How to Maximize an 8 Hour Layover in Munich

(23 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Samantha Gagni

Chicago, IL
Group Travel Specialist

I wanted to work for myself. I left the corporate world as a management consultant of nearly a decade to pursue my true dreams and passions, and I want to help you live yours. Today, I’m a licensed real estate agent with EXIT Realty and the owner ...

Having layovers may be a pain, but if done the right way, can be turned into a free day trip to explore a new place! And that is exactly what we did during our 8 hour layover in Munich. All you need is the energy to power through to explore after a long flight!


From the airport, take the S1 or S8 S-Bahn train to the city center. Get off the Marienplatz stop and start your adventure!


First off, start your day in Munich with some German food! We visited Hofbrauhaus, which is Munich’s oldest beer hall. We missed Oktoberfest by only a few days, but wanted to check out this place for the beer, food, and ambiance. I will say, I’m not much of a beer drinker, so cannot comment too much on that, but we did order veal sausage and wieners with eggs that came with pretzels. The veal sausage came in a bowl of water which wasn’t my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed the wieners and eggs. Maybe we didn’t order the right food, but we were there for breakfast which offered a limited menu. My suggestion is to come here for lunch and try their other offerings, but definitely come check this place out!


After your meal, explore a couple of churches nearby. We visited St. Peter’s Church which is the oldest remaining church in Munich and Frauenkirche – Church of Our Lady which is known for its high towers. Both churches were free to enter and walk around. The architecture for both churches are beautiful on the inside so definitely recommend a visit.


Knowing we only had a few hours left before our flight, we decided to try some schnitzel before our departure. Still a bit full from breakfast, we decided to share a plate of wiener schnitzel at Andechser am Dom. It was delicious! Our schnitzel came with a side of tasty potato salad and a basket of pretzels. We enjoyed this meal a bit more than breakfast and the restaurant was packed.


Before heading back to the airport, we decided to take a stroll around Marienplatz which is the central square in Munich. It’s a nice walk through the square with impressive buildings and structures throughout. If you want, grab a small souvenir on your way out at a store or kiosk!


Then while you still have the energy, take the train back to the airport in time for your flight. Head back to the Marienplatz train station in the middle of the square and take the same train to the airport. While you did not see everything in Munich during your layover, I would say you got to experience a little taste of what the city has to offer!


Now next time you book flights that require a layover, see if you have enough time to leave the airport and explore a bit. 


 

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