Dear travelers,
Welcome to a perfect weekend in Munich! Firstly, one weekend is not sufficient to explore all the beautiful and intriguing aspects of Munich. However, it's ample for making a first impression! As your interests and preferences vary greatly, I won't be able to plan everything for you.
Here are some tips:
a) If you require accommodation, it's advisable to book your hotel room weeks in advance. If you find a cheap flight, your planning sequence may change.
b) If you need a flight or train, it's better to book it weeks before your arrival.
c) If you require a rental car, it's best to book it prior to your arrival. Alternatively, consider bike rental or purchasing a Munich Card Single for public transport. For certain destinations, such as Neuschwanstein Castle or Oberschleißheim Castle and the Oberschleißheim Aircraft Shipyard (an outsourced area of the German Museum), a rental car is recommended. However, if these are not on your bucket list, you'll be well-served by biking or utilizing public transport in Munich. Tip: If you opt for a rental car, I recommend an electric car. This allows for free parking in many areas of Munich for the first two hours. Additionally, you can purchase the ticket via the MVV app -> ticket shop. Without an airport, it falls under zone M, while with an airport, it extends to zones M-6. You can specify the start date and duration (up to five days). For example, if you arrive at the airport/main station on Thursday and depart on Sunday, that's a four-day duration.
d) Travel alone or with a companion with whom you'll likely have a good time. This way, you can also enjoy the weekend.
e) Keep stress at bay. This way, you can fully relish the weekend.
f) I'll leave the evening program up to you, as interests vary greatly here. Munich offers something for everyone.
g) Utilize Google Maps or a similar app to navigate to your destinations. Don't forget your battery pack!
h) In my opinion, the best time to visit Munich is from May to September, and depending on the weather, April and October can also be delightful. Winters tend to be cold, damp, and dark early. However, indoor activities such as the Tollwood Festival or visiting the enchanting Christmas markets are also delightful. Museums, theaters, concerts, etc., are available all year round.
Wishing you a fantastic time in Munich!
In the given example, the arrival is on Thursday evening.
Thursday:
Check into the hotel. Inquire about breakfast timings. Tip: Request a quiet room away from the street noise and avoid rooms adjacent to areas like elevators or utility rooms. Set the alarm clock for 7:30 a.m.
The timings provided are recommendations. Feel free to tailor your pace and itinerary for the weekend according to your preferences.
Friday:
8:15 a.m. - Breakfast at the hotel.
9:30 a.m. - Start your day at Stachus. Take a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian zone towards Marienplatz / Rathaus. You can indulge in some shopping along the way.
11:00 a.m. - Town Hall / Marienplatz. Witness the daily chime at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., and at 5 p.m. during the summer months.
11:45 a.m. - Odeonsplatz, one of my favorite spots in Munich. Consider a visit to the baroque church. Continue to the park (Hofgarten) to explore the Diana Temple. Are you a fan of dancing? Return later to dance here. Salsa: Wednesdays & Sundays from 8 p.m., Tango: Fridays from 8 p.m. Admission is free.
12:30 p.m. - English Garden South: Take a stroll in Europe's largest city park and visit the Monopteros for a breathtaking view. Relax and enjoy the romantic sunset.
1:00 p.m. - Lunch: Delight in Bavarian delicacies at the charming beer garden near the Chinese Tower.
4:00 p.m. - Viktualienmarkt: Wander through this bustling market and sample local specialties.
5-6 p.m. - Explore the old town, paying attention to details. Consider a visit to the renowned Asam Church nearby.
6:00 p.m. - Dinner: Experience Bavarian hospitality at the famous Hofbräuhaus. Reserve a table in advance.
8:00 p.m. - Clubs, bars, or cultural activities of your choice.
Saturday:
9:00 a.m. - Haus der Kunst: Explore the museum and its exhibitions.
11:00 a.m. - Eisbach wave, located next to Haus der Kunst: Watch the surfers ride the unique city wave.
12:30 p.m. - Lunch at your preferred spot.
2:00 p.m. - Pinakotheken: Immerse yourself in the world of art with a visit to the renowned Pinakotheken.
7:00 p.m. - Evening program: Enjoy dinner and then explore Munich's vibrant nightlife in the bars and clubs of the Glockenbachviertel or indulge in cultural activities.
Alternatively: After visiting the Pinakothek, grab a light bite in the area. There are plenty of options available. Later, return to the Pinakothek der Moderne for some salsa or bachata dancing (weather permitting).
Sunday:
9:00 a.m. - Olympic Park: Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, visit the Olympic Tower (>100m), and enjoy the panoramic view from the Olympiaberg.
12:00 p.m. - Nymphenburg Palace: Explore the magnificent palace and wander through the beautiful gardens.
2:00 p.m. - Deutsches Museum: Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of science and technology.
6:00 p.m. - Farewell to Munich: Check out of the hotel.
For convenient city travel, I recommend the CityTourCard Munich, which allows easy access to all public transport and often offers reduced admission to attractions.
Tip: Check in advance for events happening in Munich during your visit and book accordingly once your travel plans are confirmed.
I suggest allocating a full day for Neuschwanstein Castle, considering the travel time alone (approx. 2 hours by car, approx. 4 hours by train - each way) from Munich. Tip: Arrive early to minimize queue time; the castle typically opens its gates at 9:00 a.m. Check the website for details beforehand.
I hope you had an unforgettable weekend in my beloved Munich.
Warm regards,
Dream Weekend Escapes
