Mary's Square is the central square in the heart of Munich, and has been the city's main square since 12th century. Its origins can be traced back to 1158 when it was established by Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria, as a market place for the city. Known for its stunning architectural monuments and vibrant atmosphere, Mary's Square is both a historical site and a lively urban hub that reflects the spirit of Munich.

The square is named after the Marian column erected in its center in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War. Atop the column is a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, which has become one of the defining symbols of the city.

Mary's Square is surrounded by significant architectural landmarks. On the east side, the New Town Hall stands as a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture. With its intricate facade and the iconic Glockenspiel, a beautiful carillon that chimes and reenacts two stories from the 16th century daily, the New Town Hall is a focal point of the square.

On the opposite side of the square, you'll find the Old Town Hall in a striking contrast of styles, showcasing late Gothic architecture. This building now hosts a toy museum, adding to the cultural richness of the area.

Mary's Square is not just a place for admiring historical architecture. It also hosts various markets and events throughout the year. The most notable of these is the Munich's traditional Christmas market, which transforms the square into a festive wonderland.

In addition to taking in history and admiring architecture, Mary's Square is also an excellent place for enjoying a pleasant stroll or a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants and cafes. Mary's Square offers a uniquely Bavarian experience that any visitor to the city should not miss.

The Munich Residenz, once the official home of Bavaria's ruling Wittelsbach family and the government's base, is now a public museum renowned for its elaborate interior design. It was established as a modest castle in Munich's corner by Maximilian I in the early 1600s and later expanded to its present scale by King Ludwig I with architect Leo von Klenze. The palace suffered extensive damage in World War II and underwent restoration in the 1980s.

Now, the Residenz hosts a museum, a concert venue, the Residenz Treasury, and the Cuvilliés Theater. The palace's Antiquarium, a grand Renaissance hall adorned with classical statues, is noted for being the largest in Europe. With 10 courtyards and 130 decorated rooms, the complex holds significant historical artifacts, including the Wittelsbach's jeweled possessions and Albert V's vast coin collection, showcasing 300,000 coins from ancient to modern times. The surrounding French garden, complete with a fountain and a temple crowned with a Bavaria statue replica, adds to the palace's grandeur.

Why You Should Visit:
Versailles-like in its gilded opulence and glory, including the amazing courtyards.
The complex is huge, even more so now that several rooms and corridors have been renovated and opened to the public after many years.
There are an 'old' and a 'new' area to explore and a very good audio guide included with the ticket price.

Tip:
You can buy combined tickets to the Theatre and the Treasury for a complete experience.
The audio guide offers wealth of information about the artwork/rooms/historical events, so you can skip forward to the parts of the tour suiting your interest.
A full tour takes several hours, so you may want to split it into sections with a break for coffee & snacks.

Munich's English Garden stands as Europe's largest publicly-owned park, nestled in the heart of the city, spanning a vast 900 acres, surpassing even the expanse of New York's Central Park.

Originally conceived by Archduke and Elector Carl Theodore, this green oasis was masterminded by the American-born British physicist Benjamin Thompson, who later assumed the title of Count Rumford. The chosen location had once served as the hunting grounds for the Wittelsbach Royal family and was opened to the public in 1792 as a sprawling three-mile-long park along the picturesque Isar River. Its nomenclature derives from its informal garden design, reminiscent of those popular in the United Kingdom during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The English Garden enjoys popularity among locals, offering a serene haven for relaxation and soccer enthusiasts. It also permits nude sunbathing for those inclined. Noteworthy attractions within the park encompass a monument dedicated to Count Rumford, a Japanese Garden crafted for the Munich Olympics, the Monopteros Apollo Temple, and a northward-located amphitheater. Furthermore, it houses four renowned beer gardens—the Chinese Tower, the Seehaus, Osterwald Garten, and the Hirschau.

