48 Hours in Munich: A Mother-Daughter Adventure on Two Wheels
Ah, Munich! A city where history, culture, and that famous Bavarian charm collide most delightfully. If you’re planning a quick 48-hour escape to Munich, as I did with my 18-year-old daughter before she flew the nest to go to university, you’re in for an unforgettable ride. With just two days to explore, a central stay and some pedal power are the way to go. Here’s how we made the most of our time, mixing history, fun, and a few stops for the best pretzels in town.
Day 1: Arrival and Afternoon in the Heart of Munich
Getting to the City: Easy Public Transport from the Airport
One of the first things that impressed us about Munich was its incredibly efficient public transport system. From Munich Airport, getting to the city centre using the S-Bahn trains is easy. The S1 and S8 lines run frequently, taking you straight to the city’s heart in about 40-45 minutes. Tickets are affordable too—roughly €12 per person for a single ride and no need for a taxi! You can buy tickets directly at the airport using easy-to-navigate machines or online to skip the lines.
Where to Stay: Hotel Stachus
Our base was Hotel Stachus, a fabulous no-frills spot in Munich’s centre. It’s perfect for a short trip—clean, comfortable, and, most importantly, incredibly convenient. The room had no tea/coffee-making facilities or a safe, which was annoying. You can walk to many key sites, and it’s just steps away from the train station, which is perfect when you arrive from the airport by S-Bahn. If you’re like us and planning to be out and about most of the time, Hotel Stachus gives you everything you need without breaking the bank.
A Royal Stop: The Munich Residence
After settling in, we visited the Munich Residence—a sprawling former royal palace boasting over 130 rooms of sheer opulence. From the elaborate courtrooms to the glittering Antiquarium, the Residence is packed with centuries of Bavarian history and jaw-dropping decor. My daughter and I were in awe of the luxurious tapestries, intricate frescoes, and treasures collected by Bavarian rulers. This is a must-see for any fan of history, art history, architecture, interior design or pure gorgeousness. Allow at least three hours.
Viktualienmarkt: A Foodie’s Paradise
Just a short walk from the hotel and Marienplatz is the Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s vibrant open-air market. This place has been a foodie hub since 1807, offering everything from fresh produce to homemade crafts. We enjoyed browsing the stalls and picking up local snacks. This is the perfect spot if you love cheese, sausages, or a good dose of people-watching.
Dinner at Azuki: Fresh and Funky
Our first evening ended with dinner at the contemporary Asian Azuki, a beautiful location with a pleasant atmosphere and a high-end sushi fusion vegetarian-friendly restaurant—very luxe! We savoured delicious sushi and maki bowls filled with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We loved the innovative flavours. I would highly recommend Azuki.
Day 2: Pedals, Parks, Palaces, and a Touch of Art
Fat Tire Bike Rentals is a popular spot for those who want to explore the city on two wheels, especially if they want to see a lot of this beautiful city quickly. Our tour guide was excellent. With comfy bikes and helpful staff, we were ready to pedal through Munich like pros. We agreed this was the best way to explore—freedom to stop, stare, and get some exercise.
Explore the Marienplatz
Our first stop was the iconic Marienplatz, Munich’s bustling central square. The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) steals the show with its stunning Gothic design. If lucky, catch the famous Glockenspiel show at 11 a.m. or 12 p.m., when figurines perform a whimsical historical reenactment.
Late morning and lunch in the English Garden
Followed by a ride to the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. We cycled through the park’s lush greenery, passing joggers, sunbathers, and even surfers riding a man-made wave on the Eisbach River. It’s one of those quirky, unexpected sights that make Munich unique.
We took a break at the Chinese Tower, an iconic beer garden and restaurant in the park’s heart. A wide range of lunch and beer options. We had the roast chicken and sauerkraut, we warned, lots of wasps in the summer. We then continued to cycle through the pretty park, and if you are on foot, you’ll need at least two hours to explore.
Discovering Nymphenburg Palace
Next, we biked to Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of Bavarian royalty. The palace is a true feast for the eyes—opulent rooms filled with art and history, and the sprawling gardens are perfect for a leisurely cycle. We loved imagining life as a royal while we strolled through the palace’s grand halls. The garden fountains and sculptures provided some of our best photo ops of the trip!
Art Stop: Alte Pinakothek
After lunch, it was time for a bit of culture. We biked to the Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest art galleries in the world. We didn’t have time to go inside, so we returned after our bike tour finished at 3 pm. With masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Raphael, it’s a must-see for any art lover. My daughter, an art enthusiast, was thrilled to stand before such iconic works. It was also an excellent (air-conditioned!) break from the summer’s heat.
Dinner at Brenner: Chic and Delicious
We returned to the hotel for a quick shower before we headed to Brenner, a sleek, stylish restaurant in a beautiful historic building with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Brenner specialises in Mediterranean cuisine with a German twist, and the open-air seating was ideal for a balmy evening of people-watching. We indulged in fresh pasta and grilled fish, and the modern vibe made it feel like an authentic dining experience, perfect for some mother-daughter bonding.
Final Thoughts
Two days in Munich with my daughter was the perfect mother-daughter getaway—full of history, culture, and fun. Whether cycling through lush parks, dining in chic restaurants, or admiring masterpieces in world-class galleries, Munich offers the ideal mix of old and new. And the best part? With its excellent public transport system, getting to and around the city was a breeze. We’ll always have these memories on two wheels, pedalling through Munich’s charming streets together.
Key Christmas Markets in Munich:
- Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz – Munich’s primary Christmas market, offering everything from festive foods to Christmas decorations and artisan gifts.
- Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz – A more historic feel with medieval-themed stalls and performances.
- Münchner Weihnachtsmarkt at Sendlinger Tor – Another popular Christmas market with a wide variety of food, drink, and handicrafts.
- Tollwood Winter Festival (Nov–Dec) – Combining arts, crafts, and food with a bohemian flair.
- The SchwabenWinter Christmas Market at the Münchner Stadtmuseum is a more intimate, often less crowded market.
Whatever time of year you visit, there’s a month-by-month breakdown of key festivals and events, including Christmas markets. Munich is known for its rich cultural scene and solid festive tradition, so something exciting is always happening. Just do a bit of research before you go.
I hope you found my blog helpful. Do let me know if you plan a visit.
