Munich, the capital of Bavaria, beautifully blends a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or an architecture enthusiast, Munich has something to offer everyone. But is it possible to fit in the best of Munich on a busy Europe trip itinerary? It is now with this guide to one day in Munich!
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About Munich
Munich, located in southern Germany, is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.
Founded in the 12th century, it has become a major center for art, technology, and education. The city’s name derives from the term “Munichen,” meaning “by the monks,” reflecting its origins with Benedictine monks.
Visitors flock to Munich for its picturesque squares, world-class museums, and the famous Oktoberfest beer celebration. With its stunning parks and lively atmosphere, at least one day in Munich is a must for a bucket list Europe trip!
One Day in Munich Itinerary
Because of the city’s compact historical center and well-connected public transportation system, one day in Munich is a perfect time to see the city highlights! If you can make room for a weekend in Munich on your itinerary, scroll for some amazing day trips in Bavaria from Munich.
English Garden
One of the most beautiful things to do on a Munich one-day itinerary is to visit the English Garden.
English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the world, offering a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Stroll along the serene pathways passing by the Japanese Tea House, relax by the lakes, or, my favorite part, catch surfers riding the waves on the Eisbach River.
Viktualienmarkt
The heart of every European city I’ve been to is its market, where you feel the pulse of local life. Viktualienmarkt is that for Munich.
Located in the city center, this bustling food market mainly showcases Bavarian delicacies, from sausages to all kinds of bakes. Sample local cheeses, sausages, and fresh produce while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to grab a pretzel and a beer from one of the stalls!
If you’re a true foodie, check out this local food tour of the market.
Good to know: If you’re thinking about grabbing lunch here on a weekend, keep in mind that it will be super busy at peak lunch times! Try to grab a snack earlier if you want to avoid the wait.
Munich Residence
One of Munich’s most renowned attractions is the Munich Residence, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. This sprawling palace includes many courtyards that you can walk through without an entrance fee if you’re looking to save.
But even if you’re visiting Munich on a budget, the € 10 entrance fee is probably worth it, and you can enjoy more of Munich’s free attractions (keep scrolling!). You can buy your Munich Residence tickets online or in person.
Rathaus-Glockenspiel
Marienplatz, the main square of Munich’s Old Town, is something you’ll likely see very often as you walk from place to place in Munich! This busy square is home to the iconic Rathaus-Glockenspiel.
An experience you absolutely can’t miss during one day in Munich is seeing the clock tower come to life. This clock tower features animated figurines that perform daily at 11 AM and noon, telling stories from Munich’s history.
Get to the square just a bit before to find a good viewing spot in the crowd!
St. Michael München
Just a short walk from Marienplatz is St. Michael München, one of the largest Renaissance churches north of the Alps. You can enter for free to marvel at its impressive architecture and serene interior.
Heilig Geist
Continue your tour of Munich churches (there are many) at Heilig Geist, another beautiful church known for its stunning Baroque architecture. When I visited, an amazing art installation and exhibition lit up the beautiful interior of the church.
Visit a Beer Garden
If you love beer, you’ll love Munich, famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations.
The city is home to over 100 beer gardens, the oldest of which is Augustiner-Keller. Experience the unique atmosphere of a Munich beer hall, where long communal tables, hearty food, and lively conversation create an unforgettable experience.
Odeonsplatz
Odeonsplatz is another grand square surrounded by historical buildings like Theatinerkirche and Residenz München – a must-stroll while visiting Munich.
Frauenkirche
You must stop at Frauenkirche, Munich’s iconic cathedral with its distinctive onion domes. Inside, admire its impressive Gothic architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
This cathedral is so tall it’s difficult to get it all in a photo!
Good to know: Your exploration of Munich churches doesn’t have to be over here. Climb to the top of Saint Peter’s Church for panoramic views of Munich, or visit Visit Asamkirche, a small but incredibly ornate church showcasing Baroque artistry at its finest.
Hofgarten
Stop by Hofgarten, an elegant formal garden perfect for a peaceful stroll. It is right in the center of many Munich attractions, such as the Residence, Odeonplatz, and the English Gardens.
