For an average person visiting Munich, let's start with a budget reference (5 days, 4 nights, excluding international round-trip airfare) ✨
Economy: Approx. CNY 4,500 per person, staying in budget chain hotels, mostly quick meals at restaurants, choosing free + a few paid attractions, traveling by public transport.
Comfort: CNY 7,000–8,500 per person, 4-star hotels in the city center, authentic Bavarian meals, includes a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, Munich City Pass + Bayern Ticket.
Budget breakdown: Accommodation is the biggest expense, followed by dining, attraction tickets, and local transport. Visa and insurance cost about CNY 800. Prices skyrocket during Oktoberfest, so try to avoid it.
📍5-day, 4-night relaxed and comfortable itinerary, no rushing, no need for a hectic, early-start schedule
Day 1: Old Town Experience | Marienplatz + City Center Stroll
Morning: Marienplatz. Catch the 11:00 AM Glockenspiel performance at the New Town Hall and take some photos. On the way, visit the Frauenkirche and climb the tower for a bird's-eye view of Munich's Old Town red rooftops.
Noon: Viktualienmarkt, with tons of fresh fruit, cheese, and snack stalls. Try the Bavarian white sausage with sweet mustard + pretzel 🥨
Afternoon: Munich Residenz. Take your time exploring the Treasury and the Royal State Rooms to experience the splendor of the Bavarian royal family.
Evening: Head to the Hofbräuhaus to experience the local atmosphere, eat classic roasted pork knuckle with sauerkraut, and order a liter of local beer.
Day 2: Nymphenburg Palace + English Garden
Morning: Take the subway to Nymphenburg Palace. The palace + Carriage Museum and the vast European-style gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's great for photos by the lake.
Noon: Local restaurant near the palace; recommend the pork stew with potato dumplings.
Afternoon: English Garden, one of Europe's largest urban parks. Watch the river surfing, sit on the lawn, and just relax—it's very healing.
Evening: Find a nearby beer garden, grab a quick Leberkäse roll, and experience the local laid-back lifestyle.
Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip (Important! Book tickets in advance)
Morning: Take an early Bayern train to Füssen. Upon arrival, transfer to a bus up the mountain. First, head to Marienbrücke to take the classic panoramic shot of Neuschwanstein Castle. Enter the castle for the guided tour at your reserved time.
Noon: Restaurant in the town of Füssen for German grilled sausages.
Afternoon: Explore the exterior of Hohenschwangau Castle + the town streets. Take a walk in the mountains; no need to force yourself to complete all the hiking trails—just do what you can.
Evening: Take the train back to Munich city center and get some rest.
Day 4: BMW Welt + Museum District
Morning: BMW Welt + BMW Museum. A must-visit for car enthusiasts. Even if you're not into cars, the architecture is very photogenic. You can visit the exhibition halls for free.
Noon: Quick meal nearby; try the schnitzel.
Afternoon: Alte Pinakothek, a major European art museum. If you like oil paintings, take your time. If you're not into exhibitions, go shopping on Maximilianstraße instead.
Evening: Find a local family-run restaurant and try apple strudel for dessert.
Day 5: Relaxed wrap-up, souvenir shopping
Morning: Stroll around Karlsplatz, browse the nearby shops, and buy souvenirs (honey, chocolate, pretzel-themed items).
Noon: Grab a simple breakfast combo at any bakery in the Old Town.
Afternoon: Pack your bags, head to the airport according to your flight time, and end your trip.
🍻 Munich Must-Eat Food List
▫️ Bavarian roasted pork knuckle: Crispy skin, served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings; a beer hall signature
▫️ Weisswurst (white sausage): Traditional breakfast sausage, must be served with sweet mustard + pretzel
▫️ Leberkäse roll: Popular street snack, thick slice of meatloaf in a bun, with yellow mustard
▫️ Various German grilled sausages: Rich flavors, found everywhere in markets and beer gardens
▫️ Apfelstrudel (apple strudel): Classic dessert, served with cream, sweet but not cloying
▫️ Maß beer: One-liter local draft beer, a must-try when in Munich
💡 Practical tips
1. Try to book attraction tickets on the official website in advance, especially for Neuschwanstein Castle, as tickets sell out easily on-site. Buy the Munich City Pass, which includes local transport + discounts for many attractions.
2. Transport: The city's S-Bahn/U-Bahn is very convenient. For Neuschwanstein Castle, just buy the Bayern Ticket, which is suitable for group travel.
3. Dining habits: German main courses are served slowly, so please be patient. You can bring your own small snacks to beer gardens.
4. Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the mountain castle areas. Even in summer, bring a light jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
5. Many shops are closed on Sundays, so try to schedule your shopping for weekdays or Saturdays.