout the city. If you prefer to walk, Munich is a very walkable city, and many of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other. You can also hop on a bike and ride around the city if you want to cover some ground outdoors.
We also had a great experience with the CitySightseeing Munich Tour. We were able to see and do a lot with the 48-hour bus pass.
Where To Stay in Munich
There are plenty of accommodation options in Munich, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. If you’re looking for a central location, Marienplatz or the English Garden are two perfect areas to stay in.
Near Marinplatz
1 Louis Hotel – luxury accommodations, directly next to St Peter’s
2 Bayerischer Hof – 5 star hotel, stay IN the old town area
Near English Garden
1 Hilton Munich Park – next to the English Garden in an amazing location for transportation
2 Steigenberger Hotel München – a few blocks from the garden
48 hours in Munich Itinerary
With just two days in Munich, it’s essential to have a plan. This itinerary is a great way to see a lot of the city, have a good beer, and enjoy your time.
Day 1
Morning:
- Visit St. Peter’s Church and climb the tower
- Walk New Town Hall and watch for the Glockenspiel. Look up the times for the show before you arrive, as of now the show will play at 11pm, 12pm and 5pm
- See the Frauenkirche. The city’s main cathedral, be sure to look for the “Footprint of the Devil”
- If you have time, take a quick walk to the Asam Church. It has a stunning Baroque interior.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch from the daily food market, Viktualienmarkt
- Explore the stunning Munich Residence. With over 130 rooms open to the public it is the largest palace in Germany- right in the city! There are several tour options for the interior, though the garden are free to enter. I recommend a few hours here!
Evening:
- Have dinner and a beer at Hofbrähaus, the oldest brewery in Munich.
Day 2
Morning:
- Make your way towards Nymphenburg Palace. There are several cafes before you get to the property which is the perfect way to start the day. Spend 1-2 hours exploring the property and walking the gardens.
Afternoon:
- Take a walk through English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Depending on the weather, it’s a lovely area to walk around or take a boat ride on the lake.
- Have lunch at the Chinesischer Turm beer garden, at Seehaus or Osterwaldgarten
- Watch the surfers at Eisbach
Evening:
- Walk around Olympiapark or tour the BMW museum
- Enjoy one last beer garden in the city centre
Bonus– I highly recommend adding Neuschwanstein Castle to your itinerary if you have an extra half day or a full day! Neuschwanstein Castle is a stunning castle that inspired the design of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. It’s about two hours outside of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the castle and the surrounding area before returning to Munich.
I highly recommend a tour if this will be a day trip to/from Munich. Otherwise you would rent a car which can add up in cost.
Overall, Munich is a fantastic city that is worth visiting, even if it’s just for a short time. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture, it’s a destination that you won’t forget.
Have you visited Munich?
