Munich:  24 Hours in Munich
Article by Rita Cook
Photos by Rick Eggers

If you only have a day to explore the magic of Munich there are a few things that you can’t miss no matter how you have to fit it in. First of all, fly into Munich’s Flughafen airport and take the train right into the heart of the city. I arrived quite early one morning in late winter, hopped on a train and ended up in the city centre before I could say "Munich here I come."

If you’re a heavy packer and can’t be convinced otherwise, make a stop at a hotel near the station (you’ll thank yourself tomorrow when you have to lug everything back). A good choice is Platzl Hotel where breakfast was scrumptious and the steam and sauna will sooth your weary bones after a full day of gallivanting in the city.

Of course the first real stop is the "original" Hoffbrau house or as some refer to it the world famous beer hall of all time where beer was invented. Down a few of the local ales like the natives who have been doing it here since 1589. Steal a mug from someone’s mug slot in the back and keep moving since time is running out.

Munich is a synchronization of everything European and not just German (or bite my tongue I mean Bavarian). In fact, you might think if only for a second that you are in Italy. Of course the local flavor is different, but the structural design is uncanny in comparison to the Italian architecture.

Do stop to check out the 500-year-old Church of our Lady, one of the largest churches in southern Germany. Even though I’m not particularly religious this Gothic brick composition of building offers a real "wow" moment before moving on, or inside if you are like me and want to quickly check out the "devil’s footprint" in the church floor.

Marienplatz is the square in the heart of the city with the famous Glockenspeil that has 43 bells and moving figures that play daily at 11 am, noon and 5 pm. If you’re lucky you can check this out at the earliest time and keep moving on to the Residenz, which is the seat of Bavaria’s former ruling family, the Wittelsbacher, out of power since 1918. Outside the Residenz is not so much to look at, but take the time to step inside and experience the splendid royal apartments, treasury, and courtyards.  I found the experience worthwhile since it is a real piece of Munich overall.

Getting hungry is normal in Munich so I stopped for a light lunch at the farmer’s market to quell my hunger and enjoy the view. Again, I was part of history in the making since the market has been a Munich staple since 1807. From fruit, to vegetables to flowers, meat and cheese do take the time to stop here and enjoy a drink in the beer garden before continuing on your non-stop sightseeing tour.

In the afternoon stop it was a quick look at the Konigplatz, which was commissioned by Ludwig I. His goal, an "Athens on the Isar" and his result, remarkable. The square is home to neoclassical structures; the Proplyaeum gateway, the Glyptothek, a museum with Greek and Roman statues and a great collection of Greek and Etruscan pottery and jewelry.

Olympic Park is a must-see for those nostalgic for the 1972 games. I stopped to reminisce and enjoy the landscaped park and paths that offer a peaceful, but short siesta before continuing the afternoon’s adventure. After a walk-up to the Olympic Tower’s lookout platform I was refreshed enough to take in the Nymphenburg Palace, Baroque in style and once the summer residence of the Bavarian Electors and a gift from the Bavarian prince to his wife. Makes us all wish we were German.

Nowadays the palace houses Ludwig I’s "Gallery of Beauties." There are also two other museums to experience as well. I thought the Museum of Mankind was a great short stop in the palace and you might as well experience the Nature and Marstall Museum so you can see first hand, like I did, the vast array of coaches and carriages from another time.

Enough of discovering the city, what’s a girl to do other than hit another Beer Garden, after all it wouldn’t be Bavaria without that experience. Time to muse on my evening’s adventure anyway as I take in the local atmosphere.

For the evening perhaps theater might be a relaxing way to unwind and get a feel of what the locals really enjoy. Afterward you can be sure and have a late dinner or duck into a club like I did (for another beer) or drink of choice.

For theater there are over 50 venues across the city so don’t be shy, whatever you are looking for there is certainly something to offer. Opera at the National Theater, Kammerspiele for classical fare and the list goes on.

After the theater stop at the double Michelin Star gourmet restaurant Tantris and experience a culinary extravaganza. Don’t go to bed too late, but do have another beer and find a late-night party. I tried Negoni for a first-hand look at Munich’s not-so conservative nightlife and then on to the Atomic Café before hitting the Kultfabrick area where choices range from 30 clubs with an array of drinking, dancing and partying with the locals.

Too soon it was over and the night was almost dawn, just enough time for a quick catnap before I have to rush back to the train station for my next 24-hour meltdown.

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