In the heart of southern Germany is the bustling and beautiful capital of Bavaria: Munich. Known for it’s lively and boisterous beer drinking culture, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are actually many more things to do in Munich besides guzzling beers the size of your head. Although that’s arguably the most fun activity, besides eating giant pretzels of course!
Munich is one of the most popular cities in Germany for tourists to visit and there are plenty of awesome sites to see and fun things to do year round, not just during Oktoberfest! Munich can easily be included as a stop on your epic Germany road trip itinerary and it’s also perfect as a destination on it’s own.
If you’re wondering how long you need to spend, 2 days in Munich is a good amount of time to be able to tick off the city’s main highlights. Although if you choose to stay longer, you won’t be bored!
To help you maximize your stay, I’ve created the perfect 2 day Munich itinerary to ensure you get a good taste of what the city has to offer and don’t miss out on anything important! If you plan to spend longer than 2 days, I’ve included a few extra fun things to do around Munich that are worth checking out.
Table of Contents
The Perfect 2 Day Munich Itinerary
Munich Transportation Tickets and Tours
Munich Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours
An excellent option during your 2 days in Munich is the Hop On, Hop Off bus pass. You can choose to purchase a 1 or 2 day pass which gives you access to get on and off the bus as many times as you like.
Included in the ticket is 3 different bus routes to choose from which stop at 13 different highlights all over the city.
Check prices and more information here
The beautiful Marienplatz Square
Munich CityTourCard
For one price, the MunichCityTour Card gives you access to unlimited use of the public transportation system around the city. Instead of buying a new bus or train ticket each time, this pass provides flexibility and convenience to get around easily during your stay in Munich.
On top of that, the ticket includes a range of discounts on entrance tickets at popular attractions around Munich. A city map and information package comes with your purchase listing the attractions and partners where discounts apply.
Check prices and more information here
Old Town Munich Walking Tour
To kick off your 2 day Munich itinerary, why not take the city’s most popular walking tour?
This 2 hour walking tour will guide you through the highlights and main points of interest around Munich. Stroll through the Marienplatz square to see the Glockenspiel and visit the famous Hofbräuhaus to try some traditional beer.
Wander past the Frauenkirche (cathedral of our lady), stop to admire the impressive St. Peter’s Church and explore the historic food market, Viktualienmarkt; all while learning about the city’s fascinating history and getting insider tips from your guide on awesome things to do during your stay.
Check tour availability and starting times here
Do you need travel insurance for two days in Munich?
Are you travelling to Germany from overseas? If you are, then you’ll need to get travel insurance before you go.
The last thing you want is to have an unexpected medical emergency occur while you’re in a different country with no insurance to cover the costs!
Even if you don’t end up using it, getting travel insurance is a small investment for having peace of mind. This allows you to focus on having a memorable, relaxing vacation instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
I always go with Heymondo. They’re one of the most reliable travel insurance companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you’d like to protect against medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, Heymondo has you covered!
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2 Days in Munich: Day 1
Cathedral of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)
Dominating Munich’s skyline with its iconic onion domes for over 500 years is the massive Gothic style church, Cathedral of Our Lady or Frauenkirche. Sadly during WWII, the cathedral was badly damaged by air strikes but has since been restored to its original structure.
It’s no surprise that Frauenkirche is not only the biggest cathedral in Munich, but one of the biggest in all of Bavaria. Pop inside to admire the 15th century stained glass windows and the incredibly high ceilings of the cathedral’s interior. While you’re there, make sure to climb up the south tower for an epic view over the city below.
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 8:30pm daily
Tickets: Free entry
Explore Marienplatz Square
At the centre of Munich’s old town is the historic Marienplatz square which has been the city’s main square since the year 1158. Surrounded by impressive historic buildings, there is a lot to take in around this bustling square.
During your 2 days in Munich, you’ll likely find yourself passing through Marienplatz a number of times. Besides the main highlights listed below, make sure to explore the many narrow streets that extend from the square discovering cafes, bars, restaurants and little shops around each corner.
Neues Rathaus building in Marienplatz Square
Neues Rathaus– One of the first buildings to catch your eye when you enter the Marienpaltz is the dominating tower of the Neues Rathaus which means “new town hall”. Despite its medieval appearance and Gothic style architecture, the Neues Rathaus was actually built in 1874 when the old town hall became too small for its means.
Make sure to climb the 85 meter tower for a unique and beautiful view over the Marienplatz and city below. For a small price, you can take an elevator which takes you all the way up to the observation deck at the top.
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 10am-7pm, Sundays & public holidays 10am-5pm
Tickets: €6.50
Glockenspiel – Munich’s famous Glockenspiel which is housed in the Neues Rathaus tower entertains thousands of people daily. Make sure to be in the square for this charming show that takes place everyday at 11am, 12pm and 5pm.
Watch as 30 life sized figures are brought to life as they tell stories from Bavaria’s colourful past to the sound of chiming bells. This popular show is free to everyone, don’t miss out on this iconic Munich experience!
The Glockenspiel on the front of the Neues Rathaus tower
Altes Rathaus – Across from the new town hall is of course, the old town hall otherwise known as Altes Rathaus. Dating back to the 15th century, this beautiful Gothic style building was designed by the same man who built the Frauenkirche.
