Last updated: November 19th, 2024
There truly is so much to see in Germany; the list feels never-ending. From the charming villages along the Fairytale Route to the bustling energy in Berlin —and, of course, the adorable city of Munich! loved my quick visit to this iconic city – and I only got to spend one day in Munich! Imagine if I had more time!
Let’s be real: sometimes travel plans only give us a layover. Sometimes we are only gifted with a day or a handful of hours to explore a city. It’s not ideal but at times, it’s all you have to work with! With a bit of planning, you can still make the most of it. That’s exactly what I’m here to help with. In this guide, I’ll share the best time to visit Munich, how to get around, and a complete itinerary for spending one day in Munich.
From personal experience, I can tell you that one day in Munich is just enough to scratch the surface. Ideally, two days would allow you to explore more of the city’s outskirts, but if 24 hours is all you’ve got, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Let me show you how to make the most of your whirlwind trip to Munich.
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How to spend one day in Munich?
Morning
Grab a traditional German breakfast
Kick things off with a hearty breakfast in the Old Town, the heart of the city and where you’ll likely spend most of your one day in Munich. You can enjoy a traditional German breakfast from Cafe Guglhupf, a hidden gem recommended to us by locals. This cozy cafe is tucked away off the main shopping street and offers a delicious breakfast spread with plenty of options.
Don’t leave without grabbing a slice of their famous Guglhupf cake—it’s what they’re known for! From personal experience, we left this cafe feeling pleasantly full; you probably won’t need to stop for lunch!
Walk around Marienplatz
After breakfast, just down the road from the cafe, head over to Marienplatz, Munich’s main square since 1158. This historic area is home to the impressive Town Hall and has long been the city’s central marketplace.
One highlight you can’t miss in Marienplatz is the Glockenspiel. Everyday at 11 am and 12 pm the bells ring and the elaborate figures dance. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of its unique performances—the songs change monthly, so each visit offers something new! Fun fact I just learned about the Glockenspiel – its solar-powered!
✨Learn more about Munich’s history while you’re here! If you have the time and want to learn as much as you can, take a guided walking tour of the Old Town!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Everything you need to know about the German Fairytale Route
Afternoon
Stop by Max Joseph Platz
Another important square worth visiting on your one day in Munich is the Max-Joseph-Platz. Historically, the square used to house a Franciscan monastery but it was removed to make room for a national theatre. Today, from this square you can access the Opera House and the Residenz Munich Museum. If you’re lucky, you can try popping in to visit the Opera House. There was a rehearsal going on while we were there so we didn’t get the chance to see inside!
I am proposing two different activities for the afternoon: one outdoor based and one indoor based. The reason behind this is that originally, we had planned to spend our day outside. However, due to snowy weather we were rushed to change our plans. That being said, I figured it would be worthwhile to share the two different options for your day in Munich.
HIGHLIGHT – Indoor Activity: Residenz Munich Museum
A highlight of my one day in Munich was the Residenz Museum, Germany’s largest palace and a historical marvel. Formerly the home of Bavarian dukes and kings, this museum showcases stunning architecture and beautiful treasures. The building evolved over the years from an ancient citadel in the 1300s to an elaborate palace until 1918 and was destroyed during World War II.
We spent about 2.5 hours exploring the museum and treasury, marveling at the intricate details and grandeur. It’s truly massive, way larger than we were expecting! For an upgraded experience, you can also visit the Cuilliés Theatre with a special ticket.
✨ Have more time in Munich? If we had more time, watching a concert in this gorgeous building would have been at the top of my to-do list!
Outdoor Activity: Watch the surfers at the Eisbach
Visiting the Eisbach River was our original plan for our quick visit to Munich. The Eisbach river runs through the Englischer Garten Park, an absolutely massive park that looks like a wonderful place to wander and enjoy some fresh air in the city.
One of the main reasons people come to visit this river is because it is quite the popular surfing destination. All through the year you can find people surfing on the Eisbach wave. Since this river is man-made, engineers constructed a dam to divert water, resulting in a perpetual wave that has interested surfers since the 1970s! Surfing in the middle of city of Munich!? How cool is that!
