When travelling to Bavaria, you should take time to spend at least one day in Munich. Known for Oktoberfest, Munich’s culture surpasses beer (although the beer is good enough to be known just for that!).
Munich has become a huge tourist destination in the last few years and it is easy to see why. There is beautiful architecture, exceptional museums and great shopping.
It also is the beginning of the Romantic Road and just a short drive to Neuschwanstein Castle.
While one day in Munich is not near enough to experience all Munich has to offer, you can get a good take on why it is so popular with tourists.
The BEST One Day in Munich Itinerary
Nymphenburg Palace
One of the best way to experience the history of Bavaria is by walking though one of the palaces. Star your day in Munich at Nymphenburg Palace (it opens at 9am).
This Baroque Palace was built in the second half of the 17th century.
Inside you will find 20 apartments featuring art and furnishing from various time periods.
It is one of the most instagrammable sites in Munich so if you want to fill up your feed with beautiful pictures, you will have no problem!
During the summer season (April to mid-October) gondola rides are offered on the central canal. The rides last around 30 minutes and cost €15 euros each (children under 7 are free).
Make sure you have your cellphone with you as you will wan to download the “Nymphenburg Palace Park” app.
During your self-guided tours, you will be able to tap into historical information and media (pictures and film clips) at various locations. The smartphone app is available in German and English and is free.
Opening Times:
April-15 October: 9am-6pm
16 October-March: 10am-4 pm
Admission Price:
Adult €8
Children under 18 FREE
Tickets can be purchased at the palace.
How to get to Nymphenburg Palace by Tram
From München Karlsplatz take Tram 17 to Schloss Nymphenburg. Trains leave every 10 minutes or so and take less than 20 minutes to get to the stop. Then it is only a 10 minute walk.
Rathaus-Glockenspiel at Marienplatz (Town Hall)
One of the most popular things to do in Munich is visit the Rathaus-Glockenspiel of Munich in the Marienplatz.
Located in the main square, is the most amazing clock tower in all of Germany.
Every day at 11 am, 12 and 5 pm (not in Winter) you will be able to see the Glokenspiel in action.
This cuckoo clock features motorized figurines that display a royal wedding, jousting tournament and traditional German dance.
The clock tower show lasts about 15 minutes and ends with the classic German cuckoo bird!
We viewed from below, but I have heard that you can get a great view from Hugendubel bookstore across the square.
Viktualienmarkt Munich (Market)
If you are looking for a souvenir or fresh fruits and veggies, there is no better place to go than the local market. With 140 stalls and shops, there is no shortage of items to see.
This is a great place to pick up a souvenir, a sausage for lunch or beer.
You will find a biergarten in the center of the market, where you can find German breweries serving up their best beers.
Those that love German food should consider taking a Bavarian food & drink tour of Viktualienmarkt which allows you to try different local specialty foods and beers.
Viktualienmarkt is open every day except for Sundays.
Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum)
Marienplatz 15 im Alten Rathausturm 80331 Munich, Bavaria Germany
Whether you are travelling with kids or are a kid at heart, one of the things to do in Munich is visit the Toy Museum.
Located in the Marienplatz, is the Spielzeugmuseum.
While the building itself is really cool, what’s even more fascinating is what’s inside; a toy collection that dates back to 1800.
This several story tower holds everything from a collection of teddy bears to vintage Disney toys. Prepare yourself for small spaces and a narrow winding staircase.
Hours for Spielzeugmuseum
Open every day 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (exceptions Christmas Eve & Shrove Tuesday)
Admission Price for Spielzeugmuseum
Adults €6
Kids €2
Family ticket for €12
Credit Cards are NOT accepted, so make sure you have your Euros!
Visit a Beer Garden
No day trip to Munich is complete without going to a beer garden. There are hop on hop off buses that will take you to breweries and even brewery tours.
During our visit to Munich, we headed over to Augustiner Keller.Began in 1812, this beer garden has been in its current location since 1896!
You can choose to sit inside or outside (dependent on weather) and enjoy a true Brevarian meal or just beer. All tables are given a basket of pretzels. You will be charged for how many you eat.
We chose to eat inside so that we could experience the full experience of the dining hall and hear the German band play. If you do plan to dine inside, there might be a wait unless you book your table in advance.
If the weather is nice, you may choose a table under the chestnut trees. There are nearly 5000 seats and most of them will be filled!
You can choose to be waited on or to serve yourself at the beer stand.
No matter which place you choose, you will be guaranteed to have an authentic Munich beer garden experience.
What’s on in Munich
Depending on the time of year you travel to Munich, you might find some really neat cultural events taking place. Here is a list for 2020:
January 24 -February 25, 2020 FASCHING – MUNICH’S CARNIVAL
During the carnival season you will find many open air activities on the central square. Think of it like American Mardi Gras (but tasteful). One of the highlights is the dance of the market women at the Viktualienmarkt on Shrove Tuesday March 3 at 10:30 am.
