Welcome to Munich! If you’ve ever dreamed of dancing to a live oompah band, clinking glasses full of German beer and eating bratwurst, this is the place to do it. Munich is the capital of Bavaria, the German state where all of that good stuff comes from, and the home of Oktoberfest. If that doesn’t get you excited about your upcoming layover, we don’t know what will!
On Munich Airport layover, you're perfectly placed to get a taste of the city, even if time is tight. Wondering how to pack the best of Munich into just a few hours? We've got you covered.
In this Munich layover guide, we’ll show you the best spots to quickly visit in the city, plus our favourite layover plans and handy tips to ensure your short trip is nothing short of fantastic.
Things to do in Munich on a Layover
Picking the top Munich attractions for a layover can be a challenge, but here are the spots we absolutely love:
- Marienplatz
- English Garden
- Deutsches Museum
- Nymphenburg Palace
- Pinakothek museums
- Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism
For a fantastic day in Munich, start with these must-see locations and grab a meal of classic Bavarian dishes like Weisswurst, Schnitzel, or a hearty pretzel at one of the traditional beer halls. Throw in a pint of Munich's finest brew for the full experience, and there you have it - an epic Munich layover!
Best Munich Layover Itineraries
4 hours layover in Munich
With just four hours, it's best to stay within Munich Airport, since it takes at least 45 minutes each way to get to and from Munich city centre from the airport. If you miss your connecting flight because you decided to go exploring, your travel insurance probably won’t cover you!
Luckily, Munich airport is well-equipped to keep you entertained for a few hours. Explore the Visitors Park, watch planes take off, visit the mini-golf course, or relax at one of the airport lounges. Munich Airport also offers Napcabs (sleeping cabins) if you need a quick rest.
5 hours layover in Munich
If you have five hours, consider a quick trip to Freising. This is the nearest town to the airport, and you can take a 15-minute bus ride there to see the beautiful Freising Cathedral. Whilst in Freising, enjoy a coffee or indulge in a traditional German snack like a freshly baked Brezel (pretzel) in the charming town centre, or grab a glass of German beer before dashing back to the airport.
6 hours layover in Munich
Six hours is our minimum recommended duration for a short layover in Munich, giving you just enough time to get a taste of the city centre. Hop on the S-Bahn to Marienplatz, the heart of the city, where you can watch the famous Glockenspiel chime.
Just a short stroll from Marienplatz is the historic Hofbräuhaus, one of Munich's original beer halls, where you can do as the Bavarians do, grab a seat in the lively beer hall, try a stein of German beer, and enjoy a Bratwurst or a hearty plate of Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle). If you prefer something lighter, Viktualienmarkt is nearby, offering a range of local foods including classic Bavarian pretzels and sausages.
7 hours layover in Munich
With seven hours to spare, you can get to know this iconic city a bit better. Start with a quick visit to Marienplatz to watch the famous Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall. From there, take a tram ride to the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, stretch your legs, and maybe even enjoy a paddle boat ride on the lake.
If the weather’s on your side, be sure to visit the Chinese Tower Beer Garden to sample some local brews and snacks. This garden is a favourite among locals and tourists for its local brews and traditional Bavarian music. After soaking it all up, head back to the airport refreshed and ready for your next flight.
8 hours layover in Munich
Begin your 8 hour Munich layover with a visit to the Residenz, the city's former royal palace. Explore its lavish rooms, including the Antiquarium, notable for its Renaissance art and elaborate frescoes, before making your way to the heart of Bavarian beer culture at the Hofbräuhaus.
Just a short walk from the palace, this world-famous beer hall pulses with lively oompah bands, clinking steins, and lots of laughter. Sample a stein of their signature brew and pair it with classic Bavarian dishes like pretzels or Schweinshaxe, depending on how hungry you are.
Wrap up your day in Munich with a stop in Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, and time your arrival for a viewing of the Glockenspiel show in the New Town Hall, where animated figures reenact historical Bavarian events, before hopping back on a train to the airport.
10 hours layover in Munich
With ten hours to spare, it’s time to rock a long layover in Munich! Start at the Deutsches Museum, located on an island in the Isar River. It's one of the world's largest museums for science and technology, where you can easily spend a few hours exploring exhibits ranging from classical mechanics to space travel.
