Start your tour at Marienplatz, Munich’s historic heart, where the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) stuns with its Gothic façade and the famous Glockenspiel. Watch the square’s lively bustle and admire the golden Mariensäule column. From here, stroll north along Dienerstraße, a charming street with shops and cafés, capturing Munich’s Bavarian charm.
After about 10 minutes, you’ll reach Viktualienmarkt, a vibrant open-air food market since 1807. Stop here for a quick lunch at one of its stalls, like Münchner Suppenküche, for a hearty goulash or Weißwurst with pretzel, affordable, no bookings needed, but arrive early to snag a spot at the communal tables. The market’s beer garden vibe is quintessentially Munich.
Continue north towards Frauenkirche, Munich’s iconic cathedral with its twin onion-domed towers. Pop in for a quick look at its soaring Gothic interior (free entry). Nearby, wander through Kaufingerstraße, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, leading to St. Michael’s Church, a Renaissance gem with a beautifully ornate interior worth a brief stop.
Head east towards Odeonsplatz, a grand square flanked by the Theatinerkirche, a baroque masterpiece with a golden façade. From here, you’re steps from Residenz, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbachs. If time allows, dip into the Residenz Museum for a quick peek at its opulent rooms (a highlights tour takes about 30 minutes). Alternatively, stroll through the nearby Hofgarten, a serene Renaissance garden.
Loop south towards Maximilianstraße, Munich’s upscale shopping street, where luxury boutiques like Gucci and Bavarian jewellers nod to the city’s affluent side. Stop at Schrannenhalle (Viktualienmarkt 15, if reopened, or nearby Café Rischart at Marienplatz 18) for a coffee or hot chocolate paired with a slice of Apfelstrudel. Rischart’s a local institution, no reservations needed, but it’s popular, so arrive promptly.
Continue west to Asamkirche, a tiny but breathtaking rococo church on Sendlinger Straße, packed with ornate frescoes and gold leaf, a hidden gem for a quick visit. From here, head back towards Marienplatz via Sendlinger Straße, stopping at Augustiner am Dom (Frauenplatz 8), a historic tavern since 1328, for a pint of Augustiner beer or a quick Schnitzel. It’s a no-reservations spot with a lively, old-world atmosphere, get there early to avoid crowds.
End your tour at Englischer Garten (accessible via a short tram ride to Münchner Freiheit or a 20-minute walk), Munich’s vast urban park. Stroll to the Chinesischer Turm beer garden for a final coffee or a pretzel, soaking up the relaxed vibe. Alternatively, linger near Marienplatz at Café Glockenspiel (Marienplatz 28) for a rooftop view of the square, sipping a warm drink as you watch Munich’s evening lights.This 3-4 km route captures Munich’s Bavarian heritage, hearty cuisine, and architectural splendour, perfect for a four-hour stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets and bring a jacket for Munich’s often brisk weather