Why You Should Visit:
A large and sociable area with various routes to choose from and nice scenery, many places to eat, listen to music and swim, or just dip your feet into the river water.
In it, among other things, you will find the popular 'Eisbach surfer' operating artificial waves outside all time of the year.
In the summer, it is also possible to visit the beer gardens at the Chinese Tower, where you can listen to traditional old-fashioned Bavarian music while sipping on a draft beer.

Tip:
Go there on a Sunday if you dare... there's not much else to do on Sunday in Munich, so all the locals put on their walking shoes, and off they go.
If you enjoy swimming or would like to make use of the artificial wave system, be sure to bring a swim kit.
Many people ride bikes through the park, so keep your eyes open for speeding cyclists!

The Alte Pinakothek (Old Pinacoteca), the art gallery in Munich's Kunstareal art district, displays European paintings from the period prior to the 19th century. It boasts an extensive collection that includes masterpieces from the Wittelsbach Royal family and contributions from prominent art collectors.

In 1826, King Ludwig I of Bavaria commissioned the construction of the Alte Pinakothek. Architect Leo von Klenze designed this structure in the Italian Renaissance style, which later served as a model for numerous art galleries throughout Europe. During World War II, the museum temporarily closed its doors, and its collections were safely relocated. Subsequently, the building suffered damage from bombings during the war and was subsequently restored in the 1950s by architect Hans Döllgast. As a reminder of the war's destruction, Döllgast left the exterior walls with exposed brickwork covering the bomb-related holes.

The Alte Pinakothek houses a remarkable collection of over 8,000 valuable artworks created before the 19th century. The collection encompasses works by German artists from the 14th to the 18th centuries, Dutch masterpieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries, Flemish art, as well as Italian, French, and Spanish works from the 13th to the 18th centuries. One of its notable treasures is Rubens' expansive canvas known as the 'Last Judgment.' The museum is open on all days of the week except for Mondays and public holidays, offering audio guides in English to enhance the visitor experience.

Why You Should Visit:
Fantastic museum to visit if you admire the classics. Thorough selection of Reubens, Turner, Monet, and van Gogh.... and a terrific copy of the Mona Lisa in better condition than the original hanging in the Louvre.

Tip:
Come on Sunday, as entrance is a symbolic €1 – incredible value!
Inexpensive regular price includes an audio guide, and there are interpretive displays in English and German.
You can also purchase a multi-museum day pass for Alte/Neue/der Moderne Pinakothek.

The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) serves as the residence of the Archbishop of Munich and Freising. Its iconic twin towers are prominent features of the city and offer breathtaking panoramic views of Munich and the nearby Alps.

This church stands on the grounds where an earlier 12th-century Marian Chapel once stood. In 1468, Prince Sigismund of Bavaria commissioned the construction of a larger temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary, replacing the original chapel. The resulting structure, characterized by its modest yet elegant red brick Gothic design, was the work of architects Jörg von Halspach and Lukas Rottaler. It was completed and consecrated in 1494, and its distinctive twin towers with onion-shaped domes were added in 1525. During World War II, the Frauenkirche suffered significant damage due to bombings, resulting in the collapse of its roof and heavy destruction of the north tower. Following painstaking restoration efforts after the war, the Frauenkirche once again became a popular place of worship in the city.

The remarkable Gothic architecture of the Frauenkirche is marked by its simplicity and dignity, with minimal decorative elements. The nave and chancel are supported by two unadorned octagonal pillars, and the windows are cleverly concealed behind columns, giving the impression of a single window above the chancel. Among the valuable treasures that survived the bombings of WWII are the painting known as "The Protecting Cloak" by Jan Polack and the cenotaph of the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV, created by Hans Krumpper.

Tip:
As this is the city's mother church, no photos are encouraged in consideration of those who come to pray here regularly.
In the nave of the church, there's the Devil's Footprint or Teufelstritt. If you step in it, you're likely to be engulfed in flames that will hollow your skull and cause your head to shrink, a la Herman Dietrich in "Raiders of the Lost Ark".
Visiting the church is kostenlos (free), but be prepared to pay a small fee if you want to take the lift up the south tower, instead of hoofing it.

