4 Days in Munich Solo Travel Itinerary & Guide (2023)
UPDATED 9/23/23
If you’re planning your first-time solo travel to Munich, you’re going to love my tried and true 4 Day Munich Solo Travel Itinerary and Guide. It’s the best of Munich in 4 days for singles.
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- All You Need for 4 Days in Munich
- Munich Solo Travel Packing Essentials
- What is Munich Famous For?
- Best Time to Go to Munich
- Is Munich Safe to Travel Alone
- Is Munich Worth Visiting?
- Getting Around Munich
- Where to Stay in Munich
- Top Things to Do in Munich
- More Things to Do in Munich
- Munich Dining
- How to See Munich in 4 Days Solo
All You Need for 4 Days in Munich
Here are all of the sites you need to successfully book this Munich 4 day itinerary. I even give you my Munich hotel pick as a suitably located, budget friendly option for this Munich solo travel itinerary.
I recommend you bookmark and use these sites early to lock in your 4 day (or 5 day) Munich itinerary and get the best Munich travel deals.
For more Munich budget accommodation ideas, use my Guide to Budget European Accommodations.
If you’re a first-time traveler to Germany, also use my ultimate Germany Solo Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more.
This Munich 4 day solo itinerary is flexible. You could cut it short to see Munich in 3 days, or stay for 4 days in Munich to allow for Munich day trips or tours from Munich, such as Munich to the Neuschwanstein Castle.
I have done this travel myself as a solo female traveler so, yes, these four (or three or five) fabulous days in Munich, Germany can be done. You’ll have a wonderful time. Trust me.
More Germany and Europe Solo Travel Ideas
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- How to See the Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles
- Best of Prague Czechia in 3 Days
- Best of Salzburg in 2 Days
- How to See Innsbruck in a Day
- Best 4 Day Vienna 4 Day Solo Itinerary & Guide
- Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Day Trip from Vienna
Munich Solo Travel Packing Essentials
What is Munich Famous For?
Munich (München) is famous for the annual Oktoberfest (September/October) and Frühlingsfest (April/May) festivals, beer halls and gardens, hearty German cuisine, the 16th century Glockenspiel in the Marienplatz, music, architecture, and museums.
Munich is also associated with controversial history, such as being central to the rise of Nazism and hosting the 1972 Olympics.
Munich is rich in culture one can learn a lot from. It is the capital of Bavaria, which I think is one of the most beautiful regions of the world.
Best Time to Go to Munich
Depending on time of year you visit, you can experience cold, rainy (or snowy) days to having beautiful, warm sunny days. Munich is diverse so it provides for plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy so you can work your sightseeing around the weather.
To avoid higher tourist crowds and prices, visit Munich in the shoulder and off season months of October to April.
Munich Events Calendar
As mentioned, Munich is famous for Oktoberfest, Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival), and Christmas Market on Marienplatz festivals, to name a few events. There always seems to be something happening in Munich year-round.
To help you plan when to go, here is a list of annual events held in Munich.
Is Munich Safe to Travel Alone
Munich’s crime rate is considered very low.
I think Munich is great for single travelers. I did not feel unsafe in Munich as a solo female traveler, even walking around at night.
If you normally feel uncomfortable being out at night alone, you may want to consider going to Munich when the daylight hours are longest, June to September, so you have more time to explore Munich.
Also, consider avoiding areas right next to the Munich train station.
My Munich hotel was a few blocks away from the train station on my last Munich solo travel on a budget, and I felt pretty safe walking around at night.
Is Munich Worth Visiting?
That’s a big, fat yes. Even if you only have one day in Munich, there is plenty of great food, outdoor scenery or indoor activities to fill it with.
A mix of modern and old, you can wander for days in wonder. I enjoyed the many street musicians, from cellists to guitarists, filling the air with music while I soaked in the architecture.
Munich also makes a great ‘home base’ in which to explore the Bavaria region, as you’ll read below.
I love Munich. I’ve been twice and can’t wait to go back.