Evening
Visit a Beer Hall
A visit to Munich isn’t complete without experiencing a traditional beer hall or beer garden. These communal spaces are staples of Bavarian culture, offering great food, local brews, and a lively atmosphere.
While the popular Hofbräuhaus is a famous choice, I recommend heading to Augustiner Keller, a more authentic spot loved by locals. Close to the central train station, this beer hall offers a warm, welcoming vibe with hearty Bavarian dishes and, of course, excellent beer. It seems a little out of the way, but it felt very authentic and we loved it!
PRO TIP: Book your table in advance! This is a popular spot with locals and seating fills up quick!
We spent our evening seated at long wooden tables, sipping beer and enjoying Bavarian comfort food. Outside, even in winter, locals gathered together enjoying games and huddled around fires. It was such a fun, communal experience that I think everyone should experience on their visit to Germany!
Visiting Munich: FAQs
Best time to visit?
The most popular time to visit Munich is fall during Oktoberfest, the iconic Bavarian festival that dates back to a royal wedding celebration in 1810. This event is when the city comes alive and is a fantastic opportunity to experience Bavarian culture, complete with traditional dress, beer tents, and festivities.
In 2025, the 190th Oktoberfest will take place from September 20th to October 5th. For detailed information about tickets, safety, and the beer tents, check out the official Oktoberfest website here.
If large crowds and festivals aren’t your style, consider visiting Munich in spring before the busy summer season kicks in or even during the winter months. I visited in winter, and despite the chilly, snowy weather, the city looked absolutely magical. Keep in mind that winter temperatures can be brisk, so pack accordingly!
How to get around Munich?
Munich is very well connected and can also be quite walkable depending on where you’re based. During our visit, we didn’t need any public transportation except for the trains taking us to and from the airport. From what I’ve heard and what I’ve seen, driving in Munich should be avoided since parking is limited!
Renting bikes or e-scooters are very popular ways to get around the city in the warmer months. In the colder months you can rely on trams, buses or the U-Bahn (subway) to get around! To get to and from the airport, you can take the S-Bahn (trains) and I’d advise taking the S8 line as it goes directly into the city centre.
PRO TIP: The ticket prices for public transit changes per zone – make sure you are buying the right ticket! Most tourist attractions are located in Zone M and this ticket costs 3.70 euros.
Where to stay in Munich?
✨My recommendation: we stayed at the Yours Truly Hotel and it was within walking distance from Karlsplatz Station. The staff were friendly, the place was nice and its central location was perfect for making the most of our one day in Munich!
Is one day in Munich enough?
As I’ve already alluded, I do think that one day in Munich will feel a little short. While one day is perfect to explore the Old Town and get a taste of Munich’s history and charm, I know there were a lot of other spots we missed that I would have liked to see – not even mentioning the day trip opportunities!
If you have a more flexible schedule than I had, I would plan 2-3 full days in Munich to fully experience the city and its surroundings. You could stay even longer if you wanted to use it as a base to explore more of Bavaria.
Here are some spots on my own Munich bucket list that I didn’t have time to visit – but maybe you’ll have time to squeeze into your own itinerary!
End to a busy day in Munich
As I mentioned earlier, when you’re working with limited time and only have one day in Munich, making the most of your trip is key! Between each of our planned stops, we took time to wander the charming streets and appreciate this iconic Bavarian city. From its stunning squares to its historic beer halls, Munich is a really beautiful city and I truly can’t wait to return one day!
I hope this guide has fully equipped you with everything you need to plan your trip to Munich with confidence and I really hope you enjoy the city as much as I did!
✨More time to explore Germany? Why not venture beyond the cities and explore the hidden gems of the Fairytale Route? This road trip through picturesque villages is one of Germany’s best-kept secrets and offers a magical experience for all ages.
Need help planning your trip? If travel planning feels overwhelming, let me help you make the most of your holiday! I specialize in creating personalized itineraries and custom guides tailored to your interests, so you can focus on enjoying the trip instead of stressing over the details. Whether you’re visiting Munich, exploring other parts of Germany, or heading elsewhere in Europe, I’d love to help you craft the perfect travel experience. Learn more about my travel planning services here.
