Munich Weekend Itinerary: Fast, Festive, and Cultural
I spent a weekend in Munich during Oktoberfest, and it ended up being one of the most chaotic, memorable, and downright magical trips I’ve taken in Europe.
Whether you’re planning your trip around beer tents or just looking to explore the city’s charm, this Munich weekend itinerary is for anyone who wants to pack a lot of vibe into just a couple days. I planned it to work whether you’re flying in from another European city, squeezing it into a long weekend because of PTO limitations, or just passing through.
TLDR: Munich Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Oktoberfest or Sights
- Attend Oktoberfest in dirndl/lederhosen if in season
- Hop between beer tents (Hofbräu-Festzelt for energy, quieter tents for food and conversation)
- If not Oktoberfest, visit Viktualienmarkt for beer and street food
- Explore the Munich Residenz
- Stop by the Asamkirche
- Dine at Hofbräuhaus
- Walk around the Hofbräuhaus area for gelato and evening vibes
Day 2: Eats and Exploration
- Visit Marienplatz and watch the Glockenspiel
- Explore Kunsthalle München or go shopping
- Stroll through the English Garden
- Enjoy dinner at Zum Dürnbräu or Andechser am Dom
- Grab a gelato before heading home
Day 1: Oktoberfest (or Not), Culture & Hofbräuhaus
Morning: Oktoberfest or Viktualienmarkt
If you’re visiting in the fall, kick off your Munich weekend itinerary at Oktoberfest. I have a full guide about it, but I’ll give you the rundown here as well.
Get there mid-morning, wear your dirndl or lederhosen (you’ll thank me later), and ease into the day. I went with friends and we all dressed up—we were crammed into one small Airbnb, but it made everything feel more like an adventure. We thought lining up early would help us get in faster, but it ended up just being cold, chaotic, and honestly not worth it.
Not Oktoberfest season? Start your day at Viktualienmarkt. This open-air market is super walkable and full of local snacks, beer, and flowers. I stopped here for a pretzel and some people-watching, and it felt like the perfect intro to the city.
Afternoon: Tents or Palaces
During Oktoberfest, plan to hop a few tents if you can. Hofbräu-Festzelt is a party and a half—lots of Americans, big brass bands, and overflowing steins. But some of the smaller tents have better food and fewer people. I’d recommend checking a few out to experience a variety of the Oktoberfest vibes.
Outside of Oktoberfest, head to the Munich Residenz. It’s this huge palace that somehow feels peaceful and overwhelming at the same time. I wandered through solo and just let myself get lost in the mirrors and chandeliers.
And don’t skip Asamkirche. It’s tucked between buildings, and honestly, I didn’t even know it was a church until I walked inside. But it’s absolutely stunning.
If you want all the essential Oktoberfest know-before-you-go tips, I laid out everything (what to wear, when to go, which tents to hit) in this full Oktoberfest guide. It’s the perfect way to make the most of your weekend in Munich.
Evening: Dinner and a Walk
For dinner, go to Hofbräuhaus. The tent at the festival is a rendition of the full restaurant. It might be touristy, but it’s also fun and the food slaps. I had roast chicken and potatoes au gratin and would absolutely go back just for that. Plus, there’s live music and big communal tables that make it easy to meet people.
After dinner, take a walk around the area. It was drizzling when we left, and we ended up grabbing gelato from a little shop next door. The streets were still buzzing with energy, and it just felt like one of those moments you know you’ll remember.
Day 2: City Sights, Art, and the English Garden
Morning: Marienplatz
Start the second half of your weekend in Munich in Marienplatz, right in the middle of everything. It’s the main square of the town with gorgeous buildings and fun shops. Catch the Glockenspiel, snap a few photos, and then just wander.
When we went, my friends and I stopped into a nearby café for coffee and pastries and watched the city wake up. The food was good and the city views were immaculate.
Afternoon: Museum or Market + Garden Time
From there, make your way to Kunsthalle München if you’re into art. The exhibitions rotate, and it’s a great way to sneak in some culture without spending half the day inside. I went during a rainy afternoon and ended up staying longer than I planned. The paintings were gorgeous and held a lot of history in them.
If shopping’s more your vibe, check out Neuhauser Strasse or Maximilianstraße. Either way, wrap the afternoon in the English Garden. It’s one of Munich’s biggest parks and has a lot of excitement from families playing to street performers.
We wandered into it after a rainstorm and it was glowing—locals reading, kids playing, and even some surfers in the river. It’s the kind of place that just makes you want to stay a little longer.
Evening: Final Meal + Gelato Goodbye
End the weekend in Munich with one last meal at Zum Dürnbräu or Andechser am Dom. I would go for a classic with schnitzel and beer to make the most out of your German experience.
After dinner, definitely get another gelato before you leave. It’s the little things, right?
Conclusion
You don’t need a full week to fall in love with Munich. A weekend is more than enough to hit the highlights, drink some great beer, and find those unexpected quiet moments that make a trip unforgettable. Whether you’re there for the party or the parks, this city has a rhythm that pulls you in fast.
If you want more information about Munich, check out my Munich tips here.