Getting Around Munich
Arriving Munich
Munich is a major city in Germany, so it is available by plane, train, or bus from multiple Germany or international locations.
Flights to Munich arrive at the Flughafen München (Munich International Airport). You can easily transport to your Munich city center accommodation by hotel shuttle, airport transfer, bus, metro (U-Bahn or S-Bahn), taxi, Bolt or Uber in about 40 minutes.
Eco Travel Tips
Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2. Additionally, you can purchase carbon offsets through your airline to lower your carbon footprint.
More Eco-Travel Tips & Ideas
- 25 Must-Have & Eco-Friendly Solo Beach Trip Essentials
- 15 Eco Long-haul Flight Essentials for Solo Travel
- Top 10 Eco-Friendly Carry On Luggage
- 10 Best Eco-Friendly Personal Item Bags for Flying
- 10 Easy Ways to Be an Eco-Friendly Traveler
- 15 Eco Friendly Products for All Travel
I have always taken the train into Munich. Trains arrive at the München Hopbanhof centrally located within Munich.
The Munich Central Bus Station is right there so you can take other trains or regional buses for your day trips outside of Munich.
Munich Without a Car
No car is really needed to see the top sights in Munich or out. The Munich Alstadt (Old Town), historical city center can be done on foot, and if you’re staying within my recommended area (see map below). You can also walk to/from the Munich train station.
Munich public transportation is also expansive enough to meet your exploring needs.
Eco Travel Tips
When booking a rideshare in Munich, select the Bolt Green or Uber Green options, instead of a traditional rideshare, to support the use of cleaner transportation in Germany.
For flights only 2 to 3 hours in duration to and from Munich, take the train or bus instead. The scenery is also much prettier.
In town, walk as much as possible, ride public transportation, or cruise around on an electric scooter. Both Bolt and Lime have electric scooters available in Munich.
Where to Stay in Munich
Where is the Best Area to Stay in Munich?
For optimum ease of walking and seeing the sights, it is recommended to stay within or just outside the city center, and within walking distance to the main train station as seen on the map:
Solo Travel Tips
Have WhatsApp on your mobile device(s). Many smaller establishments and activity/tourism offices use this as a method of communication making it easier to make inquiries or booking and learn, or notify, of any scheduling changes.
Get the T-Mobile International Plan or something similar in price and features. I no longer work on WiFi only on international travel. I’ll use it when it’s there, but having access to roaming when needed for GPS and Google Maps is a game changer.
The Munich city center is walking distance to all of the best things to do in Munich, including shopping, dining and nightlife, as well as the transportation points. I believe it’s the best area to stay in Munich as you’re minutes from everything.
Of course, you can stay outside the city center, but then you may be adding transportation costs and time to your solo travel itinerary.
Many Munich accommodations may not let you check in until 3-4pm. Book a Munich hotel or hostel that will store your luggage until your room is ready so you can get out and enjoy Munich.
Munich Hotels and More
Munich city center hotel, hostel and apartment options are plentiful and range across all budget types. Going in the off or shoulder season months, or booking well in advance, will get you the best Munich accommodation prices.
Consider booking a Munich property that either is eco-friendly or sustainably rated, or at least employs these methods into their business.
For location, price, amenities (including free-cancellation), eco-friendly and sustainable operations, and customer reviews and ratings, here are my Munich solo travel recommendations (i.e., where I would stay).
Munich Hotels
Meeting the above considerations, I would consider a stay the following Munich hotels:
- Arthotel Munich
- Boutique Hotel Germania
- Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor
- Eurostars Book Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center
- Aparthotel Adagio München City
In addition to the above Munich hotels, I would also recommend the Alpen Hotel München. Although it is not a “Sustainable Travel” hotel, it does employ some eco-friendly operational methods.
Eco Travel Tips
In addition to Booking.com’s Munich Sustainable Travel properties, Green Globe and Green Key Global also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.
Munich Hostels
Meeting the above considerations, including being able to get a private room, my Munich hostel recommendation is Wombat’s City Hostel Munich Hauptbahnhof.
Budget Travel Tips
If you’re on a budget, I recommend making your Munich reservations in as far in advance as possible.
