One day in Munich will never be enough to experience everything it has to offer, but even if you’re short on time you can still get a taste of this wonderful German city. I’ve visited Munich on numerous occasions, and have put together a one day itinerary that will show you all of the highlights while also taking some time to indulge in some traditional German food and drink and explore some of the city’s green spaces.
For me personally, if I only have one day to spend somewhere I don’t like to waste too much of it sitting on the subway. As a result, most of the places on this itinerary are centered around Munich’s Old Town, though if you are staying for longer I’d highly encourage you to venture further afield! Here are my best tips for making the most of 24 hours in Munich.
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8:30 to 9:00: Grab A Bite For Breakfast
If you haven’t spent the night in a hotel that offers breakfast, naturally your first port of call will be to find a strong coffee and something to eat. Your options are fairly limited here, as many cafes that serve proper breakfasts don’t open until 10 am. However, as there will be plenty of time to try some proper German food later on, I would recommend grabbing something small from one of the bakeries near Marienplatz.
For something a little different, head over to Café Frischhut. At this unassuming little bakery you will find traditional Bavarian pastries including Schmalznudel, a deep-fried dough fritter much like a flat donut. They start baking at 8 am, so you’ll have your hands on these tasty treats when they’re at their freshest. Pair that with a piping hot coffee and you’ll be good to go, full of energy for the jam-packed day ahead. Is it the healthiest breakfast option? Well, no. But if you can’t treat yourself on holiday then when can you?
9:00 to 11:30: Take A Free Walking Tour
I’ve written a few times about just how valuable I find the SANDEMANs walking tours, and the Munich edition is no exception. Walking tours are great for short trips as they allow you to learn a lot about the city in a short period of time, and I never fail to find out something I never would have learned on my own. If, like me, you have a terrible sense of direction, it’s also a great way to get your bearings of the city without the risk of getting lost!
The tour lasts for 2.5 hours, during which you’ll see the beautiful church tower at St Peter’s, the Glockenspiel at the town hall and much more. While checking out some of the city’s main tourist attractions along with some hidden gems, you’ll also learn all about Bavarian royalty and the history of Oktoberfest.
Even if you ignore everything else on this itinerary, I highly recommend you grab a spot on this tour (you can book tickets online or just turn up). The meeting place is just in front of Mary’s Column, just 5 minutes walking distance from where you grabbed your breakfast.
11:30 to 12:00: Check Out The Local Produce At The Viktualienmarkt
The walking tour finishes close to where it starts, and after that I’d recommend heading back towards the Viktualienmarkt to take a proper look around. Though it’s no longer in its original location, this gourmet food market has been around since 1807 and now boasts an impressive 140 market stalls across 22,000 square metres.
You’ll find beautiful displays of fresh fruit and vegetables, colourful flower stalls, meats, wine and honey. You’ll find traditional wooden handmade decor, artwork and gourmet coffee and wine. There is even a beer garden should you want to give your feet a rest and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market around you. It’s a great place to pick up some gifts or souvenirs to take home and experience a true Munich institution.
12:00 to 14:30: Amble Up The River Through The English Garden
If the weather is good, then a walk up to the English Garden really can’t be missed. One of the largest city parks in the world, this gorgeous green space spans a whopping 3.7 square kilometres (that’s larger than New York’s Central Park!) and has been around since the 18th century. There’s plenty to see, including a Japanese teahouse, a Greek style temple and a Chinese Tower complete with its own beer garden.
In summer, the beer garden can be really lively, and if you’re there at the weekend you might catch the oompah band playing up in the tower. The food stalls offer authentic food like Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Hendl (roasted chicken) and Schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle). Take the time to sit and enjoy an al fresco German lunch before strolling back along the Eisbach river. When the weather is good, you’ll find surfers riding a standing wave, just like they’ve been doing since 1972.
14:30 to 17:00: Learn Something New At One Of Munich’s Many Museums
Once you approach the city centre there is a large collection of museums where you can easily spend a couple of hours. For art lovers, there is the unbeatable trio of the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne (where you could while away a day, let alone an afternoon!).
For history buffs, there is the Munich Residenz and Bavarian National Museum. Or, if you want to go a little further back, there is the rather spectacular Egyptian Museum. Science nerds will have a ball at the Deutsches Museum, a science and technology museum that’s one of the largest of its kind in the world. Needless to say, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding somewhere you’ll enjoy.
