Munich is more than just the superficial ‘Bussi Bussi’ or the hustle and bustle of ‘busy busy’. Above all, Munich is one thing: really laid-back. Between the Old Town, the banks of the Isar, the English Garden and the beer garden culture, there are plenty of romantic moments to be had.
In 48 hours, you can combine history, nature and indulgence without rushing through the day. Here are the most romantic experiences, a compact weekend itinerary and the perfect Motel One hotels for your weekend in Munich for two.
Because Munich combines a grand setting with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. In the morning you’re standing in Marienplatz, in the afternoon you’re relaxing on the banks of the Isar, and in the evening you’re sitting in a beer garden enjoying a snack. Add to that elegant museums, leafy paths and, on a clear day, views of the Alps.
Munich offers some stunning backdrops for your romantic weekend for two: the Frauenkirche, Nymphenburg Palace Park or – on a clear day – the view of the Alps from the Olympiaberg. And then the city simply says “Basst scho.” and invites you to take a barefoot stroll along the Isar. Here are ten experiences for your weekend together.
1. Greet Munich early at Marienplatz
In the early morning, Marienplatz still belongs to the first chimes of the bells and the people who really do have somewhere to be. You can take your time admiring the New Town Hall, the towers of the Frauenkirche and the first glimpses of the Old Town. Afterwards, wander through the neighbouring alleyways without a set plan.
Ideal for: getting your bearings, romantic selfies and a stress-free coffee
2. Share a Schmalznudel at Café Frischhut
Some declarations of love are warm, round and dusted with icing sugar. At Café Frischhut, you can start the day with a taste of Munich’s baking tradition or treat yourselves to a sweet break between two activities. Sharing a Schmalznudel isn’t compulsory, but ordering two wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Good to know: check opening times and payment methods before your visit
3. Stroll from the Viktualienmarkt to the Isar
Stock up on cheese, fruit, a snack and something sweet at the Viktualienmarkt, then walk towards the Isar. This way, your visit to the market naturally turns into a little stroll through the city. Depending on how you feel, you can linger at a stall or take your purchases down to the river.
Best time: Late morning or early afternoon
4. Unwind in the Rosengarten by the Isar
Amidst blooming roses, shady paths and little seating areas, the big city suddenly feels a world away. Take a blanket with you and, for a while, pretend the day has no other plans.
Ideal for: peaceful breaks, nature lovers and a wildly romantic escape from the hustle and bustle
5. Stroll through the Hofgarten
Just a few steps from the Residenz lies the Hofgarten with its arcades, fountains and geometrically laid-out flowerbeds. Within these historic walls, even an ordinary stroll takes on a touch of courtly elegance.
Best time: In the afternoon or as a peaceful ‘detour’ between the Old Town and the Isar
6. Walk up to the Monopteros in the English Garden
A small hill, a classical round temple and a view that, on a clear day, stretches as far as the Alps: the Monopteros offers breathtaking views with surprisingly little climbing. Come just before sunset, sit down on the grass and watch as the lights slowly come on in Munich below.
Best time: About 30 to 45 minutes before sunset
7. Have a snack in a beer garden
In a beer garden, Munich feels particularly laid-back. A table, two cold drinks and a packed snack are all you need for an evening that doesn’t feel like just another item on the itinerary. Many beer gardens have a bring-your-own area, so feel free to pack your favourite pretzel – after all, romance doesn’t always have to be on the menu.
Good to know: Check in advance whether the area you’re heading for allows you to bring your own food 8
8. Walk barefoot along the banks of the Isar
Around the Reichenbach Bridge, locals and visitors gather by the water, on gravel banks and under shady trees. Take off your shoes, spread out a blanket and watch the colourful hustle and bustle. You don’t need much here – just a bit of time and the right company. You’ve got the latter with you anyway for a romantic weekend.
Ideal for: warm days, a spontaneous break and people who enjoy sitting by the water
9. Take a long stroll in Nymphenburg Palace Park
The palace’s façade makes a grand entrance, whilst the park provides the relaxing atmosphere. Amidst canals, formal gardens and long paths, you’ll find plenty of space for conversations and shared discoveries. If you’d like to see the interiors, book a guided tour or a time slot in advance.
Ideal for: architecture, long walks and a touch of royal flair
10. Gaze out over the Alps from the Olympiaberg
On a clear day, the view from the Olympiaberg stretches far beyond the city to the Alps. The climb to the top is manageable, whilst the view is astonishingly sweeping. It’s particularly lovely when you realise that Munich is getting smaller beneath you and your weekend plans suddenly don’t seem quite so important.
Best time: On clear days in the late afternoon
Opt for an early morning stroll through the Old Town, a peaceful spell in the Hofgarten, and a cosy evening in a beer garden or by the Isar. That way, you’ll experience Munich’s three greatest assets: history, green spaces and the Bavarian way of life.
Here is a rough timetable; please be as flexible as possible in interpreting it.
