Munich is one of those cities where seemingly opposite worlds come together beautifully. Baroque churches and traditional beer halls sit just minutes apart, surfers ride a river wave right in the city centre, and the English Garden is larger than New York’s Central Park. In this 48-hour Munich itinerary, we’ll show you how to make the most of two days in Bavaria’s capital, from iconic landmarks and authentic Bavarian food to royal palaces and hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Here’s how to spend two days in Munich:

• Day 1 – Marienplatz, the Old Town & Hofbräuhaus
• Day 2 – Nymphenburg Palace, the English Garden & the Isar River
• Optional: Museums in Munich for Rainy Days
• Guided Tours in Munich
• Winter in Munich: Christmas Markets & Seasonal Highlights
• Where to Stay in Munich & How to Get Around
• All Munich Highlights at a Glance – Google My Map

Day 1 – Marienplatz, the Old Town & Hofbräuhaus

9:30 AM – Brunch at Sorry Johnny Kaffeebar

Start your day at Sorry Johnny, a cosy coffee shop within walking distance of your hotel. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast or brunch before heading into Munich’s historic city centre.

10:45 AM – Marienplatz

Marienplatz is the heart of Munich, dominated by the magnificent Neo-Gothic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). Its most famous attraction is the Glockenspiel, a mechanical carillon in the tower that performs daily at 11 am and noon, with an additional performance at 5 pm from March to October. Here’s a fun fact: the life-sized figures depict historical scenes, including a jousting tournament held for the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V in 1568 and the traditional Schäfflertanz, or coopers’ dance. According to local legend, the dance was performed to encourage people back onto the streets after the plague of 1517. Arrive a little before the hour to secure a good viewing spot and watch one of Munich’s most famous traditions unfold.

11:30 AM – St. Peter’s Church

Just a few steps away stands St. Peter’s Church, affectionately known by locals as Alter Peter – Old Peter. It is Munich’s oldest parish church and well worth a visit. If you’re up for climbing around 300 steps, head to the tower’s viewing platform for sweeping views across the rooftops of the Old Town. On clear days, you can even see the Alps in the distance. Tower admission costs approximately €5 per adult.

12:15 PM – Viktualienmarkt

Just behind Marienplatz lies the Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous open-air food market. Browse stalls selling artisan cheese, fresh fruit, fish, flowers and traditional Bavarian specialities. The market is open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. It’s an excellent place to grab a quick bite between sightseeing stops – try a freshly baked Brezn (Bavarian pretzel) or a Leberkässemmel, a traditional Bavarian meatloaf sandwich.

1:30 PM – Asam Church

Follow Sendlinger Straße to Asam Church (Asamkirche), one of Munich’s most extraordinary Baroque interiors. Brothers Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam built the church between 1733 and 1746 as a private place of worship next to their own home. Its understated exterior gives little away about the lavish interior, which is filled with gilded details, intricate stucco work and dramatic frescoes. Entry is free, making this tiny church one of the most rewarding stops on your Munich itinerary.

2:00 PM – Karlstor

At the western end of Munich’s pedestrian shopping district, you’ll find Karlstor, one of the remaining gates of the city’s medieval fortifications. It stands at Karlsplatz, a busy square that connects the historic centre with the shopping streets beyond. Here’s another local fun fact: Munich residents still affectionately call the square Stachus. The nickname dates back to an innkeeper named Eustachius Föderl, who once ran a tavern here.

2:30 PM – Frauenkirche

Continue to the Frauenkirche, Munich’s unmistakable landmark with its two towers, each approximately 98 metres tall. Inside the entrance, look for the famous Teufelstritt – the Devil’s Footprint, a dark footprint embedded in the floor. According to legend, the devil left it here after visiting the church during its construction. The south tower has a viewing platform offering panoramic views over the city, with admission costing approximately €7.50. The north tower is currently inaccessible.

3:00 PM – Kaiserschmarrn at Rischart

Head back along the pedestrian streets towards Marienplatz and stop at Rischart Café for a classic Austrian-Bavarian treat: Kaiserschmarrn. This fluffy, shredded pancake is traditionally served with icing sugar and fruit compote. It’s the perfect sweet afternoon break before continuing your sightseeing.

