So, you’ve found yourself in Munich, and you only have one day to soak up the Bavarian capital’s culture, history, and, let’s be honest, beer. Whether you’re here for business, a layover, or just a quick escape, don’t fret—you can still enjoy this city’s rich blend of tradition and modernity in just 24 hours. But let’s make sure you don’t waste time chasing pretzels or looking for Wi-Fi (spoiler: it’s everywhere).

Here’s your no-nonsense, witty guide to Munich in a day:

8:00 AM: Start Strong with Marienplatz

It’s early, and hopefully, you’ve got a coffee in hand. Head straight to Marienplatz, the heart of Munich’s Old Town, and grab a spot for the Glockenspiel show at 11:00 AM (don’t worry, you’ll be back for that). Admire the Neues Rathaus, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that looks like something out of a fairy tale—or a Disney movie, depending on your cultural references. Snap that selfie with the towering facade before the tourist crowd arrives.

9:00 AM: A Stroll through Viktualienmarkt

Just a 5-minute walk away is Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s oldest food market. Skip breakfast at the hotel and eat like a local instead! Whether it’s a pretzel as big as your head, some Weisswurst (traditional Bavarian sausage), or a pastry you can’t pronounce, this place is a feast for the senses. Wash it all down with an espresso or freshly squeezed juice and feel your inner foodie purring.

10:00 AM: Get Cultured at The Residenz

Head over to The Residenz, the former royal palace of Bavarian monarchs, for a dose of history and glamour. Wander through rooms filled with opulent décor, priceless art, and more gold leaf than should be allowed in one building. You’ll leave feeling a mix of awe and jealousy at how the royals lived.

11:30 AM: Catch the Glockenspiel Show

Back to Marienplatz! It’s time for the Glockenspiel, Munich’s most charmingly bizarre tradition. This 15-minute show of figurines reenacting stories from Bavarian history might seem a bit, well, niche, but trust me, it’s oddly fascinating. Plus, it’ll give you an excuse to slow down and take in the scenery. (Bonus points if you find the crowd more entertaining than the show itself.)

12:00 PM: English Garden & A Beer Garden Break

After all that walking, it’s time for some greenery—both in terms of nature and beer. Stroll or rent a bike to explore the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. It’s the perfect place to slow down, people-watch, or if you’re lucky, catch surfers riding the artificial wave at the Eisbach. Yes, Munich has river surfing; who knew?

Next, head to one of the biergartens (beer gardens) for a well-deserved break. The Chinese Tower Beer Garden is an iconic spot for a hearty lunch of schnitzel, bratwurst, or a plate of something pickled, all washed down with a cold Bavarian brew.

2:00 PM: Art Fix at the Pinakothek Museums

Time to get a bit intellectual. Munich’s art scene is world-class, and you can’t leave without a visit to one of the Pinakothek museums. Whether it’s the Alte Pinakothek (for Old Masters like Rubens and Rembrandt) or the Neue Pinakothek (for 19th-century treasures like Van Gogh), you’ll find something to satisfy your inner art critic. The Pinakothek der Moderne is a great option if you’re more into contemporary works.

3:30 PM: Take a Royal Walk in Nymphenburg Palace

Hop on a tram or quick ride-share to Nymphenburg Palace for an afternoon of more royal extravagance. This sprawling Baroque palace was the summer residence of Bavarian kings and offers gorgeous gardens, ornate rooms, and the Hall of Mirrors (yes, Versailles has competition). The peaceful atmosphere here is a great contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle.

5:00 PM: Retail Therapy at Maximilianstrasse

Feeling fancy? Munich’s Maximilianstrasse is where you’ll find high-end designer boutiques alongside historic buildings. Even if you’re not planning to drop major Euros on a designer handbag, it’s worth strolling the street to soak in the luxury. Consider it window shopping with a side of European sophistication.

6:00 PM: Dinner at a Traditional Bavarian Restaurant

No trip to Munich is complete without a proper Bavarian feast. Head to Haxnbauer, where you can dig into roasted pork knuckles (yes, they’re as good as they sound), or go for a cozy tavern like Augustiner-Keller to enjoy traditional food and more beer in an authentic setting. Order a hearty plate of Käsespätzle (Bavarian mac and cheese) or Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), and you’ll be set for the evening.

8:00 PM: Sunset at the Olympiapark

End your day with a trip to Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. If the weather’s kind, take a stroll around the futuristic architecture, or if you have the energy, go up the Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower) for a panoramic view of Munich as the sun sets. It’s the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing, and you’ll leave with a mental postcard of the city.

9:00 PM: A Nightcap at Hofbräuhaus

If you’re still standing after all this, head to Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous beer hall, for a final round of drinks. This place is always lively, with long wooden tables, clinking steins, and oompah bands playing in the background. Grab a last-minute beer, toast to your whirlwind day, and feel like you’ve truly tasted the essence of Bavaria.