Time | Station | Why it’s a good fit |
|---|---|---|
9:00 am | Breakfast in the Old Town | Start at the hotel or at Café Frischhut with a Schmalznudel. Check the opening times and bring some cash just in case. |
10:30 am | Marienplatz and the Old Town | Pop into the New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche, then wander through the narrow alleyways. |
01:00 pm | Snack at the Viktualienmarkt | Put together something to share and take your time exploring the market stalls. Different tastes are definitely welcome here. |
02:30 pm | Hofgarten or Rosengarten | Choose between historic arcades or flower-lined paths along the Isar – depending on whether architecture or tranquillity strikes you as more romantic at the moment. |
05:30 pm | Break at the hotel | Pop back for a moment, take off your shoes, and catch your breath together. Munich isn’t going anywhere. |
07:00 pm | Dinner date | Book a table at Theresa Grill, Brenner, Rumpler or somewhere else that suits your evening. |
09:15 pm | The banks of the Isar or Gans Woanders | Take a stroll along the Reichenbach Bridge or round off the evening with a drink amongst fairy lights and plants in Giesing. |
Time | Station | Why it’s a good fit |
|---|---|---|
09:00 am | Nymphenburg Palace Park | Arrive early, take a stroll through the park first, and book indoor tours or guided tours in advance if you’d like to see inside the palace. |
12:30 pm | Lunch in Maxvorstadt or Schwabing | After the park, a relaxed lunch break is just the thing. That way, you’ll have enough energy left for the English Garden. |
02:30 pm | English Garden and Monopteros | Cycle or walk through the park, head up to the Monopteros and take a moment to let your gaze wander a little longer. |
05:30 pm | Olympiaberg or a break | If the sky is clear, the view of the Alps is well worth it. If the weather is changeable, a break at the hotel or in a café is the more elegant option. |
07:00 pm | Beer garden evening | Share a snack, order whatever takes your fancy, and don’t take Munich’s cosy atmosphere too literally – it can be lively too. |
10:00 pm | Back to the hotel | The best way to end the second day is where it’s a pleasantly short walk to bed. |
It’s actually impossible to be ‘hangry’ in Munich. After all, the next culinary highlight is often just round the corner. For your romantic weekend, we’ve nevertheless picked out a few places that will delight not only your stomach but also your heart.
Venue | Occasion | Neighbourhood | Price | Why it’s a good fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Theresa Grill | Dinner date | Maxvorstadt | €€€ | Modern design, a grill and a small menu for an evening with a slightly more lavish touch |
Café Frischhut | Breakfast and a sweet treat | Altstadt-Lehel | € | Munich tradition, fresh Schmalznudeln and a relaxed start to the day |
Brenner Grill Pasta Bar | Dinner with a spectacular backdrop | Altstadt-Lehel | €€€ | Mediterranean cuisine in the former royal stables – atmospheric and unique |
Augustiner Rumpler Restaurant | Bavarian evening | Glockenbach District | €€ | A relaxed pub atmosphere, regional cuisine and a place where you’ll want to linger |
Gans Woanders | Coffee, drinks and a spontaneous stop | Giesing | €€ | Fairy lights, plants and an enchanted garden beneath the railway bridge |
Price guide: € = fairly cheap, €€ = mid-range, €€€ = special occasion. Menus, closing days and booking options are subject to change; please check before visiting.
A romantic hotel doesn’t necessarily have to be decked out in rose petals. What’s more important is a location that suits your plans, a harmonious design and a place you’ll be happy to return to in the evening. We particularly recommend these three hotels in Munich:
Check the latest ticket and opening times
It’s a good idea to book in advance for Nymphenburg Palace, popular museums, guided tours and restaurants on Friday or Saturday evenings. Availability and opening times may also change during Oktoberfest or seasonal events.
Use the MVV app
You can reach most destinations quickly by underground, S-Bahn, tram and bus. The MVV app helps you plan your route; if you’re planning several journeys in a day, a suitable day ticket may be worth it.
Combine cycling and walking
Many parts of Munich can be explored at a leisurely pace on foot or by bike. Using MVG Rad or other bike-sharing schemes, you can get around flexibly through the English Garden and along the Isar – it’s better to plan one too many breaks than to miss a red light.
Have a Plan B for the weather
If it rains, swap the Rosengarten and the banks of the Isar for a museum, a castle’s interior, a café or Gans Woanders. In hot weather, save the Old Town for the morning and the green spaces for the late afternoon.
Don’t try to do too much
One cultural highlight a day is enough for most weekend trips. Munich rewards breaks just as reliably as it does sightseeing – especially when they take place by the Isar or in a beer garden.
Whether Munich is a village or, in fact, Italy’s northernmost city is a matter of lively debate. That the Bavarian capital is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend for two, however, is beyond question. With its historic squares, elegant shopping streets, stylish hotels and the genuine charm of the beer gardens, Munich is a delight to stroll through hand in hand.
Choose the Motel One that best suits your weekend now, and use our 48-hour itinerary for inspiration – not as a set programme. After all, the best route through Munich is ultimately the one where you’re happy to spend a little longer together.