Just like many other buildings in Munich, the Altes Rathaus suffered some pretty serious damage during WWII. Extensive restoration work was completed after the war which resulted in the building that stands today.
If you wish to enter the old town hall, you will find a toy museum inside called the “Speilzeugmuseum”. The museum showcases a large collection of historic toys from around Europe. We personally did not enter this museum but if you are travelling with children, it could be a fun option.
Opening Hours – 10am – 5pm daily
Tickets – Adults €6, Children €2
Altes Rathaus
St. Peter’s Church – Another famous landmark of Munich’s old town area is St. Peter’s Church. It’s not as well known as the Frauenkirche however its interiors are more elaborately decorated and arguably more impressive.
With no shortage of epic viewpoints to choose from around Munich, it’s comes as no surprise that St. Peter’s Church has a beautiful view from the top of its massive tower. For those who may want to burn off some of those pretzel and beer calories, climb the 299 steps to the observation deck at the top for a panoramic city view.
Click here for more info regarding opening times and tickets
Viktualienmarkt
Located in the heart of the old town, only a few steps from Marienplatz is the historic food market, Viktualienmarkt (Victuals Market in English). In previous years, Munich’s fresh food market was originally located in Marienplatz but in the 19th century the market grew so big that it was moved to it’s own designated square.
This colourful and lively market is fun to stroll around, browsing the many different food stalls. You will find fresh produce, meats and cheeses, traditional Bavarian foods, coffee stalls, and of course a large beer garden where you can relax with a stein and take in the atmosphere!
While you’re there, take note of the traditional Bavarian “Maypole” in the centre of the market. Each town in Bavaria has their own Maypole which is a large blue and white pole featuring scenes of daily village life. Munich’s Maypole features scenes from Oktoberfest with dancers, musicians and women serving beer.
Maypole in the Viktualianmarkt
Asamkirche
Just when you thought you had seen your share of churches for the day, you just can’t miss out on a trip to the stunning Asamkirche! The church was built in the 18th century and features the most lavishly decorated Baroque style interiors.
The church may only be small but it certainly doesn’t fail to impress. Prepare to be wowed by the church’s elaborate design featuring gold leaf detailing, twisted columns and beautiful ceiling paintings. Every corner of this church is truly a work of art!
Opening Times: 9am – 5:30pm, closed during church service
Tickets: Free
Dinner at the Hofbräuhaus
After a long day of exploring Munich, head over to the oldest beer hall in the city, the Hofbräuhaus. There is really no where else in the world where you can experience true Bavarian beer drinking culture than right here!
The Hofbräuhaus has been around for a very long time, it opened in 1589 to be exact. It’s also incredibly large, with 3 floors, an outdoor beer garden and an endless amount tables that welcome tens of thousands of guests per day.
Hofbräuhaus
The lively and infectious atmosphere of the Hofbräuhaus will have you making new friends and saying “Prost!” as you cling your steins together while listening to the sound of the live Bavarian “Oompah” band that plays every day of the year.
It’s not just a bar, but also a restaurant serving the most authentic and delicious Bavarian cuisine you can imagine. An evening at the Hofbräuhaus is a quintessentially Bavarian experience everyone must have when visiting Munich!
Opening Hours: 9am – midnight
Enjoying a large pretzel and a 1L beer at the Hofbräuhaus
2 Days in Munich: Day 2
Munich Residenz
This spectacular palace dates back to the 14th century when it was initially built as a castle. Many changes took place to its appearance over the centuries resulting in the incredible palace that you see standing today. The Munich Residenz was once the seat of the Bavarian government and home to the Wittelsbach monarchs from the 16th – 20th centuries.
Residenz Museum – Be prepared to spend a few hours at the Munich Residenz, the palace is massive and there is so much to see. A visit to the ‘Residence Museum’ will take you through many lavishly decorated halls and chambers, full of well preserved art collections and original furnishings.
The Antiquarium Hall is particularly beautiful and was my personal favourite from our visit to the Residenz Museum. It’s the oldest room in the entire palace dating back to 1568 and it was used to hold festivities and banquets. The Munich Residenz is truly an impressive work of art and will be a highlight of your 2 days in Munich.
The beautiful Antiquarium Hall
Treasury – For an extra cost you can also visit the Treasury while you’re there. This is where you’ll see a large collection of valuables that once belonged to the kings and queens of Bavaria. Crowns, jewels, gold, precious stones and other treasures are on display for visitors to admire.
Cuvilliés Theatre – Dating back to the 18th century, this beautiful theatre was built exclusively for royalty and members of the court to watch opera shows. Sadly during the war, the theatre was completely destroyed. In 1945, it was rebuilt with only a few original wood carvings that survived from the original building.
Tickets: Residenz Museum €9-adult free-children, Treasury €9-adult free-children, Cuvilliés Theatre €5-adult free-children
Combo ticket for Museum + Treasury €14
Combo ticket for Museum + Treasury + Cuvilliés Theatre €17
Opening Hours: The palace is open daily, take note of the seasonal hours.
April – Oct 18: 9am-6pm, October 19 – March: 10am-5pm
For further information regarding ticket pricing and opening hours please see the official website.