Less Than 24 hours in Munich.

A Layover Photo Adventure.

When I booked a long layover in Munich, I gave myself less than 24 hours to roam the city with my camera. My mission was simple: to squeeze as much photography as possible into one evening and the following morning while capturing the heart of Bavaria’s capital.

Evening Arrival.

I debated whether to stay near the airport, my usual choice when I have an early departure or to stay in the city. This is when you need a thorough game plan. I knew two things: I wanted to explore the subways at night when they’d be less crowded, and I had enough time in the early morning to wander before heading back to the airport. With that in mind, I booked Hotel Schlicker in Marienplatz with my Capital One Venture X points. I’m so glad I chose this location because it was easy to reach and just a block from the Neues Rathaus clock tower. I had been traveling from Italy for work with a full suitcase and a 40-liter pack of gear. From the subway, it was simple to roll my bag to the hotel, even on cobblestone streets which I loathe. I arrived in Marienplatz just as the sun was setting, took a breath, paused, and headed straight for check-in.

Time to Explore.

After a quick shower, I repacked my gear bag and kept it simple. I knew what I wanted to capture, so I brought along the Sony A7CR, 16–35 mm GM II, and my tripod. Before leaving for this trip, I had created a detailed spreadsheet with GPS coordinates, reference photos, and even online links in case I forgot, since I often lose track of details when I research months ahead. This preparation helped me maximize my time. I started at the same station where I arrived: Marienplatz Orange Station, located directly beneath Munich’s city center. I had scoped it out quickly before checking into the hotel, so I knew exactly where to head on the U3 or U6 subway lines. When I arrived I noticed a lot of construction, something I had missed earlier, and felt a bit bummed. I moved back and forth, looking for angles that would require less cleanup in post, and took my shot.

Metro Mirage. Shot on the A7CR, Sony 16-35 GM II. ISO 1250 | 28mm | F2.8 | 1/250s. August 2025.

Keep on Moving.

I decided not to spend much time at Marienplatz Station because I knew I could always return. I had to keep moving since the trains do not run all night and my next stop was farther away. My next location was Westfriedhof Station, which you can reach on the U1 or U7 lines. I made a quick transfer from Marienplatz about halfway. More about how I figured out the transit system later. This next photo was the first one I found when researching Munich and it instantly sold me. The station gives off an otherworldly feel and I knew I wanted either a single person in the frame, a train or no one at all. Evening is the best time if you want the same atmosphere. The last train from this station departs at 1 a.m., so keep an eye on the time. Once you step off the train you are in it, so get your tripod ready if you plan to shoot with a low shutter speed and keep everything sharp.

Urban Constellations. Shot on the A7CR, Sony 16-35 GM II. ISO 100 | 20mm | F4.0 | 1/60s. August 2025.

Decisions, Decisions.

By the time I finished shooting at Westfriedhof Station, I decided to head back toward my hotel and circle around the orange station in case I had missed anything. After wandering for a while, I glanced at my watch and saw it was nearly 11:30 p.m., so I chose to call it a night so I could rise for blue hour in the morning. At dawn I knew I wanted to visit a few spots, including the Endless Staircase, an art installation open to the public. The piece sits in a courtyard between two buildings, and I had read that it was recently closed to visitors. I could not figure out why, so I had to see it for myself.

More Construction.

Take the U4 or U5 lines to reach this stop. These lines do not run through Marienplatz, so I walked a bit, following the light to the subway entrance. Once you arrive at Schwanthalerhöhe Station, walk toward Ganghoferstraße and turn left. When I arrived I immediately understood why the installation was closed to the public. The building that houses it is undergoing a complete renovation, and fencing surrounds the entire site. I could see the staircase towering above but wondered how I could get inside. I noticed an open gate and slipped in, camera in hand, settings ready, and fired off a shot. Inside the fence, construction materials were everywhere: lumber, scaffolding, metal, containers, lights, everything you can imagine. I probably took only four or five frames before a gentleman dressed as security escorted me out. Did I get the shot? I wished I could have shot wider, but that would have revealed even more of the construction, so I cropped in slightly during editing.

Umschreibung. Shot on the A7CR, Sony 16-35 GM II. ISO 800 | 35mm | F6.3 | 1/250s. August 2025.

Time to Head Back.

After getting escorted out, haha, I walked back to the station and gave myself extra time to wander and slowly return to the hotel instead of rushing. I compared how long it would take to reach Munich Airport by train versus calling a cab. Although I paid for the extra time with a cab fare, it was worth it because I could follow the morning light back to the hotel.

The cab fare was steep. I paid about 108 euros compared with less than 15 euros by train, but the extra time was worth it. The morning light was perfect and soft, not overcast or rainy as Munich is often known to be, and I captured more photos along the way. I even had time to enjoy the free breakfast at Hotel Schlicker. For navigating the city I used the MVGO app, which provides step by step directions and allows you to pay for train fares as you go. I downloaded two different transit apps, but this one became my favorite. Munich’s mass transit is simple and efficient, and I recommend it over cabs or cars.

Final Thoughts.

This being my first time in Munich, I could have spent at least 48 hours here just shooting stills. If I wanted to explore museums and such, then easy 3-4 days. Here are some other places I wanted to photograph but, never did.

-Museum Brandhorst: for the colorful wall with a shadow cast in mind

-Hofgardten Park: where the surfers go to play

-Tramway Tracks at Lerchenfeldstraße & Eisbachbrücke Intersection: night shoot and early AM

xo,

-J

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