The main attractions of Munich are scattered throughout the city, acquaintance with them is a must for any exemplary traveler. Oktoberfest, legendary beer gardens with old recipes, the BMW Museum – these are what the city is famous for, iconic things of our time. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when traveling through Bavaria, its capital city offers many stunning sights on which history has left its own mark.
Top 11 attractions in Munich
The beautiful city on the banks of the Isar River is Munich. It was so named by the Benedictine monks, whose monastery was founded in the 9th century. The city’s coat of arms is adorned by a small monk, and the history is truly magnificent.
The old town is undoubtedly rich in history and attractions. There are also many interesting legends and stories, happily told by the locals.
Marienplatz Square
Munich is a big enough city that it is simply not possible to explore it in one day. So, what is the most important thing to see in Munich? Undoubtedly, no traveler will pass by the Marienplatz square in the old part of town, which has almost entirely preserved its former appearance.
If Munich is the heart of Bavaria, then Marienplatz Square is the heart of the city. The square is named in honor of the Virgin Mary, and there is a column dedicated to the saint. In the past it was a crossroads where life was always boiling, fairs and jousting tournaments were held. And even today, city life on the square does not cease even at night.
During the day there are many tourists strolling around the square, relaxing in cafes or looking in the stores. It gets quieter at night, but no less colorful-the historic buildings that once surrounded the market crossroads rise as silent guards. Tourists come here for the colorful night shots, only in the peace of night you can appreciate the grandeur of all the buildings.
The Marienplatz square is the old center. To the north rises the New Town Hall, built in 1867, on top of which there is an observation deck. The pseudo-Gothic architectural style of the building is eye-catching, and the extraordinary tower clock counts down the time every day. The old town hall, built in 1345 in the Gothic style, is located on the east side of the square. Today, the building houses the Toy Museum, whose collections contain antique toys, some of which are preserved in a single copy.
The new town hall is just as magnificent as the old one. At the top of the Town Hall tower is an observation deck with a panoramic view of the city. You have to go up to the observation deck by the elevator built into the building recently. The New Town Hall also houses Munich’s city government.
A similar viewing platform is on the bell tower of the Peterskirche, built in the 17th century in the Renaissance style. But you’ll have to travel up a 300-step staircase instead of a comfortable elevator ride.
The church is the oldest in the city, inside which you can see paintings and other church masterpieces.
Viktualienmarkt Market
Not far from the square you can visit the Viktualienmarkt, a food corner famous for its history of existence. The price corresponds to the high quality that shows the standard of living in the city. The market used to be located on Marienplatz, and then it was moved due to lack of space, because over time it has grown enormously. It is considered a tourist corner, because you can find many small stalls with souvenirs, grocery stores, where you can try the famous Bavarian sausages and beer.
The tourist will find it interesting to stroll through the market, to see the ordinary pace of life in Munich, plunging into the city’s atmosphere.
Hofbräuhaus restaurant
To the north of the square is the most famous beer restaurant, Hofbräuhaus, built back in 1589, receiving excellent reviews from visitors. Previously it was the royal court brewery, which has preserved the unique recipes of those years to the present time. Tourists will be interested in this corner of tradition, where you can try almost exactly the same beer that the Bavarian nobility drank in the past.
Munich City Museum
To the west is the reconstructed former arsenal building, later given over to the Munich Museum. The museum literally lives up to its name, its exhibits fully tell the story of the city. Sections of the city’s history are interspersed with exhibits that were found during excavations in the city itself, featuring everyday objects of the past and decorative elements of life.
Frauenkirche
In the past, the Old Town was surrounded by stone walls, but today only the city gates remain. To the west stands the Karlstor gate, which is reached by the Neuhäuserstrasse, considered the city’s main pedestrian street.
Just like the square, this street is famous for its buildings. If you are passing through Munich, you must visit the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral rises to 99 meters, and the city authorities have limited the possible construction to 100 meters. In this way they preserve the appearance of the city and pay due tribute to the ancient symbol. In addition, there is a legend that the devil himself left the imprint of his paw on the roof of the cathedral. And this trail does exist, which is enjoyed by tourists – after all, according to legend, good luck will pursue a brave man all year long.
The cathedral was built in the late Gothic style. Its towers with their unique bulbous domes are not only visible from afar, but are also considered one of Munich’s main symbols.
Theresa’s Meadow
There is a place in the city that attracts not only tourists, but also city residents. Theresa’s Meadow is an ancient square with an amazing history. In 1810, King Ludwig I and his beautiful bride Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghaus married there. The King of Bavaria placed a statue of his wife there 33 years later. The statue is important to the city: there are exactly 66 steps inside to the head, and from the observation deck you can see a beautiful panorama of the city. The statue is about 19 meters high, so the view is admirable.
Behind the statue of Therese is a kind of pantheon of fame, featuring busts of famous people of Munich who made Bavaria famous. Theresa’s Meadow is also considered special for another reason – every year the Oktoberfest beer festival is held here. It lasts two weeks.
Church of St. John of Nepomuk
On the same street is the Church of St. John Nepomuk, built in 1746. The church is recognized as a gem of Rococo style, was built by the famous architects – brothers Azam. In their honor it is called the Azamkirche.
