Munich: Where a Two-Week Girls’ Trip Finally Exhaled

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, was our last destination in this Bavarian girls’ trip, and honestly, by the time we rolled in on the train from Salzburg, we were in full “keep it simple, keep it walkable” mode.

We stayed near München Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). Is it the prettiest area in Munich? Not really. It can feel a little gritty around the edges, especially at night. But after weeks of moving cities by train, being able to walk our suitcases from platform to hotel felt like luxury. And the unexpected bonus? So many Asian restaurants nearby, the perfect comfort food reset after a long stretch of schnitzel-and-bread life.

Munich itself is Germany’s third-largest city, famous for its grand squares, churches, museums, and (yes) beer culture. It’s also a very easy city for first-timers: compact historic center, excellent transport, and plenty to do even if you only have a few days.

How to get to Munich city center from Munich Airport (MUC)

Munich Airport is well connected, and you have two main options:

1) S-Bahn (S1 / S8) — the classic, reliable option

From the airport, take S1 or S8 into the city. They run alternately, so there’s usually a departure about every 10 minutes, and the ride to central Munich takes roughly 35–40 minutes.

Ticket tip (important): the airport is outside the central city zone, so you’ll typically be buying a ticket that covers Zone M–5. As of 2026, a single ticket for that route runs around €14–15 for adults.

2) Lufthansa Express Bus — easiest if you’re going straight to Hauptbahnhof

This bus runs every 20 minutes and takes about 40–45 minutes to Munich Central Station, with additional stops at Munich North/Schwabing and the various airport terminals. It’s open to anyone regardless of which airline you’re flying, and online tickets are cheaper than buying from the driver (and yes, they have space for luggage).

If you’re staying a day and moving around a lot…

Consider the Airport-City-Day-Ticket, which includes airport plus Munich city area (Zones M–5) and is valid until 6 am the next day. As of the current MVV tariff page, it’s €17.50 (single) or roughly €32 for a group of up to five.

How to get around Munich

Munich’s public transport is clean, efficient, and first-timer-friendly.

• Use the MVV app (or the newer MVGO app) for routes and tickets. They’re the official transport association apps.
• Tickets are valid across U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus.
• In general, you must validate (stamp) many paper tickets before riding; rules vary depending on where you bought them.

Helpful pricing anchors for 2026:

• Single ticket within Zone M: €4.20
• Single-day ticket (Zone M): €10.10
• Group day ticket (up to 5 people): around €19.70

One nice update since our trip: as of January 2026, children aged 6 to 14 travel free with an adult’s single-day ticket, which is worth knowing if you’re planning this with slightly older kids than I had.

Top things to see in Munich (a simple 3-day plan)

We had three days, and started exactly where most people should: Marienplatz.

Day 1: Old Town Classics + a Little Art Therapy

Marienplatz + Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

Marienplatz is Munich’s beating heart, the square where everything feels like it’s happening at once: the Gothic Revival façade of the Neues Rathaus, street musicians, shoppers, tourists, and that “I’m finally in Munich” feeling.
Don’t miss the Glockenspiel performance on the Rathaus tower. It’s one of those very touristy things that is also, genuinely, charming.

Asamkirche (Asam Church)

A small church with a wow interior, ornate Rococo drama in the best way. It’s quick to visit, easy to fit into an Old Town walking route, and a great “Munich is more than beer halls” moment.

Museum time (pick your vibe)

Munich’s museum scene is serious. If you love art, the Kunstareal area is museum heaven.
One important update: the Neue Pinakothek remains closed for a comprehensive structural renovation that began back in 2018–2019, and current estimates put reopening somewhere between 2029 and 2031, so don’t count on it being back by the time you visit. The good news is that a selection of its key 19th-century works is on display in the meantime at the Alte Pinakothek (East Wing) and the Sammlung Schack.

If you only choose one modern stop, the Pinakothek der Moderne is excellent, and it’s one house with four collections: art, design, architecture, and works on paper.

Day 2: The fairytale day trip (Neuschwanstein)

If you’re doing the classic Munich itinerary, Neuschwanstein Castle is the day trip everyone puts on the list, and yes, it really does look like a Disney fever dream in real life.

Ticket note: Neuschwanstein is visited via timed-entry guided tours only, and tickets are sold exclusively through the official Ticket Center in Hohenschwangau (in person, same-day only) or online in advance through the official ticket shop. As of 2026, an adult ticket runs around €21, plus a small booking fee (around €2.50) if purchased online. In high season, tickets can sell out by mid-morning, so booking online ahead of time is genuinely the safer route rather than a nice-to-have. You can walk the grounds and cross Marienbrücke for free without a ticket; it’s only the castle interior that requires one.

We skipped Nymphenburg Palace because Neuschwanstein basically takes a full day, and sometimes you just have to choose.

Day 3: English Garden + last-minute shopping (the “goodbye Munich” day)

English Garden

This was my favourite kind of final day: green space and fresh air, especially because I needed to burn Alyssa’s energy before the long-haul flight. The English Garden is huge, lovely, and perfect for a slower morning.

Stop by the Chinese Tower area if you want a snack break or just to soak in that calm Munich park life.

Shopping

Munich has beautiful shopping streets, from high-end Maximilianstraße to more casual areas around the center. This was my “buy it now or regret it later” moment.

Football match (optional, best for non-toddler trips)

If you’re traveling without kids and your timing aligns, a match can be a fun local experience. We didn’t do this; toddler logistics won.

Closing Thoughts: The End of Our 2-Week Girls’ Trip (and Why It Still Feels Warm Years Later)

Munich was Day 13–15 of our itinerary, the gentle landing after a whirlwind of cities. According to our trip plan, we arrived from Salzburg, did Old Town plus shopping, took a day trip to Neuschwanstein, then ended with a morning in the English Garden before flying home.

Looking back at the whole two-week adventure, 3 countries, 7 cities, 16 days, all by train, I still don’t know how we managed it with a three-year-old… but we did. Berlin’s history, Prague’s storybook corners, Vienna’s music, Hallstatt’s lake views, Salzburg’s Sound of Music magic, and finally Munich, where we exhaled a little before going home.

It wasn’t a “slow” trip (we were doing 20,000-step days and calling it taking it easy), but it reminded me of something important: you don’t need perfect conditions to make great memories. You just need a good itinerary, a flexible mindset, and snacks. Lots of snacks.

If you’re planning Munich for the first time: 2 days is enough for the city highlights, and add one extra day if you want the Neuschwanstein day trip. And if you’re ending a long Europe-by-train journey here like we did? Stay near the station if convenience matters; your tired legs will thank you.

Enjoy Munich, and happy travels.