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.
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,…