5 Things to Do in One Day in Munich

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.

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.

5 Things to do with One Day in Munich

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.

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.

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).

Admission Price

Adult €6
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, there is no better place to find a German trinket than at the local market. Vendors sell handmade goods, souvenirs, along side fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.

You will also find food vendors so it is a great place to have lunch or grab a beer. If you have time, you can also do a Bavarian food & drink tour of Viktualienmarkt which allows you to try different local specialty foods and beers.

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.

Admission Price

Adults €4
Kids €1
Family ticket for €8

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. This beer garden seats you family-style in long tables where you share space with locals and tourists.

Book your table in advance

Pretzels are provided with your beer and you pay depending on how many you eat. Traditional German food is also served and of course plenty of locally brewed beer.

Be sure to go in the evening when you can experience true German beer garden culture with the live band playing as you drink!

Events 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 2019:

February 1 – March 5, 2019 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 5 at 10:30 am.

March 7 – April 6, 2019 STRONG BEER SEASON
Strong beer is served during lent by many breweries.

May 4, 2019 LONG NIGHT OF MUSIC
One night long live concerts on approximately 100 stages, ranging from classical music to rock.

April 27 – May 5, 2019 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 26 – May 12, 2019 MUNICH SPRING FESTIVAL
The little Octoberfest with beer tents and fun rides on the Theresienwiese.

June 15 &16, 2019 CITY FOUNDATION FESTIVAL
The city of Munich celebrates the 861st birthday with various activities around Marienplatz.

July 13 &14, 2019 CLASSICAL MUSIC ON ODEONSPLATZ
Munich’s great annual open-air concert of classical music.

June 29 – July 21, 2019 TOLLWOOD SUMMER FESTIVAL
Multicultural event with music, theater, culinary specialties. Venue: Olympic Park.

July 27 – August 4, 2019 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.

August, 2019 IMPARK SUMMER FESTIVAL 
Music, shows, games, fireworks, fun rides – many performances especially for children. Venue: Olympic Park.

 August, 2019 THEATRON MUSIC SUMMER
Rock, Jazz, Folk, Hip Hop by local Bands at the Theatron near the Olympic Parks’ lake. Admission free.  

September 21 – October 6, 2019 OKTOBERFEST
The worlds’ biggest beer festival

October 19 – 27, 2019 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.

End of November – December 24, 2019 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 2019
Music, theater, show, craft market, & culinary specialties.
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.

How to Get Around Munich

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?

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