As part of my 5-day, 5-city Christmas market tour in Germany, my journey began in the festive city of Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant holiday spirit, Munich was the perfect place to kick off my Christmas adventure.
With just one day to explore, I made the most of my time by visiting some of the city’s most iconic Christmas markets, including the Christmas Village at the Residenz, the famous Marienplatz Christmas Market, and the festive ice skating area at Karlsplatz. Despite feeling under the weather for the first two days of my trip, Munich’s charm and holiday magic made it an unforgettable experience.
Getting to Munich
My journey to Munich was quick and convenient. I took a 3-hour direct flight from Izmir to Munich, which allowed me to arrive early and dive straight into the festive atmosphere. From the airport, I hopped on the U-Bahn (subway) and headed directly to Marienplatz, the heart of the city and my base for the day.
Where I stayed: Hotel Lux
For my stay in Munich, I chose Hotel Lux, a charming boutique hotel located just a short walk from Marienplatz. The hotel is housed in a beautifully renovated old building, which adds to its character and charm. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering staying here:
No elevator: The lack of an elevator might be inconvenient if you’re traveling with heavy luggage.
Busy street: The hotel is located on a lively street surrounded by bars, so it can get noisy at night. Light sleepers may want to bring earplugs.
Friendly staff: The staff at Hotel Lux were incredibly kind and accommodating, which made my stay more pleasant.
Popular bar downstairs: The hotel’s bar is a local hotspot, with a cozy and stylish vibe. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to enjoy it as much as I’d hoped because I was feeling under the weather for the first two days of my trip.
Despite these challenges, the hotel’s central location made it an excellent base for exploring Munich’s Christmas markets and festive attractions.
First Stop: Christmas Village at the Residenz
My first stop in Munich was the Christmas Village at the Residenz, a hidden gem tucked away in the courtyard of the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. This market felt like stepping into a cozy winter wonderland, with its charming wooden stalls, twinkling fairy lights, and festive music.
The Christmas Village is smaller and more intimate compared to other markets, which made it the perfect place to ease into the holiday spirit. I wandered through the beautifully decorated stalls, which offered everything from handcrafted ornaments to delicious Bavarian treats. Even though I wasn’t feeling my best, I couldn’t resist trying a warm mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) to keep me going.
The atmosphere here was magical, and the market’s location within the historic Residenz courtyard added a unique touch. If you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed Christmas market experience in Munich, the Christmas Village is a must-visit.
Next Stop: Marienplatz Christmas Market
After soaking in the charm of the Christmas Village, I made my way to the Marienplatz Christmas Market, the most famous and iconic market in Munich. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), this market is the heart of the city’s holiday celebrations.
The market was bustling with activity, with rows of beautifully decorated stalls offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to traditional Bavarian delicacies. The aroma of roasted chestnuts, freshly baked pretzels, and spiced Glühwein filled the air, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
The centerpiece of the market was a towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights, which added to the magic of the experience. Even though I wasn’t feeling 100%, I couldn’t help but be swept up in the holiday spirit as I strolled through the market, sipping on another mug of Glühwein and admiring the festive decorations.
Other Highlights in Munich
While the Christmas Village and Marienplatz were the highlights of my day, there are plenty of other festive spots to explore in Munich:
Kaufingerstrasse: Munich’s main shopping street is beautifully decorated during the holidays, making it a great place for a festive stroll. I made my way to Karlsplatz, where I discovered a charming ice skating area that added even more festive cheer to the city. The rink was surrounded by holiday lights, music, and small stalls selling snacks and drinks, creating a magical winter scene. While I wasn’t able to try skating myself, I thoroughly enjoyed watching people glide across the ice, laughing and having fun.
Viktualienmarkt: This year-round food market is just a short walk from Marienplatz and offers a variety of local delicacies and holiday treats.
Recommendations for Your One-Day Trip in Munich
If you’re planning a one-day Christmas market trip in Munich, here are some recommendations to make the most of your visit:
Start with Marienplatz: The Marienplatz Christmas Market is the largest and most iconic in Munich, so it’s a great place to begin your day. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Visit the Christmas Village at the Residenz: After Marienplatz, head to the Christmas Village at the Residenz for a more intimate and cozy market experience.
Optional: Ice Skating at Karlsplatz: If you have time, consider visiting the ice skating area at Karlsplatz. Even if you don’t skate, it’s a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Don’t Miss the Beer Halls: Munich is famous for its traditional beer halls, and no trip to the city is complete without visiting one. The Hofbräuhaus, located very close to Marienplatz, is one of the most famous beer halls in the world. However, it can get very crowded and noisy, especially during the holidays.
My Experience: I visited the Hofbräuhaus but found it too crowded and noisy for my taste. Since I had already experienced the Hofbräuhaus in Berlin, I decided to try something different and opted for a fine dining experience at Pfistermühle, a charming restaurant located in the historic old town. The food and atmosphere were excellent, and it was a great alternative to the bustling beer halls.
Recommendation: If you haven’t been to a beer hall before, I highly recommend experiencing one in Munich. The lively atmosphere, traditional Bavarian food, and beer are worth it. If you prefer a quieter dining experience, consider restaurants like Pfistermühle for a more refined take on Bavarian cuisine.
Try Bavarian Specialties: Whether you’re at a market or a restaurant, don’t miss out on local delicacies like Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles), Schupfnudeln (potato dumplings), and Stollen (Christmas fruit bread).
Transportation in Munich and Traveling to Munich from Other European Cities
Munich is well-connected and easy to navigate, whether you’re arriving from another European city or getting around within the city itself:
Getting to Munich:
By Air: Munich Airport (MUC) is one of the busiest in Europe, with direct flights from major cities worldwide. I flew directly from Izmir to Munich in just 3 hours, which was quick and convenient. For flight schedules and airport information, visit the official Munich Airport website: https://www.munich-airport.com/
By Train: Munich is a major hub for the Deutsche Bahn (DB) train network, making it easy to reach from other German cities and neighboring countries. High-speed ICE trains connect Munich to cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich. For budget-friendly travel, regional trains and tickets like the Bayern Ticket are great options for exploring Bavaria. For train schedules and ticket bookings, visit: https://int.bahn.de/en
Getting Around Munich:
Munich’s public transportation system is efficient and reliable, with U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses connecting all major attractions.
If you’re staying for a day, consider purchasing a Munich Day Ticket, which offers unlimited travel on public transportation within the city. For more details on tickets and routes, visit: https://www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/
For travelers arriving at Munich Airport, the S-Bahn (S1 or S8) provides a direct connection to the city center, including Marienplatz, in about 40 minutes.
Final Thoughts on Munich
Even though I was under the weather for the first two days of my trip, Munich’s festive charm still managed to lift my spirits. The combination of stunning architecture, twinkling lights, and the warm hospitality of the locals made it a memorable start to my 5-day, 5-city Christmas market tour.
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Come back to this site to read about the rest of my 5-day, 5-city German Christmas Market Trip. The next city is Nuremberg—stay tuned!
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