Inspiration and great deals for your next low-carbon trips
Ah, Munich… With its warm atmosphere, cozy cafés, incredible cultural heritage, magnificent parks where you could stroll for hours, historic architecture, and local markets—there are a thousand and one reasons to visit the Bavarian capital. If you only have one day, don't panic: we've put together two routes with great care, depending on the weather. One for a beautiful sunny day and the other for a rainy day. Follow the guide!
Let's start in the bustling heart of Munich! With its Neo-Gothic City Hall, this historic square is the perfect starting point for exploring the city (a 15- to 20-minute walk from the train station). If you're there at 11 a.m., take the opportunity to admire the Glockenspiel, a carillon with automatons that comes to life every day at 11 a.m. and noon, and also at 5 p.m. from March through October. A beautiful clockwork spectacle that reenacts two scenes from Munich’s history: a ducal wedding from 1568 and the coopers’ dance, with figurines dancing right before your eyes.
The magnificent Marienplatz
Just a stone's throw away, meet in front of the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral (Frauenkirche) and its two famous twin towers topped with green domes. For a breathtaking view of the city (and if the weather is on your side, in the Alps), climb up to the glass-enclosed observation deck in the south tower, 80 meters high: about 100 steps, then an elevator! Note: Tickets for the tower are sold only on-site, at the cathedral gift shop (and not online).
The Frauenkirche and its famous twin towers
After your visit to the cathedral, head to Kaufingerstraße, the the quintessential pedestrian street For shopping enthusiasts or those who enjoy window shopping. Between the boutiques, department stores, and cafés where you can sip an espresso while watching people go by, you're sure to find something you'll love.
The charming Kaufingerstraße
If your stomach starts to growl, head to the Viktualienmarkt! This famous open-air market is the perfect place for try some Bavarian specialties or take a lunch break well-deserved (this also applies if you're having dessert or a snack: pastries, candies, and other sweet treats are also worth checking out). This little gastronomic paradise exists for more than 200 years and is known for its colorful stalls filled with local products. In short, it’s a must-stop to recharge your batteries (and delight your taste buds)!
An open-air market unlike any other
After the historic center, we invite you to explore the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world (375 hectares). You can take a stroll through the vast green spaces, or simply enjoy the sunshine by the water with a book in hand.
The lush greenery of the Englischer Garten
To top off your day, take a 15-minute walk to the Maximilianeum, the seat of the Bavarian Parliament. The view of Munich and the Isar River is simply superb, especially at the golden hour. Beyond the panorama, we recommend you go there to the atmosphere : Many young people in Munich meet up there with friends at the end of the day. The perfect place to wrap up your day at the golden hour before you go for a walk along the river.
The Majestic Maximilianeum
If you're still up for it, spend the evening in the Glockenbachviertel. Known for its a particularly lively nightlife which is sometimes reminiscent of Berlin's trendy neighborhoods, the neighborhood is full of bars, clubs, and cafes. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated cocktail, a craft beer, or a night out dancing, you're sure to find something you'll love!
This neighborhood is also known for its diversity and its open-minded atmosphere (it’s the historic heart of Munich’s LGBTQ+ community). It’s also where you’ll find plenty of thrift stores, antique shops, concept stores, and other unique and stylish boutiques.
Even on rainy days, the famous Marienplatz remains a a must-see. Take shelter under the arcades of City Hall and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square. Once again, be sure to attend the Glockenspiel so you can enjoy the show, even under your umbrella!
You’re unlikely to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view from one of the towers if the sky is gray, even though the tower’s observation deck is glass-enclosed and remains open to visitors. On the other hand, the imposing interior of the Frauenkirche (Notre-Dame Cathedral) will offer you a superb temporary shelter from the rain! This a cathedral rich in history and sacred art should offer you a well-deserved break with its impressive stained-glass windows, majestic organ, and peaceful atmosphere.
The interior of the imposing Frauenkirche
What could be better than a great museum to take your mind off the rain? The Deutsches Museum is the the world's largest science and technology museum (That's right!) Dive into fascinating interactive exhibits, ranging from space exploration to robotics, nuclear physics, chemistry, musical instruments, and health. You're guaranteed to lose track of time.
⚠️ September 2026 update: The museum is undergoing renovations. Only half of the building is open; some of the permanent exhibitions are not on view, and the work is scheduled to be completed in 2028.
A Closer Look at the World's Largest Science and Technology Museum
For art lovers, Maxvorstadt is THE must-see destination. Between Königsplatz and Theresienstraße, the Kunstareal brings together 18 museums and exhibition venues, more than twenty galleries, all within an area of about 500 meters by 500: the perfect spot for going from one exhibit to the next without getting soaked! Admire European paintings up through the 18th century at the Alte Pinakothek, then heads to the Pinakothek der Moderne, which houses four museums under one roof. When it comes to contemporary art, the Museum Brandhorst features works by Warhol and Twombly, among others, while the Lenbachhaus has the world's largest collection dedicated to the Blauer Reiter (Blue Rider) movement.
Great Deal : On Sundays, admission to state museums costs only €1. The Lenbachhaus is not included in this offer, but admission is free on the first Thursday of every month, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Please note: The Neue Pinakothek is closed for renovations until 2030, but its masterpieces—from Van Gogh to Spitzweg—are on display in the east wing of the Alte Pinakothek.
The Beautiful Colors of Maxvorstadt
Finally, we suggest you end the day in Schwabing, the bohemian neighborhood in Munich. Even if it keeps raining, you’ll find cozy cafés to take shelter in, art galleries to marvel at, and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world for a comforting dinner. A gentle, relaxing end to the day—the perfect way to wrap up your Munich adventure on a high note!
Munich's Bohemian Neighborhood
Well, that's it—all that's left is to wish you a wonderful day in Munich! If you're not sure how to get there yet, feel free to check out All our train routes to Munich. And if you're thinking of staying longer, you can check out our Recommendations for sustainable accommodations in Munich.
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
