MUNICH: 36-Hour Guide for Curious Travelers | Fall Edition
Zeke and Terri in Munich, Germany (October 2025)
When most people think of Munich in fall, their minds jump straight to Oktoberfest. But our 36-hour adventure in Bavaria's capital revealed a sophisticated city where historic grandeur meets modern culture, all wrapped in autumn's golden light.
Our unique base at Motorworld Ameron, a hotel that celebrates Bavaria's automotive heritage, set the tone for our unconventional exploration of Munich. While tourists flocked to beer halls, we found ourselves drawn to the city's remarkable cultural institutions and peaceful gardens.
The historic heart of Munich reveals itself at Marienplatz, where the Gothic New Town Hall stands as an architectural masterpiece. But it was in the quieter corners of the city where we discovered Munich's true character. The Museum Quarter proved why Munich rivals Europe's great cultural capitals, with the Pinakothek museums offering world-class collections that deserve far more than our brief visit allowed.
Perhaps our most delightful discovery was the English Garden, one of the world's largest urban parks. Here, autumn painted the landscape in brilliant colors, creating a peaceful retreat from the city's bustling streets. The adjacent Hofgarten, with its manicured beauty, offered a different but equally enchanting perspective on Munich's green spaces.
The Munich Residenz, Bavaria's largest city palace, surprised us with its blend of architectural styles and rich history. While many visitors rush through on guided tours, we took time to appreciate the details that reveal centuries of royal ambition and artistic achievement. And struggled to find the exit (not unlike being in an Ikea!).
Of course, no visit to Munich is complete without experiencing its beer culture and we dove right into it with a brief stop for Bavarian beer (not Terri’s favorite), pretzels (we should have found a smaller place), and obatzda which Terri gave a hard pass to.
For fellow travelers planning their own Munich adventure, we recommend:
Starting early at Marienplatz to avoid the crowds
Dedicating quality time to at least one Pinakothek museum (we loved the modern museum)
Taking an afternoon walk in the English Garden to enjoy sunshine and the surfers
Exploring the Residenz after you’ve fueled up
Finding smaller, local spots for traditional Bavarian experiences
Our 36 hours in Munich proved that this city offers far more than its Oktoberfest reputation suggests. From world-class art collections to peaceful urban gardens, Munich rewards curious travelers who venture beyond the obvious attractions.
Watch our full Munich experience below to see how we made the most of 36 hours in Bavaria's sophisticated capital and seriously thought how we could live there!