Next, head to the Kunstareal, Munich's museum quarter, where you’ll find the three Pinakothek art museums close to one another. The Alte Pinakothek holds a collection of European masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the late Baroque period, and just across the street there’s the Neue Pinakothek, which focuses on European art from the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century. The Pinakothek der Moderne, just a short walk away, offers four major collections under one roof: modern art, graphic art, architecture, and design.
After all that history and art, grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the Kunstareal before heading back to the airport for your next flight.
12 hours layover in Munich
With a generous 12-hour layover in Munich, you're in the perfect position to explore the city's must-see spots. Start by taking the S-Bahn to Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, and take a moment to enjoy the historic atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Then, head over to the Viktualienmarkt, an outdoor market where you can browse stalls brimming with Bavarian delicacies and stop at the nearby Hofbräuhaus for some local Bavarian beer.
A must-visit on a long layover in Munich is the Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism, which examines the causes, context, and consequences of the National Socialist terror regime. It’s a poignant experience that’ll give you insight into WWII and its impact on Munich and beyond.
If time allows, wrap up your visit with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. On a time crunch, this option lets you see more of Munich's top sights, like the scenic Odeonsplatz and the Pinakotheken museums.
Overnight layover in Munich
After dropping off your bags at your centrally located hotel or budget-friendly hostel, begin your overnight layover in Munich with a hearty meal at Augustiner-Keller, one of the city’s most-loved beer gardens and restaurants. Indulge in local delicacies such as Weisswurst (Bavarian white sausage), Knödel (potato or bread dumplings), and, of course, a stein of Augustiner beer brewed right here in the city to kick off your brief Munich adventure!
After dinner, give your food time to digest by taking a stroll to Königsplatz, a beautiful square that’s impressively lit at night, or catch a live performance at the Gasteig, Munich’s biggest cultural centre.
Bright and early, head to the Englischer Garten, one of the world’s biggest urban parks, for a refreshing morning walk, stopping for coffee and a pastry as you wander. After breakfast, make your way back to your hotel, check out, and catch the S-Bahn back to the airport from Marienplatz. Done!
Best Munich Layover Tours You Can Book
Don’t want the hassle of planning your layover yourself? We totally get it! Opting for a Munich layover tour can make your stopover completely stress-free.
Here are our top picks for Munich:
This private 4-hour Munich layover tour whisks you away from the airport and into the heart of Munich with a local guide. It’s worth noting that this tour doesn’t include private transfers - everything is done via public transport. With that said, thanks to your guide’s help, you won’t need to worry about navigating the public transport system - simply follow their lead!
Although it’s not technically a layover tour, this 2.5-hour historical walking tour is ideal to take you on a deep dive into Munich’s WW2 and Third Reich history. You'll be guided by a local who knows all the stories and significant spots, giving you an insider's view of the city’s key wartime landmarks.
What to Do in Munich Airport
If you only have a short layover, or don’t want to risk leaving the airport, we have good news - there’s a ton to do right inside the airport!
Let’s start with German beer. Munich Airport’s got you covered with Airbräu, a full-blown brewery with its own beer garden. Here, you can sip freshly brewed beer and munch on classic Bavarian snacks without ever leaving the terminal.
For a more relaxed pace, stroll through the Visitors Park, where you can watch planes take off or put your putting skills to the test at the mini-golf course. Need a quick power nap? Check out the Napcabs, cosy sleep cabins where you can recharge in peace.
FAQs About Layovers in Munich
Can you leave Munich airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave Munich Airport during a layover if you have enough time between flights. Munich's S-Bahn (S1 and S8 lines), easily connects the airport with the city centre, and the journey into central Munich takes around 45 minutes each way.
Do you need a Munich layover visa?
Whether you need a visa for a layover in Munich depends on your nationality. Citizens of the EU, the US, Canada, and many other countries do not require a visa for layovers in Munich provided this does not take them over the Schengen Zone limit of 90 days spent in Schengen Countries within the last 180 days. However, nationals from some countries may require a transit visa even for short layovers, so it's best to check with the nearest German embassy before travelling.
How much time do you need for a Munich airport layover?
If your plan is to remain at the airport, a minimum of 2 hours between flights is generally best to account for gate changes, minor delays, security checks and baggage check-in where necessary. However, if you intend to explore Munich city centre, it's best to have a layover of at least 6 hours, with longer being even better.
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