As we see the arrival of winter in Delhi, I started preparing for my well-awaited trip to Munich. The visa process was a pain which almost broke my spirits, but in the end, it was all worth it. Packing for Munich’s chilling cold meant stocking up on warmer clothes and making sure my camera made the cut for carry-on. I had booked Lufthansa Airlines for an almost 12-hour journey to Munich via Frankfurt. This is my Munich travel guide, updated for 2026, with everything I wish I’d known — from the visa process to a full 3-day itinerary — while planning your own trip to Germany.
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Planning the trip to Munich
The visa process from India
Schengen Visa process from India is the standard one which requires us to provide all detailed documentation including passport, flight tickets, hotel reservations or invitation letter from the host, sufficient funds in a bank account etc. The key to getting a Schengen visa is only by having all the documents correct without fail.
Updated for 2026: VFS slot availability for Germany has improved compared to the post-pandemic backlog, but booking early (ideally 6-8 weeks before travel) is still the safest bet. If your dates are tight, applying via a Schengen country with faster processing (like France or the Netherlands, if your itinerary allows) remains a workable alternative — just make sure your entry point matches your visa’s issuing country rules. The documents required are as follows –
- Duly filled application form
- Passport
- Flight tickets
- Latest passport size picture
- Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from the host and their address proof & residence permit.
- Minimum 1.5Lakh₹ in a bank account and last 6 month’s bank statement
- If employed – a job offer letter
- A leave letter from the employer for the entire travel period
- Last 3 months’ salary slips
- Past 3 years’ ITR statements
What to pack for Munich
My Munich travel guide cannot be complete if I don’t cover what to pack for Munich. The city is pretty cold in most parts of the year barring peak summer months from June-August that too weather fluctuates often. The fall and winter months are bone-chilling. Layers are key when you plan your clothes for Munich. If you’re going in fall or winter, don’t miss out on a coat, scarf, boots, jeans, warm cap, gloves and a sweater. For the spring & summer months, bring a light jacket, the rest normal clothes will go.
Munich Travel Guide – What to See in Munich
Day 1: The Historic Centre
Start at Marienplatz, the heart of the city — a lively square with the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), bakeries, and international shopping outlets.
Marienplatz
Take a U-Bahn (subway) and head to the centre of the city – Marienplatz. A lively square with Neun Rathus (the city hall), Frauenkirche, bakeries, and international shopping outlets. When in the city centre don’t forget to enjoy sausage and mulled wine in fall & winter. There are a couple of gorgeous monuments in the city centre, take a long walk in and around the square.
Pro Tip – I tried weiße Wurst (white sausage) – Unless you’ve tried & liked it – I’d recommend skipping it.
For an immersive experience, take U-Bahn and get down at Universität and take a long walk from here to Marienplatz. You will also come across Odeonplatz Square with a lot of cafes and cathedrals. On a good weather day, Odeonplatz is a pleasing place to chill or have a meal here. You can also have a picnic at the Hofgarten or enjoy some sun if you’re lucky.
Neues Rathus/ New Town Hall
Located right in the centre of Marienplatz, hosting the city’s council is built-in striking Neo-Gothic architecture. If you’d like a view of the city, get yourself the tickets for the tower and head to the top. The tower offers breathtaking views of the city and is an amazing place to get some selfies too. To get to the top, a lift is available which will take you to an office where you’re tickets will be checked. Once checked, you’ll take a different lift to head to the top.
Frauenkirche
A short walk away is the Frauenkirche, the tallest church in Munich is definitely worth the visit. Most likely associated with the images of Munich you might have seen – the church can be easily spotted. Also damaged heavily during WWII, the church was gradually renovated and is now the seat of the Archbishop of Munich.
Day 2: Palaces and Parks
Munich Residenz
Head to Munich Residenz located extremely close to Odeonplatz, it is a must-visit place to visit in Munich. The former official residence of Bavarian monarchs – the palace can be easily reached by foot or tram. The largest city palace in Germany is open for visitors for its marvelling architecture and intricate room decor. Unfortunately, the palace was mostly destroyed during WWII, however, reconstructed slowly after the war.
The palace is open every day, you may get tickets from the entrance for either museum, treasury or both. Note – no paid tickets are required for children under 18yrs of age.
Nymphenburg Palace
Another palace for the Bavarian monarchs which they used as a summer residence. In fact, a part of the Wittelsbach family still lives in a castle adjacent to the palace. The baroque architecture, marvellous wall paintings and striking architecture will keep you on your toes during the Palace tour.
English Garden
Wind down on your day 2 at the English Garden, this place was the highlight of Munich. The largest park in Munich spans across the entire city, with the Isar River passing through it, beer gardens and Monopteros. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can surf in the Eisbach (a man-made river from the Isar River).
I am sure you’ve heard of Octoberfest – hosted here – now you do have a reason to visit English Garden. The world’s largest beer festival actually begins in mid-September and ends by the first week of October.
Day 3: Olympic History and Local Life
Olympiapark
Visit Olympiapark on day 3 of your Munich 3 day itinerary. Built-in 1972 for the Olympic Summer Games, with a sustainable structure the complex is a must-visit for all. The complex still hosts various cultural events happening around the city. The Olympic Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the city looks beautiful from the top.
Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace — revisit a favourite square, try more local food, or use the extra time as buffer for slower transit days.
