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When I first traveled through Europe in 2000, I passed through Munich, Germany three times…yet, I never left the train station. That European trip was a spontaneous one and a few missteps had us slightly zigzagging through countries. Munich wasn’t on our original itinerary, so we had done little research on the city.
When we arrived at the Munich train station, we had no map, no guidebook and no idea how close we were to the city center. My one and only memory of our layover in Munich is that a train station vendor refused to sell us sausages. Instead, our layover in Munich was spent – without sausage or beer – simply waiting for the next train.
Best Things To Do in Munich on a Layover
Fast-forward many years later (and numerous times since) and I was faced with another layover in Munich. Kris and I were traveling from the United States to Bohinj, Slovenia and our most practical option was a red-eye flight from Philadelphia to Munich, then a train to Lake Bled and a bus to Bohinj. This time, however, I was prepared to make the most of our layover in Munich – complete with top sights, sausage on a roll and a stein of German beer!
At first, we had considered just spending a few hours in the Munich Old City between our arriving flight and departing train, but the more we researched Munich, the more we wanted to see of Munich. In the end, we booked a hotel room, extending our layover in Munich to 26 hours, giving us ample time to see the sights.
However, it is possible to see the Munich highlights with less time, so we’ve outlined two self-guided walking tours in Munich – a 4-6 hour walk and a 2-3 hour walk – for travelers who are passing through Munich and want to see more than the inside of the airport or train station.
Our Guide To Top Munich Sights
The city center of Munich is compact, making it easy to see many sights in a short amount of time. Munich was founded in 1158 and in 1175 the small city, with Marienplatz at the center, was fortified with protective walls.
By 1330, Munich had outgrew the fortifications. The walls were expanded and eight city gates were built, three of which still stand today. Munich was further strengthened in the early 1600s, but by the 18th century, the walls were seen as useless and destroyed.
The main sights of Munich remain in a centralized area that was once confined by those city walls. Historic churches, squares and lanes, beautiful buildings and Munich beer gardens are all within the Old City center. Throughout history, both fire and war destroyed many of Munich’s buildings so that today there is a mix of style and more than a few replicas.
Our Tour For A Layover in Munich
Make the most of your Munich layover with this 4-6 Hour Self-Guided Walking Tour. The Munich walk takes in the highlights of the city!
#1 Karlsplatz, Munich
Karlsplatz, a square that emerged when the city walls were torn down and named for the man who ordered the destruction, is on the western edge of the Munich city center. On the east end of the square is Karlstor Gate, which was used as an entrance into the fortified Munich town until the 18th century.
Walk through the arched Karlstor Gate onto the pedestrian promenade, Neuhauserstrasse, to…
#2 Burgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)
The pink façade of Burgersaalkirche is hard to miss and resembles a government building more than a church. That’s because it was built in 1709 as a ‘citizen’s hall’ and not consecrated as a church until 1778.
On the ground floor is the crypt of Pater Rupert Mayer, a Jesuit priest who was known for his resistance against the Nazis. On the second floor is the glittering church, beautifully decorated with frescoes.
Continue walking east to…
#3 Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)
The 400-year-old Michaelskirche, originally built as part of the Jesuit College, is known for two things: first, for being the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps and, second, for having the second largest barrel-vaulted roof after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Inside the expansive church is a crypt containing royal tombs, including that of “Mad” Kind Ludwig II.
Retrace your steps on Neuhauserstrasse a short distance to Eisenmannstrasse and walk south to…
#4 Damenstiftskirch (St. Anna’s Church)
Damenstiftskirche was built in 1733. The interior was designed by the Asam brothers two years later. While the church façade is quite plan, the interior is in the late Baroque style, which was the style in which the Asam brothers excelled.
What exists today is a replica, as only the outer walls of the church remained after World War II. The church is often referred to as St. Anna’s for the convent next door, which is now a girls’ school.
Continue walking south to…
#5 Allerheiligenkirche am Kreuz (Church of All Saints)
Allerheiligenkirche was built in 1478 of simple red brick, including the bell tower. The interior was embellished in the Baroque style in 1620. It was the first Munich church with a cemetery for the St. Peter parish.
Across the street from the church is the entrance to…
#6 Asamhof Passage Munich
Strolling down Asamhof Passage makes the busy city seem miles away. Outdoor cafes draped in flowers line the shaded alley, making it a perfect spot for a coffee or tea.
Continue through the passage to Sendlinger Street. Turn right (southwest) and walk to…
#7 Asamkirche (Asam Church)
Asamkirche, known officially as St. Johann Nepomuk Church, is one of Munich’s most interesting churches. The small space measures just 72 feet long and 26 feet wide. It was built between 1733 and 1746 by the Asam brothers as a private chapel.
