3 Days in Munich Itinerary
Beer gardens, BMWs, and a fairy-tale castle day trip
Munich delivers a perfect blend of Bavarian tradition and modern German efficiency. The capital of Bavaria delights families with its grand squares, sprawling beer gardens where children are welcome, world-class museums, and easy access to the Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle. Three days gives you time to experience the best of Munich's culture while fitting in an unforgettable day trip to Germany's most famous fairy-tale castle.
Day 1: Historic Centre & Marienplatz
Day 1: Bavarian Heart of Munich
Marienplatz & Glockenspiel
Start at Munich's central square dominated by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall. Watch the famous Glockenspiel perform at 11am (also 12pm and 5pm in summer). The mechanical figures reenact stories from Munich's history.
St Peter's Church Tower
Climb the 299 steps of Munich's oldest church for the best views over Marienplatz and on clear days, the Alps. Known locally as Alter Peter (Old Pete).
Viktualienmarkt
This legendary food market has operated since 1807. Try Weisswurst (white sausage - traditionally eaten before noon), pretzels, cheese, and fresh fruit. Eat at the beer garden in the centre.
Hofbrauhaus & City Walk
Visit Munich's most famous beer hall. Despite the reputation, it is family-friendly during the day with traditional Bavarian atmosphere, oompah music, and hearty food.
English Garden
One of the world's largest urban parks. Walk to the Chinese Tower beer garden for dinner in a family-friendly setting. Kids can play while adults enjoy local beer.
Beer Garden Culture
German beer gardens are family-friendly, especially during the day. You can bring your own food (just buy drinks) or eat from the stalls. Children play while parents relax - it is a Bavarian tradition.
Day 2: BMW World & Deutsches Museum
Day 2: German Engineering Excellence
BMW Welt & Museum
BMW World is a stunning futuristic showroom where you can see the latest models, sit in cars, and explore interactive exhibits - all free. The adjacent museum traces BMW history.
Olympic Park
Walk from BMW to the adjacent 1972 Olympic Park. The distinctive tent-roof architecture is iconic. Climb the Olympic Tower for panoramic views.
Lunch at Olympic Park
Several restaurants and cafes around the Olympic area. The Olympia-Alm has a beer garden atmosphere with playground views.
Deutsches Museum
The world's largest science and technology museum. Hands-on exhibits cover everything from mining to aviation to musical instruments. You could spend days here.
Dinner in Schwabing
Head to the Schwabing neighbourhood for a relaxed dinner. This university district has lots of family-friendly restaurants and a village-like atmosphere.
Deutsches Museum Strategy
The museum is enormous - focus on 3-4 sections rather than trying to see everything. The aviation hall, ships, and mining section are highlights for families.
Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip
Day 3: Disney's Inspiration
Train to Fussen
Catch an early train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Fussen. The Bayern Ticket offers unlimited regional travel for groups - exceptional value for families.
Bus to Hohenschwangau
From Fussen station, take bus 73 or 78 directly to the castle village of Hohenschwangau. Buy your castle tickets at the ticket centre immediately - slots sell out.
Neuschwanstein Castle Tour
The fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney. Book your timed slot and hike up the hill (30-40 mins) or take the horse carriage or bus. The interior tour is guided and timed.
Lunch in Hohenschwangau
Several restaurants near the ticket centre serve Bavarian food. The Schlossbrauhaus has a beer garden with castle views.
Marienbrucke & Alpsee Lake
Walk to Marienbrucke (Mary's Bridge) for the iconic postcard view of Neuschwanstein. Then descend to Alpsee lake for a peaceful walk along the shore.
Explore Fussen Old Town
If time allows before your train, Fussen's old town is charming with painted houses, a castle, and ice cream shops.
Return to Munich
Take the train back to Munich. The journey passes through beautiful Bavarian countryside. Grab dinner near Munich station or in Marienplatz.
Castle Booking Essential
Neuschwanstein is one of Europe's most visited attractions. Book tickets online 2-3 days ahead in peak season or arrive at opening to secure same-day tickets.
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Build My Packing ListPractical Tips for Munich with Kids
- Language - German, but English is widely spoken especially in tourist areas and by younger people.
- Currency - Euro. Cards accepted most places but bring cash for beer gardens and markets.
- Public transport - Excellent U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus network. A day ticket (Tageskarte) costs 9.20 EUR and covers the central zone.
- Children's transport - Children under 6 travel free. Ages 6-14 pay reduced fares.
- Sunday closures - Shops close on Sundays. Plan shopping for weekdays and explore parks/museums on Sundays.
- Tipping - Round up to the nearest euro for small bills, 5-10% for restaurant meals.
Where to Stay with Kids
Best areas for families:
- Altstadt (Old Town) - Central, walking distance to everything, but pricey and can be busy
- Maxvorstadt - Museum quarter, quieter, good transport links, excellent value
- Schwabing - Near English Garden, university area, family-friendly restaurants
- Haidhausen - East of centre, local feel, good food scene, easy access
Apartment Tip
Family apartments near the Hauptbahnhof (main station) offer good value and perfect transport links for day trips. Expect 90-140 GBP per night for a 2-bedroom.
Budget Guide
Munich is one of Germany's more expensive cities, but beer gardens and efficient transport help manage costs. A family of four can expect:
- Accommodation - 100-160 GBP/night for a family room or central apartment
- Meals - 50-80 GBP/day (beer gardens are cheaper than restaurants)
- Attractions - 40-60 GBP/day for family entrance fees
- Neuschwanstein day trip - 60-80 GBP including Bayern Ticket, castle entry, and lunch
Bayern Ticket Magic
The Bayern Ticket (29 EUR for one person, +10 EUR per additional person up to 5) offers unlimited regional train travel across Bavaria. Perfect for Neuschwanstein and other day trips.
Getting There
Munich Airport is Germany's second largest with direct flights from all major UK airports. Flight time is around 2 hours. Lufthansa and British Airways fly direct, as do budget carriers like easyJet.
From the airport, the S-Bahn S1 or S8 reach the city centre in 40-45 minutes for around 13 EUR per adult. The Lufthansa Express Bus takes 45 minutes to the main station.
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