Munich, Germany, is a city packed with captivating history, gorgeous architecture, unbelievable shopping, and delicious eateries. But is it possible to see the best of Munich in just one day? While you won’t get to see all of the city in 24 hours, you can definitely check off lots of things on your must-see list! As someone who’s visited this vibrant city six times over the last decade, here are my favorite things to do with one day in Munich.
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Home to century-old buildings, captivating museums, bursting breweries, and exciting things to do, Munich, Germany is nothing short of spectacular.
But you may be wondering…
Is one day in Munich enough to see it all?
Well, not quite.
Because, holy moly, there are hundreds of awesome things to do in Munich.
That said, one day is definitely enough time to see much of what this city has to offer! No doubt, you won’t be disappointed…
The only thing that might be a bit disheartening is that you’ll have to leave!
Over the past few years, I’ve had the cool opportunity to visit Munich on multiple different adventures. And after spending anywhere from 10 hours to 3 days in the city, I’ve nailed down the best places to visit in Munich in a short amount of time.
So, without further rambling, you’ll find a doable list of what to see in Munich in one day and how to spend your time wisely — without getting too overwhelmed!
Note: aside from going to Nymphenburg palace, my step-by-step guide is basically a Munich walking tour! While Munich is a really walkable city (thank goodness), you should still be prepared to get your steps in for the day.
Planning your trip to Europe? Don’t forget to explore my helpful blogs on 11 essentials to pack for Europe and 10 airport travel tips all future flyers should know!
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN MUNICH
Nymphenburg Palace
Start your day off by rising early and heading out to the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace (Schloß Nymphenburg). A stunning 18th-century palace that was the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach.
As you stroll up, you’re immediately welcomed by the massive — seriously, massive — palace. No joke, this place is huuuuuge. On the inside, you can visit some of the rooms, which are in the beautiful Baroque, Rococo, and neo-Classical style!
Considering the palace is so big, spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring it. You can walk amongst the beautiful palace grounds, including the garden, for free. Although, you’ll need to purchase a self-guided tour ticket to visit the inside!
Things to know before visiting Nymphenburg Palace on your day out in Munich:
- It takes about a half hour to get from the center of Munich to Nymphenburg Palace on the public transportation system.
- You can also take a taxi or Uber there, though it will be relatively expensive (about €25 for a taxi, €20 for an Uber) but faster than public transportation.
- The cost for a self-guided tour is €15 in the summer and €12 in the winter.
- With the summer combo ticket you can visit the palace, the Marstallmuseum (carriages and sleighs) including the Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain and the park palaces (Amalienburg, Badenburg, Pagodenburg, Magdalenenklause). The park palaces are closed in the winter.
- If you just want to visit the palace, the price is €8. After you can walk around the back garden (for free).
- TIP: Even though the gardens are completely free, I highly recommend visiting the inside of the palace. It’s an absolute beauty and the main hall/ballroom is incredibly detailed. Seriously, I spent about 20 minutes just standing in the main ballroom just staring at the walls and ceiling because it’s just so magnificent.
St. Michael Kirche
Once you’re done exploring and admiring the beauty of Nymphenburg Palace, take Munich’s public transport from the palace to the Hauptbahnhof or Karlsplatz and walk towards the Marienplatz.
While walking down Neuhauser Straße, stop at the St. Michael Kirche. Although it doesn’t look like much from the outside, it’s a beautiful Catholic church and the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps.
Cathedral Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)
Following St. Michael Kirche, the Cathedral Church of Our Lady (aka the Frauenkirche) is next up on your one-day Munich itinerary!
Walking just a bit further down Neuhauser Straße, you’ll come to a couple roads to your left that go towards the Frauenkirche. You definitely can’t miss this church — as it towers above the city and can be seen from many different angles!
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Marienplatz
Next up is making your way over to Munich’s main square, the Marienplatz, which is just a bit further down the road.
There’s a few things you could do in the Marienplatz to pass the time — shopping, walking around, people watching, or just admiring the beautiful architecture and moving on to the next activity.
