Ultimate 10/10 Munich Guide: 3 Days of Fairy Tales and History
A Trip to See the Fairytale Castle
If you are looking for a laid back but enjoyable plan for your trip to Munich, this is the perfect itinerary to follow. In May 2018, we spent three days touring this beautiful city. We drove from Zurich to Munich, arriving in the evening. After checking in to our hotel, we parked our car and began a walking tour of Munich.
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Arriving in Munich
- Via Train or Bus: Munich is the premier transit hub of Southern Germany. It is served by high-speed ICE trains and regional lines from cities like Stuttgart and Günzburg. For those on a budget, long-distance buses offer frequent, affordable connections to the city center. To compare the best routes and prices, you can book through Busbud here.
- Via Flight: Fly directly into Munich Airport (MUC), located just 35 minutes from downtown. Alternatively, Memmingen (FMM) serves as a nearby secondary hub (1.5 hours away) for many budget carriers. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Essential Travel Resources for Your Trip
- Over-night Stays: To book a hotel, explore the options available here.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected without worrying about roaming fees. Grab a local eSIM that fits your data needs here:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs.Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Day 1: The Heart of Munich Walking Tour
We arrived in Munich a few hours before dinner. Our first checkpoint was Karlstor, a medieval city gate with stunning architecture that once served as a defensive fortification. As we walked further, we saw St. Michael, a Renaissance style church. Next, we came across the breathtaking architecture of Frauenkirche, a famous Gothic style landmark.
We then walked toward St. Peter, a Roman Catholic church. We decided to explore the interior for a few minutes before reaching the crowded Marienplatz. The architecture here is absolutely stunning and completely held our attention. This area is filled with architectural marvels at every turn.
Continuing toward Ludwigsbrucke, we reached the majestic River Isar. We crossed the bridge and went down to the river bank to enjoy the water closely. Afterward, we walked to Maximilianeum, the Bavarian State Parliament. This is another architectural marvel that is pleasing to the eyes.
Our next stops included Friedensengel (the Angel of Peace monument) and the Bavarian National Museum. Our final discovery was the Glyptothek, Munich’s oldest public museum featuring ancient sculptures. We ended the day at a local restaurant for dinner before heading to the hotel.
Pro-tip: If you are interested in doing a guided tour of the city, secure your ticket using the widget below.
Day 2: History and Horsepower
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
We started our second day at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. There was no entry fee, and we spent more than 4 hours there. Established in the 1930s, the site allows visitors to see the barracks, sleeping quarters, and crematorium. The heartbreaking stories of hundreds of victims weighed heavily on our hearts, making this a deeply moving experience.
BMW Museum
Mehran is a big BMW fan, so the BMW Museum was a must. The entrance ticket cost 10 Euros. We spent 90 minutes reading about the history of the brand. The museum displays a wide range of cars, motors, engines, and spare parts. It is a fantastic destination for any car enthusiast.
Day 3: Science and Fairytale Castles
Deutsches Museum
As big fans of museums, we loved the Deutsches Museum. Tickets were 15 Euros, and we spent 3 hours exploring. If you or your kids love science and technology, this is the place to be. It features exhibitions from the past and present while looking toward future prospects. There are also special sections designed specifically for children.
Schloss Neuschwanstein
Our final stop before driving back to Zurich was Schloss Neuschwanstein in Schwangau. We spent nearly 3 hours here. Tickets were 20 Euros, and entry is only permitted via a 30 minute guided tour.
Pro-tip: This is a high-demand attraction. Secure your tickets below before they are sold out.
This breathtaking castle inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. While the interior is decorated extravagantly, the true beauty lies outside. The view from Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge) was magnificent and felt like a scene from a fairytale. It is a romantic and relaxing location despite the crowds.
Final Remarks
While our trip was not filled with high adventure, it was incredibly fulfilling. Our two favorite activities were Schloss Neuschwanstein and the Dachau Memorial.
Enjoyed our exploration of Munich and Bavaria? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I need for Schloss Neuschwanstein?
You should plan for at least 3 hours to explore the grounds and take the 30 minute guided tour.
Is the BMW Museum worth it?
Yes, especially for car enthusiasts. It offers a deep dive into the history and engineering of the brand for a 10 Euro entry fee.
Is 2 days enough for Legoland Germany?
Yes, two days allows you to cover the rides, the factory tour, and spend quality time in Miniland without feeling rushed.