Top Things to Do in Munich
You can see many top sights in Munich in a few days. Some attractions are free. Munich is very popular, especially during the festivals, so plan ahead if visiting April to October or on the weekend.
Attractions In Altstadt Munich (Old Town)
- Marienplatz, Marienplatz 1 – Munich’s main square in the heart of Altstadt that is a pedestrian zone. It is very lively and can also see festivals in the summer. The Neus Rathaus (New Town Hall), with its 279 foot clock tower, looms over its center and holds the famous Glockenspiel which has been showing its little mechanical dance since the 16th century. Catch the show at 11am 12pm or 5pm daily.
- Munich Residenz and Schatzkammer der Residenz (Treasury), Residenzstraße 1 – once the Bavarian monarchy royal quarters, the Munich Residenz has served as a museum since 1920. The vastness and grandeur of this building will take your breath away causing many hours lost inside should you wish.
- Residenz Hopfgarden, Residenzstraße 1 – beautiful outdoor gardens next to the Residenz. Free to enter.
- Odeonsplatz, Odeonsplatz 1 – historical market square across from the Residenz.
- Hofbräuhaus, Platzl 9 – World renowned beer hall has been said to house up to 35,000 a day. It’s a big tourist attraction with its lively music, traditional cuisine and flowing beer.
- Viktualienmarkt – this is a lovely open-air market just off the Marienplatz is a favorite with locals and perfect for grabbing a snack or meal, or shopping for a gift. Restaurants set up tents when it rains.
- Asamkirche (Asam Church), Sendlinger Str. 32 – 18th century Baroque chapel. Free to enter. Ensure to observe service hours.
- Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church) – Munich’s oldest gothic-style church, gothic full of relics. Free to enter. Ensure to observe service hours.
- St. Michael Kirche (St. Michael’s Church) – this is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps and holds the crypt of 40 Wittelsbachs. Free to enter. Ensure to observe service hours.
- Frauenkirche – large, gothic church with twin domes looming over the city center and houses The Devil’s Footprint. You can go up the south tower for a sweeping view of the city. Free to enter. Ensure to observe service hours.
- Deutsches Museum, Museumsinsel 1 – the world’s largest museum of science and technology
Attractions Surrounding Old Town Munich
- Englischen Garten (English Garden) – just north of the Residenz Garten, this large city park is packed with sunbathers, locals and tourists alike, on beautiful days. Rent a bike to explore and visit the beer gardens. You can spend most of a day here to rejuvenate if you’re maxed out on indoor activities.
- Nazi Documentation Center, Max-Mannheimer-Platz 1 – An extensive and sobering look at the rise of Nazism in Munich. You can spend hours in here reading. It’s pretty heavy, but I highly recommend it, especially before you tour the Dachau Camp.
- Alte Pinakothek, Barer Strasse 27 – one of the oldest art museums in the world with an extensive collection of 14th to 18th century European masters. Sunday admission is 1 Euro.
- Pinakothek der Moderne, Barer Strasse 40 – next to the Alte Pinakothek, this very cool building houses modern works of art, including cars and interior decor.
- Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace), Schloß Nymphenburg 1 – this 17th century Rococo style palace was the summer residence for Bavarian Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy. You can tour the palace, the park, or both. It is on the west side of Munich accessible by public transportation.
- Theresienwiese – the Munich open space area for the Munich Oktoberfest and Frühlingsfest, if you are in town.
More Things to Do in Munich
When in Munich, it would be a shame to miss taking a day trip, or two, outside the Munich city center. For example, take a 1/2 day tour of Dachau Concentration Camp or a full day tour of Romantic Road towns.
Dachau Concentration Camp – one of the remaining Nazi camps just 25 minutes outside Munich, this moving experience is a must if you are first-time visitor to Munich. It is easily reached as a full day or half day trip from the Munich Hauptbahnhof (central station).
However, for ease, I recommend a tour handling this for you that starts and ends at the Munich Hauptbahnhof. My group had a wonderful tour guide who was also helpful in providing dining suggestions within Munich. Allow for a 2.5 hour tour and transportation time.