As such, they had full control over the design, covering nearly every inch of the small church in the Baroque style.
From the church, continue walking (or just look) further down the road to…
#8 Sendlinger Tor (Sendlinger Gate)
Built as part of Munich’s second city wall, Sendlinger Tor was erected in 1318. The towers on either side were added in 1420, creating 3 separate arches. They were replaced in 1906 with a single arch, which suffered only slight damage in World War II. Even part of the original Munich city wall remains on Sendlinger Tor.
Retrace your steps on Sendlinger Street heading northeast to Dultstrasse. Turn right (south) and continue across the street into Sankt-Jakobs-Platz. Pass by the museums (or stop in if you have time) curving to the left. At Sebastianspl, turn right onto the narrow alley and walk to Pralat-Zistl-Strasse. Turn left and follow it to…
#9 Viktualienmarkt (Victual’s Market)
The sight was first used as an outdoor market in 1807 when Marienplatz could no longer accommodate the size of the market. Today, there are 140 stalls selling unique and traditional products at Viktualienmarkt.
A blue and white striped Maypole stands in the center near the expansive beer garden. The shaded outdoor space is a fine place to stop for a sausage on a roll and a Bavarian beer.
Walk northeast through the center of the market on Viktualienmarkt Street to…
#10 Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost Church Munich)
Heiliggeistkirche was built in the late 1300s for the order of the Hospice of the Holy Ghost, but was remodeled in the 1700s. The choir buttresses and north wall of the nave are the only remaining portions of the original church. Inside are several works of art.
From the front of the church (the opposite end from the bell tower) facing the street, turn left on Viktualienmarkt. Walk along the brick-arched shops (which will be on your right) to Peterspl. Turn right and walk to…
#11 Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church Munich)
In the 11th century, long before Munich was a city, a church stood where Peterskirche is today, on the only ‘hill’ in the area. Peterskirche is the oldest parish church in Munich, although destruction, re-building and expansions of the actual church have occurred. In the 17th century, the 300-foot-tall spire was added.
The Peterskirche bell tower – which has 306 steps – can be climbed for 5 Euro and provides spectacular views over the Munich. Inside the church are several altars (including one of a blinged-out skeleton of St. Munditia; find it in the second altar on the left) and many paintings.
Find Rindermarkt Street near the door of the church (and entrance to the tower). Turn left and walk to…
#12 Rindermarkt (Cattle Market Munich)
Not much of a market today, Rindermarkt was once where cows were sold. The only remnants of such is the cow fountain and perhaps a few stalls selling local products. The tower to the south, Lowenturm, is a Munich water tower that dates to the 15th century. Ruffinihaus, a group of homes at Rindermarkt #10, date to the early 1900s and are exquisitely decorated.
Leave the square on the north side on Furstenfelderstrasse. Walk a short distance to the glass doors on your right that lead to Kaufingertor Passage and walk through to Kaufingerstrasse. Cross the pedestrian street and continue on the alley, Mazaristrasse, to…
#13 Frauenkirche (Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady, Munich)
Frauenkirche, also called Munchner Dom (Munich Cathedral), has a capacity of 20,000 and is an easy-to-spot landmark in the city. The Cathedral, made of brick in the Gothic style, was built within 20 years, starting in 1468. The onion-domed towers rise 325 feet into the skyline; the originally planned Gothic spires were too expensive to complete, so the more affordable domes were used instead and not finished until 1525. The church suffered damage during World War II, but the towers never fell.
Walk to the east end of the church to Filserbraugasse Street and find…
#14 Andechser am Dom
Andechser am Dom, a small restaurant with a beer garden, serves beer from the Andechs Monastery Brewery. Beer was first made at the monastery in 1455 by seven Benedictine monks. While the brewery, still run by monks, is a distance from Munich’s city center, the restaurant offers the opportunity to taste the monks’ brew.
Continue down Filserbraugasse to Weinstrasse. Turn right (south) to…
#15 Marienplatz (Mary’s Square Munich)
The city center of Munich since 1158, Marienplatz has been used for tournaments, as an outdoor marketplace and today as a gathering place. It’s also the site of the Munich Christmas Market during the month of December. In the center is Mariensaule, Mary’s Column, which was placed in Marienplatz as a celebration of the end of Swedish occupation in 1638. The gold statue of Mary at the top dates to 1590.
