What to Do in Munich in 6 Hours: A Guide for Short Layovers
Bell | 11 April 24
Munich airport is the Germany’s second biggest airport, just after Frankfurt, and a hub for layovers into all corners of the world. With the city centre only 40 minutes from the airport, why not enjoy Germany’s historic culture hub on a layover!
Munich is most known for its Oktoberfest and beer, yet there is so much more to Germany’s third-largest city. Here, you will find plenty of history, culture, green spaces and incredible food. Best of all, the main sights can be seen in just a few hours, thanks to the walkable nature of the city.
From delicious local markets to countless churches to the famous Glockenspiel, Munich has it all.
Here is everything you can see on just a 6-hour layover in Munich:
Getting from Munich airport to the city center
There are three main ways to get from the airport to the city centre:
- S-Bahn (train) – takes around 40 minutes and costs 15.50€ for a day ticket across all types of transport – you need to buy a Zone M-5 day pass
- Lufthansa Express Bus – takes about 45 minutes and costs 12€ one way or 19.30€ return
- Taxi – takes about 40 minutes and is pretty pricy at around 100€ for one way
Buy train tickets
Click below to prebuy online tickets or just buy them at the station. There are automated ticket buying machines that make it super easy.
Munich Layover Itinerary
Start at Munich’s impressive Frauenkirche
When you get off at Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station), head towards Karlsplatz – from there, you will already see the towers of the “Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady” in the distance, locally referred to as Women’s Church.
Follow the main road towards the beautiful Cathedral and marvel at the two towers that shape Munich’s skyline. It has an incredibly interesting history and lots of legends attached to it, so a must-visit during your time in Munich.
Don’t miss
Right when you step in the church, you will come across a golden footprint. Legend has it that it is from the devil himself.
Head to Marienplatz and the New Town Hall
Right by the Cathedral is a big open space called Marienplatz. Here, you will find the New Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel. Every day at 11am and 12pm, as well as 5pm from March to October, crowds gather as the bell tower plays a melody and figurines can be seen depicting two events:
- A knight tournament for a wedding
- The Schäfflertanz – a dance by coopers who were the first to dance in the streets after the pest
Check out the Toy Museum (the Old Town Hall)
If you keep walking along Marienplatz, you will get to Munich’s old Town Hall, which is now a toy museum.
The building is gorgeous, dating back as far as the 14th century. The museum is also a fun visit, though only if you really have some spare time.
Explore Munich’s most well-known church, St. Peter
Also lovingly referred to as “Old Peter” by Munich locals, St. Peter is Munich’s oldest Catholic church. From the tower, you have incredible views over Munich, on good days even as far as the Alps in the distance.
Entry to the tower costs 5€ for adults and you will need to climb 306 steps to get to the top.
The tower is special as it holds an impressive 8 bells, the exact reason why so many remains unknown.
Taste local delicacies at Viktualienmarkt
Right by St. Peter’s Church is Munich’s historic market Viktualienmarkt where you will find fruit, meat, local delicacies and lots of souvenirs. It’s the perfect stop to re-energise and grab some delicious finger food.
Don’t miss
Make sure to check out the Maypole located right in the middle of the market.
Marvel at the golden Asamkirche
The final must-visit spot in Munich is arguably the most impressive church in the city – the Asamkirche. It is meticulously decorated, every inch covered in gold, decorations and figurines.
Built between 1733 and 1746, the church measures only 22 x 8 metres. It was originally meant to be a private church, hence the overwhelming design, however, was made public after push-back by the public.
The church is designed so that the bottom part, representing earth and suffering, is dark and gloomy, while the top becomes lighter and heavenly, something you will strongly feel when standing at its centre.
If you have extra time:
Hofbräuhaus München
Visit the famous beer hall and brewery, dating back as far as 1589. Thousands of people stop by every day to sample local food, delicacies and of course, beer.
Odeonsplatz
Another one of Munich’s most impressive squares, Odeonsplatz is well worth a stop if you have time. Here you will find the Munich Residenz – it used to house governments and royalty but is now one of Bavaria’s largest museum complexes.
Wondering around the area, you will find beautiful parks, stunning architecture and often fun events.
English Garden with river surfing
A local favourite hangout spot, the English Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world (beating even New York’s Central Park). Here you will find beer gardens, attractions like the Chinese Tower and the famous 2 river waves frequented by surfers. Watching them brave the icy water and current is worth a visit alone.
Can I leave Munich airport during a layover?
Yes, it is more than possible to leave Munich airport during a layover. You would ideally need a 6-8 hour layover to make the most of your time in Munich. Make sure you double-check the entry requirements for Germany for your country of origin.
Remember to give yourself about 90 minutes from arrival back at the airport to boarding, longer if it is an international flight. Germany’s trains are unfortunately not the most reliable, so make sure you plan your journey back with plenty of time to spare.
Munich is super walkable and you can see some of the most central sights in 2-4 hours.
Hi, I'm Bell
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