Adjacent to Marienplatz in Munich's western region lies one of the city's most ancient streets, known as Kaufingerstraße. Remarkably, it bears the distinction of being the oldest street name in Munich, likely named after Chunradius Choufringer, a prominent resident who owned an impressive residence in the vicinity. This historical street's earliest reference can be traced back to a document dated May 28, 1239.

Kaufingerstraße plays a pivotal role in the overarching west-east axis of Munich's Old Town. As it progresses, it seamlessly transitions into Neuhauser Straße, forming a vast thoroughfare. The latter holds the distinction of being Munich's premier pedestrian zone, a development that took shape in 1972. Remarkably, it stands as the highest-grossing shopping street in all of Germany.

The roots of Neuhauser Straße date back to at least 1293, as evidenced by the earliest documented mention. However, it underwent a name change from 1815 to 1828 when it was briefly known as Karlstraße before adopting the name Neuhausergasse. In 1972, the street underwent a transformation, shifting from a major traffic artery with tram rails to a pedestrian zone. This change was prompted by the anticipation of a substantial increase in traffic due to the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. The name "Neuhauser" is derived from the former village and the modern-day Neuhausen district, where the road leads out of the city.

The events of the Second World War inflicted significant damage upon the fabric of Kaufingerstraße. However, during the 1990s and subsequent years, the 1950s and 1960s structures were replaced with postmodern architectural designs.

Today, Kaufingerstraße and Neuhauser Straße boast a diverse array of shops and dining establishments. Leading international retailers like Zara, H&M, C&A, Mango, Karstadt, Kaufhof, and Zero have established a presence here, coexisting with numerous street vendors offering flowers, fruits, vegetables, roasted nuts, and souvenirs. The area's charm is further enriched by numerous outdoor cafes, providing a comfortable respite for shoppers to relax, enjoy a drink or a meal, people-watch, and admire the surrounding architectural splendor.

Tip:
If you're in the city center but want to shop away from the mainstream stores, consider Sendlinger Straße as a good alternative.

The official designation of this edifice, commonly referred to as the Asam Church, is the Saint Johann Nepomuk Church. Despite its relatively modest size, this religious structure is renowned for boasting the most opulent interior decor among all the religious sites in Munich.

Constructed during the years 1733 to 1746 by the siblings Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam, from whom it derives its name, this church was consecrated in honor of Johann Nepomuk, a Bohemian monk esteemed as a martyr for refusing to disclose the confessions of the Queen and subsequently being drowned in the Danube on the orders of King Wenceslaus. Originally intended as a private place of worship for the Asam family, it eventually became accessible to the public.

The Asam Church stands as a superb specimen of late German Baroque architectural style. It accommodates a small family congregation with twelve rows of pews. The interiors are adorned with frescoes crafted by Cosmas Damian Asam, with a particularly lavish depiction of the drowning of Saint Nepomuk gracing the ceiling. The high altar features four intricately twisted columns and houses a glass shrine containing a wax figure of the saint. Additionally, an exquisite sculpture portraying God the Father leaning over the crucified Christ adorns the cornice. The present-day interior ornamentation is the result of meticulous restoration work carried out between 1975 and 1982.

Why You Should Visit:
Gaudy and Baroque in a very unique way you don't get to see very often. What it lacks in size, it surely makes up for in decoration: fresco, marble, stucco and acres of gilding compete for attention. Such heavy decoration may be not to everyone's taste, but is hard not to marvel at.

Tip:
As with everything, try going early in the morning to avoid crowds blocking your photos (avoid mass times).
It's best to try to visit on a sunny day, so that the gold and other bling have more of a chance to shine.

The Munich City Museum, known as the "Münchner Stadtmuseum," was established in 1888 by Ernst von Destouches. It is housed in a substantial complex spanning 2400 square meters, which includes the former municipal arsenal built in 1500 and the adjacent stables, reconstructed after World War II and originally from the late Gothic era. The museum covers Munich's history from Schwabing Bohème to the present, including the 1972 Olympics.

