Munich is Germany’s third-largest city, and before the fall of the Berlin Wall it was dubbed the “unofficial capital of the country”. Not only does it boast historical buildings, museums filled with treasures, and a thriving cultural landscape, it also offers an abundance of recreational activities and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Around Marienplatz
- Frauenkirche
- Residenz
- Pinakotheken
- Englischer Garten
- Deutsches Museum
- Schloss Nymphenburg
- Olympiapark
- Oktoberfest
- Neuschwanstein
1. Around Marienplatz
Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich for centuries and remains the city's most popular place to meet or start a walking tour. The square is dominated by the New Town Hall, which serves as the backdrop for the Marian Column and the Fish Fountain. From the square walk west to the beginning of the pedestrian zone, north to Weinstrasse and Theatinerstrasse, east to Isartor and Maximilianstrasse, south to Viktualienmarkt.
2. Frauenkirche
Frauenkirche - or more formally Frauenkirche - is the largest Gothic hall church in southern Germany. It was built between 1468 and 1488 by Jörg von Halspach and Lucas Rottaler to replace an earlier Romanesque church. The domes of two towers almost 100m high dominate the city skyline - no building could be built higher.
3. Residenz
The former residence of the Bavarian kings in the city centre, which was the seat of the Wittelsbach family until 1918, started as a moated castle in 1385 but has grown over the centuries into an expansive complex with ten courtyards. As Germany's largest inner city palace, it showcases everything from the Baroque Cuvilliers to the Mannerist Reichenkapelle. Tours are self-guided, so you can spend time exploring the many indoor spaces that are open to the public.
4. The Alte Pinakothek
The Museum Quarter is the Kunstmuseum Munich, three top art galleries. The Old Pinakothek was founded by Ludwig I, designed by Leo von Klenze and opened in 1836. Neue Pinakothek and Pinakothek der Moderne complete the trio. The Old Pinakothek houses the collections of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings, as well as the treasures of the dissolved monasteries. The museum is currently undergoing renovations, but will remain open to the public. Partial closures and relocation of exhibits are expected by the end of 2018.
5. Englischer Garten
One of the largest central parks in Europe, the English Garden was designed by Sir Benjamin Thompson (1753-1814), who was awarded the title Earl of Rumford by Bavarian Elector Karl Theodore. As Bavarian war minister and social reformer, Rumford transformed the swampy banks of the Isar River into a park, originally for the army, but in 1792 it was opened to the citizens of Munich for development, with a design by the court gardener Free Drich L. von Skel. Today it remains the green lung of Munich.
6. Deutsches Museum
The world's largest science and technology museum, founded by Oskar von Miller in 1903, is housed in a building on Museum Island. Refurbishment work is currently underway and is expected to be completed within the next few years. Individual areas will be temporarily closed, but the entire museum will remain open. Other branches of the museum include the Verkehrszentrum near the Theresienwiese and the Flugwerft Schleißheim, north of the centre.
7. Schloss Nymphenburg
In 1662, on the occasion of the birth of their son Max Emmanuel, Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife Henriette Adelaide (Savoy) commissioned Agostino Barelli Barelli) to build a Summer Palace west of Munich. Construction began in 1664, with wings and outbuildings added from 1701. Over the course of 300 years, the original ornamental garden has been expanded into a vast park with baroque gardens, a canal system and small pavilions scattered throughout the site.
8. Olympiapark
In preparation for the 1972 Olympics, a former airfield and parade ground was converted into an Olympic Park with hills, artificial lakes, broadcast towers and 3 square kilometers (1 square mile) of sports facilities. Designed by architects Behnisch & Partner, the elegant, airy Olympic complex, with its transparent, curved and solid roof, is still considered a masterpiece of modern architecture.
9. Oktoberfest
With around 6.5 million visitors, 7 million liters of beer, 500,000 roast chickens and 100 cows, Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world. At the foot of Bavaria, the Theresienwiese is transformed by traditional brewery beer tents, playground rides and vendors selling gingerbread hearts, roast chicken and fresh pretzels. With or without traditional dress, tourists and locals alike treat themselves to the biggest Bavarian folk festival.
10. Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein Castle was Ludwig II's most ambitious project, with an idealized vision of a knight's castle on the outside and a tribute to Wagner's opera on the inside. During the same period, he also commissioned two French castles: Linderhof and Helenchiemsee. About 1.5 million tourists visit Neuschwanstein Castle every year, so it's lively all year round. But don't let that put you off - a day trip from Munich to Füssen im Schwangau is a must.
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