Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Soumya
Are you looking for the perfect Bavaria itinerary for 5 days? You’re at the right place.
Bavaria, in southern Germany, is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Fairytale castles, charming half-timbered towns, impressive churches, majestic natural wonders, festive Christmas markets, and a long and storied history—the Bavaria bucket list continues.
I have traveled to Bavaria several times but can return anytime. There’s just so much to see.
No doubt, you are confused about where to go in Bavaria in 5 days, especially if this is your first time in the region.
Whether you picture yourself sipping beer in Munich, marveling at Neuschwanstein’s splendor, or wandering the medieval streets of Rothenburg, this awesome Bavaria 5-day itinerary will allow you to see the best of Bavaria in just five days. Let’s get started!
Also Read: 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany
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Perfect 5-Day Bavaria Itinerary
5 days in Bavaria | Day 1: Munich
Kick off your adventure in Bavaria’s vibrant capital, Munich!
Start your day in the city’s central plaza—Marienplatz, a historic square with the most impressive architectural landmarks. Step into the majestic St. Peter’s Church and visit Munich’s Old and New Town Halls.
The New Town Hall has an observation deck from where you can enjoy stunning views of the town below. Quick tip: There’s an elevator to get to the observation deck, so you don’t have to climb stairs to get to the top.
Be sure to stop for the famous Glockenspiel show at the New Town Hall, which reenacts charming Bavarian tales such as a duke’s wedding, a traditional dance, and a jousting match. Happens at 11 am and noon every day.
From there, visit Frauenkirche, Munich’s stunning cathedral with towering twin domes. This is also where you’ll find the famous Devil’s Footprint!
If you love history, visit the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of Bavarian dukes. Wander through elaborate rooms and admire the treasures of Bavarian royalty. The Antiquarium, the royal treasury, and the Cuvilles Theater are not to be missed. The best way to explore the Residenz is on this 2-hour guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
End the day on a high note with a classical concert at the Residenz, a beautiful experience that blends music, culture, and history.
✦ Pro Tip: Looking for more things to do in Munich? Check out this epic Munich bucket list.
Where to eat and drink in and around Munich’s Marienplatz?
I always prefer to have lunch at one of the restaurants/hole-in-the-wall places in Viktualienmarkt—a historic market in Marienplatz, Munich. The Munich Soup Kitchen, Fisch Witte, and Sababa are a few of my favorite places.
Do not miss the beer at Hofbräuhaus München, a 16th-century beer hall with a Bavarian restaurant.
Travel Tips for Day 1
Pre-book concert tickets and consider a guided city walking tour to maximize your time and experience.
Stay in a hotel close to Marienplatz so you can be in the heart of the city. You can always use the metro (U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains run from the Marienplatz Metro Station) to travel outside Marienplatz.
5 days in Bavaria | Day 2: Neuschwanstein Castle & Füssen
On day 2 in Bavaria, hop on a train to the enchanting town of Füssen.
Take a bus from the Füssen train station to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s iconic castle. Surrounded by forested hills and rolling mountains, this majestic Romanesque and Gothic castle with soaring towers and turrets looks like a scene straight out of a storybook.
Reserve a guided tour inside Neuschwanstein to uncover the vision of King Ludwig II, the Mad King of Bavaria.
Afterward, visit another beautiful but lesser-known castle nearby—the Hohenschwangau Castle. Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll around Füssen, exploring its quaint streets and stunning architecture.
Have dinner in Füssen and head back to Munich by train.
✦ Pro Tip: Plan your Neuschwanstein day trip like a pro with our detailed travel guide.
Travel Tips for Day 2
Do not miss walking up to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) near the castle for unparalleled views of Neuschwanstein.
Make sure to book your castle tickets well in advance! Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most popular attractions, and tickets sell out super fast!
Join this popular Neuschwanstein Castle full-day tour from Munich if you hate organizing the logistics like me.
For more tips, refer to our exhaustive guide on things to know before visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.
5 days in Bavaria | Day 3: Munich & Nymphenburg
Munich is a big city, filled with myriad attractions. Let’s try to see the best of Munich on our 2nd day here.