One of the permanent exhibitions, titled "Typically Munich!," showcases around 400 objects dedicated to the popular arts and traditions of the region, addressing questions like what characterizes Munich, when these characteristics emerged, and most importantly, why.

Within the Culture History section, among the numerous artworks, you'll encounter the renowned Gothic Morris dancers crafted by Erasmus Grasser for the festival hall of the Old Town Hall, as well as the original puttos from Mary's Column. A standout highlight here is a wooden model depicting Munich as it appeared in 1572.

The Fotomuseum, established in 1963, displays a collection of contemporary photographs exceeding 500,000 in number, contributed by various artists such as Katharina Gaenssler and Franz Wanner. The Music collection boasts an extensive array of over 2,000 musical instruments from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe.

Additionally, the museum houses a Puppet Theatre collection and one dedicated to National Socialism in Munich, recounting the city's history as the former capital of the Nazi Movement, known as the "Hauptstadt der Bewegung."

The on-site Museum of Film, with its extensive archive, hosts weekly screenings and is renowned for its restoration work on old movies, including works by Fritz Lang, Ernst Lubitsch, Georg Wilhelm Pabst, and Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau.

The church known as Peterskirche, affectionately referred to as "Old Pete" by Munich residents, is a historic site believed to be central to the city's development. It traces back to the 12th century and stands on the grounds of a former 8th-century monastery and an even older church from before the Merovingian era.

The name "Munich" is derived from the monks who inhabited the original monastery, with "Munchen" echoing the German term for monk, "Monch." The location, once named "Petersberg" or Peter's Hill, saw its first Bavarian Romanesque church in 1180, which was destroyed by fire in 1327. The current structure of the church dates to 1368, with a steeple and Baroque choir installed in the 1600s. It underwent significant repairs after WWII to revive its pre-damage state.

Inside, Peterskirche houses a 15th-century sculpture by Erasmus Grasser and artwork by Johann Baptist Zimmerman. It's also home to the ornate remains of Saint Mundita, embellished with jewels. The church's steeple offers an observation deck, accessible by climbing 306 steps, which provides expansive views of Munich and the distant Alps on clear days. The visibility from the steeple is indicated by color-coded circles on the lower platform, with a white circle suggesting good conditions for viewing the Alps.

Tip:
It's worth to pay a few euros to climb to the tower's top for a 360° view of Munich. The climb is not easy and definitely not for those with fear of heights – only for the adventurous lot!
If you come before noon, you can get a brilliant view of the Glockenspiel clock in action at Marienplatz without having to jostle with tourists down there.
The are two viewing binoculars allowing to soak up the atmosphere (colored rooftops, etc.).
Note: it might get windy and cold up there.

Before the construction of the Neues Rathaus in 1874, the Altes Rathaus, also known as the Old Town Hall, used to serve as the seat of the Munich Municipality. It's situated on the eastern side of Marienplatz and has a unique history. Unlike many other buildings that were demolished to make way for the Neues Rathaus, the Old Town Hall was left untouched.

The construction of the Old Town Hall took place between 1470 and 1480, and its design was created by Jörg von Halsbach, a renowned architect responsible for the Frauenkirche in Munich as well. Initially, the building exhibited Late Gothic architectural features, but it underwent several remodeling phases, ultimately adopting a Neo-Gothic style between 1861 and 1864. To accommodate traffic flow, two tunnels were constructed through the building from 1877 to 1934.

During World War II, the Rathaus endured significant damage from bombings, but extensive restoration work was carried out, aiming to restore its 15th-century design.

Today, the Old Town Hall serves as the location for city council offices, certain administrative departments, and even houses a Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) situated in four rooms within its tower. Additionally, visitors can explore a souvenir and gift shop on the first floor, where they can find unique items such as replicas of The Morris Dancers, which are wooden sculptures created by Munich's Erasmus Grasser.

