1 Day in Munich, Germany: Is It Enough?
Munich is one of those cities that blends history, culture, and a bit of quirkiness in the best way. Sure, it’s famous for Oktoberfest, beer halls, and hearty Bavarian food, but there’s so much more to it. You’ll find centuries-old churches standing next to modern shops, huge parks where people actually surf on the river (yes, really!), and cosy markets full of local treats. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the rest of Bavaria and even Austria.
How to Get There
Munich is really easy to reach, whether by plane, train, or bus.
I personally arrived in Munich by train from Strasbourg, France. The journey took just over four hours, but it wasn’t without some surprises. My connection times to change trains were really tight, around 10 minutes each and to my shock, every single train for my connections was delayed. At first, I panicked a little, but when I asked at the information desk in Germany, they couldn’t have been friendlier. They immediately printed me a new route to Munich, and everything worked out smoothly. It was a good reminder that in Germany, even if trains are late, there’s usually someone willing to help you get back on track.
There are other ways to get into Munich, Germany:
- By plane: Munich International Airport (MUC) is a major hub, about 40 minutes by train to the city centre.
- By train: Munich is well-connected to major European cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich.
- By bus or car: Thanks to Germany’s autobahns and long-distance bus network, road travel is also a good option.
Best Time to Visit
Munich has a little something in every season:
- Spring: Lovely weather, blooming parks, and fewer crowds.
- Summer: The city is buzzing beer gardens are open, festivals are happening, and locals hang out in the English Garden.
- Fall: Oktoberfest! If you want the full Bavarian beer-and-pretzel experience, this is the time to come. Just book way in advance.
- Winter: Think magical Christmas markets, mulled wine, and twinkling lights everywhere.
I visited in late August, and it was still warm and sunny, around 23°C during the day. It felt comfortably warm, but I definitely needed a light jumper in the evenings once the sun went down.
My Experience in Munich
I was in Munich for 3 days and 2 nights, but in reality, I only had one full day to explore. Honestly? One day is enough to see the highlights, especially if you’re efficient.
When I first arrived, I expected Munich to look like an old Bavarian fairy tale town. But during my walking tour, I learned that much of the city was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt later. That explains why some areas feel very modern while others look historic.
The Old Town was lively but quite commercialised, think big brand shops alongside historic buildings. Still, it’s fun to wander around, especially with a pretzel in hand. Speaking of food: don’t leave Munich without trying a Bavarian pork knuckle, beer, pretzels, and their traditional fried pastry, Schmalznudel. I can confirm, they’re worth it.
What I really loved was how scooter and bike-friendly the city is. I rented an e-scooter and zipped around the streets and parks. It was fun, affordable, and a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Where to Stay in Munich
Boutique Hotel Atrium München
I stayed at Boutique Hotel Atrium München, located in the Turkish quarter about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town and just a 5–10 minute walk from the train station, which was super convenient. The room was small and a little dimly lit, but it worked perfectly since I mostly needed a place to sleep at night.
Although the area might look a little rough, I felt completely safe walking around.
The hotel is praised for its cleanliness, modern aesthetic, and helpful staff. Rooms are comfortable, and there’s a lovely garden courtyard and a business lounge area (complete with a computer if you need it). The check-in and check-out process was quick and easy, and the staff kindly allowed me to store my luggage for a short period.
For the price I paid, it was fairly affordable for two nights: £128 / €147, which works out to about £64 / €73.50 per night. Rates can fluctuate throughout the year, but hopefully, you can score a deal as good as mine.
Other Recommended Areas and Hotels
If you’d prefer to be closer to Marienplatz and the Old Town action, here are some neighbourhoods and hotel options to consider:
- Altstadt-Lehel (Old Town): This is the heart of Munich, with easy access to major attractions like Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and Hofbräuhaus. Hotels here include:
- Hotel Platzl: A traditional Bavarian hotel with modern amenities, located steps from Marienplatz.
- Hotel Schlicker: A family-run hotel offering a cosy atmosphere and central location.
- Maxvorstadt: Known for its vibrant cultural scene, museums, and proximity to the English Garden. Recommended hotels:
- Andaz Schwabinger Tor: A stylish hotel with contemporary design and excellent service.
- Hotel Metropol: A budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and good transport links.
- Glockenbachviertel: A trendy, bohemian neighbourhood with indie shops and cafes Consider staying at:
- Wombats City Hostel: A laid-back, social hostel ideal for solo travellers or those on a budget.
- Schwabing: An affluent area known for its leafy streets, boutique shops, and proximity to the English Garden. Hotel options include:
- Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski: A luxury hotel offering top-notch amenities and service.
What to Do in Munich
Here’s what you can fit into a one-day visit:
- Explore Old Town: The heart of Munich, full of shops, history, and atmosphere.
- Watch the Rathaus-Glockenspiel: Every day at 11 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm, the Town Hall clock puts on a little show. It’s quirky and charming and historically, it was meant to remind people to stop working and eat lunch.
- Climb St. Peter’s Church Tower: The city’s oldest church has an observation deck with the best panoramic views. The €5 climb is totally worth it, just be ready for a lot of stairs!
- Visit Hofbräuhaus München: Munich’s most famous beer hall. Expect music, big steins of beer, and plenty of Bavarian food. It’s touristy so expect food to be slightly pricey but also iconic.
- Wander the English Garden: One of Europe’s biggest urban parks. You’ll see people picnicking, floating in the river, and even surfing on the Eisbach wave.
- Ride a Scooter Around Town: Munich is flat and has bike lanes everywhere, so scootering is both fun and practical.
- Eat at Viktualienmarkt: This open-air market is perfect for snacking your way through Bavarian specialties and picking up local goodies.
- Step Inside the Justizpalast (Palace of Justice): A hidden gem most people skip. The grand neo-baroque building is free to enter, with an impressive glass-domed central hall that feels like stepping into a movie set.
Travel Tips for Munich
- Trains can be late: Despite Germany’s reputation, don’t expect trains to always run on time. The good news? Station staff are super helpful if you need a new route.
- Bring some cash: Most places take cards, but small shops and markets may not.
- Day trips are easy: If you’re staying longer, consider hopping over to Salzburg, Austria, it’s just 1.5 hours by train.
- Take it slow: Munich is walkable, but don’t underestimate how much fun it is to just sit in a beer garden and soak up the vibe.
Munich might surprise you, it’s a city that blends history, modern life, and Bavarian charm in a way that makes even a short visit memorable. In just one full day, you can explore the Old Town, climb St. Peter’s Church for panoramic views, watch the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, stroll through the English Garden, enjoy local specialties at Viktualienmarkt, and experience the lively atmosphere of Hofbräuhaus München.
While some areas feel modern due to post-war reconstruction, the city’s culture, food, and friendliness shine through. Getting around is easy thanks to scooters, bike lanes, and public transport, and accommodations like Boutique Hotel Atrium München make it convenient and comfortable to stay, without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re passing through for a day or planning a longer trip with day trips to Salzburg or Bavaria’s castles, Munich offers enough highlights to keep you engaged and entertained. So pack your walking shoes, bring a light jumper for cooler evenings, and get ready to enjoy the best of Bavarian hospitality in just one day.
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