Munich itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: The old town & the English Garden
Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel, the Viktualienmarkt, the Residenz and Odeonsplatz, then the Eisbach and the English Garden.
- 1
Morning
Marienplatz & the Glockenspiel
The heart of Munich, with the Gothic New Town Hall and its Glockenspiel, whose figures play out scenes from Munich's history in the tower. The twin domes of the Frauenkirche are a few steps away.
- New Town Hall
- Glockenspiel
- Frauenkirche
- Old Town Hall
The Glockenspiel plays a few times a day, starting late in the morning; arrive a little early for a good spot in the square.
Walk south past the Old Town Hall, about 5 min.
- 2
Late morning
Viktualienmarkt
Munich's open-air food market, with stalls of fruit, cheese, sausages and flowers around a maypole, and a beer garden in the middle.
- Market stalls
- Maypole
- Beer garden
Walk north through the old town to Odeonsplatz, about 15 min.
- 3
Afternoon
The Residenz & Odeonsplatz
The vast palace of the Bavarian rulers, the Feldherrnhalle loggia and the yellow Theatine Church around Odeonsplatz, with the Hofgarten behind them.
- Residenz
- Feldherrnhalle
- Theatine Church
- Hofgarten
Walk through the Hofgarten to the Eisbach, about 15 min.
- 4
Late afternoon
The English Garden & the Eisbach surfers
One of the largest city parks in Europe. At its southern edge, the Eisbach stream is famous for its river surfers; further in are meadows, streams and the Chinese Tower beer garden.
- Eisbach wave
- Meadows and streams
- Chinese Tower
Day 2: Nymphenburg, Olympiapark & Schwabing
The palace and gardens of Nymphenburg, the 1972 Olympic Park, and an evening in Schwabing.
- 1
Morning
Nymphenburg Palace
The Baroque summer palace of the Bavarian royal family, with a long canal and formal gardens that lead into a large landscaped park of lakes and small pavilions.
- Palace facade
- Grand Canal
- Royal gardens
- Palace park
Tram or bus to Olympiapark, about 25 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Olympiapark
The park built for the 1972 Olympics, with its tent-like roofs, a lake, a hill with views over the city and the Olympic Tower, and the BMW Museum next door.
- Olympic Stadium
- Olympic Tower
- Olympic lake
- BMW Museum
U-Bahn to Münchner Freiheit, about 10 min.
- 3
Evening
Schwabing at sunset
The lively district north of the old town, with tree-lined streets of cafés, restaurants and old apartment buildings, at its best as the evening light comes in.
- Leopoldstraße
- Cafés and side streets
- Siegestor
Schwabing Walk from Day to Sunset
Video by Traveller Explorer on YouTube
Day 3: Hidden courtyards, Maximilianstraße & the Isar
The quieter passages of the old town, the grand Maximilianstraße, and an afternoon along the river.
- 1
Morning
Fünf Höfe & Max-Joseph-Platz
A quieter side of the old town: the passages and courtyards of the Fünf Höfe and the square in front of the National Theatre.
- Fünf Höfe
- Max-Joseph-Platz
- National Theatre
Walk east past the Residenz to Platzl, about 10 min.
- 2
Midday
Platzl & Maximilianstraße
From the little square of Platzl, home of Munich's most famous beer hall, walk the grand Maximilianstraße with its luxury shops towards the river.
- Platzl
- Maximilianstraße
- Old beer halls
Walk down Maximilianstraße to the river, about 15 min.
- 3
Afternoon
The Isar & the Deutsches Museum
Below the Maximilianeum, follow the green banks of the Isar south, past pebble beaches where locals relax in summer, to the Deutsches Museum on its island.
- Maximilianeum
- Isar beaches
- Deutsches Museum
In summer, locals come to the river after work; bring a picnic and stay for the evening.
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Munich plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Munich
How many days?
Three days is a good first visit: the old town and the English Garden, then Nymphenburg, Olympiapark and Schwabing, then a slower day of hidden courtyards and the Isar. One day covers the old town.
Where to stay
The old town (Altstadt) puts the first day on your doorstep; Maxvorstadt and Schwabing are lively and close to the museums and the English Garden; the area around the main station is cheaper and well connected.
Getting around
Walk the old town and the English Garden. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn and trams reach Nymphenburg, Olympiapark and Schwabing quickly; buy a day ticket if you will take several rides.
Munich's old town is compact and easy to walk: from Marienplatz and its Glockenspiel to the food stalls of the Viktualienmarkt and the royal Residenz, it is all within a few minutes. Beyond it, the city opens up into some of the best green space of any European capital, from the English Garden and its river surfers to the palace gardens of Nymphenburg and the 1972 Olympic Park.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see the city before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to a landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Munich itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Munich?
Two or three days is a good first visit: one for the old town and the English Garden, one for Nymphenburg, Olympiapark and Schwabing, and one for a slower day along the Isar.
Is Munich walkable?
Yes. The old town is compact and largely car-free, and the English Garden starts just beyond it. Use the U-Bahn or trams for Nymphenburg, Olympiapark and Schwabing.
When is the best time to visit Munich?
May to September is best for beer gardens, the English Garden and the river. Oktoberfest, from late September into early October, is very busy and expensive. December brings Christmas markets to the old town.
What is the Eisbach wave?
A standing wave on the Eisbach, a fast stream at the southern edge of the English Garden, made famous by the surfers who ride it. Onlookers watch from the bridge on Prinzregentenstraße.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Keep exploring Munich
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Munich city guide →