4:30 PM – Odeonsplatz

Walk along Theatinerstraße to Odeonsplatz, one of Munich’s most elegant squares. Here you’ll find the Feldherrnhalle, a monumental loggia inspired by the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, and the striking yellow Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche). Just beside the square lies the Hofgarten, a beautifully landscaped Renaissance-style garden that’s ideal for a peaceful pause. Odeonsplatz also has a significant place in Munich’s history, including its association with the failed Beer Hall Putsch of 1923.

5:15 PM – Max-Joseph-Platz

From Odeonsplatz, it’s just a short walk along Residenzstraße to Max-Joseph-Platz. The square is framed by the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of Bavaria’s rulers, and the National Theatre, home of the Bavarian State Opera. Even if you don’t go inside either building, the architecture makes this an impressive stop.

6:00 PM – Platzl & Hofbräuhaus (exterior visit)

At Platzl, you’ll find the world-famous Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V as the royal court brewery. The beer hall can get extremely crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Rather than waiting in a long queue, take a quick look at the historic building and its entrance before moving on. If you’d like to experience the atmosphere inside, consider returning at a quieter time.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Zum Stiftl

End your first day with a hearty Bavarian dinner at Zum Stiftl near Marienplatz. This traditional restaurant impressed us with its regional cuisine and makes a fitting final stop after a day of exploring Munich’s historic centre. Still have some energy left? Head back to Marienplatz at 9 pm to catch the Glockenspiel’s shorter evening performance.

Day 2 – Nymphenburg Palace, the English Garden & the Isar River

9:00 AM – Açaí breakfast at PALMZ

Start your second day at PALMZ near Max-Weber-Platz, where you can fuel up with a refreshing açaí bowl, coffee or smoothie before heading towards the western side of the city.

10:30 AM – Nymphenburg Palace

Take a tram or bus to Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg), a journey of approximately 30–40 minutes. Once the summer residence of Bavaria’s electors and kings, this magnificent Baroque palace is one of Munich’s most impressive historic landmarks. The palace gardens are free to enter, while a combined ticket for the palace and the Marstallmuseum, which houses historic carriages and sleighs, costs approximately €16 in winter. Palace visits require a timed entry slot. Important: Winter opening hours apply from October 16 until the end of March, when the palace is open from 10 am to 4 pm, with last admission at 3:30 pm. During summer, opening hours are 9 am–6 pm. We’ve deliberately scheduled Nymphenburg Palace early in the day so that this itinerary works throughout the year, even during the shorter winter days.

1:45 PM – Lunch at the Chinese Tower

Next, head to the English Garden (Englischer Garten), one of the world’s largest urban parks. One of its most recognisable landmarks is the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm), a wooden pagoda surrounded by a traditional beer garden with seating for around 7,000 guests. It’s a classic Munich experience and a lovely place to stop for lunch in the warmer months. The beer garden operates seasonally, so check opening times in advance if you’re visiting during autumn or winter.

2:30 PM – Monopteros

A leisurely walk through the English Garden brings you to the Monopteros, a small circular Greek-style temple built on a hill by architect Leo von Klenze in 1836. The elevated position offers lovely views across Munich’s skyline. On a clear day, you can spot the distinctive towers of the Frauenkirche rising above the rooftops. It’s one of the park’s most picturesque spots and a great place to take a break from sightseeing.

3:15 PM – Eisbach Surfing Wave

At the southern edge of the English Garden, near Haus der Kunst on Prinzregentenstraße, you’ll find one of Munich’s most surprising attractions: the Eisbach wave. Here, surfers ride a stationary river wave right in the middle of the city. You can watch them for free from the nearby bridge, making this a must-see stop even if you’ve never tried surfing yourself. After an extended closure, surfing was permitted again from May 2026, subject to restrictions. According to the rules described for this itinerary, only experienced surfers may use the wave, and surfing is permitted until 10 pm. Regulations can change, so check the latest guidance from the City of Munich before your visit.

4:00 PM – Angel of Peace

Cross the Isar River towards the Angel of Peace (Friedensengel), a golden angel standing atop a column approximately 38 metres high. The monument was erected in 1899 to commemorate 25 years of peace following the Franco-Prussian War. Its terraces offer beautiful views across the city, particularly in the late afternoon.

4:45 PM – Maximilianeum

South of the Angel of Peace stands the imposing Maximilianeum, a monumental building that serves as the seat of the Bavarian State Parliament.

