24 Hours in Munich, Germany – Spring edition

Travel date: 18-19 March 2023

The Journey from Innsbruck

Munich, Germany — FlixBus stops aren’t always at big bus terminals. Unlike trains, FlixBus often picks up passengers from roadside or parking-lot stops, especially in smaller Austrian cities. You might find your Haltestelle tucked beside a gas station, a supermarket, or even a park-and-ride area instead of inside the main station. Just look for the green circle with a yellow “H” — it stands for Haltestelle (bus stop). Once you spot it, you’ll start seeing it everywhere — the universal symbol for public transport across German-speaking Europe.

It was a Saturday when I traveled to Munich with Mark and Tine.
We left Innsbruck early in the morning aboard a FlixBus — a comfortable ride that took around two and a half hours.

Midway through the trip, at the Austria–Germany border, we were asked to get off the bus for a quick passport check by German border police. This part isn’t usually my favorite — it’s often too cold outside, and sometimes, I’ve just been woken up from a good sleep.

The process was smooth and efficient, and soon we were back on the road, sleeping all the way to Munich. We arrived at 06:00.

First Impressions & Getting Around

Upon arrival, our first task was to secure a 24-hour travel pass, making sure it covered the outer zones so we could explore freely — especially since Tine’s church was located outside Munich. By 07:00, we had it all figured out, but instead of taking the subway, we decided to ride a tram.

Navigating the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) was our first challenge — the metro map looked more like a riddle than a guide! Our plan for the day was simple: explore Munich and the Altstadt (Old Town).
As usual, we began our exploration at the city’s main square — a habit whenever we visit a new European city. It’s easier that way, especially since Mark and Tine only had a few hours before returning to Innsbruck, while I was staying overnight.

Our first stop: Marienplatz, the heart of Munich.

Morning in the City

After walking for a while, we stumbled upon a McDonald’s — a practical choice for budget travelers like us. The streets were still quiet, and the early morning light made Marienplatz look even more beautiful.

Before 8 a.m., we went to Tine’s church, which took a bit of searching to find. Thankfully, Apple Maps and Google Maps guided us there without much trouble.

Exploring Munich’s Landmarks

Later in the morning, we returned to Marienplatz to catch the Glockenspiel show, which plays just before 11 a.m.
By 11:00, the square was already crowded with people eager to see the Glockenspiel perform — a must-see spectacle of moving figures reenacting Bavarian history.

Afterward, we explored the Münchner Rathaus (City Hall), which offers free entry and beautiful interiors.

After the Glockenspiel performance, we were already starving. We had been walking nonstop and eventually found a building with several cafés. After searching on Google, I realized the location was Viktualienmarkt, an open-air market in Munich. We had wurst, coffee, and beer — each of us paid around €12–€13.

We also visited the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) to see its serene interior and admire its iconic twin domes up close.

Afterward, we picked up Tine from her church and returned to Marienplatz. We enjoyed a relaxing coffee and cake break at Rischart, a well-known local café.

Since they needed to get back to Innsbruck, I sent them off at the terminal and made my way to the hostel.

Staying Overnight

Mark and Tine headed back to Innsbruck later that afternoon, but I stayed behind and checked into Jaeger’s Munich, conveniently located beside the Main Station.

I had a bunk bed with breakfast included — a great value for a short solo stay. The hostel was decent and basic. As an Asian traveler, I can’t help but compare hostels in Europe with those in Asia — sometimes you might want to bring extra items to cover your bed if you’re not comfortable with others seeing you sleep.

That evening, I met a new friend through Couchsurfing, and we had dinner at Andy’s Krablergarten, which serves authentic German dishes.

The Next Morning

Morning came, and I’d had a good night’s sleep. The WC/toilet was fine — not fancy, but perfectly adequate for a quick hot-and-cold shower. Breakfast was included, so I didn’t need to spend extra for food.

Before catching my noon trip back to Innsbruck, I spent the morning exploring the Hauptbahnhof area on foot. I walked to Karlsplatz, passed by the Palace of Justice, and visited the Old Botanical Garden — a peaceful green spot perfect for a slow morning stroll.