24 Hours in Munich: A Perfect Day in the Bavarian Metropolis

Munich is famous for Oktoberfest, its rich history, stunning architecture, cosy beer gardens and seamless blend of tradition and modernity. But what if you only have one day to explore this incredible city? No problem! With a solid plan, you can hit the highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s your ultimate guide to a day filled with sightseeing, delicious food and soaking up Munich’s unique vibe.

8:00 am: Breakfast at a&o

Start your day early with the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at your a&o Hostel in Munich, available from 7 am. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring.

With three central locations – a&o München Hauptbahnhof, a&o München Hackerbrücke, and a&o München Laim – you’ll be well-connected to public transport. Whether you’re in a budget-friendly shared room or a private family room, exploring Munich from here is a breeze.

a&o Breakfast Buffet

10:00 am: Coffee Break in Glockenbachviertel

Head to Glockenbachviertel, one of Munich’s most creative districts, for a caffeine fix. Try Café Frischhut near Viktualienmarkt for their famous Schmalznudeln (a local doughnut). For something more scenic, the Café Vorhoelzer Forum at the Technical University offers rooftop views to kickstart your day.

Marienplatz

11:00 am: Marienplatz & Viktualienmarkt

Make your way to Marienplatz, the heart of Munich’s old town. Admire the New Town Hall and catch the Glockenspiel at 11 am (also at noon or 5 pm in summer). Stroll over to Viktualienmarkt, a foodie paradise filled with stalls offering everything from fresh fruit to Bavarian delicacies. Grab a pretzel and wheat beer to keep the energy up.

12:00 pm: Frauenkirche & Asamkirche

No visit to Munich is complete without seeing the iconic Frauenkirche with its twin onion-domed towers. If you’re up for it, climb the southern tower for incredible city and Alpine views.

Nearby, you’ll find the ornate Asamkirche, a baroque gem with dazzling frescoes and gilded details. If time allows, explore Bürgersaalkirche or St. Michael’s Church for more architectural splendour.

Asamkirche

1:00 pm: Lunch at the Hofbräuhaus

Time for a classic Bavarian lunch at the legendary Hofbräuhaus. Sit in the historic beer hall or outside in the beer garden if the weather’s nice. Try pork knuckle with dumplings or Obazda with a pretzel, paired with a refreshing litre of beer.

3:00 pm: Stroll Through the English Garden

Walk off lunch in the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks. Start at the Chinese Tower and its lively beer garden, then head to the Eisbach wave. Watching surfers ride the waves in the heart of the city is a truly unique experience.

Eisbachwelle

4:30 pm: Art & Culture in the Kunstareal

For art lovers, the Kunstareal (art district) in Maxvorstadt is a must. Visit the Alte Pinakothek for masterpieces by Rubens and Rembrandt, or the Pinakothek der Moderne for contemporary art. Prefer something uniquely Bavarian? Check out the Lenbachhaus, home to Kandinsky and the Blaue Reiter group.

6:00 pm: Shopping on Kaufingerstraße & Fünf Höfe

Indulge in some shopping along Kaufingerstraße, Munich’s main shopping street. For designer brands and boutique finds, explore the Fünf Höfe arcade. If you prefer quirky souvenirs, head back to Glockenbachviertel or Haidhausen for indie shops and cool concept stores.

Kaufingerstraße

8:00 pm: Dinner in Schwabing

Wrap up your day with dinner in Schwabing, a district buzzing with energy. Around Münchner Freiheit, you’ll find everything from traditional Bavarian inns to trendy international eateries. Kaisergarten offers a modern twist on Bavarian cuisine, perfect for ending the day in style.

10:00 pm: Nightlife in Glockenbachviertel

Experience Munich’s nightlife in Glockenbachviertel. Enjoy cocktails at Zephyr Bar or the cosy charm of Fraunhofer Wirtshaus. If you’re up for dancing, Pacha and Harry Klein are the go-to spots for house and techno lovers.

a&o Bar

1:00 am: Late-night Snacks at Munich Central Station

Before calling it a night, swing by Munich Central Station for a late-night snack. Whether it’s a pretzel or currywurst, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

Back at your a&o Hostel in Munich, grab a final drink at the bar and relive the highlights of your whirlwind day before crashing into bed – tired but happy.

24 Hours in Munich – An Unforgettable Experience

A single day in Munich might seem short, but with the right plan, you can experience its charm, culture, and culinary delights. From Marienplatz to the English Garden and the nightlife of Glockenbachviertel, this city has it all.

The best part? Thanks to a&o Hostels’ affordable prices, you can always come back for more. Until then, cherish the memories of your perfect day in one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Munich!