What to eat in Munich
When in Munich – always try local cuisine. I’d suggest pretzels, sausages (and a lot of them), schnitzel, meatballs, mulled wine, and beer. A special mention goes to Riesling (rice wine) which I loved a lot. Munich also has a lot of world cuisines, but I prefer local foods when I travel. Vegeterian options are also there, but honestly limited. If you staying in an Airbnb, I suggest buying from local places & cook at the airbnb (check the cooking conditions prior)
Where to stay in Munich
A lot of hotels are located near Munich Hauptbahnhof – Munich’s central railway station. Some of my recommendations are –
- Le Meridian – A well-known name in the hospitality industry, and located in the heart of the city, Le Meridian is my first choice for places to stay in Munich. Located just 50 meters from Hauptbahnhof, designer rooms and an in-house restaurant serving local cuisine.
- Bayer’s City Hotel – One of the most beautiful hotels out there in the city, with beautiful interiors, within a 5-minute walk of central station, the hotel is a top choice for places to stay in Munich.
- Boutique Hotel Atrium – If you’d like to spend a bit less on your hotel expenses, this is the hotel I’d recommend. With modern interiors, a green courtyard and a stylish lobby area, this is easily one of the top places to stay in Munich. Marienplatz is less than a mile away from the hotel which is a big bonus to staying close to the city centre.
If your travel style is to stay in quirky places, here are some recommendations for unique Boutique Hotels in Munich.
MOST ASKED QUESTIONS
How many days do you need in Munich?
3 days is enough to cover Munich’s main sights — Marienplatz, the Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the English Garden — at a relaxed pace. If you want to add a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or Dachau, plan for 4-5 days.
3 days is enough to cover Munich’s main sights — Marienplatz, the Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the English Garden — at a relaxed pace. If you want to add a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle or Dachau, plan for 4-5 days.
Munich is one of Germany’s pricier cities, especially for accommodation near the city centre. Budget travellers can save by staying near Hauptbahnhof (the main train station), where hotel options range from budget to luxury, and by using day transit passes instead of single tickets.
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) offer the mildest weather and fewer crowds than peak summer. If you want the Oktoberfest experience, plan for mid-September to early October — but expect higher hotel prices and a much busier city.
Yes, Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Munich. Apply at least 6-8 weeks in advance, since VFS appointment slots for Germany can fill up quickly. See the visa section above for the full document checklist.
The city centre is very walkable, but Munich’s public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses) is efficient and worth using for sights further out like Nymphenburg Palace, Olympiapark, or day trips to Dachau and Neuschwanstein.
Tips to get the most out of your visit to Munich
I have been to Munich twice and almost lived like an insider with my partner. My Munich travel guide will not be complete without some of the things I noticed. Here are some of my tips which will come useful to you –
Make use of the efficient public transport system
Munich is a small city but with a rather complex public transport – subway (U-Bahn), S-Bahn (trains), trams and buses. All of these are well connected to each other, although, for first-timers, it can be a tad confusing. The markings are few, and the same platforms are used for different trains – be careful before hopping on a train.
Learn a few German greetings
Language can be a barrier in Germany, with few people speaking English. So it’d help you if know a few German words – especially greetings.
Hallo – Hello
Guten Tag – Good Day/Hello
Guten Morgen – Good morning
Guten Abend – Good evening
Ja – Yes/Ya
Nein – No
Tschüss/Ciao – Bye
Bis bald – see you soon
Have some cash with you
You’d be surprised to know so many places in Germany still accept mostly cash. A lot of restaurants/cafes won’t accept cards or your card might not work at all. Have some cash handy, anywhere around 200€ should do.
Best Day Trips from Munich
If you have a bit more than 3 days, or want to swap out one city day, these two day trips are the most popular with first-time visitors — and both are doable via public transit.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Munich’s most famous day trip, Neuschwanstein is about 2 hours away by train (Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen, then a short bus ride to the castle). Built by King Ludwig II, it’s the fairy-tale castle widely believed to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle — with turrets, alpine views, and the picturesque Marienbrücke bridge for the classic postcard shot.
Pro tip — Entry is timed and slots sell out fast in summer. Book your ticket online in advance rather than risk it at the gate.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
About 30 minutes from Munich by S-Bahn (line S2), the Dachau Memorial Site is a sobering but important stop for understanding Germany’s history. The memorial includes the preserved camp grounds, documentation center, and the infamous gate reading “Arbeit macht frei.” Plan for 2-3 hours; audio guides are available on-site.
Getting there: Take the S2 to Dachau station, then bus 726 to the memorial entrance. The Bayern-Ticket or a Munich day pass covers this route.
Nuremberg
About 1.5 hours from Munich by direct train, Nuremberg makes an easy full-day trip if castles and camps aren’t your focus. The medieval Nuremberg Castle overlooks the old town’s cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, and the city’s history — from its medieval trade roots to its role in WWII war crimes trials — makes it a compelling contrast to Munich’s Bavarian charm. Don’t miss the Nuremberg Christmas Market if you’re visiting in December, one of Germany’s oldest and most famous. For a full breakdown of sights and timing, check out my one-day Nuremberg itinerary.
HAVE YOU TRAVELED TO MUNICH? HOW MANY DAYS DID YOU SPEND AND WHAT PLACES YOU VISITED? DID YOU LIKE THIS MUNICH TRAVEL GUIDE? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
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This Munich travel guide is so helpful for first-time visitors! I love how you’ve covered everything from must-see landmarks to local tips—it makes trip planning so much easier. Munich has been on my list for a while, and now I’m even more excited to explore it. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing itinerary, thanks for sharing 🙂
Glad you found it helpful.
A great guide for Indian travelers to Munich.
Thank you 🙂