Start with Nymphenburg Palace, an exquisite Bavarian palace with sprawling gardens. Explore the opulent interiors and peaceful lakes dotted throughout the grounds. Do not miss the Stone Hall and King Ludwig’s Beauty Gallery.
Come back to Marienplatz and dig deeper into Munich’s Third Reich and WWII history on this highly-recommended walking tour.
Or join this Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour and snack on delicious cheeses and breads from different parts of Germany.
If you’re looking to relax in nature, head to the English Garden, the green lungs of Munich and one of the largest urban parks in the world. Grab lunch at the famous Chinese Tower beer garden, then marvel at the river surfers riding the Eisbach Wave—a true Munich spectacle.
If you’re a Bayern Munich fan, have a look at this soccer arena tour, which takes you to Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich. This tour only happens a few days of the week and begins at 10 am, so you will need to frame your Bavaria itinerary accordingly.
📖 Read Next: How to spend the best 2 days in Munich?
5 days in Bavaria | Day 4: Nuremberg
On Day 4 in Bavaria, head to Nuremberg from Munich. Just an hour by train, Nuremberg is easy to get to and makes a nice day trip from Munich. But I recommend staying a couple of days in Nuremberg because there’s just so much to do here.
Nuremberg is a city steeped in history and charm. It is home to an Imperial Castle where ancient Roman emperors are believed to have stayed, charming half-timbered houses, medieval-era bridges, and the infamously famous Nuremberg Trials Museum.
Spend your day wandering through the Old Town in Nuremberg, admiring the half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Visit one of Nuremberg’s many museums, including some interesting ones on German Railways, Bratwurst, Pigeons, and Amber.
Don’t miss the historic St. Lorenz Church and the bustling Hauptmarkt Square, where you can find local delicacies and souvenirs.
Dig deeper into Nuremberg’s World War II history on this guided tour. Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Courtroom 600 (where the Nuremberg trials were held) to understand Nuremberg’s role in shaping world history.
If you’re visiting in November or December, you can visit the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market, one of the largest and oldest in the world.
📖 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Nuremberg, Germany
Travel Tips for Day 4
Try Nuremberg’s famous Rostbratwurst with a side of tangy sauerkraut for an authentic culinary experience. Join this Nuremberg food tour to find why the bratwurst is so small or visit the Nuremberg Bratwurst Museum for an immersive experience.
If you’re planning to stay longer in Nuremberg, this 48-hour citycard with free public transportation will come in handy.
5 days in Bavaria | Day 5: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Wrap up your 5-day Bavaria itinerary with a day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Nuremberg.
Rothenburg is one of Bavaria’s most charming and well-preserved medieval towns. Strolling through its idyllic streets feels like stepping back in time.
Start your visit at the central square, surrounded by delightful shops and cafes. Climb the Town Hall Tower for panoramic views of the red-tiled rooftops. Be sure to stop at Plönlein, Rothenburg’s famous Instagram spot.
Next, walk along the town’s fortress-like medieval walls for an unparalleled perspective of Rothenburg.
Don’t forget to visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum, a magical place that gives you Christmassy vibes throughout the year. Lastly, try the town’s signature treat, Schneeballen (snowball pastries)—a must for any sweet tooth.
Fly out of Nuremberg Airport the next day. The airport connects to many other cities in Europe and the Middle East. Or take the train and see more of Central Europe.
📖 Read Next: 11 Magical Things to Do in Rothenburg, Germany
Travel tips for Day 5
If you’re doing a day trip to Rothenburg from Nuremberg, go there early before all the day trippers start arriving.
Don’t like the hassles of planning a day trip? Book this highly-recommended Rothenburg full-day tour from Nuremberg.
Looking for a nice, comfy place to eat in Rothenburg? Check out Don Gallo Mexican Kitchen.
Bavaria Itinerary Travel Tips
- Bavaria has an excellent train network. Consider purchasing a Bayern Ticket, which offers unlimited travel on regional trains within Bavaria for one day.
- Bavaria is the perfect year-round destination in Europe, except for summer when it is too crowded. Late spring and early autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Winter is magical in Bavaria because of the festive Christmas markets that dot every city of this region.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes because there’s plenty to explore on foot. And you never know when you need to climb up a church steeple for stunning views. Pack layers for winter and a light jacket for spring and fall.
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