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One day in Munich: Tips for a day trip
Munich and its sights are always worth a trip - preferably for several days. But even during a Munich trip for one day you can discover a lot. Here are some tips for a day trip with the most important highlights that you can discover by foot in the center.
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8 a.m.: Viktualienmarkt with colorful market hustle and bustle in the morning
Early in the morning, Munich's old town is already bustling with activity: At the world-famous Viktualienmarkt, local and international delicacies are available for breakfast from 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday. With its central location in the middle of the old town, the Viktualienmarkt is the perfect starting point where you can strengthen yourself for a jam-packed day in Munich.
Extra-Tip:
- At the Viktualienmarkt you can discover six fountains depicting famous Munich personalities from the worlds of cabaret, art and culture, including Karl Valentin, Liesl Karlstadt and Weiß Ferdl.
10 a.m.: Frauenkirche, Marienplatz and Glockenspiel
A good five minutes' walk separate the Viktualienmarkt from Munich's best-known landmark: the Frauenkirche church with its two distinctive onion domes. The late Gothic church from the 15th century is the tallest building in Munich's city center at almost 100 meters and offers a view of the entire city from its south tower, which is open to visitors.
In the mighty interior of the church, you can search of the legendary Devil's Footstep, a mysterious black footprint on the church floor - or let the architecture and tranquility of the place of worship take its toll on you.
Next to the Frauenkirche you will find the Marienplatz - Munich's central square. It is framed by the New Town Hall , the Old Town Hall and the Church of St. Peter, known as "Alter Peter" to locals. Spectatory from all over the world gather here daily at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., and from March to October also at 5 p.m., to see the famous carillon (Glockenspiel) in the Town Hall tower.
Extra-Tip:
- For a Munich panorama with Marienplatz and Frauenkirche in the picture, it's worth climbing up the tower of "Alter Peter."
1 p.m.: On to the Residenz and Odeonsplatz
From Marienplatz you can stroll through the old town in the direction of Odeonsplatz. With the Residenz you will pass another impressive Munich sight. Once the Bavarian monarchs used to live here, today you can discover at Bavarian art history and magnificent architecture in the Residenzmuseum.
A few meters away, the Odeonsplatz is the next highlight. Here, the Feldherrnhalle and the Theatinerkirche provide Italian flair, while right next door the Hofgarten with its splendor of blossoms and the idyllic Diana Temple invites you to take a short break.
Extra-Tip:
- You can discover royal Bavarian history right next to the Odeonsplatz with the equestrian monuments of Maximilian I on Wittelsbacherplatz and Ludwig I in front of the Hofgarten.
3 p.m.: English Garden and surfer wave at Eisbach
Through the Hofgarten and past the Bavarian State Chancellery, your path leads to the English Garden - Munich's green lung. Here, young and old meet to walk, do sports, relax - and even surf. Because at the so-called Eisbach wave, surfers are out and about around the clock and at all times of the year, taming the challenging standing wave. Even surfing legend Robby Naish has been on the board here.
Right next to it, the Haus der Kunst (House of Art) attracts visitors with exhibitions - or you can stroll further into the greenery and discover other eye-catchers in the English Garden, such as the Japanese Tea House, the Monopteros or the Chinese Tower.
Extra-Tip:
- If you have plenty of time, you can take a hike to the northern end of the English Garden. With a little luck, you might even see a flock of sheep there.
6 p.m.: Munich History at the Hofbräuhaus and the Old Courtyard
On the way back to the city center you can experience Munich's history: At Platzl you will see numerous historic buildings such as the world-famous Hofbräuhaus restaurant in Neo-Renaissance style.
From the Platzl, it's also not far to the Old Court (Alter Hof). It was the first Munich seat of the Bavarian ruling dynasty, the Wittelsbachers. They resided here from the 13th to the 15th century. Today, the traffic-calmed courtyard is an oasis of calm in the middle of the inner city bustle.
Extra-Tip:
- Between Odeonsplatz and Platzl, it's worth taking a detour to Max-Joseph-Platz with the imposing Bavarian State Opera. Here you also have a great view of the magnificent Maximilianstraße and the Maximilianeum - the Bavarian parliament.
More tips for a day trip in Munich
From art and culture to animal adventures for the very young - here are some more tips for your day in Munich:
Munich's museums
Whether it's the history of the city, hands-on science or art in all its facets - you can discover all kinds of highlights in Munich's museums. On Sundays, many museums only charge one euro.
Olympic Park
A bit outside the city center, the Olympiapark with its lakes, green spaces and striking buildings like the iconic Olympic Stadium is the perfect place to relax and stroll. Enjoy the view from the Olympic Tower or Olympic Mountain or take a spin across Lake Olympia in a pedal boat.
What you can experience in the Olympic Park
Isar
The Isar is a lifeline and, in good weather, one of the main meeting places for locals. Whether at the Isar meadows, at the Flaucher or at other shore areas you can enjoy the Munich Gemütlichkeit in the open nature.
The Isar: Munich's versatile river
Hellabrunn Zoo
Munich's municipal zoo in the south of the city is not only worth a visit for families. In the world's first geozoo, you can discover the animal world without disturbing bars and fences. On 40 hectares you can see animals from all continents in species-appropriate husbandry. Feedings and guided tours also give you an insight into the animals.
