One day in Munich: itinerary and highlights

Marienplatz is easily reached in the morning: the central square is dominated by the Neues Rathaus, the neo-Gothic town hall whose carillon, the Glockenspiel, animates twice daily its mechanical statues before crowds of onlookers.

Nearby stands the Frauenkirche, the cathedral with its two cupola towers that have become the city's symbol, visible from much of the historic centre.

Heading toward the Viktualienmarkt, the food market active since the 19th century, you also find a Biergarten among the busiest in the centre, a good spot for a lunch break amid local produce stalls.

For lunch, Bavarian dishes such as Schweinshaxe or white sausages are easily found in venues around the market.

The Hofbräuhaus is the city's most famous brewery, active since the 16th century and become an almost obligatory stop for Munich visitors.

In the Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban parks, on the Eisbach stream a group of surfers has been riding an artificial wave in the city's heart for decades.

Biergärten around Marienplatz remain the city's evening appointment, with mugs of beer and Bavarian dishes.

Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, and Viktualienmarkt make Munich's historic soul evident, while the afternoon choice between the Hofbräuhaus and the English Garden adds its convivial or natural side.

Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of Bavarian rulers, and a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, a couple of hours outside the city, remain chapters for a second visit. Seeing surfers riding the artificial wave of the Eisbach in the heart of the city remains the most surprising image of Munich.