If you’re wondering how to spend 1 day in Munich, I’ve got the perfect walking tour based on my own experience exploring the city’s beautiful historic center. So, even if you only have 24 hours in Munich, you will be able to see iconic landmarks, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere—all on foot.
Here’s exactly how I spent my day and how you can do the same. We had a longer vacation in Munich, but in this article I am including the perfect Munich walking tour: historic center.
24 Hours in Munich: The Perfect 1-Day Walking Tour Itinerary
Stop 1: The Rathaus-Glockenspiel – Don’t Miss the 11 AM Show
I (well, my family and I, actually) kicked off our day in Marienplatz, the beating heart of Munich. It’s always buzzing with energy, and one of the highlights here is the famous Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). I think that this was the first Munich landmark that I included on my Munich bucket list when I knew we will visit the city.
I made sure we got there a few minutes before 11 AM to catch the show—and it did not disappoint!
The life-sized figures danced and told a story from Munich’s history, all set to charming chimes. It was a whimsical and surprisingly moving way to start the day.
Tip for you: Be sure to arrive early to grab a good viewing spot—this little show draws quite a crowd. I have presented the experience and more tips in a comprehensive article about the famous Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall.
Stop 2: Admiring the New Rathaus & City View from the Tower
After the show, we took a moment to really look at the New Rathaus. Its neo-Gothic architecture is so intricate—gargoyles, statues, pointed arches—it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stop and stare.
We didn’t tour the interior (and we couldn’t get a tour of the library here), but we did take the elevator up to the top of the Town Hall Tower.
The panoramic view was absolutely stunning! You can see the red rooftops of the city, church towers popping up everywhere, and on a clear day, the Alps in the distance. It’s one of the best spots for photos in Munich.
Pro tip: Make sure you read the ticket and see what is the time slot allocated for you to go up! And read this article with my guide to The New Town Hall (New Rathaus) in Munich. I included here tips on how to maximise your visit at the New Town Hall in Munich, how to be able to actually tour the splendid library and other tips (+ many gorgeous photos of the city.)
Bonus Stop: The Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain) – a Fountain in Marienplatz
Before heading to lunch, I made a quick stop at the Fischbrunnen, a charming fountain right in the center of Marienplatz. It’s small but full of character, with bronze fish circling the base and crystal-clear water flowing gently.
There are three bronze statues of young butcher apprentices, each pouring water into the basin from their buckets. Crowning the column is a decorative bronze fish sculpture reminding of a time when Marienplatz was a fish market.
I stopped to admire it while my son and husband went inside a store. I liked the statues and how it looks – and later I found out that this fountain has an interesting history too—it’s been a gathering place for locals for centuries, and there’s even a tradition where apprentices wash their wallets here on Ash Wednesday for good luck. I loved its playful yet historic vibe.
Tip for you: It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing, but take a moment to pause here. It’s a great photo spot and there are many wonderful flowers nearby (I love flowers so I couldn’t miss them.)
Stop 3: Lunch at Augustiner am Platzl
By then, we had worked up quite the appetite and we needed to sit for a while, so we headed to Augustiner am Platzl for lunch.
It’s a cozy, traditional Bavarian restaurant, and we loved the warm atmosphere. We all ordered schnitzel with fries—crispy, golden perfection—and for dessert, I couldn’t resist a classic apple strudel.
If you’re following this 1-day Munich walking tour, I highly recommend this spot. It’s not only delicious, but it also gives you a taste of local flavors without needing to leave the city center.
Pro Tip: The restaurant is famous, excellent and exacly near Hofbrauhaus – famous, but always crowded!
Bonus Stop: Souvenir Shopping near Augustiner am Platzl (you will regret if you won’t visit!)
Right after lunch, I couldn’t resist a bit of souvenir shopping. Just across from Augustiner, there’s a charming shop filled with all the Bavarian-themed trinkets you can imagine—from beer steins and cuckoo clocks to magnets, keychains, and traditional crafts. My son and I picked up a few cute keepsakes to take home. My husband did not buy something – this time!
There’s also another souvenir store just a short walk down the same street. This one had a great selection of T-shirts, mugs, and even some handmade items. They even had snow globs!