The Marienplatz is mainly known for its New Town Hall (aka the Neues Rathaus) and its Glockenspiel (clock tower). No doubt, it’s one of the most detailed building throughout the city and is definitely worth visiting when in Munich for a day.
If you want to visit Munich’s Old Town Hall, head to the right of the Marienplatz and you’ll find the “Altes Rathaus,” a 14th-century building which now houses a toy museum.
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St. Peter’s Church
Next up after Munich’s Marienplatz is walking over just a couple hundred feet to St. Peter’s Church!
While the inside of the church isn’t jaw-dropping (compared to the other cathedrals/churchs in Munich), the main reason this is on your Munich must-see attractions list is because of the church’s amazing view.
For just €5, you can climb some ridiculous number of steps for a breathtaking view overlooking the city of Munich.
Whether you go in the morning, in the evening, or even at night, this view is incredible. Especially the side of the church tower overlooking the Marienplatz and New Town Hall.
Viktualienmarkt
Once you’re through seeing church after church and cathedral after cathedral, make your way towards the Viktualienmarkt for some more wandering and perhaps some food.
There’s so much to see in this market — fresh fruit, veg, nuts, olives, and spices, as well as trinkets, souvenirs, and food stands. If it’s lunch time, this is a great place to grab a bite to eat! (Or if you’re feeling like it, grab a beer! As the Viktualienmarkt has an awesome beer garden.)
Bayerische Staatskanzlei in the Hofgarten
After a quick bite to eat at the Viktualienmarkt, make your way to the Englischer Garten — aka one of the largest urban parks in the world.
Although, first you’ll make a quick stop at the Hofgarten to admire the Bayerische Staatskanzlei (State Government Building) and visit the War Memorial within the park.
Okay, okay, this might sound a bit boring but stay with me here!
The German Government building is one of the most beautiful in the city. With its magnificent glass domed ceiling and gorgeous architecture, it’s worth a quick Insta pic (I mean, obvi, just look at all its glory in the photo above!).
Have some spare time and want to head out of Munich? Venture off on a day trip to the notorious Neuschwanstein (and Linderhof) Castle for only €60 Euros! Click here to view the tour.
Englischer Garten
Not too far from the Hofgarten is the beautiful Englischer Garten (English Garden), where you can find some gorgeous greenery and some local surfers. Yes — surfers!
Most days in the Eisbachwelle, there are city surfers catching waves and catching rays, as well as showing off their surfing skills. It’s fun to watch!
Additionally, the park is a great place to sit down, relax, and do some people watching or cloud watching, since you’ll likely have had a big morning!
Additionally, make sure not to miss out on walking up to the Monopteros im Englischer Garten! It’s not a steep incline but it’s a nice view overlooking the park.
Siegestor
Make your way towards the Ludwigstraße after strolling through the Englischen Garten to view the Siegestor, a war-torn triumphal arch that tells much of Munich — and German — history.
Completed in 1852 and commissioned by the first King Ludwig of Bavaria, it currently stands strong in Munich. Although, during the war, the city was heavily bombed and the arch suffered.
After its restoration efforts, the Siegestor side facing towards the Odeonsplatz is a lonely, empty space — left intentionally blank — with the engraved words, “Dedicated to victory, destroyed by war, urging peace.”
While it won’t take much time to see the Siegestor on your 1 day in Munich tour, I believe it’s an important symbol throughout the city. Plus, it’s a very beautiful arch!
Odeonsplatz & Feldherrnhalle
Next on your 24 hours in Munich itinerary, make your way down the Ludwigstraße towards the Odeonsplatz and Feldherrnhalle.
The Odeonsplatz is a stunning 19th century square encircled by elaborate buildings with ornate architecture.
Additionally, the Feldberrnhalle is an Italian monument dedicated to the Bavarian army. But what really stands out here, both near the Feldherrnhalle and Odeonsplatz, is the magnificent and prominent Theatine Church.
Theatine Church
A striking church with a golden yellow exterior and an elaborately detailed interior, you cannot — nay, you must not — miss this while figuring out what things to see in Munich.
