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Best souvenirs to buy in Chiang Mai 2026: what to bring home
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Culture
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The Bavarian capital is a destination where historic architecture, traditions and a more avant-garde atmosphere coexist in perfect harmony. If you are planning an express getaway and want to know what to see in Munich in 1 day, you have come to the right place.
I have prepared a guide with the main places to visit in Munich in 24 hours, with an itinerary designed to make the most of every moment and minimise travel, grouping the main points of interest by proximity.
I propose a one-day route through Munich designed to go beyond the typical tourist spots and help you capture the true Bavarian character. The idea is for you to make the most of your time and take away a complete and real image of one of the most attractive cities in southern Germany.
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All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
Culture
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| AREA | MAIN PLACES |
|---|---|
| Historic centre and old town | Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus, Frauenkirche, Viktualienmarkt, Residenz, Odeonsplatz, English Garden, Hofbräuhaus |
This one-day tour of Munich starts in the heart of the historic centre, where some of the most important monuments in the city are concentrated. Most of the route can be done on foot, as you discover squares, churches, markets and historic buildings until you finish in the English Garden, one of the great green spaces of the Bavarian capital.
Marienplatz
Located in the heart of the city, Marienplatz is the best point to start a route through Munich in one day, and it has been one of the main meeting points for locals for centuries.
In it you will find two of the most representative buildings in Munich: the Neues Rathaus, with its spectacular neo-Gothic façade, and the Altes Rathaus, the old Town Hall.
If your visit coincides with any of the performances of the famous Glockenspiel, stay to see how the figures of the carillon recreate two scenes from the history of Munich: the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V with Renata of Lorraine and the traditional cooper's dance. You can see it every day at 11am and 12pm and, from March to October, also at 5pm.
From here you can reach the next point by walking in less than 5 minutes.
Frauenkirche
The two characteristic towers of the Frauenkirche, crowned by their green domes, form one of the most recognisable images of Munich. The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the great symbols of the city and a must-see on your trip.
Its interior stands out for its enormous dimensions and for some historical elements, such as the famous Devil's Footprint. From the surroundings of the cathedral you will also have a spectacular perspective of the streets of the old town.
You can continue the route on foot to the next point in about 5 minutes.
Viktualienmarkt
The next destination is Viktualienmarkt, the most famous gastronomic market in Munich with more than two centuries of history. Its stalls bring together fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, breads, fruits, sweets and numerous specialities of Bavarian gastronomy.
From here you can reach the next point by walking in about 10 minutes.
Munich Residenz
The Residenz was for centuries the residence of the rulers of Bavaria and is currently one of the most important historic complexes in the city. Although its enormous dimensions make it impossible to see everything in an express visit, it is worth entering to see some of its most important halls and courtyards.
One of the spaces you should not miss is the Antiquarium, an impressive Renaissance hall decorated with paintings and sculptures. If you are short on time, my advice is to simply focus on the main rooms.
You can walk to the next point in about 5 minutes.
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Odeonsplatz
Considered one of the most elegant Italian-style squares in the city, Odeonsplatz is surrounded by historic buildings such as the yellow façade of the Theatinerkirche, the imposing Feldherrnhalle loggia or the Residenz itself.
From here starts the Ludwigstraße, one of the great monumental avenues of Munich that leads towards the English Garden area. The square has also been the scene of important episodes in the city's history, making it a perfect stop to discover its architectural heritage.
From here you can walk to the next point in about 15 minutes.
English Garden
The Englischer Garten is one of the largest urban parks in the world and one of the places that best represents the Munich lifestyle. After several hours touring monuments, it is the perfect place to slow down a bit and enjoy a walk in the open air.
One of its most famous corners is the Eisbach stream, right at the southern entrance. Here you will find the famous Eisbach wave, where you can watch surfers facing a permanent wave in the heart of the city. Without a doubt, it is one of the most unique phenomena in the Bavarian capital.
You can also head to the Chinese Tower, surrounded by a traditional biergarten, to have a drink before continuing with the route. And if you are travelling during the spring and summer months, sitting on the grass with a beer is one of those experiences that allow you to feel the city like a local.
From here you can head to the next point by walking for about 20 minutes.
Hofbräuhaus
No route through Munich in one day would be complete without entering one of its traditional breweries, and Hofbräuhaus is probably the best known and one of the most famous gastronomic institutions in the city.
Its huge halls, long tables, traditional music and Bavarian specialities create the perfect atmosphere to end the afternoon. You can order a beer accompanied by a typical dish, such as pork knuckle, sausages or a pretzel.
From here you can continue exploring the old town on foot without the need to use public transport.
Altstadt
To end this tour of Munich in 1 day, my bet is that you walk through the streets of the Altstadt again when night begins to fall. I can tell you that the area around Marienplatz takes on a very different atmosphere when the lights of the historic buildings are turned on.
Although, if your visit coincides with Oktoberfest, the night plan changes completely. In that case, go to Theresienwiese, the official venue for the celebration, to enjoy the atmosphere of its large beer tents, Bavarian gastronomy, music and attractions.
The 2026 edition of the Munich Oktoberfest will be held from 19 September to 4 October, so if you are travelling during these dates you will find a particularly lively city.
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Here is a tourist map strategically organised by zones so that you can follow this route through Munich in one day without complications, reducing travel and making the most of your 24 hours in the city.
The best advice I can give you so that your one day in Munich experience is as complete as possible is to get up early and start the route early. You can easily walk around the historic centre, but there are many stops you will want to make during the day, so good trainers are essential.
In my experience, if you do not have time to see everything, I recommend prioritising Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the Residenz, the English Garden and a traditional brewery. It is a combination that will allow you to discover the architecture, history, gastronomy and most characteristic atmosphere of Munich.
The ideal is to start first thing in the morning to be able to walk around Marienplatz and the old town calmly before the influx of visitors increases. If you also want to see the Glockenspiel, you can organise your visit to coincide with one of its performances, which take place at 11am and 12pm and, between March and October, also at 5pm.
Also, if you are travelling during Oktoberfest, keep in mind that the atmosphere and the influx of visitors will be much greater, so book accommodation and organise your visit to Theresienwiese well in advance. The 2026 edition will be held from 19 September to 4 October.
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