Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by Aswetravel
Munich Germany is the capital city of Bavaria, Munich, regarded as one of the most livable cities in the world, cannot be abstracted down into a few paragraphs of traveling possibilities. Very true to its motto “Munich likes You”, Munich is characterized by architectural and cultural delights to the traveler and has a long history of richness, prosperity, and development.
Things To Do In Munich
The third largest city in Germany, Munich stuns visitors with its royal class architecture, royal squares and parks. It is a major international business and technology center and home to a couple of premium research centers, and some of the global corporate giants including the famed BMW, Siemens AG, Allianz, Man AG among many others. Known for its culinary specialties and world famous beers, Munich hosts the world famous Oktoberfest, wherein tourists from across the globe visit its famed beer tents.
Munich Museums
Munich’s Kunstareal is a cluster of art museums with so many masterpieces it’s… The city’s best kept secret: Achtzehn Köpfe – It is the largest gallery of contemporary art in Europe, featuring over 500 works from 150 artists who are among today’s most influential creative forces. Each exhibition presents a new concept and an innovative vision on the topic of modern culture in the 21st century. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also houses temporary exhibitions as well as a bookshop. Discover the secrets of Munich. The city offers plenty of things to see, eat and experience. Visit the Pinakothek Royal Museum or go shopping at Marlies-Schneider-Strasse. Get a taste of regional cuisine and enjoy local drinks like Becks and Erdinger. There are more than just sightseeing and entertainment attractions; discover the beautiful nature surrounding Munich. The Alte Pinakothek houses one of Germany’s richest private art collections. The famous collection includes works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Titian, Tiepolo as well as French Impressionists.
Deutsches Museum
Also known as the German Museum, it is located on an island in the River Isar. It is one of the oldest and largest science museums in the world. There are also several important museums and art galleries across Munich. The Glyptothek holds a significant collection of Greek and Roman art. The German museum is not only known for containing the world’s largest collection of Asian art but also the world’s oldest exhibit featuring human remains, artifacts dating back to the Neanderthal Era. Its archaeological section is home to paleoanthropology exhibits, while other special exhibitions showcase the latest trends in science and technology.
Munich Architecture
The inner city of Munich boasts some of the most imposing historical buildings in the world that includes The Old and New Town Hall in Marienplatz, Frauenkirche – the most famous building in the city and the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, Peterskirche – one of the oldest churches of the inner city and many other churches and official buildings. The Briennerstrasse, with its neoclassical architecture; Ludwigstrasse, with its Romanesque architecture; the neo-Gothic Maximilianstrasse; and the Prinzregentenstrasse form the four grand royal avenues of the 19th century. Reminding us of Bavaria’s Royal past are the two baroque palaces Nymphenburg and Oberschleissheim. The BMW Headquarters is worth visiting as a piece of rare and unique architecture that has been built from top to bottom. Alongside is the bowl-shaped BMW museum.
Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche or ‘Church of Our Lady’ is an outstanding example of High Gothic architecture. Its present appearance dates back to 1555 when the northern tower was added. In 1973 the southern tower followed with its distinctive clock face. Inside there are several chapels and some remarkable wall paintings that depict events during the Reformation era.
Isartor
In the 16th century this impressive complex was completed by the architect Lucas Cranach the Elder. He had the chance to work on both the interior and exterior of the building. Although he didn’t live long enough to see the whole project complete, his son did. Today there are numerous shops inside offering quality gifts.
KönigsplatzSquare
Munich’s central market square hosts regular markets, open air concerts, weekly flea markets and plenty of other festive events. One thing’s for sure: no matter when you arrive or where you roam around, Königsplatz will never fail to entertain you.
Stachus Tourist Information Centre
A grand triumphal arch marking the transition between old and new Munich stands right next to the Central Station. This massive structure was once meant to serve as an entranceway to the city center; today however, the station includes this tourist information center, selling tickets for trains and trams and providing brochures about the surrounding area. Free Wi-Fi is available too.
Olympic Stadium
This is one stadium you wouldn’t want to miss when visiting Munich. Although this venue has hosted international sporting events such as World Cup matches and Bundesliga games, is nowadays mainly used for culture shows and art installations. If you’re looking for something to do after dark, try taking an interesting tour with „U-Bahn Diaries“. They provide a fantastic insight into what happens behind the scenes at one of Europe’s biggest public transport systems.
Olympiaturm
Located directly opposite Olympiabirn, this towering structure stands proudly above all others in Munich. At 115 m tall, the slender steel and concrete construction resembles four sport climbing cliffs standing side by side. It looks even better from a distance because of its illuminated top, resembling a huge light bulb ready to illuminate nearby buildings. After sunset, the lights change color many times until they reach their final sequence in pure white. The viewing platform located on level 110 is very popular as it offers a great view over Munich. If you enjoy heights, don’t forget your camera because the experience itself is definitely worth photography!
