How to Spend 2 Days in Munich, Germany in the Winter

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Two Days in Munich Germany
Two Days in Munich Germany

Everytime, I am visiting Munich, it is always only for a couple of days–either a weekend or part of a larger trip like this one. So if you have two days in Munich, I am going to share with you a perfect guide to exploring Munich’s best.

Going to see and experience Germany’s Christmas markets had been on my family’s bucket list for years. My Oma (German for Grandma) was originally from Germany, moving to the United States after meeting my Opa. Though she never went back, she always shared stories of Germany’s beautiful Christmas traditions, especially the markets. Inspired by her memories, we decided it was time to experience it ourselves.

We booked our trip through our amazing travel agent and friend, Blake Casey with Travelmation LLC. Blake is an experienced, independent travel agent specializing in destinations like Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, along with cruises and Disney vacations. Having previously worked as a Disney Universal Studios cast member, she has insider knowledge and a genuine passion for creating unforgettable Disney experiences.

For our trip, Blake crafted a perfect week-long itinerary covering four major cities, making sure we saw the best Christmas markets and enjoyed smooth transitions between every train, plane, and tour. From start to finish, she thought of everything, taking all the stress out of planning. I highly recommend Blake—her expertise and attention to detail turned our trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You can check out her page and get in touch to plan your next adventure through this link. 

Don’t miss my Winter Packing Guide if you are traveling abroad this winter.

Here is how to spend 2 days in Munich, Germany.

Day 1: Marienplatz, English Garden, and Munich’s Christmas Markets

  • Morning: Marienplatz & Cozy Cafés Start your day at Marienplatz, the heart of Munich and a perfect introduction to the city’s rich history and holiday charm. This bustling square, beautifully decorated in December, hosts one of Munich’s most popular Christmas markets. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of cozy cafés to start your morning, like Café Glockenspiel, where you can sip coffee and have a front-row view of the iconic Glockenspiel show that rings in the holiday spirit. Café Frischhut is another great stop for freshly baked schmalznudeln, a delicious Bavarian donut.
  • Late Morning: English Garden After breakfast, head to the English Garden, one of the largest city parks in the world. Even in winter, the park is a beautiful sight, blanketed in snow and filled with peaceful paths. You may even spot surfers riding the Eisbach wave in the chilly river! The Chinese Tower area often has a smaller Christmas market as well, so you can grab a hot drink and enjoy the festive setting.
  • Afternoon: Viktualienmarkt Lunch & More Christmas Market Shopping Next, make your way to Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous open-air food market near Marienplatz. This bustling spot offers a mix of food stalls and traditional Bavarian specialties, from sausages to hearty soups—perfect for a cozy winter lunch. You’ll also find some holiday market vendors, making it a great stop for unique gifts or Bavarian treats.
  • Evening: Dinner and Festivities at Hofbräuhaus 

A visit to Munich wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the iconic Hofbräuhaus beer hall. Around Christmas, the hall becomes even more festive, with traditional Bavarian performances that sometimes include characters dressed as mythical beasts dancing through the hall to lively music. (It’s best to check ahead to confirm if this special performance will be happening when you visit!) Enjoy classics like schnitzel, pork shoulder, and Weisbier, along with hearty sides like red cabbage and Spätzle.

  • After Dinner: Marienplatz Christmas Market 

Finish the night back at Marienplatz to experience the Christmas market after dark, when it’s lit up with twinkling lights and filled with the warmth of Glühwein (mulled wine). Stroll through the stalls, browsing handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and indulging in roasted almonds and chestnuts to end the day on a cozy note.

Day 2: Neuschwanstein Castle – A Winter Wonderland

  • Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle On your second day, take a day trip to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. A bus tour from Munich is an ideal option, often stopping at charming Bavarian towns along the way for some sightseeing. When you arrive at the castle area, grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants before making the scenic climb (or shuttle ride) up to Neuschwanstein. You’ll find cozy spots like Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein, where you can enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes and recharge before exploring.
  • We did a tour with Grayline Tours. Specifically the Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Royal Castle and Oberammergau Tour from Munich. 
  • Take a guided tour of the castle’s lavish interiors and stop by Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) for a picture-perfect view of the castle against the stunning snow-covered landscape. The whole experience feels like stepping into a storybook, making it a highlight of our trip. This is a must-do!!

Baby me on Mary’s Bridge back in 2009!!

  • The drive from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle is about 120 kilometers (roughly 75 miles) and typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
  • The route is straightforward, but winter weather can sometimes cause delays, especially in the mountainous areas near the castle. That’s why I would recommend booking a bus tour so that you don’t have to worry about the drive. The bus tour also stops in historic, quaint towns on the way there and back for restroom breaks and shopping. We stopped in the Bavarian town of Oberammergau, known for its woodcarving and intricately painted buildings. My family and I all picked out beautiful, handmade Christmas ornaments from Käthe Wohlfahrt. 
  • If you do drive, parking can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you’re driving yourself.
  • There are many restaurants once you get to the top of the mountain. The restaurant that we went to that I would recommend is Schlossbräustüberl in Hohenschwangau. 
  • Linderhof Palace:

 I highly recommend taking a tour of Linderhof Palace, another masterpiece by King Ludwig II. Though smaller than Neuschwanstein, its lavish interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens make it just as impressive. Don’t miss the souvenir store right outside the palace—I picked up postcards, snow globes, and little ornaments there to give as gifts to friends back home. It’s the perfect spot for finding charming keepsakes!

  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Just down the valley from Neuschwanstein, you’ll spot Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II. Built by his father, King Maximilian II, this bright yellow castle is steeped in history and offers a fascinating contrast to Neuschwanstein’s whimsical design. If you have time, consider visiting Hohenschwangau as part of your day trip—it’s a short walk from the Neuschwanstein ticket center and provides additional insight into Ludwig’s early life.

Back in Munich

  • Once back in Munich, consider Augustiner-Keller for a memorable dinner—it’s a traditional Bavarian beer hall with hearty dishes like pork knuckle and Spätzle. If you prefer something quick and casual, grab a delicious döner kebab from one of the many kiosks in the city center. 
  • Wrap up your final night by taking one last stroll through another of Munich’s Christmas markets—perhaps the one in Sendlinger Tor or Chinesischer Turm in the English Garden. Sip on Glühwein, warm up with a hot chocolate, or enjoy some freshly roasted nuts as you soak up the festive atmosphere one last time. It’s the perfect way to end a magical day in Bavaria!

This two-day itinerary captures the magic of Munich’s Christmas markets and Bavarian charm, with unforgettable highlights like Neuschwanstein Castle and a traditional dinner at Hofbräuhaus. Our family trip was filled with festive sights, delicious food, and the chance to connect with traditions my Oma had always told us about.

If you’re interested in exploring more history, I recommend considering a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. Although my family didn’t go, I visited Dachau when I was studying abroad. It was an eerie and deeply sad experience, but it’s a profound piece of history that serves as a reminder of the past and the importance of remembering it.

If you have the time, this site is located about 16 kilometers outside Munich and offers a powerful and reflective experience through guided tours and exhibitions. It’s a solemn visit, but an important one for those interested in understanding Germany’s past.

My precious Omi. ❤️

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