February 27 – April 5, 2020 STRONG BEER SEASON
Strong beer is served during lent by many breweries.
April 25, 2020 LONG NIGHT OF MUSIC
One night long live concerts on approximately 100 stages, ranging from classical music to rock.
April 25 – May 3, 2020 MAIDULT
Open-air market for household products, all kinds of second-hand wares, antiquities. Merry-go-rounds and a beer tent for entertainment. Location: Mariahilfsplatz.
April 24 – May 10, 2020 MUNICH SPRING FESTIVAL
The little Octoberfest with beer tents and fun rides on the Theresienwiese.
June 13 &14, 2019 CITY FOUNDATION FESTIVAL
The city of Munich celebrates the 861st birthday with various activities around Marienplatz.
July 10 &11, 2020 CLASSICAL MUSIC ON ODEONSPLATZ
Munich’s great annual open-air concert of classical music.
June 24 – July 19, 2020 TOLLWOOD SUMMER FESTIVAL
Multicultural event with music, theater, culinary specialties. Venue: Olympic Park.
July 25 – August 2, 2020 JACOBIDULT
Open-air market for household products, all kinds of second-hand wares, antiquities. Merry-go-rounds and a beer tent for entertainment. Location: Mariahilfsplatz.
July 25- August 18, 2020 IMPARK SUMMER FESTIVAL & THEATRON MUSIC SUMMER
Music, shows, games, fireworks, fun rides – many performances especially for children. Venue: Olympic Park.
September 19 – October 4, 2020 OKTOBERFEST
The worlds’ biggest beer festival
October 17 – 25, 2020 KIRCHWEIHDULT (KERMIS DULT)
Open-air market for household products, all kinds of second-hand wares, antiquities. Merry-go-rounds and a beer tent for entertainment. Location: Mariahilfsplatz.
November 23- December 24, 2020 CHRISTKINDLMARKT 2019
Christmas shopping or a cup of mulled wine at the Christmas Market on Marienplatz.
End of November – December 31, 2019 TOLLWOOD WINTER FESTIVAL 2020
Music, theater, show, craft market, & culinary specialties.
How to Get Around Munich
While much of Munich’s best tourist attractions are accessible from walking, you may want to travel using their transportation system.
Make sure that you know the ins and outs of it before getting tickets or you might find yourself confused.
Munich has an extensive public transportation system that consist of both above ground (S-Bahn) and below ground (U-Bahn) trains, buses and trams.
When all you have in one day in Munich, you are best off to purchase Day Tickets. They are the least expensive ticket for unlimited travel on all U-Bahn, S-Bahn trains, trams and buses.
Types of Day Tickets
- 1 person: Single Day Ticket €6,70
- More than 1 person: Groups Day Ticket (Up to 5 adults can travel together . Two children aged 6-14 years count as one adult). In essence, 2 adults and 6 children can travel together on one Groups ticket. €12,80
Spending the day in Munich will give you a small glimpse of this amazing city. Don’t pass it by because you don’t think you will have enough time to do it justice.
Spending one day will allow you to see the highlights which is better than nothing at all!
Do you have any favorite things to experience in Munich?
Vanessa says
I’ve never been to Munich, but I’ve always wanted to go (mostly for the beer). I never considered going to the toy museum, but I’ll definitely have to go there if I visit. Thanks for sharing these ideas!
Emily Hines says
I can’t wait to visit Munich one day. So much beer to sample!
Tracy says
Beer and that beautiful church sold me! I am totally loving all the recommendations for Munich. I have never been and one day hope to visit.
Anna says
I haven’t been to Germany yet but I really want to! Munich will probably be my first stop. I love how beer was the best thing to do there!
Allison says
Next time I’m in Europe I need to make it to Munich. The Hubs would love the beer gardens ?
Diana says
You had me at beer garden! And I didn’t think I could take children to them, now I”m planning a trip to Munich w/ my little one!
Cheers
Diana
Kris says
I’ve done all but #3 of these! I’m probably going back again in December, so I”ll have to check out the toy museum. I love wandering through the Viktualienmarkt and looking at all of the delicious food. It’s such a lively atmosphere.
Ruth | Tanama Tales says
When to Munich less than three months ago and had a blast there. There is a lot to do and the day trip options are huge. We didn’t have time to go to the top of St. Peter’s Church. Anyway, I felt like the entire city was covered in scaffolding, so, maybe the good was not going to be that good. We went to the market only once and I regret that.
lisa says
Have not been to Germany or Europe yet but i love beer and would love to taste all those yummy local beers and sweets! so much history there! I can imagin the language barrier was a bit hard at times!