3-Day Local Experience in Munich: Nightlife, Cuisine & Shopping

Munich, Germany

3 days

Olympiapark in summer
Frauenkirche and the tower of the town hall dominating the skyline
Victory Gate
A waiter dressed in lederhosen carrying pints of beer at Oktoberfest
Interior view of Munich Residenz

About Munich, Germany

Experience the heart of Bavaria in Munich, Germany. This city is a blend of traditional German culture and modern lifestyle. Visit the iconic Marienplatz, showcasing the city's Gothic architecture, or explore the vast English Garden, one of the world's largest urban parks. Munich is also home to world-class museums like the Deutsches Museum and the Pinakothek art galleries. Don't miss the chance to taste authentic Bavarian cuisine in the bustling Viktualienmarkt or enjoy a beer in the famous Hofbräuhaus. For history enthusiasts, a trip to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a must. Munich is also the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, Munich has something for everyone.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the City Center

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the city center, where you can explore the local shops and boutiques. This area is known for its unique fashion and design stores, making it a great place for shopping enthusiasts.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional German lunch in a local restaurant. Try some of the local specialties like pretzels, sausages, and local beers. The city center is filled with a variety of restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisine.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the city's rich history and architecture. Visit the iconic Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. The Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany and is open to visitors for its architecture, room decorations, and displays from the former royal collections.

Dinner

For dinner, indulge in a hearty Bavarian meal in a traditional beer garden. These outdoor restaurants are a staple of Munich's food culture, offering a unique dining experience.

Evening

Experience Munich's vibrant nightlife. Visit a local pub or club, where you can enjoy live music, dance, and mingle with locals. The city center is known for its lively night scene, with a variety of venues to choose from.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the English Garden, one of the world's largest urban parks. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, a boat ride on the lake, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Lunch

Have lunch in a local café in the park. Enjoy a light meal or a picnic while taking in the beautiful views of the English Garden.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon visiting the Deutsches Museum, the world's largest museum of science and technology. With over 28,000 exhibited objects from 50 fields of science and technology, it's a must-visit for any science enthusiast.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant near the museum. Try some traditional German dishes, paired with a local beer or wine.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a local wine bar. Munich has a thriving wine scene, with many bars offering a wide selection of local and international wines.

Morning

On your last day, visit the Nymphenburg Palace, a Baroque palace that was the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria. Explore the palace's beautiful gardens and stunning interiors.

Lunch

Have lunch in a local restaurant near the palace. Enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal, paired with a local beer.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the local shops and boutiques in the city center. This is a great opportunity to buy some souvenirs or gifts for your friends and family back home.

Dinner

For your last dinner in Munich, visit a traditional beer hall. Enjoy a hearty meal, accompanied by a stein of local beer.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a local jazz club. Enjoy some live music and dance the night away. This is a perfect way to say goodbye to this vibrant city.

Attractions in Itinerary (4)

Munich Residenz

1
Munich Residenz

The former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
Museums
English Garden

2
English Garden

A large public park in the center of Munich, stretching from the city center to the northeastern city limits.

Attractions
Parks
Sports
Gardens
Deutsches Museum

3
Deutsches Museum

The world's largest museum of science and technology.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Nymphenburg Palace

4
Nymphenburg Palace

A Baroque palace in Munich, former summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
Gardens

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Weisswurst

Weisswurst

A traditional Bavarian sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon. It is usually flavored with parsley, lemon, mace, onions, ginger, and cardamom. It's a breakfast staple in Munich.

Pretzel

Pretzel

Known as 'Brezel' in Germany, it's a type of baked bread product made from dough most commonly shaped into a twisted knot. It's a popular snack in Munich, often enjoyed with beer.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten

A pot roast, usually of beef, marinated before being slow-cooked. It's a national dish of Germany and a must-try for visitors in Munich.

Schweinshaxe

Schweinshaxe

A large pork knuckle roasted till it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It's a Bavarian specialty and a common sight in Munich's beer gardens.

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel

A traditional Viennese strudel, a popular pastry in Munich. It's filled with apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and bread crumbs.

Bratwurst

Bratwurst

A type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. It's a common street food in Munich, often served with mustard and a piece of bread or a roll.