It was fun to browse both spots before continuing the day.
Tip for you: If you want to grab unique gifts or mementos, this is the perfect time. The shops are conveniently located and have a wide range of options at decent prices. I admit that I did not buy some of the things I wanted from here because I thought I would find them at the souvenir shops near the places we would visit on our next days. BUT I DID NOT find these items again.
So my hearfelt recommendation is to buy from here all the things that you like! I say some pens, some keychains, and some snowglobes (yes, it was middle of the summer and they had them available.) The snowglobes were simply splendid – and I did not find them anywhere else the next days.
Stop 4: Munich Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)
After lunch, we wandered back toward Marienplatz to check out the Toy Museum, located inside the Old Town Hall Tower.
I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did! The collection includes toys from the 1800s through the 20th century—everything from antique dolls to teddy bears and model trains.
It felt like stepping into another world, and I found myself smiling the whole way through. If you’re into quirky museums or traveling with (or without) kids, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Pro Tip: While I am claustrophobic, my son entered the building first, numbered the steps of the spiral staircase and told me that after that it is not so stressful. So I entered and it was an nice experience for both of us. If you want to learn more and se emore pictures, read my guide to visiting the Toy Museum in Munich.
Stop 5: Viktualienmarkt and the Famous Maypole
Next up was Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s beloved outdoor food market. It’s full of colors, smells, and friendly locals.
We strolled through the various stalls selling everything from sausages and cheeses to flowers and handmade goods. I admit we did not buy anything because we could not have used them in time – but there were some cheese and fruits that I would have wanted to buy.
I especially loved seeing the traditional maypole (Maibaum) standing tall in the center—it’s bright, cheerful, and so Bavarian. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a fantastic place to wander and soak in the local vibe.
Tip: There are many terraces – so you can plan your lunch/dinner here too 🙂
Stop 6: St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)
Just around the corner is St. Peter’s Church, the oldest parish church in the city. It was obviourly on our list of things to see in Munich.
We stepped inside to admire the baroque interior, which was absolutely beautiful. The golden altars and ornate ceiling details are impressive. Ok, I have to admit here that I like Baroque churches 🙂
There is a tower here that offers great views of the city – however we did not use it.
Pro tip: read my comprehensive guide to St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) because there are may ineresting things to know before visiting so that you make the most of your stop here.
Stop 7: Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)
After St. Peter’s Church we headed to another munich landmark: Frauenkirche, Munich’s most iconic church. The twin onion-domed towers are a symbol of the city and impossible to miss.
Inside, the cathedral is peaceful and grand. It also famous for “devil’s footprint” near the entrance—look for the mysterious shoe-shaped mark on the floor. It’s a fun little detail that adds to the church’s legend.
This is one of those must-see stops when exploring Munich in a day and I have shared here my tips for making the most of your Frauenkirche, Munich visit.
Stop 8: Fountain in Front of Frauenkirche – The Wasserpilzbrunnen (Water Mushroom Fountain) or Wasserglockenbrunnen (Water Bell Fountain)
I am always open to going beyond what was included in my itinerary if something interesting is on my/our way.
So to our surprise, in fron of Frauenkirche, there is a cool fountain that I did not see mentioned too much online.
It is a rather small fountain just in front of Frauenkirche, a quiet little spot where you can relax, people-watch, square-watch, and take in the view of the church. The water has some mushroom-like metal shapes – it is quite interesting.
We spent a few minutes looking at the water, sitted on the margin of the fountain.
It was the perfect way to end my walking tour—calm, beautiful, and surrounded by history.
Final Thoughts: How to Spend 1 Day in Munich
This itinerary is exactly how we spent 24 hours in Munich, and I wouldn’t change a thing (our first day in Munich). It gave us a mix of history, food, culture, and stunning views, all within walking distance in the city center.
If you’re looking for a 1-day Munich walking tour or wondering what to see in a short time, follow this path—you’ll get a true feel for the heart of the city. Whether you’re visiting on a layover, as part of a longer trip, or just want to explore the highlights, this guide helps you make the most of one unforgettable day in Munich.