Frauenkirche
This church has been standing for nearly 300 years and despite its age still retains its charm. Visitors will not only admire the beauty of the Church but also appreciate a fine example of German rococo. The interior is breathtaking and makes you feel like being inside a palace rather than a house of God.
Hofbräuhaus am Platzl
The Hofbräuhaus, built in 1634, is considered to be one of Munich’s most outstanding landmarks and is often referred to as Germany’s first cultural monument. Its historical significance is enormous and now the building houses a restaurant called Bräustüberl. Since 2010, the Hofbräuhaus has served as both hotel and restaurant. The rooms are elegant and full of atmosphere and if you wish you can opt for half board.
Stachus
Europe‘s biggest information center lies in the heart of Munich. Originally built in 1932 as a customs house for the railway station, it was renamed in 1988 by order of the then mayor of Munich Franz Hoedel. It now accommodates various cultural and commercial activities along with lots of cafes and bistros where visitors can rest and spend time with their laptops. It’s worth checking out the free Wi-Fi connection if you’re planning to use it. You may be lucky enough to try the free coffee at the Max Kade Cafe.
Munich Parks
Olympiapark
This park is situated right next to the Olympic Stadium. With around 200 million cubic meters of space, Olympiapark is the second biggest theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris. A variety of different gardens, restaurants, rides and shows await guests to entertain them throughout their day. For sports enthusiasts, the park features six themed areas which host sporting events such as football matches, tennis tournaments, ice hockey games and horse races.
Englischer Garten
Germany‘s largest public garden was established in 1791 and lay unused for centuries. Since the end of World War II it has become a favorite place for families, friends and couples. In summertime there are performances every night, while in the afternoon people can sit together, have a drink, listen to music or simply relax. It is one of the largest urban parks in the world, and is bigger than the Central Park of New York, covering around 3.7 Sq. Km. in area. Munich’s second biggest beer garden is located here. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy. The English Garden is considered to be one of the most beautiful inner gardens in Europe! After many years of entertaining visitors, the garden gained its current appearance through plantings and architectural design in collaboration with Scottish landscape architect James Stuart. It is adorned with ponds and cascading waterfalls, temples and arcades. Many people visit the lovely place simply because they can enjoy their meals surrounded by greenery.
LuitpoldhainPark
In 1907, Prince Regent Luitpold laid out the Luitpoldhain park, named in honor of his grandson. Today, the forested park is a popular meeting point for locals. Children love the huge castle-style bathhouse that could accommodate up 500 bathers. At the northern end of Luitpoldhain park is another major attraction: Museum Brandhorst, a museum dedicated to the life and work of chemist Otto Heinrich Brandhorst.
Isar River
Just like New York City, Chicago or Rome – no self respecting city’s modern infrastructure would be seen today without a river walk. The Isar River deserves one too and the best spot for it is near Marienplatz. From here you get to walk longer distances, especially in winter since the area is warmed up nicely. Just take a short stroll through the old town and cross the river again by the triumphal arch. This wonderful way of getting around the city center is particularly appealing in the evening.
Ludwigstraße / Neue Promenaden
With almost 600 meters, the longest pedestrian street in Germany provides a unique mix of shopping centers, fast food joints and traditional Bavarian cafés. Among the famous establishments you find Café Jacques, Harry Wirtz Pilsener Brauer Cider House &Biergarten, Fassbinder’s Bar and Restaurant, “Zum Schwarzen Mann”, “Käserei Geroldstetter” and “Möhne”, an old beer hall that turned into yet another trendy bar. There are benches everywhere so you can have a break and a lunch when the weather is good. On Saturdays, the open air market is moving in and attracts thousands of tourists. A trip there won’t disappoint those who love markets.
Nymphenburg Park and Palace
From the 18th century, Nymphenburger Schloss was inhabited by several rulers and some of them were quite eccentric—like King Ludwig II. Overlooking the park is the Italianate Villa Rode, which features a beautiful garden. In summer it serves as the setting for numerous music festivals. For architecture buffs: the Nymphenburg Palace contains the world’s largest frescoes, murals and sculptures.
Maximilianstrasse Street Art
Maximiliánstrasse is regarded as the gallery of contemporary street art. Every year, artists from all over the world come together at Maximiliánstrasse for a two week long exhibition. A lot of visitors go there just to see the big pictures, but there are also smaller works of street art tucked away anywhere on the busy road. You’ll also find exhibitions related to art, cinema and literature.
Tierpark Hellabrunn
Located near the Flaucher Island on the banks of River Isar in south Munich is the city’s zoo.
Füssen
Famous for the “fairy-tale castle” Neuschwanstein, built by King Ludwig II, located in the Alps of southern Bavaria. It also houses the Hohenschwangau castle where Ludwig II grew up. (about 1 hr drive, passing through Austria). The trip by road offers unforgettably beautiful landscape views.
Chiemsee
An hour drive from Munich, the largest lake in Bavaria, Chiemsee houses a castle on an island named Herreninsel built by King Ludwig II, and a monastery built on another island named Fraueninsel.
(photo credit: 1)