Out of all the churches and cathedrals in Munich, this might just be at the top of my favorite list.
With its outstanding baroque architecture, domed ceilings, pristine white stucco interior, and stunning gold detailing, don’t pass up on this Munich attraction.
Interested in visiting a concentration camp while in Germany? Dachau is not too far away from Munich! Click here to check out the Dachau Memorial Site half-day tour from Munich.
Munich Residenz
Ready to step through a doorway that transports you into the past? The Munich Residenz place is one of the best places to do so in the city. If you’re totes into history and beautiful palaces (like I am), then this attraction must be on your list of things to do in Munich.
With original interiors that’ll take your breath away, art collections spanning decades, and decor fit for royalty, the Munich Residenz is not to be missed.
Hofbräuhaus
Ready for a refreshing afternoon beer? Have one at the Hofbräuhaus! No doubt, this is one of the most popular places to visit in Munich on any given day but I think it’s worth a stop.
An enormous 3-floor beer hall filled with both tourists and locals alike, the Hofbräuhaus dates back to the 16th century and boasts a fun, exciting, beer-filled atmosphere that anyone will enjoy!
If you are short on time, as you likely will be with only 24 hours in Munich, make sure this place is on your itinerary! As it’s super duper fun and a great place to grab some delicious German beer, as well as some traditional Bavarian food if you’re hungry.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR A ONE-DAY MUNICH ITINERARY
If you discover that you have a bit more time than you expected, here are a few optional activities for your one day in Munich! Because who wants to miss out on cool things, right? Check it out.
Zum Augustiner
If you’ve visited the Hofbräuhaus and enjoyed it, then I recommend having another beer (or some food) at the traditional Zum Augustiner located on the Neuhauser Straße.
I like this beer hall much more than the Hofbräuhaus, due to it being more locals rather than tourists! And I feel it has a better atmosphere, as well.
Kunsthalle München
Into art museums? Then you’ll love the Kunsthalle. Located smack dab in the city center, it’s one of Germany’s leading exhibition venues and showcases art and culture from all over the globe.
Deutsches Museum
Did you know the world’s largest science and technology museum is located right in the heart of Munich?
The Deutsches Museum is no doubt one of the best things to do in Munich, although it’s not included in the original itinerary because you could literally spend hours in this place!
With all of its interactive displays, energy, science, and technology stations, and original artifacts, it’s a pretty dang cool museum to visit — especially if you have leftover time on your Munich in one day itinerary.
24 HOURS IN MUNICH ATTRACTIONS MAP
Interested in seeing all the sites to see in Munich on a handy dandy map? I gotchu! Check it out below.
WHERE TO STAY IN MUNICH FOR ONE DAY
If you’re heading to Munich for just one day and maybe one night, there’s no question about it… you’ve got to stay right smack dab in the center of the city!
To make the most of your time here, you need things — like Munich sites and attractions — to be right on your doorstep.
Best Budget Accommodations
If you’re on a budget, hey — I get it! For the best budget accommodations that’s near the center (but also has good reviews!), try the wombat CITY Hostel – Munich, THE 4YOU Hostel & Hotel Munich, or the Atlas City Hotel.
Best Mid-Range Accommodations
Can ya splurge just a little — but not too much? Sweet! For the best mid-range accommodations in Munich’s city center I recommend the Hotel Der Tannenbaum, Hotel Am Markt (RIGHT next to the Viktualienmarkt!), or the Hôtel du Train.
Best Top-Notch Accommodations
Looking to go straight to the top for your one day in Munich? Sounds like a dream! For the best top-notch Munich accommodations, my dream list includes the 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Arthotel Munich, and the Aloft München.
Psst, not interested in any of the accommodations above? Click HERE to open Booking.com to find the best place to stay in Munich for you!
There’s nothing like spending one full day in Munich exploring its historical sites, beautiful scenery, gorgeous architecture, and ending it with a nice, refreshing beer!
Have you ever visited Munich? Or are you planning on visiting Munich? Let me know if you have any questions or concerns in the comments!
Sophie xx
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