Munich is a very large city with plenty to see and do, and you’ll need at least 2 days to enjoy it. But if you only have one day to spend, here’s our top 5 things you absolutely must not miss during your visit to the city! Let’s go 👇
Marienplatz Square
Located in the heart of the old town, it hosts Munich’s magnificent Christmas market every year. It has two town halls:
The old town hall to the east of the square, which was bombed during World War II and later rebuilt.
The new neo-Gothic town hall is adorned with beautiful gargoyles, statues, and even a dragon climbing up it. The façade is truly impressive! On the ground floor, you will find the tourist office. You will also find a (paid) elevator that will take you to the top of the tower to admire the view of the square.
Be sure not to miss the square’s carillon: The Glockenspiel. It only chimes a few times a day at 11 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. The sculptures are magnificent and the show lasts about twenty minutes. Consisting of two levels, the first depicts a tournament and the second the dance of the coopers.
In the center of the square stands the Column of Mary, built in 1638. Marienplatz is the most lively place in the city, bustling with people both in summer and winter! All around the square, you will discover numerous cafés, restaurants, and brand stores. A little further away is the Gothic St. Peter’s Church.
The Munich Residence
A gem you absolutely must not miss, right in the heart of Munich not far from Marienplatz, so you can easily walk there. The visit is quite lengthy, plan for a good 3 hours. The audio guides are free and available in French! The palace is in perfect condition as it was rebuilt after World War II. After touring the richly furnished and decorated state rooms, continue your visit to the museum and the treasury.
The Englischer Garten
One of the largest parks in Europe, the Englischer Garten is a popular spot for Munich residents seeking peace and refreshment in the summer. It is crisscrossed by numerous streams, and you can even see surfers there! Yes, surprisingly, near a bridge, some surfers enjoy riding the only spot where the current forms beautiful waves for their delight. There’s even an FKK zone reserved for naturists, a tradition dating back to the hippie era. Take a stroll to the Japanese garden with its pagoda and tea house. Of course, the most frequented areas are those with Biergarten, which are very pleasant in the summer.
The Deutsches Museum
If there’s only one museum to visit in Munich, it’s this one. Created in 1903 by a civil engineer, this museum is dedicated to science and technology, and you can easily spend the entire day there.
It’s a must-visit with children, covering topics like chemistry, industry, mineralogy… the first telephone, Gutenberg’s printing press, and an underground mining tour!
For children aged 3 to 8, there’s a dedicated section where they can explore technology, manipulate and touch through numerous interactive exhibits.
The Viktualienmarkt and its Biergarten
An open-air market bustling with people and delightful smells! It features primarily local products in small open stalls where you can eat and snack on the spot. There are also Biergarten in its center.
The best advice is to buy picnic supplies here before heading to the Englischer Garten!
We hope this helps you plan your visit if you’re planning to see Munich in 24 hours soon ☺️
Feel free to add any other suggestions in the comments!