***Third Reich Walk***
This stately complex in the heart of Munich played a key role in the Nazi’s seizure of power. It is here that Joseph Goebbels gave his infamous speech that inspired Kristallnacht, or “the night of broken glass,” on November 9, 1938, a nationwide pogrom that led to the destruction of numerous Jewish businesses and arrest of thousands of Jewish citizens. Kristallnacht is generally considered to be the start of the “Ultimate Solution of the Jewish Question”, i.e. the Holocaust.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the finest historical buildings to see in Marienplatz. Just as the neighboring New Town Hall, it is open to climb upstairs to the top. Inside, the ground floor is just as gorgeous, exactly as one would expect a typical German building to look like.

Tip:
In addition to the Toy Museum, the Altes Rathaus offers yet another bit of fun in the form of the Juliet Capulet Statue, located on the side of the building, a gift from the city of Verona to Munich in the 1970s.

Farmer's Market is a bustling open-air marketplace in the heart of Munich. A beloved institution for both locals and tourists, this vibrant market offers a colorful array of fresh food, traditional Bavarian specialties, and artisanal products.

Established in 1807 by King Maximilian I, it began as a simple farmers' market in Mary's Square, the city's main square. As Munich grew, so too did the market, eventually requiring more space and relocating to its current location.

Spread across an area of 22,000 square meters, the market is home to more than 140 stalls and shops. Visitors can find a vast selection of items ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, baked goods, and spices to exotic ingredients, gourmet foods, and homemade crafts. Traditional Bavarian delicacies, such as pretzels, sausages, and local cheeses, are also readily available, providing an authentic taste of regional cuisine.

Beyond its food offerings, Farmer's Market is also known for its beer garden, one of Munich's most popular. Amidst the market's hustle and bustle, the beer garden provides a delightful spot for people to unwind and enjoy local beers under the shade of chestnut trees.

Farmer's Market isn't just a marketplace; it's a vital part of Munich's cultural fabric. It hosts a variety of traditional events, including dance and music performances, seasonal festivals, and a colorful Mardi Gras celebration.

The Deutsches Museum stands as the world's largest museum dedicated to the realms of science and technology, boasting an extensive collection of over 28,000 exhibits across 50 diverse scientific and technological disciplines. Situated on Museumsinsel (Museum Island), an island in the Isar River, this institution's history traces back to a time when the island was primarily utilized for the transportation of timber during the medieval period.

In 1775, a military barracks was erected on the island. However, a significant turning point came in the early 20th century when the Association of German Engineers, spearheaded by the electrical engineer Oskar von Miller, championed the establishment of a museum focused on the world of science and technology. In 1903, the city authorities decided to allocate the island for this purpose. The subsequent years bore witness to both the museum's growth and its trials, as it suffered severe damage and the loss of numerous exhibits during the bombardment of the city in World War II. However, meticulous restoration efforts were undertaken post-war to revive the museum.

The Deutsches Museum offers a comprehensive array of exhibits, spanning from pivotal German technological innovations like the Gutenberg printing press to advancements in aviation. Noteworthy artifacts on display include the Gutenberg printing press, the pioneering Siemens Dynamo engine, the historic bench associated with the first atom split, and a 1886 model of the Mercedes Benz automobile. For young visitors, interactive displays showcasing electricity are among the highlights, producing actual lightning. To enhance the visitor experience, the museum employs English-speaking guides who guide guests through the exhibits, providing detailed explanations and insights.

Why You Should Visit:
If you have any interest in science, nature, technology or why Germans are so good at engineering, this is the place to be.
Many many different things to see – some are getting dated, but there is still some plenty for everyone.
The mining section in the basement is worth the admission price alone.
The building itself is beautiful, the surroundings great to walk...
Rooftop view is another bonus looking over Munich's major architectures.

Tip:
Don't wait in the long queue for tickets, buy them online and walk straight in.
If time is limited, plan well in advance your visit and the areas you are interested in – in the spot you may just be overwhelmed.