5:15 PM – Wehrsteg Bridge

Finish your sightseeing with a walk across Wehrsteg, a pedestrian bridge over the Isar near Prater Island. The route leads back towards Haidhausen and offers a quieter perspective on Munich, with views of the river and its surrounding greenery. It’s a lovely place to wind down after a full day of exploring. Walking the entire route involves roughly 6 kilometres of additional distance, so allow enough time if you want to enjoy the stops along the way. A rental bike can make getting around quicker and easier.

Evening – Wirtshaus in der Au or Giorgia Trattoria

Round off your second day with dinner near your hotel. For traditional Bavarian cuisine, head to Wirtshaus in der Au, known for its regional dishes. If you’re in the mood for Italian food in a stylish setting, Giorgia Trattoria is another excellent option.

Optional: Museums in Munich for Rainy Days

If the weather turns or you’d like to explore more of Munich’s cultural side, consider adding one of these museums to your itinerary:

• Deutsches Museum: One of the world’s largest museums dedicated to science and technology, with fascinating exhibitions covering everything from engineering to natural sciences, daily, 9 am–5 pm, approx. €15
• Alte Pinakothek: Home to masterpieces by artists such as Albrecht Dürer and Peter Paul Rubens. Open until 8 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; closed on Mondays, approx. €9
• Glyptothek: A museum of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture on Königsplatz, ideal for anyone interested in classical art and architecture, closed Mondays, approx. €6
• Kunsthalle München: A central exhibition space featuring changing international art and cultural exhibitions, daily, 10 am–8 pm, approx. €18
• Insider tip: Many Munich museums offer €1 admission on Sundays. This can be a fantastic way to explore the city’s cultural highlights on a budget. Check the current participating museums and conditions before your visit.

Guided Tours in Munich

Munich Old Town Food Tour

Sample more than ten Bavarian specialities and beers, including pretzels, Weisswurst and artisan cheese, while exploring markets, beer halls and local food spots in a small group.

• Duration: 3.5 hours, multiple departures between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm
• Two possible meeting points

Neuschwanstein Castle & Christmas Market Tour

If you have an extra day, take a comfortable coach trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle with a guide. Castle tickets are purchased directly from the guide on the day of the tour. Back in Munich, the itinerary includes a short walk through the city centre and a stop at the Christmas markets.

• Seasonal departures from November 28 8:30 am–6:30 pm
• Meeting point: Mike’s Bike Tours & Rentals

Winter in Munich: Christmas Markets & Seasonal Highlights

• Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz: November 20–December 24, 2026. Open Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm. Closed on November 22, with an early closing time of 2 pm on December 24.
• Alpenwahn at Viktualienmarkt: November 12, 2026–January 1, 2027.
• Krampus Run: December 13, 2026, from 3–5 pm. Krampus, Perchten and Klausen performers parade through the city centre towards Viktualienmarkt in a lively and sometimes eerie Alpine tradition.

Where to Stay in Munich & How to Get Around

Where to Stay: Motel One München-Haidhausen

For this itinerary, we recommend Motel One München-Haidhausen. The Haidhausen neighbourhood lies on the eastern side of the Isar and combines a relaxed atmosphere with convenient connections to the city centre. It’s particularly practical for this itinerary: both Sorry Johnny and PALMZ are within walking distance, and the route on Day 2 finishes in the direction of the hotel.

Getting Around Munich

• Public transport (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram and bus): The Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV) operates an extensive network throughout the city. The fares listed for 2026 are approximately €4.20 for a single journey, €10.10 for a single-day ticket and €19.70 for a group day ticket for up to five people. The Deutschlandticket is also valid on eligible local and regional services.
• On foot: Day 1 is entirely walkable, with short distances between most attractions in the Old Town.
• By bike: Rental bikes, including MVG Rad, are a convenient option for longer distances, particularly between the English Garden and the Maximilianeum.

All Munich Highlights at a Glance – Google My Map

We’ve collected all the locations mentioned in this guide in a Google My Map, making it easy to plan your route and navigate directly from your phone. It includes attractions, restaurants and practical stops to help you make the most of your 48 hours in Munich:

Our conclusion: From Baroque churches and traditional beer halls to royal palace gardens and a river wave in the middle of the city, Munich proves that history and modern city life can go hand in hand. Two days are enough to experience many of the Bavarian capital’s highlights without rushing through every attraction.

What will be your Munich highlight – the view from Monopteros, a plate of Kaiserschmarrn near Marienplatz or the surfers at the Eisbach wave?
Share this guide with your favorite travel buddies and leave us a comment below!

Discover Your Next Travel Destination: