Your Perfect Germany Itinerary 5 Days: Berlin & Munich Highlights

So you've got five days to spend in Germany? Good choice. A lot of people think you need weeks to see a country like this, but honestly, five days is a solid chunk of time if you plan it right. You just can't try to see everything. The classic mistake is trying to cram in too many cities. You'll spend half your trip on trains or in airports, which is no fun at all.

I've made that mistake before. One time, I tried to hit three cities in five days and ended up remembering more about German train stations than the actual sights.

This Germany itinerary 5 days plan is built around a different idea: depth over breadth. We're focusing on two iconic cities that offer a perfect contrast – Berlin, the gritty, history-soaked capital, and Munich, the elegant, tradition-loving heart of Bavaria. It gives you a real taste of Germany's dual personality. You'll cover a huge amount of ground without feeling like you're on a forced march.

Is This Germany 5 Day Itinerary Right For You?

Let's be real. This plan is fast-paced. You'll be walking a lot. It's for travelers who want to see the highlights, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy some great food and drink along the way. It's not a lazy beach holiday. If you prefer spending three hours in one museum, you might need to adjust. But if you're okay with a good mix of major sights and casual wandering, this is your blueprint.

We're going to break it down day-by-day, but first, the essential boring (but crucial) stuff you need to sort before you go.

Before You Go: The Non-Negotiables

Getting Around: The train is your friend. The high-speed ICE train between Berlin and Munich takes about 4 hours. Book in advance on the Deutsche Bahn website for the best "Sparpreis" (saver) fares. They can be as low as €20 if you're lucky, but usually around €40-€70. Don't wait until the last minute – prices shoot up.

Within cities, public transport is excellent. Get a day pass (Tageskarte). It's almost always worth it.

Where to Stay: Location matters more than fancy amenities. In Berlin, aim for Mitte (for history), Prenzlauer Berg (for cool cafes), or Kreuzberg (for nightlife). In Munich, the Altstadt (Old Town) is perfect for sightseeing, or look at Maxvorstadt for a slightly quieter, artsy vibe near the museums. I made the mistake once of staying way out in the Berlin suburbs to save €10 a night. I spent that much extra on transport and lost hours of my day.

Money: Germany uses the Euro. Cards are widely accepted now, especially in cities, but always have some cash. Smaller bakeries, Christmas markets, and some restaurants still prefer it. ATMs (Geldautomat) are everywhere.

The Day-by-Day Germany Itinerary: 5 Days of History, Culture & Beer

Alright, let's get into the meat of it. Here’s how to structure your five days in Germany for maximum impact.

Day 1: Berlin – Arrival & Imperial Grandeur

You'll likely land tired. Don't over-plan. The goal is to get your bearings and see some jaw-dropping sights with minimal effort.

Check into your hotel, drop your bags, and head straight to the Museum Island area. You won't go into the museums today (save that for tomorrow), but the buildings themselves are spectacular. The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is the star. Pay the fee to go inside and climb up to the dome walkway. The view over the city is the perfect introduction. It's a lot of steps, but totally worth it.

From there, wander through the Unter den Linden boulevard. It's lined with grand buildings like the Humboldt University and the State Opera. It feels very different from the edgy Berlin you might imagine.

For dinner, keep it simple. Find a Brauhaus (brewery pub) in the area. Try a classic Berliner Weiße (a tart wheat beer, often served with a shot of sweet syrup) if you're feeling adventurous, or just a crisp Pilsner. Order something hearty like Eisbein (pork knuckle) or a simple Schnitzel. Don't worry about finding the "best" one on your first night. The atmosphere is half the fun.

If you have energy, take an evening stroll past the Brandenburg Gate, lit up at night. It's less crowded and feels more monumental.

Day 2: Berlin – Confronting History

Today is heavy, but essential. You can't understand modern Germany without facing its 20th-century history.

Start at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (the Holocaust Memorial). Walk through the field of concrete stelae. It's a powerful, abstract experience. The underground information center (book a free timed ticket online in advance) provides the crucial historical context. It's somber, but necessary.

A short walk away is the Topography of Terror documentation center, built on the site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters. The exhibits are thorough and free. It's a stark, sobering look at the mechanics of Nazi terror.

After this, you might need a break. Head to Checkpoint Charlie, the famous Cold War border crossing. It's now a touristy photo op, but the open-air exhibits along Bernauer Strasse (a bit further north) are more impactful, showing where the Wall literally cut through streets and buildings.

In the afternoon, choose one museum on Museum Island that calls to you. The Pergamonmuseum (home to the massive Pergamon Altar and Ishtar Gate) is the most famous, but it's partially closed for renovations for years. The Neues Museum with the stunning bust of Nefertiti is a fantastic alternative. Book tickets online to skip lines.

For the evening, escape the heaviness in the Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain districts. This is Berlin's vibrant, alternative heart. Get dinner at a trendy Imbiss (snack stand) or a Vietnamese restaurant (Berlin has an amazing Vietnamese food scene). The atmosphere here is alive, creative, and a world away from the morning's history lessons.

Day 3: Berlin to Munich – A Change of Pace

Morning: Take one last Berlin walk. Maybe to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, now covered in incredible murals. It's free and open-air. Grab a coffee and a pastry for the road.

Then, head to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (the main station) for your pre-booked ICE train to Munich. The journey is smooth. You'll watch the flat northern plains give way to rolling hills and finally the outskirts of Bavaria.

Arrive in Munich, check in, and immediately feel the difference. Berlin is spread out and gritty; Munich feels more compact, wealthier, and orderly.

Spend your first Munich evening at the Hofbräuhaus. Yes, it's the ultimate tourist trap. It's also a historic institution, loud, rowdy, and a spectacle. Go once, have a Maß (a one-liter beer stein) of HB beer, listen to the oompah band, and soak it in. The food is okay, but the experience is the point. After one beer, you can escape to a quieter beer hall or restaurant.

Pro-tip: If Hofbräuhaus is too much, Augustiner-Keller or Hofbräukeller offer a slightly more local (but still very popular) beer hall experience.

Day 4: Munich – Palaces, Parks & Pedestrian Zones

Today is for Bavarian royalty and classic Munich charm.

Take the S-Bahn (suburban train) out to Schloss Nymphenburg. This is the summer palace of the Bavarian kings. The palace itself is beautiful, but don't miss the massive, sprawling gardens behind it. You can wander for free. It's peaceful and gorgeous. The Marstallmuseum inside, which houses the royal carriages and sleighs, is surprisingly fascinating – some are pure Rococo fantasy on wheels.

Head back to the city center for the afternoon. The Marienplatz is the main square. Time your visit for the Glockenspiel show in the New Town Hall tower (it chimes at 11 am and 12 pm, also 5 pm in summer). It's cute for about two minutes. The real joy is just people-watching and admiring the architecture.

From here, wander through the Viktualienmarkt, the daily food market. It's a feast for the senses. Grab a snack – maybe some Obatzda (a creamy cheese spread) with a Brezn (pretzel).

Your final stop for the day is the Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban parks. Walk to the Chinese Tower beer garden. Or, if you're up for it, find the spot in the Eisbach river where surfers ride a permanent standing wave right in the middle of the city. It's one of the most uniquely Munich things you'll see.

Day 5: Munich – Day Trip to a Fairytale

For your final day, you have a choice. This is the beauty of this Germany itinerary 5 days plan – it has built-in flexibility.

Option A (The Classic): Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. This is the castle that inspired Disney. It's breathtaking from the outside. The inside is... less so (it was never finished, and the tours are short). The real magic is the hike up to Marienbrücke bridge for the iconic photo. It's a full-day commitment (2+ hours each way by train/bus). Book castle tickets months in advance via the official website. If tickets are sold out, just going to see the exterior is still worth it for many.

Option B (The Local Favorite): Day Trip to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Another heavy but profoundly important visit. It's a short S-Bahn ride from Munich. It's not a "sightseeing" trip; it's a pilgrimage of remembrance. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. The audio guide is excellent. This will shape your understanding of Germany more than any castle.

Option C (The Relaxed Alternative): Stay in Munich. Visit the Deutsches Museum (one of the world's great science and tech museums – you could spend days there). Or explore the art galleries in the Kunstareal district. Or simply have a long, lazy lunch at a beer garden, do some last-minute souvenir shopping for lederhosen or cuckoo clocks (if that's your thing), and just soak up the Munich atmosphere.

I've done all three. Neuschwanstein is iconic but crowded. Dachau is emotionally draining but unforgettable. A relaxed Munich day is often what you need by day five. There's no wrong answer.

Essential Practical Info for Your 5 Days in Germany

Let's talk nuts and bolts. A good itinerary needs a framework of practical advice.

Budget Breakdown (Approximate)

Here’s a rough idea of what things cost. This is for a mid-range traveler, not backpacking but not splurging on five-star hotels.

Getting Between Cities: Train vs. Plane vs. Car

For this specific Germany travel itinerary, the train is king.

• Train (ICE): ~4 hours city-center to city-center. You can work, sleep, or watch the scenery. No security lines. The main station in Berlin (Hbf) and Munich (Hbf) are both centrally located. Use the DB Navigator app – it's essential for schedules and mobile tickets.
• Plane: Seems faster? Not really. By the time you get to the airport, go through security, fly, collect bags, and get from the airport to the city, you're at 4+ hours too, with more hassle. I'd only fly if the train fare was absurdly high.
• Car: A terrible idea for this trip. Driving and parking in both Berlin and Munich is stressful and expensive. Save the rental car for a separate Black Forest or Romantic Road road trip.

What to Pack for 5 Days in Germany

Pack light, but smart. You'll be moving around.

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: This is not a suggestion; it's the #1 rule. Cobblestones are unforgiving.
• Layers: Weather can change quickly, even in summer. A light jacket, sweater, and scarf are useful year-round.
• Adaptor Plug: Germany uses Type C/F plugs (230V).
• A Small Daypack: For carrying water, guidebook, layers, and souvenirs.
• A Reusable Water Bottle: Tap water (Leitungswasser) is safe to drink and excellent. You can refill anywhere. It's not common to get free tap water in restaurants though – you'll usually order bottled (still = "ohne Kohlensäure").

Frequently Asked Questions (Your Germany Itinerary 5 Days Queries)

Final Thoughts: Making This Germany Itinerary Your Own

The framework above is just that – a framework. The best travel happens when you deviate from the plan. See a cool-looking alley? Go down it. Find a cozy cafe? Sit for an hour. A local recommends a restaurant? Try it.

The goal of this Germany itinerary 5 days plan is to take the stress out of planning, not to regiment every minute. You have your anchor sights – the Berlin landmarks, the Munich palace, maybe a day trip. The spaces in between are for you to fill with your own discoveries.

Germany is a country that rewards curiosity. Whether it's the weight of history at the Berlin Wall, the joyful chaos of a beer hall, or the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked pretzel, your five days will be packed with moments that stick with you.

So book that open-jaw flight, reserve your train ticket, and get ready. Your perfect 5 days in Germany awaits.

All links to external sites (Deutsche Bahn, museum booking portals, etc.) are provided for your convenience to access official information and are current at the time of writing. Always double-check times and prices before your trip.