Munich is a vibrant German city blending history with fun and beauty, making it a captivating Bavarian jewel and my family’s destination choice for a recent travel adventure. Exploring this city held special significance for a few reasons. My grandmother hailed from this region, and our visit marked the first trip with our two adult children in quite some time. This occasion also included their partners.
Our trip took place from just after Christmas to the first week of January. While we missed the renowned Christmas markets, Munich was vibrant with celebrations and decorations. The city boasts a rich historical background. As the residence of Bavarian royalty (the Wittelsbachs) for centuries, its legacy is reflected in the opulent palaces and stunning architecture. Additionally, it was the birthplace of the Nazi Party, which led to significant reconstruction efforts after World War II.
Visitors can dive into the charm of Marienplatz, explore historic beer halls and gardens, enjoy world-class museums, and take in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Alps. Munich is also famous for Oktoberfest, beautiful parks like the English Garden, and iconic landmarks such as the Frauenkirche and New Town Hall.
So if you’re considering a trip to this charming city, here are some tips to keep in mind before you go.
- Determine which season suits you best. If you want to experience Oktoberfest, which actually takes place in September, make sure to reserve your spot well in advance. The same goes for the Christmas markets in December.
- Pork dishes and beer reign supreme here, but for those who prefer other foods, no worries. You’ll find a diverse range of other cuisines.
- Sundays are designated as a day of rest, so shops will be closed. Make your plans accordingly.
- Most museums do not open on Mondays.
- Make use of their transportation system. The tram and U Bahn/S Bahn systems are incredibly useful. However…
- Put on your walking shoes to explore. This city is extremely walkable and this enables you to really check out everything.
- Don’t miss out on amazing day trips, including to Dachau Memorial site, the medieval city of Rothenberg, Salzburg, and more and, of course, no visit is complete without …
- Checking out the numerous beer gardens. Winter, spring, summer, fall, these hubs of social interaction, hearty food and beer are the heartbeat of Munich. As the saying goes, “In Munich, it’s not just beer, it’s tradition!”
Day 1 – Arrival, Acclimation, and Tyrolean Dumplings
We arrived at our hotel situated in the Maxvorstadt district, conveniently close to the Munich Central Train Station. After we dropped off our bags (since check-in wasn’t available until 3 PM), we made our way to the nearby California Bean for a delicious breakfast. Following that, we set out to discover the local area. We explored their museum quarter that houses a myriad of top museums, their university district, and even stopped in for our first beer.
Back to our hotel for a seamless check-in process and a dinner featuring Tyrolean dumplings awaited us.
We turned in early to prepare for the busy day ahead.
Day 2- Walking tour, Residenz and Hofbräuhaus
Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we embarked on a walking tour. This is an excellent way to gain an overview and familiarize yourself with any destination. We consistently opt for free tours that operate on a tip basis and have always been satisfied with them. Our tour commenced in Marienplatz, the renowned city square in Munich. At 11 am, the Glockenspiel performed its show.
After that, we explored the marketplace, the town hall, Hoffbrau House, and more.
After enjoying a light lunch, we made our way to the Residenz Munich, the largest city palace in Germany, which has historically been the seat of government and residence for Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings from 1508 to 1918, and is currently a prominent museum. Pro tip: If you know your visit date, book your tickets online to avoid long entry lines. We topped off our day with dinner at the iconic Hoffbrau House.
Day 3 – Dachau and New Year’s Eve
The majority of our day was spent visiting the Dachau memorial site. Following a brief 20-minute train journey, we disembarked and opted to walk the Path of Remembrance, which the prisoners were forced to walk to reach the site. If you prefer not to walk, a bus is available to take you directly there.
After a day filled with solemn reflection, we embraced our New Year’s Eve festivities. A delightful dinner followed by a fireworks display over the Isar River rounded off our day.
Day 4 – Happy New Year!
A late morning start, we headed out to just walk and join other families enjoying the sunny day. New Year’s Day is a national holiday and most shops and museums are closed.
