I'm headed to Munich for a business trip and will have 7 hours free before the scheduled agenda begins. Can someone recommend:

-best sites to see in a short period of time
-a good restaurant for lunch

thanks,
Peter

If you are near the Marianplatz at 11 am, noon or 2, stop and see the Glockenspiel. I still think it is pretty cool, and I've seen it a few times now. Around that area there will be lots to see (churches, etc.) as well as cafes to grab a bite.

Head to the Marienplatz. Many of the more popular sights are located around this area. You can put together a lunch at the Viktaulienmarkt, or if you don't mind going to your conference with a buzz, head to one of the popular beer halls or gardens (I prefer the Augustiner Keller). For a quick introduction to Munich, you might want to try the one hour bus tour that departs across the street from the Hauptbahnhof. I would recommend a stroll to Sendlinger Tor where the eye-popping Asamkirche is located. Have fun.

If you can squeeze it in the Schloss Nymphenberg is a glimpse into "Ludwig world" Don't miss the carriage house. Also interesting is the "Residence". With just 7 hours you might want to spend the whole time in the fussganger zone around Marienplatz as others have recommended above. It will give you the feel of Munich and a tase of the food and beer.

Residence took me a long time-almost five hours-very interesting stuff. The seven hours did not specify if that is the entire free time you have or the amount of the layover. In any event, the time from the airport to downtown is at least 45 minutes by bus-unless you take a taxi.

If at Marianeplatz, I suggest the Donisl for drinks/lunch. Good prices and great seats. See the chuches nearby-especially as someone suggested the Assam. It is right down the street.

Schloss Nymphenburg is a bit out of the way, but possible with taxi.