Leberkäse

Leberkäse

A specialty food found in the south of Germany, in particular Bavaria. It's a type of baked sausage made from corned beef, pork, bacon and onions.

Käsespätzle

Käsespätzle

A traditional Swabian dish that has made its way to Munich. It's a German version of mac and cheese, made with egg noodles and a variety of cheeses.

Beer

Beer

Munich is famous for its breweries and beer gardens. The city is known for its lagers, wheat beers, and bocks. Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, is held annually in Munich.

Glühwein

Glühwein

A mulled wine served hot, especially during the winter and Christmas markets in Munich. It's made with red wine, citrus fruits, and spices.

Eiskaffee

Eiskaffee

A popular summer drink in Munich. It's essentially cold coffee with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and sometimes chocolate sprinkles.

Radler

Radler

A refreshing beer-based mixed drink. It's a combination of beer (usually a light lager) and sparkling lemonade, popular in Munich, especially during the summer months.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Munich, Germany is from late spring to early autumn, specifically between May and September. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additionally, the famous Oktoberfest beer festival typically takes place from late September to the first weekend in October, attracting tourists from around the world. However, if you're a fan of winter sports or Christmas markets, December could also be a great time to visit.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday (regional holiday)

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

May Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday (regional holiday)

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi (regional holiday)

August 8

Thu

Peace Festival in Augsburg (Bavaria)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary (regional holiday)

September 20

Fri

German World Children's Day (Thuringia)

October 3

Thu

Day of German Unity

October 31

Thu

Reformation Day (regional holiday)

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day (regional holiday)

November 20

Wed

Repentance Day (Saxony)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Munich's U-Bahn system is a comprehensive and efficient way to get around the city. It operates from early morning until late at night, with reduced services on weekends and holidays. There are eight lines (U1 to U8) serving most parts of Munich.

The S-Bahn is a network of suburban trains that connect Munich with its surrounding areas. It's also a convenient way to reach the city center from Munich Airport. The S-Bahn operates from early morning until late at night, with reduced services on weekends and holidays.

Munich's tram network is an efficient and scenic way to get around the city. Trams usually operate from early morning until midnight, with some lines offering 24-hour service.

Buses complement the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram services in Munich, reaching areas of the city that are not served by rail. Night buses operate after the regular services have ended, ensuring that you can get around the city at any time.

Munich is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and paths. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike rental shops in the city, or use the MVG Rad, a bike sharing service operated by Munich's public transport company.

Driving in Munich can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking. However, car rental services are available if you prefer to drive. Remember to abide by the local traffic rules and regulations.

Taxis are readily available in Munich, and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up from designated taxi ranks. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around the city.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Munich. They can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city, especially if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

Many of Munich's attractions are located close to each other in the city center, making walking a viable option. The city is pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of pedestrian zones and parks.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance and Fire: 112; Police: 110

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Munich, Germany as a first time visitor

1

Munich is located in the southern part of Germany, in the state of Bavaria.

2

The official language is German, but English is widely spoken in most places.

3

The currency used is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

4

Public transportation in Munich is excellent. It includes the U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses.

5

Munich is generally a safe city, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

6

Tipping is customary in Munich. Usually, a tip of 10-15% is expected in restaurants and taxis.

7

The city has a temperate seasonal climate. Summers (June to August) can be warm with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Winters (December to February) can be cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

8

Munich is known for its beer and breweries. The legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits.

9

The city is very pedestrian-friendly, and also has an extensive network of bike lanes.

10

Shops in Munich generally close earlier than in many other major cities. Most stores close by 8 PM during the week and are closed on Sundays.

11

Germans are generally punctual and value efficiency. It's important to be on time for appointments or reservations.

12

Munich operates on Central European Time (CET) and observes daylight saving time.

13

The city has a strong recycling culture. Be sure to separate your waste appropriately in public bins.

14

Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants.

15

Tap water is safe to drink and is of high quality.

16

Munich's cuisine is hearty and rich, featuring dishes like pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel.

17

The city is very clean and littering is frowned upon.

18

Munich has a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with many buildings still showing the city's historical roots.

19

Germans value their privacy. It's considered impolite to stare or take photos of people without their permission.

20

Munich is home to many festivals throughout the year, the most famous being Oktoberfest. If you're visiting during a festival, be sure to book accommodations well in advance.