Our first stop was the Englischer Garten (English Garden), one of the world’s largest urban parks. Created in 1789 in the informal English landscape style, it features vast green spaces, beer gardens (like the one at the Chinese Tower), a Japanese Tea House, the Monopteros temple, and the famous Eisbach wave where surfers ride year-round.
After exploring its beauty, we headed over to the Munich Cat Cafe to have a delicious lunch and meet some of the resident felines.
Our first day of the New Year ended with some delicious Japanese food and watching ice skaters at Marienplatz.
Day 5- A Day Trip to Salzburg, Austria
Off to the land where the classic movie, The Sound of Music, took place. In less than an hour and a half, our train arrived in beautiful Salzburg. Again, we opted to start our day with a walking tour. A relatively small, compact city, you can easily visit most sights in a day.
After our walking tour, we were ready for some authentic weinerschnitzel which didn’t disappoint.
With our bellies full, a funicular ride up to Fortress Hohensalzburg, a massive medieval castle complex in Salzburg, Austria, perched atop the Festungsberg mountain with views to die for.
We also checked out St. Peter’s Abbey, founded in the 7th century and considered the oldest monastery still in existence in the German-speaking world. Along with the impressive Christian architecture, we checked out its cemetery and the catacombs.
Some shopping along Getreidegasse, Salzburgs famous shopping street and a coffee and cake at the historic Cafe Tomaselli before we caught our train back home.
An Italian dinner ended our day.
Day 6- Rothenberg and Harburg Castle
Another day outside Munich was on the menu today. We embarked on a bus tour to first explore Harburg Castle, one of Germany’s oldest and best-preserved medieval castle complexes, dating back to the 11th century, and it is a significant landmark on the German Romantic Road.
Then, we headed to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a well-preserved medieval walled town in Bavaria, Germany, famous for its fairytale-like appearance with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, making it a major tourist destination on Germany’s Romantic Road. Key attractions include walking the complete city wall, exploring its many towers and gates, and visiting the year-round Christmas shops.
We also made sure to buy some schneeballen, a deep-fried pastry made from shortcrust pastry especially popular in the area. Yum!
A long day, we watered up with some delicious Indian food upon return to Munich.
Day 7- If It’s Sunday in Munich, It Must Be Museum Day!
In Germany, Sunday is a day dedicated to relaxation and spending quality time with family. While shops remain closed, most museums are open. So that was the plan for this travel couple.
We started our day heading to Marienplatz to see the Glockenspiel once again and enjoy a late traditional Bavarian breakfast, which included white sausage, a pretzel, and of course, a beer.
After that, we explored two lesser-known museums. Our first stop was Munich’s Toy Museum. When we visited, they offered an extensive Barbie exhibit. I never expected so many dolls could fill four floors!
Next, we visited the Sudeten German Museum, the main museum representing the German-speaking communities in the historical regions of Bohemia, Moravia, and Sudeten Silesia, now part of the Czech Republic. For centuries, the cultural landscape of this area in the heart of Europe has been shaped by the coexistence of Germans, Czechs, and Jews. We also explored a special exhibit on Ferdinand Porsche.
We were craving some burgers so they were on tonight’s dinner.
Day 8 – Nymphenburg Palace, Hirschgarten, and A Farewell Dinner
Our final full day in Munich captured the essence of the city, featuring a visit to a lavish palace, a renowned beer garden, and a delightful farewell dinner.
Our first destination was Nymphenburg Palace, the primary summer residence of the former Bavarian rulers of the House of Wittelsbach. Be sure to purchase timed tickets online, as they sell out quickly.
After admiring the stunning art and rooms within the palace, we took a short stroll to the Hirschgarten, recognized as the largest beer garden in the world. Spanning across vast parkland, it’s more than just a beer garden; it’s a true destination. Guests can explore the many walking paths, partake in some winter sports like sledding and winter shuffleboard, and, of course, meet the the famous enclosure housing fallow deer.
A farewell dinner topped off our day!
Day 9 – Departure
Auf wiedersehen, Munich! Until we meet again!
