Munich in one day: an hour-by-hour walking itinerary
Quick answer
In one day in Munich, walk Marienplatz and its 11:00 Glockenspiel, the Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt, the Residenz and the English Garden, then finish with dinner in a beer garden or classic brewery hall. It is about 8 km on mostly flat ground.
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One-day itinerary through Munich
Central Munich is small, so one day covers the old town and a big park. Times are approximate and include walking.
- 1
09:00 · Marienplatz
Marienplatz
Start while the square is quiet, in front of the neo-Gothic New Town Hall. If you want to climb the tower, do it now, before the chimes.
- 2
10:00 · Frauenkirche
Frauenkirche
Step into the twin-towered cathedral and look for the devil's footprint in the entrance hall. Allow 30 minutes.
- 3
10:45 · Marienplatz
11:00 Glockenspiel
Return to the square for the chimes and figures re-enacting historical scenes in the tower.
- 4
11:30 · Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt
Wander the cheese, cold cuts and fruit stalls. A good spot for a late breakfast of Weisswurst or a sandwich.
- 5
13:00 · Residenz · Max-Joseph-Platz
Residenz
Visit the rooms and courtyards of the former royal palace. Allow 1 to 2 hours. With AnyArt you can point at any portrait, statue or painted ceiling to hear its story.
- 6
15:00 · Hofgarten
Hofgarten and Odeonsplatz
Exit through the Renaissance Hofgarten and look at the Feldherrnhalle and the yellow Theatine Church.
- 7
16:00 · English Garden
English Garden and Eisbach
Walk 10 minutes to the Haus der Kunst and watch the surfers on the Eisbach wave. Continue through the park to the Chinese Tower.
- 8
18:30 · Chinese Tower or centre
Dinner in a beer garden
Dine under the chestnut trees at the park's beer garden or head back to a classic brewery hall. Book in season.
Tips to make the most of the day
- Wear comfortable shoes: everything is on foot and there is plenty of cobblestone.
- On Sundays many shops in Germany are closed, but state museums cost only €1.
- If you prefer art to a palace, swap the Residenz for the Alte Pinakothek in the museum district.
- In winter it gets dark early; reverse the order and do the park in the morning.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Munich in one day?
Yes, the old town, the Residenz and the English Garden fit in a day on foot. For museums and Nymphenburg you need a second day.
Where should I start?
At Marienplatz. It is the centre and everything else is under 15 minutes on foot from there.
How much walking is it?
About 7 to 9 kilometres, mostly flat. You can shorten it with one U-Bahn ride to the English Garden.
What if it rains?
Swap the park for the Alte Pinakothek or the Deutsches Museum, and pick an indoor hall for dinner.