Royal Palace
Next is the Royal Palace, once the residence of the Wittelsbachs. The palace is a complex of buildings, combined with each other. The apartments of the kings were named Residenzmuseum, in essence it is now a full-fledged museum, showing the life of the kings. You can see the old halls only if you buy a ticket for a guided tour.
Among other buildings, the Treasure Trove, the Ancestral Gallery, the Aquarium and the Théâtre du Cuvillier should not be missed – each place has its own unique charm.
Museum districts of Munich
Incredibly, Munich has neighborhoods built entirely with museums. They are located north of the central station, near Prinzregentstraße. The curious tourist will find a wide range of exhibitions: from the state museum of Egyptian art to the ancient Pinakothek with masterpieces of famous artists. One of these vaults even displays the works of Leonardo da Vinci himself.
Applied and ancient art, archaeology, paleontology – the museums of Munich are dedicated to every field. The German Museum, the Glyptoteka, and the New and New Vault are famous for their unique exhibits. The BMW Museum is especially famous and popular – it is beloved by all visitors to the city.
The more modern buildings, such as the Theatinerkirche, National Theater, Olympic Park, English Garden, and Nymphenburg Palace, are also worth paying special attention. It is also worth visiting the royal castles, which are located near Munich – Neuschwanstein with its fairy-tale atmosphere, the old palace Hohenschwangau, no less old and elegant Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee, called the “Versailles” of Germany.
Hofgarten Park
Another beautiful and ancient place is the Hofgarten Park. Its center is the Temple of Diana, and the park paths diverge from it like rays of sunlight. The pavilion often hosts concerts, exhibitions, and just evenings with dancing. To the north and west of the park are the arcaded galleries that draw attention with their architecture. To the east rises the Bavarian Chancellery. The entire Hofgarten Park is built in the Baroque style, whose influence is particularly noticeable in the landscape design.
Munich Zoo
The Munich Zoo is not to be missed on a walk in the open air. It is famous for being represented as a model of our planet, and divided into continents. Accordingly, all the animals are literally where you can find them in the wild. The zoo area is very large, but everywhere you can find small cafes or benches for recreation.
The price of admission is quite democratic, especially for European measures. In summer, the zoo is open from the morning. In addition, it is allowed to feed the animals, so there are containers of food at the entrance. But you should feed under the watchful eye of the instructors.
Public transport in Munich
Undoubtedly, the whole beauty of traveling and exploring the beautiful Old Town lies in walking. This way you can see more, take pictures unhurriedly, fully feel the spirit of the city. Therefore, it is better to walk around the center of Munich instead of taking the bus.
To see the sights in the area on foot – will have to spend too much time, so the best choice: public transport. As a side note, it is considered the best in all of Europe. Work begins at 4 a.m. and continues until 1 a.m., and until 2 a.m. on holidays and weekends. That way, even if you lose track of time during the walk, you can catch the bus to the hotel, and if you can’t, you won’t have to wait long at all.
At night there are special buses and streetcars, whose routes are provided in the tourist offices.
Another feature of public euro transport – the tickets are the same for all types, including the train and subway. Also sell single tickets, but do not try to ride the car for a hare – vigilant drivers will immediately catch unscrupulous tourists and will be forced to pay a fine of 40 euros.
When traveling to Munich, you can buy a ticket that entitles you to free travel for a day. It is valid from the moment it was punched in the composter until 6 a.m. the next day. The cost of such a ticket is only about 6 euros, but the three-day ticket will cost more – about 15 euros. But this system has an obvious advantage: if you’re just passing through Munich, you can buy a one-day ticket, and if the three or more days, then the three-day ticket, while saving a little money.
In addition, you can buy a transport card, called literally “City Tour Card,” on presentation of which you can get a discount on sightseeing in Munich.
Travel to Munich: by plane, bus or train?
Russia and Germany are on the same continent, so there are many ways to organize a trip. The trip does not take long and does not require much money. You can choose three ways: by train, by plane, or by bus. Also go on your own car, the main thing to know the rules of the border crossing and have all the necessary documents.
A direct flight to Munich, which is also the shortest route, can be made from Moscow international airports. In addition, there are flight lines from other Russian cities, but with connections. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, and the entire flight will take no more than 3 hours.
At Munich Airport you can hire a cab to the hotel, or immediately plunge into the atmosphere of the city, buying a transport card and go by train or bus. It is best to choose the train, as its journey is only 30 minutes and goes to the city center. The ticket will cost about 10 euros.
You can get by train or bus, the main disadvantage is the length of the road. From Moscow to Munich by bus takes 36 hours, and by train 1.5 days. The advantage is the cost of the trip – it will be much lower.
Munich is the heart of Bavaria, where the most amazing sights are preserved. A unique city, because no matter how much – for three days or one, every tourist will be charmed by its atmosphere.
Video overview of Munich sights
Munich is famous for its world-famous Oktoberfest beer festival and a truly rich history. The city’s heritage lies in elegant buildings whose architecture is inspiring, rich museums and stunning parks. The unpretentious, modern city doesn’t seem at first glance to fit in with conservative Bavaria, but it is a real living heart.
Munich is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in Germany, one of the top 20 European cities to visit while traveling. The city is on the way to the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, where not infrequently go fans of active recreation. So why not stop to view the beautiful historic city? The best sights of Germany are located in Munich.
