Spending a full week in Munich gives you time to dive deep into the city’s history, culture, food, and natural beauty — and still have time for a few unforgettable day trips. Whether you’re here for beer gardens and castles or art and river walks, this 7-day itinerary mixes iconic sights with local gems to give you the most well-rounded experience possible.
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How Many Days Do I Need in Munich?
You don’t need a full week in Munich – but you certainly should want one! That’s because you’ll get the best of both worlds: enough time to see all the major highlights without rushing, plus the flexibility to slow down and enjoy the city like a local. With 7 days, you can dive into Munich’s historic core, spend an afternoon getting lost in its beer gardens and riverside parks, explore world-class museums, and still have time for a few incredible day trips into the Bavarian countryside.
We also have itineraries for 24 hours and 3 days in Munich.
Where Should I Stay in Munich?
Munich is easy to navigate and packed with distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own vibe and advantages. Whether you’re after historic charm near the city’s main sights, a more residential feel with leafy parks, or a lively area full of bars and cafés, there’s a corner of the city that fits your style.
From the buzz of the Altstadt to the relaxed streets of Schwabing, we’ve put together a guide to help you figure out the best area to call home during your stay.
Check out our complete guide to where to stay in Munich for detailed neighborhood breakdowns and recommendations based on how you like to travel.
Day 1: Classic Munich Old Town
Your first day is all about getting your bearings and soaking in the historic heart of the city.
- Start at Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, and watch the Glockenspiel chime on the New Town Hall
- Walk to Viktualienmarkt for a casual local lunch or beer garden break
- Visit St. Peter’s Church and climb the tower for a panoramic city view
- Wander to Frauenkirche, the symbol of the city, and explore the surrounding pedestrian streets
- Stop by Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus for a gourmet snack or just to browse
- End with a traditional Bavarian dinner at a historic beer hall like Schneider Bräuhaus or Augustiner Stammhaus
Day 2: Palaces and Gardens
Get a feel for Munich’s royal past and its love of green spaces.
- Head to Schloss Nymphenburg, the expansive Baroque palace and gardens just west of the center
- Visit the Marstallmuseum, home to royal carriages and sleighs
- Stroll or rent a bike and explore the palace park’s canals, pavilions, and fountains
- On the way back, stop at Hirschgarten, Munich’s largest beer garden, popular with locals
- If you still have energy, take a short walk through Neuhausen, a charming neighborhood with relaxed cafés and tree-lined streets
Day 3: Museum Quarter and Art Fix
Munich has one of the best museum collections in Europe — today is the day to explore it.
- Spend the morning at Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek (reopening soon), or Pinakothek der Moderne, all within the Kunstareal (museum quarter)
- Stop at Kaffee Espresso Kolonial or Cafe Jasmin nearby for a stylish coffee break
- Visit Lenbachhaus for works by Kandinsky and the Blue Rider group
- In the evening, head to Maxvorstadt for dinner — this student-friendly area has some of the city’s best casual restaurants, bars, and bookshops
Day 4: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Today is your chance to live the fairytale — this is one of the most iconic sights in Germany. We have a full guide available, but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect.
- Take a morning train to Füssen, then a bus to Hohenschwangau village
- Walk or ride up to Neuschwanstein Castle, the 19th-century fantasy creation of King Ludwig II
- Stop at Marienbrücke for the best photo views
- Optionally visit Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig’s childhood home, across the valley
- Return to Munich by early evening for a light dinner or a stroll through your local neighborhood
Day 5: Parks, River Life, and Local Flavor
Today is about living like a local — relaxing, eating well, and letting the city move at your pace.
- Start at the Englischer Garten — walk or bike from the Eisbachwelle surf spot all the way up to the northern lake
- Have lunch at Seehaus Beer Garden or Aumeister if you make it farther north
- In the afternoon, relax along the Isar River between Reichenbachbrücke and Flaucher — this is where locals grill, sunbathe, and swim in warm weather
- If it’s Sunday, stop by Museum Villa Stuck or Haus der Kunst along the edge of the park
- End the day in the laid-back Glockenbachviertel, where you’ll find excellent restaurants and some of Munich’s best cocktail bars
Day 6: Markets, Churches, and Neighborhood Wandering
Mix architecture, spirituality, and side streets on this slower-paced, culture-rich day.
- Visit Asamkirche, a small but stunning baroque church hidden in plain sight on Sendlinger Straße
- Explore the nearby Sendlinger Tor area, then wander through the boutique-lined lanes of the Glockenbachviertel
- Stop for coffee at Man Versus Machine or brunch at Cotidiano Gärtnerplatz
- Head to Elisabethmarkt in the afternoon — a neighborhood market in Schwabing that’s far more local than Viktualienmarkt
- Take a slow stroll through Schwabing and along Leopoldstraße, the old bohemian quarter, once home to writers, artists, and revolutionaries
- For dinner, stay in the area and try something a little different — Schwabing is full of international spots, like Persian, Vietnamese, and French bistros
Day 7: Olympic Legacy and Modern Munich
Wrap up your week with a look at Munich’s modern face and some high-up views.
- Head to Olympiapark, site of the 1972 Summer Olympics — explore the sprawling grounds, or rent a paddle boat on the lake
- Visit BMW Welt and, if you’re into cars or architecture, the BMW Museum next door
- Take the elevator to the top of the Olympiaturm for one of the best panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, the Alps
- If you still have time, make a quick stop at Luitpoldpark, just a short walk away — locals love this relaxed green space with a city-view hill
- For your final evening, return to the city center or enjoy a laid-back dinner in Neuhausen or Schwabing, depending on where you’re staying