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Auf Wiedersehen

owf vee-der-zayn

Saying goodbye

Please

Bitte

bit-te

Making a request

Thank you

Danke

dahn-ke

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Ja

ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nein

nine

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

ent-shool-dee-goong

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Es tut mir leid

es toot meer lite

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

shpre-shen zee eng-lish

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Ich verstehe nicht

ish fer-shtay-uh nikht

Expressing difficulty in understanding

Where is the bathroom?

Wo ist die Toilette?

vo ist dee toy-let-te

Asking for directions

Help

Hilfe

hill-fe

Asking for assistance

I'm lost

Ich habe mich verlaufen

ish ha-be mish fer-low-fen

Expressing that you're lost

Can I have the menu, please?

Kann ich bitte die Speisekarte haben?

kahn ish bit-te dee shpy-zuh-kar-te ha-ben

At a restaurant

How much does it cost?

Wie viel kostet das?

vee feel kos-tet das

Asking for the price

Where is...?

Wo ist...?

vo ist

Asking for directions

I would like...

Ich möchte...

ish moe-sh-te

Making a request

Cheers

Prost

prohst

Making a toast

Good morning

Guten Morgen

goo-ten mor-gen

Greeting someone in the morning

Good night

Gute Nacht

goo-te nakht

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (3 pairs)

  • Socks (3 pairs)

  • T-shirts (3)

  • Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Sleepwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear (if applicable)

  • Scarf, gloves and hat (if winter)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Sunscreen

  • Prescription medications

  • Travel-size first aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash and coins

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Guidebook or map

  • Phrasebook or language guide

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone and charger

  • Headphones

  • Camera and charger

  • Universal power adapter

  • Portable power bank

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Books or e-reader

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

  • Ziplock bags

Weather Conditions

Munich, Germany, experiences a temperate seasonal climate, with variations throughout the year that can impact your travel plans. In the winter months, from December to February, Munich can get quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Expect average temperatures to range from 27°F to 34°F (-3°C to 1°C). It's not uncommon for the city to be blanketed in snow, so pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. If you're a fan of winter sports, this is a great time to visit as the nearby Bavarian Alps offer excellent skiing opportunities. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual warming with temperatures ranging from 37°F to 64°F (3°C to 18°C). This is a beautiful time to visit Munich as the city comes alive with blooming flowers. However, spring can also be quite wet, so don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest season with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C). This is a popular time for tourists, so expect larger crowds, especially during the famous Munich Beer Festival. Don't forget to pack sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun. Autumn, from September to November, sees cooler temperatures ranging from 37°F to 64°F (3°C to 18°C). The city is particularly beautiful during this time as the leaves change color. However, similar to spring, autumn can be quite wet, so packing a raincoat or umbrella is advisable. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip so you can pack accordingly. Also, keep in mind that weather can change quickly in Munich, so it's always a good idea to have a light jacket or sweater with you. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

4° / -3°

January is the coldest month in Munich, with frequent snowfall and icy conditions. Dress warmly and enjoy the winter wonderland.

February

6° / -2°

February is still quite cold with occasional snowfall. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports.

March

11° / 1°

March sees the beginning of spring with slightly warmer temperatures. However, there can still be occasional snowfall.

April

16° / 4°

April is a pleasant month with the arrival of spring. The city starts to bloom, but there can be occasional showers.

May

20° / 8°

May is a beautiful month to visit Munich, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. However, it can be a bit rainy.

June

25° / 11°

June marks the beginning of summer with long, sunny days. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and outdoor attractions.

July

27° / 13°

July is the warmest month in Munich, perfect for outdoor activities. However, it can get quite hot, so stay hydrated.

August

25° / 13°

August is still quite warm, but with more rainfall. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

September

21° / 9°

September is a pleasant month with fewer tourists and mild temperatures. It's a great time to enjoy Oktoberfest.

October

15° / 5°

October sees the arrival of autumn with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy quieter sightseeing.

November

9° / 1°

November is quite cold with the first signs of winter. It's a good time to visit Christmas markets and enjoy indoor activities.

December

5° / -1°

December is a magical time to visit Munich with Christmas markets and festive decorations. However, it can be quite cold, so dress warmly.

Did you know?

Did you know that Munich is the third largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg?

1 of 10

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