17:00 to 19:30: Explore Some Of The City’s Unique Independent Shops
After all that walking it’s time to slow down the pace and indulge in a bit of retail therapy. Along with brands we all know and love (plus many most of us could never afford!), Munich is home to some fantastic independent retailers. Even if you don’t typically enjoy shopping, there are some one-of-a-kind spots that are definitely worth a visit.
For creative types there is soda, where you’ll find carefully curated magazines and books for sale. If interiors are your thing, you’ll feel right at home in Papillon, where they sell gorgeous vintage furniture finds. For unique local products you can’t miss Mein Platzl, which exclusively stocks handmade goods from the Alpine region. With everything from regional sweets and spirits to natural cosmetics, you’re sure to find something special to take home.
19:30 to 21:00: Enjoy A Traditional German Dinner
Honestly, there are so many fantastic restaurants in Munich that it can be hard to choose. If I was in Munich for the first time and only had one day there, I would definitely go to Hofbräuhaus. Is it touristy? Yes. Is the food also delicious? Yes! And there are plenty of locals who go there too. The state-owned beer hall was originally built at the end of the 16th century, and though much of it has since been rebuilt it still has an authentic Bavarian charm.
The menu is packed with typical Bavarian food, with options for vegetarians too. And of course, you can’t leave without sampling some of the tasty beer on offer – I’m personally rather partial to a Weisse beer, or wheat beer, which has a light, fresh taste with an aromatic finish. For food, I’d recommend trying the Käsespätzle, a regional speciality that’s not unlike mac and cheese. You’ll have passed Hofbräuhaus on your walking tour, so it should be easy enough to find for a sit down and a hearty meal.
21:00 to 22:00: Have A Famous ‘Painkiller’ At Pusser’s Cocktail Bar
Tucked away on a side street with a fairly plain wooden exterior, Pusser’s doesn’t look like much from the outside. Inside, however, you will find some of the most delicious cocktails you have ever tasted. Their signature drink is a Painkiller, a heavenly blend of rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream, finished with a sprinkling of nutmeg. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy you’ll find an extensive menu with drinks to suit every taste, enjoyed in a beautiful old school setting with some live piano music if you’re lucky.
Beer drinkers may prefer to check out some of the city’s traditional Kneipen, or pubs, of which you have plenty to choose from. For a cosy spot with an atmosphere to match, Augustiner am Platzl is an excellent choice, right around the corner from Hofbräuhaus (it’s also another great option for food if you’re looking for somewhere a little less hectic).
22:00 to 00:00: The Rest Is Up To You…
Depending on how lively you’re feeling, bars don’t tend to close until 3 am and most pubs won’t turf you out until 1, giving you countless options should you want to extend your evening. I’m not much of one for clubbing, but I hear that Nightclub Bayerischer Hof is a great spot for live music, situated in the basement of the fancy hotel of the same name. Whether you head to bed for a good night’s sleep or party on until the wee hours, you’re sure to find the perfect end to your one day in Munich.
FAQS For One Day In Munich
Is It Easy To Get Around Munich On Public Transport?
While this Munich itinerary is based around walking, if you’d prefer to use public transport then you’re never too far from a U-Bahn or S-Bahn station. There are plenty of excellent ticketing options, including a Single Day Ticket, Group Day Ticket and an Airport City Day Ticket if you are coming straight from there.
If you’d like to skip the walking tour and discover the tourist attractions by yourself, you might like to go for the City Tour Card. This is a combination ticket that covers your transport as well as discounts at more than 80 attractions and restaurants (including major museums and big names like the Deutsches Museum and Munich Residenz).
How Far Is Munich City Centre From The Train Station?
While you can hop on the tube to get to the city centre from München Hauptbahnhof , it’s very easy to reach on foot in around 20 minutes.
Is One Day In Munich Enough?
If you are stopping off in Munich en route to somewhere else, then as this itinerary shows, you can pack plenty of exciting stuff into one day. However, if you can manage to squeeze it into your travel plans, I’d highly recommend staying for at least 2 days to get to experience all of the major attractions without having to rush around too much.
More Resources For Your Trip To Munich
Here are a few blog posts with information about other activities, day trips and accommodation:
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