Bavarian State Opera
If you’re an opera lover, don’t miss the Bavarian State Opera. Even if you can’t catch a performance, admire its stunning exterior and learn about its rich cultural significance.
Olympiapark München
Did you know Munich hosted the 1972 Olympics? The village still exists and is now an expansive park called Olympiapark München.
You can explore its expansive grounds or take a guided tour of the Olympic Stadium.
Nymphenburg Palace
If time permits, venture out to Nymphenburg Palace, the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria. It’s still within the M Zone of the Munich metro line, but keep opening hours in mind when planning your one-day Munich itinerary; the palace is only open from 10 am-4 pm in the low season and 9 am to 6 pm in the high season.
This magnificent baroque palace features sprawling gardens and museums that reflect Bavaria’s royal history. You can visit the gardens for free or enter the palace for €8. Look at all the ticket options to plan your visit.
Perusastrasse
Perusastrasse was one of my favorite streets. The historical yet colorful buildings paired with the cobblestone roads made it so charming.
This area is a great shopping area in Munich and is bustling on the weekends!
Palace of Justice
I had a delicious breakfast at California Bean on my day in Munich and when walking back towards the city center from this spot, I happened to pass the beautiful Palace of Justice.
If you don’t have time with just one day in Munich to visit, I think it’s alright if you miss it. But if you want to try and squeeze in all of Munich’s beautiful architecture, you should walk past this building!
Explore Munich’s Many Museums
Munich is home to many interesting museums! If you want to get closer to the local culture, check out the Bavarian National Museum and the German Hunting and Fishing Museum.
But if you like more modern historical adventures, venture out to the BMW Museum. And if you love art, there are museums for you to: Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne.
How to Get Around Munich
Getting around Munich is convenient with various transportation options available.
By Walking
Many attractions in central Munich are within walking distance of each other. Walking allows you to soak in the city’s atmosphere at your own pace while discovering hidden gems along the way.
However, some sites are a bit further, like Nymphenburg Palac, so I recommend doing a combination of walking and public transportation.
By Public Transportation
Munich boasts an efficient public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (subway). A day pass offers unlimited travel within designated zones, making it easy to navigate between attractions quickly. To get around Munich city center and close surroundings, you should only need to purchase tickets for Zone M. Check out the Zone M metro map to understand where it reaches.
The day pass costs €17.90 for a group of 2-5 people. A single ticket costs €3.90, and is valid for 2 hours after validation. You must validate any ticket type at the little machines before the subway platforms to avoid a fine!
The Best Time to Visit Munich
I visited Munich in early November when the autumn leaves were still vibrant, but crowds were thinner than during peak tourist seasons. It was definitely chilly out, so bring a coat!
Munich would also be extremely pleasant in the late Spring/early Summer months!
Where to Stay for One Night in Munich
For accommodation, I recommend Wunder Locke Munich, where I stayed during my visit. This stylish hotel combines comfort with fun activities and social spaces. Best of all, it is conveniently located near public transport options (bus and metro) for easy access to city attractions!
Day Trips from Munich
If your Europe trip itinerary only has room for one day in Munich, you likely won’t be able fit in these day trips. But, if you’re considering extending your time in Bavaria, let these day trips inspire you!
Neuschwanstein Castle
The most famous thing to do in Bavaria is visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s design of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland and Cinderella’s Castle. Many refer to it as the Disney castle in Germany!
Lake Eibsee & Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Less than an hour away by car from Munich is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. Lake Eibsee sits at the foot of the Zugspitz, the tallest mountain in Germany.
This alpine lake is jaw-dropping. The two-hour trek around the lake and the views of its little islands, the mountain, and the tiny Eibsee town are completely worth it.
The SGTD Take
Munich is an enchanting city that offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and culinary experiences, all within reach in just one day. From exploring grand palaces to savoring delicious local dishes at vibrant markets, there’s something here for every traveler’s taste.
Questions about planning one day in Munich? Ask in the comments!
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Now you can experience all that this beautiful city has to offer in just one day in Munich!
Safe travels,
Michela