Romantic Road Day Trip – Get out and see the Bavarian country side and towns along the Romantic Road, Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. I did this day trip from Munich years ago on my first visit to Munich and loved it. The charm of these towns will astound you.
Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle Day Trip – Want to talk scenery? You can’t go wrong with the Bavarian Alps and the famous Neuschwanstein castle. If you have the time in the area, I highly recommend this as an unforgettable detour.
Munich Dining
Germany is known for pretzels, Weißwürste (the boiled, white veal sausage), Obazda (cheese spread), Haxen (braised pork knuckle), Schnitzel, and other hearty dishes. Of course, don’t forget the beer and Germany’s signature desert, apple strudel. Read more on Germany’s food and culture.
Try your hand at as much traditional German fare as possible. It is truly yummy.
My suggestions for such dining and beer hall/garden experiences are:
- Augustiner Bräustuben, Arnulfstraße 52 – traditional beer hall inside the Augustiner brewery with large beer garden. Closes at midnight.
- Augustinerbrau – traditional German beer hall and cuisine.
- Hofbräuhaus, Platzl 9 – World renowned beer hall has been said to house up to 35,000 a day.
- Weisses Brauhaus, Tal 7 – Just off the Marienplatz, this is a fun and lively beer hall with Alpine oompah band. It won’t break your bank. Eat a traditional German dinner or just go straight to a yummy, filling Kaiserschmarrn and wash it down with a cold Schneider Weisse beer. It’s very popular, so reservations are recommended after 7pm.
- Gaststaette Fraunhofer, Fraunhoferstraße 9 – for drinks and Kaiserschmarrn as a yummy snack.
- Gaststätte Burg Pappenheim, Baaderstraße 46 – cozy little restaurant and bar with good food, beer selection, atmosphere and staff that the locals love. Watch them tap the keg of Augustiner beer behind the bar.
Where to Eat in Munich Cheap
For cheap eats, hit the biergartens, markets and bakeries. Pretzel sandwiches and veal breakfast sausages (Munchner Weisswurt) with a pretzel are popular grab and go’s.
How to See Munich in 4 Days Solo
Now that you know how to get around Munich, here are my suggested things to do alone in Munich starting the morning of your arrival making for a fabulous, full 4 days in Munich solo travel itinerary.
Alternatively, if you are only looking for what to do in Munich for 3 days, following Days 1 through 3 make a great Munich 3 day itinerary.
Note: If you have 5 days in Munich, use the extra day for one of the suggested day trips from Munich.
Day 1 – City Center & History
- Walk thru the Hopfgarden next to the Residenz
- Pass through the Odeonsplatz
- Explore Marienplatz, see the Town Hall / Lunch
- Viktualienmarkt
- Nazi Documentation Center
- Catch the Glockenspiel show at 5pm (if possible)
- Dinner Schneider Brauhaus
Day 2 – Dachau & More
- Hotel breakfast
- Half Day Dachau Camp Tour
- Snack / lunch at Viktualienmarkt
- St. Peter’s Church, St. Michael’s Church and Frauenkirche
- Explore Gärtnerplatz neighborhood
- Dinner at Gaststätte Burg Pappenheim
Day 3 – Art & English Garden
- Hotel breakfast
- Alte Pinakothek OR Pinakothek der Moderne
- English Garden with Kleinhesseloher, bike rental, and lunch at the Seehaus beer garden.
- Glockenspiel show at 5pm (if missed before)
- Dinner at Hofbräuhaus München
Day 4 – Royal History
- Hotel breakfast
- Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg Palace) OR Deutsche Museum
- Old Town with late lunch
- Schatzkammer Residenz (The Rezidenz)
- Dinner at Augustiner Bräustuben
Day 5 – Optional Day Trip
- Hotel breakfast
- Romantic Road Day Trip OR
- Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castle Day Trip
Let Me Hear From You
I would love to hear if this 4 day Munich solo travel itinerary was helpful to your planning your over 50 single travel. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!
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