Known for being the capital of Bavaria and home of Oktoberfest, Munich has plenty of entertaining sights to offer its visitors.
Munich is much more than beers and pretzels …but you should still make time for that!
From museums of international importance, palaces in the city center, and beautiful gardens, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here.
The only question is how to spend one perfect day in Munich!
Visiting the third-largest city in Germany for one day might seem challenging, especially if you want to explore Munich’s different cultural facets.
But don’t worry, we have created a list of the best attractions in the city so that you don’t miss any of them out 👇
#1 Discover the historic wonders of Marienplatz
Right at the heart of Munich, you’ll find Marienplatz with its impressive historical sights. This is the city’s central square where locals meet to take a stroll through Munich’s busiest shopping streets and tourists gather to marvel at the imposing architecture. The iconic Mariensäule, a tall column with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, rises triumphantly in the center of the square to watch over the city.
On the square are also located two impressive Gothic buildings—the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall with the famous Glockenspiegel. Watch the figures of the carillon move at certain hours every day to show historical scenes of the city. Something not be missed when you have only one day in Munich!
Address: Marienplatz, 80331 München
Web page
#2 Unwind in the English Garden
When visiting Munich in 24 hours, you certainly cannot miss the 18th century English Garden. You’ll be excited to find out that it’s one of the world’s biggest inner-city parks—larger than New York’s Central Park! Whether it’s jogging, cycling or sunbathing, everyone finds something to enjoy here.
Organize a picnic with your loved ones in front of the Chinese tower or visit the Japanese Tea Garden where traditional tea ceremonies often take place. If you’re a fan of cultural events, the English Garden is also the best place for you. Attend the folkdance festival Kocherlball, the Japan Festival or the Christmas market.
#3 Explore the Residenz
Originally built in the 14th century, the Residenz has been home to the Bavarian dukes, kings and princes for over several hundred years. Architecture styles from different epochs—including Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassicism—come together in Germany’s largest city palace to create a unique experience. As soon as you enter the palace you’ll be mesmerized: bronze sculptures, spectacular ornaments and expensive works of art await you.
Don’t miss the paintings in the Antiquarium hall, the jewels in the Treasury, or the Herkulessaal. You’d surely love to take a stroll through any of the 10 courtyards of the Residenz.
Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München
Web page
#4 Pamper yourself with a nice treat at the Viktualienmarkt
The old open-air food market is definitely a must-stop while you’re exploring the historic center. Here you’ll find not only fresh vegetables and fruits but also warm bread and pastries, fancy wine and delicious cheese. Plus, of course, many types of sausages and traditional Bavarian food! You can also enjoy the cool shelter of the beer garden while having a drink with your friends.
Address: Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München
Web page
#5 Take a walk in the Olympiapark
One day in Munich must include a visit to Olympiapark! Originally built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, the Olympiapark has evolved into a huge recreational park where people go to enjoy fresh air, practice their favorite sport and entertain themselves with open-air activities. From ziplining to stadium roof climbing, swimming and Nordic walking, you can experience a variety of things here.
The Olympic tower offers you an astonishing panoramic view of Munich and in the Olympic Hall you can attend the most spectacular cultural events—such as concerts, theaters and musicals. And don’t worry if you or your kids feel slightly peckish—you’ll find enough places where you can grab a snack in the area.
Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 München
Web page
#6 Immerse in the history of BWM at the BMW museum
Are you passionate about cars or curious to discover the history of one of the biggest automobile brands in the world? BMW has a museum in Munich where you can find almost all the models of cars that the brand has produced over the years. Dive into the world of automobiles and discover the technology behind their construction. You’ll also get insights into future technologies and designs that BWM is currently developing.
The building itself will leave you astonished thanks to its futuristic design: the exterior looks like a big silver salad bowl while the interior is very modern and innovative.
Address: Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München
Web page
#7 Wonder at the classic paintings of the Alte Pinakothek
One of the world’s oldest art galleries—the Alte Pinakothek—awaits you in the Kunstareal area of Munich. Dating back to 1836, the museum’s design has artistically inspired numerous other galleries around Europe. You’ll find over 700 artworks from the Old Masters: Dürer, Raphael, Leonardo, Titian, El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Boucher and many more. Discover how art has changed from the 14th to the 18th centuries, influenced by the spirit of the respective time period. You might enjoy spotting the differences between the German, Flemish, Dutch, French, Italian and Spanish style of paintings, since they all have their own section in the gallery.
Address: Barer Str. 27, 80333 München
Web page
#8 Embrace the uniqueness of the Glockenbachviertel
As soon as you enter the Glockenbachviertel you’ll find yourself surrounded by chic boutiques, independent labels and hip bars. The neighborhood is popular for its alternative culture reflected in the many shops—some of which occasionally offer artisan workshops. The original pubs, dance clubs and restaurants with late opening hours create a buzzing nightlife that attracts young people. A few decades ago, gender equality initiatives took place in the quarter, and it since became a home for the LGBTQ community. The philosophy of the Glockenbachviertel is that everyone is welcome as they are!
#9 Embrace your scientific side at the Deutsches Museum
Visit the world’s largest museum of science and technology, situated on a small island in the Isar river – something not to be missed when you have only one day in Munich.
The museum was founded by the Association of German Engineers in the early 20th century and covers a wide range of disciplines. Whether you’re learning the fundamentals of modern aviation and astronautics, uncovering the secrets of chemistry and atomic physics or following the development of photography and film, the museum will surely keep you entertained. For the little ones there’s a Kid’s Kingdom section with interactive elements they can play with and explore.
Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 München
Web page
Where to stay in Munich?
Our hotels are located near the city center which gives our guests access to the top city attractions with ease via excellent public transport connections. The hotels are equipped with all necessities and more – from a guest kitchen and game zone to free Wi-Fi, washing machine and family discounts to ensure a great trip in the heart of Bavaria.
