🥨 Exploring Munich: Beer Halls, Palaces & Bavarian Charm

We’ve visited Munich twice – at the end of a Mediterranean cruise and as part of a Europe vacation in 2018. When we spent two days in Munich, we packed in a perfect mix of history, culture, and Bavarian fun. A stop at Hofbräuhaus is a must, especially during Oktoberfest. We explored the grandeur of Schloss Herrenchiemsee (on our way from St. Gilgen) and Residenz Munich, immersing ourselves in royal history. We wandered through the English Garden and marveled at the innovations in the Deutsches Museum. We wrapped up our time in Germany with a visit to Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery and the maker of Scott’s favorite beer. Check out our itinerary with tips for making the most of your Munich adventure!

Two Day Itinerary

This is the itinerary we followed to visit Munich at the end of our 2018 Europe trip, including transit from St. Gilgen, Austria. If you have two full days, you can adjust activities to spend more time at the Deutsches Museum, Residenz Munich, German markets, or additional breweries. Bräustüberl Weihenstephan, conveniently located near Munich Airport, is a great stop on your way to or from your flight.

Day 1: Austria > Munich (Schloss Herrenchiemsee, Hofbräuhaus)

• If traveling from Austria:
  • 🚗  2:00 PM: Drive from St. Gilgen to Munich (2.5 hours)
  • 🏰  1:00 PM:Visit Schloss Herrenchiemsee (2 hours, 15-min ferry (€8); includes Royal Castle, King Ludwig II Museum & Augustiner-Chorherrenstift Museum)
• 🏨 5:45 PM: Hotel Isartor check-in
• 🚶6:00 PM: Walk (8-min) to Hofbräuhaus München
• 🍺 6:30 – 11:00 PM: Dinner & Festivities at Hofbräuhaus München
  • Festsaal: Dancing starts at 6:30 PM (🎟️ Reservation recommended)
  • Schwemme (Large Beer Hall): Live music (6:00 – 11:30 PM, no reservations)
    • Beers to Try: Helles (light), Dunkel (dark), Radler (beer with lemon soda)
• 🚶11:00 PM: Walk back to hotel

Day 2: Munich (Residenz Munich, Deutsches Museum, Weihenstephan)

• 🍽️ 8:00 AM: Hotel breakfast
• 🚶 8:30 AM: Munich City Walk (🎧 72-min Rick Steves Audio Tour)
• 🏛️ 9:30 AM: Visit Residenz Munich (1–2 hours)
  • Includes Schatzkammer Treasury & Cuvilliés-Theater
  • Free audioguide available
• 🍽️ 11:00 AM: Lunch at a beer garden near Viktualienmarkt
• 🧳 12:00 PM: Hotel check-out, Walk (7-min) to the next stop
• 🧪 12:00 – 3:00 PM: Deutsches Museum
  • Open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (🎟️ Pre-purchase ticket, €11, recommended visit 3+ hours)
• 🌳 4:00 PM: Walk through English Garden
• 🚗 4:45 PM: Drive (35-min) to Weihenstephan
• 🍽️ 5:30 PM: Dinner and beer at Bräustüberl Weihenstephan
  • Be sure to check the current restaurant, beer garden, and brewery hours (typically 10 AM – 11 PM).
  • 🎟️ Reservations are recommended. Tours have limited offerings.
  • 🍺 Be sure to try a beer flight.
• 🚗 7:00 PM: Drive (16-min) to Munich Airport
• 🛫 9:10 PM – 10:40 PM: Flight from Munich UC to Dublin

Quick Stop for Oktoberfest (As of September 2023)

@perfuzion

Happy Oktoberfest! Had a blast joining in the festivities at Hofbrauhaus in Munich! #oktoberfest #hofbrauhaus #munich #munchen #germany🇩🇪 @Scott Perdue

♬ original sound – Sarah Perdue