On the north side of Marienplatz is the…
#16 Neues Rathaus and Glockenspiel (New Town Hall and Carillon)
The 400-room Nues Rathaus is home to Munich’s city government. The building was constructed between 1867 and 1908. The exterior is intricately decorated in the Gothic Revival style and extends 328 feet along Marienplatz.
The Munich Glockenspiel, a storytelling music box on the tower, plays three times a day: 15-minute shows at 11am and 12noon – also at 5pm in the summer. The 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures spin around to tell the story of a Duke’s marriage in 1546, complete with a jousting tournament, and the story of Schafflertanz – the Coopers’ Dance – which is said to have begun in 1517 during the plague. The dancing was to give hope to the citizens of Munich.
On the east end of Marienplatz is the…
#17 Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
On the east end of Marienplatz is Altes Rathaus, where the local government met until 1874 when the New Town Hall was opened. The building dates back to the 1300s, but was redesigned in the 1400s in the Gothic style. The two tunnels that run through it were created in 1877 and 1934. The tower marks the former Talburg Gate, one of the original entrances to Munich through the city walls.
At the base of Altes Rathaus (before going through the tunnel), turn left (north) on Burgstrasse. Walk to…
#18 Alter Hof Palace (Old Court)
The Alter Hof Palace in the center of Munich was once the residence of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV and dates back to the 12th century. The five-winged palace had to be completely reconstructed after World War II. Now it’s a popular gathering spot on warm summer days in Munich.
Walk through the palace courtyard to Pfisterstrasse. Turn right (east) and walk to Sparkassenstrasse. Go right (south) and walk to Munzstrasse. Turn left (east) to…
#19 Hofbräuhaus Munich
The origins of the Hofbrauhaus date to 1589 when plans for the brewery were first established by Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria, as a place to make brown ale for the royal household. Today, the beer hall – which was built in 1897 – is a place of gathering for locals and tourists from around the world.
Live bands play traditional German folk songs. Wooden picnic tables are shared with new-best-friends, enormous pretzels are sold by staff in traditional Bavarian dress and waiters effortlessly carry multiple liters of Hofbräuhaus beer to thirsty patrons. Prost!
Short On Time in Munich for a Layover?
Have even less time in Munich? Follow our footsteps in this 2-3 hour Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour.
Even with extremely limited time, it is possible to see many of the best sights in Munich. This quick Munich walking tour could be done in less than an hour without stopping at all, but at least two hours are needed to see the inside of churches, climb the Munich bell tower and have a beer at the Hofbräuhaus.
Karlsplatz (Karl’s Square)
Walk through the arched Karlstor Gate onto the pedestrian promenade, Neuhauserstrasse, to…
Burgersaalkirche (Citizen’s Hall Church)
Continue walking east to…
Michaelskirche (St. Michael’s Church)
Continue walking east to Augustinestrasse. Turn left (north) and walk to…
Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)
Walk to the east end of the church to Filserbraugasse. Walk east to Weinstrasse. Turn right (south) and walk to…
Marienplatz (Mary’s Square)
On the north side of Marienplatz is the…
Neues Rathaus and Glockenspiel (New Town Hall and Carillon)
Exit Marienplatz to the south (opposite New Town Hall) on Rindermarkt and walk to…
Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)
Leave the church to the south on Peterspl. Turn left (east) on Viktualienmarkt. Curve around to the north to the large intersection and on the left is…
Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
Continue walking north (the name of the street changes to Sparkassenstrasse) to Munzstrasse. Turn right (east) and walk to…
Hofbräuhaus
Prost(still)!
Tips To Make The Most Of Your Layover in Munich
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- The times indicated for the Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours is the time needed to see the sights starting at Karlsplatz and ending at Hofbrauhaus. Factor in extra time to get to and from the train station or airport.
- If making the trip into Munich from the airport, trains depart about every 15 minutes and take about 50 minutes to get to Munich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof).
- Luggage lockers are available at the Munich Hauptbahnhof to store your bags for the day.
- From the Munich Hauptbahnhof, it’s a short walk – or one stop on either the U-bahn or S-bahn – to Karlsplatz, where both of our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours begin.
- If staying for a night, there are many Munich hotel options in the city center. We stayed at Buddy Hotel. It was a 5-minute walk to Karlsplatz, clean, has free wifi, early check-in and free pretzels and rolls in the lobby. The rooms were extremely small, yet efficient.
- Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia, New Balance and Reef. Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell and Sanuk.
- We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Europe. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera).
- If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Munich, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Munich Walking Tour Map
CLICK HERE for a printable, text route and map of our Munich Self-Guided Walking Tours.
Visiting other cities in Germany? Read more of our detailed guides to Berlin, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Freiburg and Dresden!
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