Munich in a weekend: The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary

Munich is more than just Bavarian beer and Oktoberfest. It’s a city filled with stunning palaces, green parks, world-class museums, and a vibrant food scene. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or outdoor explorer, this 48-hour itinerary ensures you experience the best of Munich without wasting any time.

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Classic Bavarian Experiences

☕ Morning: Coffee & A Historic Start in the Heart of Munich

Kick off your weekend with great coffee at one of Munich’s best cafés:

• Man Versus Machine – A top-tier specialty coffee roaster with smooth espresso.

• Sweet Spot – Hidden gem known for its coffee & homemade pastries.

• Café Jasmin – A retro-style café with great ambiance & breakfast options.

After coffee, explore Marienplatz, the city’s historic center:

✅ Watch the Glockenspiel show at New Town Hall (11 AM & 12 PM).

✅ Admire the Old Town Hall & Frauenkirche.

✅ Stroll through Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous food market.

🏛️ Midday: Nymphenburg Palace & Lunch in a Classic Biergarten

Take a short tram ride to Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty, surrounded by stunning gardens and lakes.

🍽️ Lunch Recommendations:

• Spatenhaus an der Oper – Elegant Bavarian dining with great views.

• Gasthaus Waltz – Cozy, authentic German food with a modern twist.

• Augustiner-Keller – One of Munich’s oldest beer gardens, great for a relaxed meal.

🎨 Afternoon: Museums, Parks & Scenic Walks

Explore Munich’s rich culture and nature:

• The Residenz – A stunning former royal palace with opulent interiors.

• Königsplatz – A beautiful neoclassical square, home to Lenbachhaus & Glyptothek.

• BMW Museum & BMW Welt – A must-visit for car enthusiasts & design lovers.

For something relaxing, take a walk through the English Garden, stopping at Eisbachwelle to watch surfers ride the famous standing wave.

🍺 Evening: Dinner & Classic Munich Beer Culture

For dinner, depending on your budget, experience Bavarian cuisine or try something unique:

✨ Wurstimbiss Teltschik – A legendary and very affordable spot for bratwurst lovers.

✨ Der Dantler – A bistro offering modern twists on traditional Bavarian dishes.

✨ Landersdorfer & Innerhofer – A hidden gem serving refined regional cuisine.

🍸 Bars & Nightlife:

After dinner, check out Munich’s top bars:

🍺 Schumann’s Bar – Munich’s iconic cocktail bar.

🍺 Die Goldene Bar – Stylish & art-filled bar with fantastic drinks.

🍺 Flushing Meadows Bar – A rooftop spot with amazing city views.

For a more traditional vibe, grab a beer at Hofbräukeller, a lively beer hall with outdoor seating.

Day 2: Hidden Gems & Local Discoveries

🌿 Morning: Coffee & Exploring Munich’s Hidden Side

Start your day at one of these local coffee gems:

• Café Fräulein – A cute, Instagrammable café with great pastries.

• PLEX Coffee – Minimalist, modern third-wave coffee spot.

• Café Blá – A Scandinavian-inspired café with amazing espresso.

Then, explore Munich’s lesser-known spots:

• Gärtnerplatz – A beautiful square with indie cafés & boutiques.

• Olympiaberg – One of the best viewpoints in the city.

• Rosengarten (Rose Garden) – A peaceful escape from the city bustle.

🥨 Afternoon: Lunch & Exploring Alternative Munich

For lunch, try something unique:

🍽️ Neni – A trendy Middle Eastern fusion restaurant.

🍽️ Mun Mun – Authentic Thai street food in a cozy setting.

🍽️ Max Pett – A great vegan spot with hearty German-inspired dishes.

After lunch, check out alternative & creative spots:

• Schlachthofviertel – Munich’s artsy, graffiti-covered district.

• Türkenstraße – A cool street filled with concept stores & hip cafés.

• NS-Dokumentationszentrum – A thought-provoking museum on Munich’s WWII history.

🍽️ Final Evening: Sunset Views, Dinner & a Farewell Drink

End your Munich trip with one last breathtaking view:

• Viewpoint at Galeria Kaufhof – A hidden rooftop for a sunset view.

• Maximiliansanlagen – A scenic riverside park perfect for golden hour.

For your farewell dinner, choose from these top restaurants:

✨ Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant – A refined modern Bavarian dining spot.

✨ Le Stollberg – A high-end restaurant serving seasonal dishes.

✨ Atelier im Bayerischen Hof – A Michelin-starred fine dining experience.

🍸 Final Drinks in Munich

End your trip with a drink at:

🍸 Bar Garçon – One of Munich’s best cocktail bars.

🍸 P1 Club & Bar – For a high-end nightlife experience.

🍸 Zum Wolf – A relaxed, whisky-focused speakeasy-style bar.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Munich Weekend!

This 48-hour itinerary ensures you experience Munich’s best sights, hidden gems, and dining spots—all while keeping your travel time minimal. Want even more curated recommendations? 👇