Mönchengladbach Germany is perhaps known to many because it is home to the fifth largest football club in the country. But aside from football, there are also many nice things to do when in Mönchengladbach. Our visit to this city is in combination with our stay at Oostappen Vakantiepark De Berckt in Limburg Netherlands. From the vacation park, it only takes 30 minutes drive to reach Mönchengladbach Germany. Since we only have one day to do and experience the city, and given the fact that we have kids with us, we need to decide which site seeing places to visit. Luckily, we were helped by the information officer in the tourist office and thus we are able to see as much as the place. Below I will discuss the one day itinerary when in Mönchengladbach Germany. This will help you plan you day and maximise your experience.

Mönchengladbach Germany one day itinerary

If you go by car, we highly recommend to park your car in Kapuziner Parking Garage. It costs 2.60 euros per 2 hours to park (or 1.30 per hour). The parking garage has a lot of available space cars, especially for electric cars. In addition, this parking garage is close to many attractions in Mönchengladbach Germany. From here, you can begin visiting each place, as you will see in the map. You will notice the walking distance of the places to visit are very close to each other, in fact this tour takes only 2 hours. If you are also interested in a walking tour (individual is for free), you can go to the website: Visitsights.com

1. Kapuzinerplatz Mönchengladbach Germany

The Kapuzinerplatz is part of the historic old town of Mönchengladbach Germany. This area of Mönchengladbach has unique old architectures as compared to the modern part of the city. This makes you feel that you are on the other era of Germany.

2. Minto Am Minto

Shopping malls are typical to Germany, while it is less in The Netherlands. Minto Am Minto is a big shopping mall with nice and unique building design. It has lots of shops, restaurants, bakery, and supermarkets (Aldi and ReWe). On a warm sunny day, it is a nice place to cool down due to aircon inside the shopping mall.

3. Hans Jonas Park

Enjoy a greenery in a city of Mönchengladbach Germany by visiting Hans Jonas Park. This park is named in honour of Hans Jonas, a native of Mönchengladbach, who wrote the famous book “The Principle of Responsibility”. His statue can be found in front of the park, which is just across the Minto Shopping Mall. His ideology, which is prominent since 1979 and is considered as very relevant nowadays, is about considering the long-term consequences and dangers of rapid technological developments as well as uncontrolled economic growth to the environment. You can find various arts, children playground, viewing point and resting area in this hilly park.

4. Museum Abteiberg

If you are into arts, then you will appreciate going to Museum Abteiberg. The museum can be reached through a small hike along the shopping streets. Once you reached the museum, you’ll be amazed that the building itself can be an art. You will find inside the museum variety of contemporary artworks. The entrance to the museum is . You can check in the Museum Abteiberg’s website its agenda and events as well as the types of exhibits being shown (however the information is in German).

5. Munster van Mönchengladbach

The Munster van Mönchengladbach, also known as Basilica of St. Vitus, is a Catholic Church in the city of Mönchengladbach Germany. It served in the past as an abbey church and monastery, and was later on elevated as Minor Basilica by Pope Paul IV in 1973. This Basilica is a typical romanesque church with a gothic choir. To reach the church, you need to climb a steep step which is definitely good cardio exercise.

6. Alter Markt (Old Market) Mönchengladbach Germany

The Alter Markt is located on the top of the “hill” when you walk the shopping streets of Mönchengladbach Germany. There are some bars and restaurants surrounding the square. During Saturday, there are some markets for fresh fruits and vegetables, cookies, bread, meat, and other produce. During summer, it is nice to hang out in the Alter Market, as well as in the winter since the ambience is replaced by Christmas markets. Of course, the Alter Markt is only 3-5 minutes walking distance to Kapuzinerplatz parking garage and thus ideal for the end tour, before going to places outside the city center.

Other sight-seeings outside Mönchengladbach Germany’s city center

7. Schloss Rheydt (Rheydt castle)

The Rheydt castle is a renaissance style palace that has been homed to many Nobel families, which include the Bylandt-Rheydt dynasty. The first mention of this palace was in 1180, in which Willem von Heppendorf was recognised as the owner. The von Bylandt dynasty become the owner of this palace during the Middle Ages, while the palace was taken over by the Rheydt Dynasty, hence the name Rheydt castle, in the 16th century. The castle is rich in paintings, tapestries, statues, furniture, all thanks to the Italians. Nowadays, the castle is turned into museum where you can admire its rich interiors.

8. Borussia Mönchengladbach Germany

If you are a fan of football club, then time to visit Borussia Mönchengladbach. This stadium of the German football club Borussia Mönchengladbach has a capacity of 60,000 people. Football matches are held in this stadium and can be filled with many football fans. If you are one of the football fans, check out this site and plan your visit to watch football matches.

9. Odenkirchen Zoo

Aside from city tour, castles, and football, there is also a Zoo in Mönchengladbach. This little zoo is great for family with kids. The zoo is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00-18:00. Entrance to the zoo is 6,00 euros for adults and 4 euros for kids. You can buy your ticket on this site.

If you want to visit other Germany cities in the vicinity, you can check my blog on:

1. Dusseldorf Germany one day itinerary

2. Cologne Germany one day itinerary.

3. German cities close to The Netherlands.

Of course, do not forget on what to expect when traveling to Germany if coming from Netherlands. Check our blog on: Netherlands and Germany Road Trip Travels.