I love Berlin, but I've always had a weakness for Munich. In 2010, I fell in love with this city during my mission to explore it with just a 15-hour visit as part of easyJet's 15th birthday celebration. It was the last day of Oktoberfest, and the city was absolutely buzzing. I adored its beautiful parks (Munich has 5,680 acres of public parkland and a tradition of historic gardens), its interesting brutalist, Bauhaus, baroque, and gothic architecture, strolling through its wide and grand boulevards, and of course, experiencing its rich beer garden culture.
If you have limited time and only have the chance to visit Munich in a day, this tour will allow you to see all the important sights in just a few hours. Here is my free walking tour for you to guide yourself in Munich.
1. Go to Marienplatz and observe the Glockenspiel
Address: Marienplatz, 80331, Munich, Germany.
We start our walking tour at Marienplatz, the main square since 1158, located in the heart of Munich. To the north, it is surrounded by the gothic towers of the New Town Hall, and to the east by the Old Town Hall, a place where events have taken place since the Middle Ages. Tournaments and markets have been held in this central square. Nowadays, tourists flock to see the beauty of the ornate Glockenspiel. Twice a day (three times in summer) (at 11 AM, 12 PM, or 5 PM), it offers a show where 32 life-sized figures dance to elegant melodies. The show lasts about 15 minutes and reenacts the love story between Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine. Who could resist this ancient love story?
2. Climb St. Peter's Tower
Address: Rindermarkt 1, 80331, Munich, Germany.
Very close to Marienplatz, you will find the 91-meter-high tower of St. Peter's Church. By climbing 301 steps and 14 floors, you will have the chance to look down at the beautiful architecture of old Munich. On a clear day, you will have the opportunity to see the snow-covered Alps. St. Peter is the oldest remaining parish church in Munich (hence its name Old Peter), and in addition to the view from the tower, the five gothic paintings by Jan Polack and the altars by Ignaz Gunther in the interior are also noteworthy.
Of course, entry to the church is free, and the ticket price to climb the tower is €5.
3. Residenz
Address: Residenzstrasse 1, 80333, Munich, Germany.
On the northern side of Marienplatz, the impressive structure of the Residenz Palace dominates. This building has been the center of power for the Wittelsbach dynasty, which ruled for over 700 years. If you want to buy a ticket (€7), you will have the opportunity to see places like the luxurious Palace Treasury and the Cuvillies Theatre, where the first production of Mozart's Idomeneo opera was staged.
4. Viktualienmarkt
We are approaching lunchtime. What better way to celebrate this than with a pre-lunch beer in the peaceful beer garden at Viktualienmarkt? You will see even the locals enjoying Weissbier. This is a perfect way to quench your thirst while people-watching.
5. Beer and Lunch at Hofbrauhaus
Address: Platzl 9, 80331, Munich, Germany.
A trip to Munich wouldn't be complete without visiting the famous Hofbrauhaus. It's as loud, lively, and extravagant as you've heard. Since the evenings can get quite busy, lunchtime is a better time to enjoy the atmosphere. The concept of Hofbrauhaus aims to turn Oktoberfest celebrations into a year-round festival of drinking beer, having fun, and joy. The service may not be the best, but the beer is quite good, and you can enjoy it while listening to the Oompah brass band along with delicious Bavarian dishes.
6. Go to Container Collective
Address: Atelierstrasse 10, 81671, Munich, Germany.
After a pleasant lunch, it's time to head towards Container Collective, a different creative art space. Creative geniuses have transformed old shipping containers into a very cool creative venue. Located in Werksviertel, near Ostbahnhof, this area is filled with most of its 27 containers. A variety of events are organized here, from motorcycle workshops to cocktail schools and theater performances. Visiting Container Collective is a refreshing experience.
7. Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne
Address: Barer Strasse 27, 80333, Munich, Germany.
Tip: Visit every Sunday for €1!
To continue your cultural experience in Munich, take a tour of the exhibitions at Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne. Alte Pinakothek houses one of the most valuable Old Master painting collections in the world. German, Dutch, Italian, French, Spanish, and Flemish paintings stand side by side. Don't miss seeing the masterpieces of Pieter Bruegel and Peter Paul Rubens. Neue Pinakothek showcases 19th-century art, while Pinakothek der Moderne exhibits modern art.
Tip: Have lunch at Zum Koreanear for affordable and delicious Korean food.
8. Afternoon Drinks or Flammkuchen at Cafe im Vorhoelzer Forum
Address: Arcisstrasse 21, 80333, Munich, Germany.
We recommend flammkuchen with afternoon drinks at Cafe im Vorhoelzer Forum. It’s a cozy and simple café, but the best part is the stunning view from the roof of the architecture faculty of the Technical University of Munich. The interiors are minimal and the food prices are reasonable.
9. Englischer Garten
Address: Englischer Garten 2, 80538, Munich, Germany.
Munich boasts one of the most beautiful and green parks in the world. Englischer Garten is larger than New York's Central Park and offers enjoyment in many ways. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, beautiful natural waterfalls, Japanese tea houses, and even surfers on an artificial 'standing wave'. The park is a place for greenery, beauty, relaxation, and an escape from the city views of Munich. It's a perfect spot to watch the sunset after a long day.
Tip: Grab a coffee at Lost Weekend.
10. Dinner at Augustiner Keller
Address: Arnulfstrasse 52, 80335, Munich, Germany.
Augustiner Keller is the third largest beer garden in Munich and has been welcoming enthusiastic beer drinkers since 1812. Like many other beer gardens, it has self-service and served areas. Beers are served directly from the barrel, and when a new barrel is tapped, it is welcomed with a bell and a grand show. There’s no better way to enjoy the long summer evenings in Munich than dining and drinking good beer at this beer house. Additionally, the option to bring your own food provides great budget savings.
Where to Stay in Munich
Wombats Munich
Address: Senefelderstrasse 1, Munich, Germany.
Like its sister hostels in London, Vienna, and Budapest, Wombats Munich is a great place for your exploration of Munich. The hostel is just a few steps away from Munich's main train station. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the hostel interiors are clean and bright. It features a stunning glass-roofed courtyard with real trees. Each room has a private shower and toilet. The best part of this hostel is its walking distance to the Oktoberfest grounds. It can't get better than this!
Address: Senefelderstrasse 1, Munich, Germany.
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