Day 1: Arriving in Munich & Exploring the City
After arriving in Munich, we checked into K+K Hotel am Harras, a comfortable and budget-friendly stay. While it was a bit farther from the city center, it was well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to explore major tourist spots.
Since we arrived in the afternoon, we started our adventure with a walking tour of Munich’s Old Town. Some of the highlights included:
- Marienplatz – The heart of the city, home to the famous Glockenspiel show at the New Town Hall.
- Viktualienmarkt – A lively open-air market where we grabbed affordable snacks and fresh fruit.
- Hofbräuhaus – Munich’s most famous beer hall, where we enjoyed a traditional Bavarian beer without breaking the bank!
To save on transport, we purchased a Munich public transport day pass, which allowed unlimited travel on buses, trams, and the U-Bahn.
Day 2: Castles, Parks & Budget-Friendly Sightseeing
We started the day early with a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, a stunning baroque palace with beautiful gardens. Since we were traveling on a budget, we skipped the interior tour and enjoyed a leisurely walk through the palace grounds, which was free.
Next, we took a tram to Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Here, we:
- Watched the Eisbach surfers, a must-see attraction!
- Had a budget-friendly picnic by the lake, enjoying the summer weather.
- Strolled through the park, admiring its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Later in the afternoon, we visited Olympiapark, the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics. We opted not to pay for the observation tower and instead enjoyed the scenic views from the park’s many open spaces.
For dinner, we found an affordable local eatery serving authentic German bratwurst and pretzels—delicious and budget-friendly!
Day 3: Last Hours in Munich & Journey to Zurich
On our last morning, we visited Schloss Blutenburg, a lesser-known but beautiful medieval castle on the outskirts of Munich. It was a hidden gem and completely free to explore.
After a quick lunch, we headed to the bus station for our FlixBus journey to Zurich. The ride took around 4 hours, giving us a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic Bavarian and Swiss countryside.
Budget Breakdown for Munich (2 Nights, 3 Days)
🚍 Transportation
- FlixBus (Salzburg → Munich) – €15-€25 (book in advance for lower fares)
- Munich Public Transport Day Pass (Zone M) – €8.80/day (€17.60 for 2 days)
- Total Transport Cost: €32-€42
- K+K Hotel am Harras (2 nights) – Approx. €80 per person (shared twin room)
- Budget breakfast (supermarket or bakery) – €5/day → €10 (2 days)
- Street food or casual dining (bratwurst, pretzels, etc.) – €8-€12 per meal → €40 (4 meals)
- Supermarket snacks & drinks – €10
- Total Food Cost: €60
💡 Tip: Booking FlixBus in advance and eating at supermarkets or food stalls can help lower costs!
My Take Away?
Munich can be an expensive city, but with smart planning, it’s possible to explore on a budget! Here are some of our key takeaways:
✅ Stay near public transport – K+K Hotel am Harras was a great budget-friendly option.
✅ Buy a day pass for transport – It saves money compared to single tickets.
✅ Enjoy free attractions – Parks, palace grounds, and historic squares offer plenty to see.
✅ Opt for street food or budget restaurants – We saved a lot by avoiding expensive sit-down meals.
✅ Book FlixBus in advance – It’s one of the cheapest ways to travel between European cities.
Munich was an incredible stop on our journey, and the transition to Zurich by FlixBus was smooth and affordable. If you’re planning a similar budget trip, I highly recommend this itinerary!
Would you visit Munich and Zurich on a budget? Let me know in the comments! 😊