I have to admit I didn't have many expectations of Munich whatsoever before getting there. I was expecting yet another modern and cosmopolitan European city, maybe with a little bit of a strict vibe, mostly grey , rainy and full of ultramodern corporate buildings. In fact, I was never particularly attracted to visiting it and did barely any research before my trip there.
As the saying goes, the best things happen when you least expect them. Safe to say Munich proved to be one of the best, most vibrant and interesting cities I have been to. The Bavarian capital is easily accessible from most corners of Europe, abounds with culture and events, holds a walkable city center and is home to people from all over the world.
At times I actually wondered whether I was in Munich, Rome or London - it seems that the city has in itself the best that Europe has to offer - magnificent churches and cathedrals dating from centuries back, busy streets, cosmopolitan and modern vibe. Munich perfectly combines old European history and the aristocratic ancestry of rich Bavarian families and all contemporary comforts and innovations.
Here's the ultimate guide of Munich and what you can see there for 2-3 days.
Getting there and moving around
The easiest way to get to Munich is when arriving at Munich International Airport. From there, there is a very easy way to get to the city center by train which takes about one hour. You can get off directly at Karl Platz or Marienplatz which are usually the two main stops for all travelers when getting to Munich for the first time.
Main sites and attractions
Old Town - Marienplatz
The journey for any first-timer in Munich should definitely start from Marienplatz - this is the very heart of the city and Munich's Old Town. Marienplatz is also the home of the biggest and most notable cathedral in the city - Frauenkirche. This main, not-to-be-missed site is easy to see from many parts of the city with its two towers just over 98 meters each. During Christmas this is also where guests and locals enjoy the Christmas market and various festive delights.
Residence Munich
Munich Residence or Residenz Munchen ,in German, is a castle that used to serve as the seat of government and residence of Bavarian dukes (the Wittlesbach dynasty) from 1508 to 1918. I very much recommend visiting this castle as this where the cultural, political and art magnificence of Munich and Bavaria in general is best felt.
Make sure you have at least 2 ; 2 and a half hours to dedicate only here as it takes a while to queue to buy tickets (if you purchase them on-site) and then to properly enjoy the rooms and art collections inside. The castle is truly vast with maze-like corridors and hosts collections from periods spanning from the Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo to Neoclassicism.
The Residence consists of 3 main parts - Museum, Treasury and Theater. Make sure you buy a ticket that includes access to the Theater. It is worth seeing as it is the perfect showcase of the lavish architectural style of the 18th century and opera and theater settings the aristocracy from those times enjoyed.
Residence Munich and a tour of the Old Town are more than enough to visit for 1 day in Munich. Make sure you enjoy some of the numerous cafes and restaurants that offer typical Bavarian food and deserts. Personally, I tried Spatenhaus an der Oper - a very traditional Bavarian restaurant at the heart of Munich, located close to Munich Residence.
Nymphenburgh Palace (Schloss Nymphenburgh)
If you are keen on visiting castles and palaces (and they are amongst the main attractions in Munich) then Nymphenburgh Castle should be on the top of your list. Located a bit outside downtown Munich, Nymphenburgh is easiest to reach via one of the touristic double-deckers you can easily hop on at Marienplatz. It will take you straight to the castle in about 15-20 minutes during which you will be able to enjoy Munich's sites thoroughly.
Nymphenburgh is the perfect activity for your second day in the Bavarian capital. Apart from visiting the castle, you can also enjoy a vast park and gardens surrounding its territory which is free to visit. Especially, if the weather is nice, you can take long strolls, ride a bike or even make a picnic. You can even spend a full day there if you'd like.
Make sure you visit the castle inside and enjoy the authentic architecture and detailed decorations dating from centuries back. Buying tickets on-site is also possible but be patient with the queues.
Cultural Scene
Munich has a lot to offer from its cultural scene, too. You can easily combine your 2nd day in the city with visiting a concert or an exhibition. In August 2024 world famous superstar Adele held a month-long residence in Munich delivering 10 unforgettable shows located at Munich Messe that will certainly remain in music history for the decades to come.
Public transport and hotels
Munich abounds with accommodation options - from Airbnb-s and private apartments to luxury hotels - anything is available for any taste and any budget. Booking.com for me remains the easiest and safest platform when looking for a place to stay.
Should you choose to stay in the center you don't really need public transport - the Old Town is easily walkable on foot.
There are two types of trains - U-Bahn and S-Bahn. U-Bahn is the metro inside the city and S-Bahn are regular trains. Learn more about how to get around Munich.
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