24 HOURS IN MUNICH
Munich is Bavaria’s capital and is the third largest city in Germany, behind Berlin and Hamburg. As we arrived in autumn, we missed Munich’s famous Oktoberfest celebrations, but if this is something that interests you, I recommend visiting in September when it is in full swing! If you would prefer fewer crowds (even though the city is still packed with cars, pedestrians, and most notably a lot of bikes), I would recommend visiting in October. For someone who is experiencing Munich for the first time, here is how I would advise organizing 24 hours:
Check into Hotel Platzl, just a stone’s throw away from many sights and sounds that Munich has to offer. Speaking of, after you drop off your bags, walk just five minutes from the hotel to Munich Residenz. This former royal palace is a very popular destination, so it’s nice to visit early in the day when you can fully admire each room without too many people blocking your view!
the Antiquarium at Munich Residenz
Then walk 10 minutes to Englischer Garten, Munich’s largest public park! If the weather has you wanting to stay inside, head over to Alte Pinakothek, a lovely museum featuring work from the 14th through 18th centuries. Once you’ve had enough nature/culture and your inner beer clock is ringing, have lunch (and a beverage!) at Augustiner Klosterwirt. Augustiner has many locations to choose from, but this one in particular is very central and close to the afternoon highlights to come.
Spend the rest of the early afternoon walking around Munich’s Old Town and hitting the sights! These include Marienplatz (the central square), St. Peter’s Church Tower (to give you great views of the city from above), and the Neues Rathaus Tower (the New Town Hall which gets you that same great view without taking the stairs)!
views from St. Peter’s Church Tower
Next, take a cab to Nymphenburg Palace, another gorgeous former royal residence. Stay until closing time and then partake in some schnitzel at Ratskeller for dinner. Four minutes away on foot is your hotel, and that is how I would pack in as many things as possible for a first-timer in Munich! For more details about the sights mentioned in this article, please read my Munich Must Sees here.
