Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is a small and clean city, located in southern Germany. Do not forget that from there started the famous Octoberfest which dates back to 1810!
In general, Munich combines the rural atmosphere of a large village with the modernism of a modern metropolis. The city has many attractions, but at the same time, it respects its tradition. It can be walked comfortably and is surrounded by parks and imposing buildings… even palaces!
Many people consider Munich as the home of the Oktoberfest, but there is much more to see and do in the Bavarian capital. In addition to the city’s many beautiful sights and museums, it is also the ideal base for exploring southern Germany and its many alpine lakes!
Sights of Munich
So let’s talk about the attractions and activities offered by Munich, which will satisfy any kind of traveler.
- Marienplatz and Neues Rathaus: Marienplatz is Munich’s main square and is essentially the center of this modern city. It was built in 1158. In this square is also the New Town Hall or Neues Rathaus. It is one of the most imposing buildings in Munich and its facade is characterized as ornate with sculptural decorations. It is possible to go up to the building by elevator (thankfully) and enjoy the view from the top. One of the features of the building is the melodic clock that has or Glockenspiel with bells and barrel figures that come to life 3 times a day.
- Frauenkirche: The Frauenkirche is a church in the Bavarian city of Munich, which is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and the seat of its archbishop. It is one of the most famous sights of the Bavarian capital and is considered its symbol.
- Peterskirche: St. Peter’s Church is a Roman Catholic church in central Munich. The 91-meter tower is known as the “Alter Peter” – Old Pete” and is a major attraction in Munich. and you climb the 300 steps and enjoy the amazing view.
TIP: Make sure you bring a small bottle of water with you because the climb to the top will not be easy!
- Residenz: This palace was the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings from 1508 to 1918. It started in 1385 as a castle in the northeast corner of the city (the Neuveste or new citadel), but over the centuries, was transformed by the rulers into a magnificent palace. Its buildings and gardens extended more and more into the city.
- Schloss Nymphenburg: The Baroque-style Nymphenburg Palace, also known as the “Nymph Castle”, is only half an hour away from the city center. The palace was the main summer residence of the House of Wittelsbach, former rulers of Bavaria. The palace, along with the park, is now one of Munich’s most famous landmarks. The majestic French-style gardens, the impressive network of lakes, scattered pavilions and fountains, its galleries and museums, compose a unique experience.
- Deutsches Museum: The German Museum, or Deutsches Museum, is the largest science and technology museum in the world, with about 28,000 exhibits from fifty science and technology fields. It receives about 1.5 million visitors per year. Get ready for a tour de force journey into the worlds of astronomy, aeronautics, metallurgy, automotive, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and telecommunications.
- BMW Welt & Museum: The BMW Museum is a car museum of BMW history. The museum was founded in 1973, shortly after the start of the Summer Olympics. 125 of the most beautiful and historic BMW car models, motorcycles, airplanes, prototypes, simulators, but also two-way technology exhibitions compose a unique experience for the visitor.
- Allianz Arena: An exemplary example of modern futuristic architecture, the Herzog & de Meuron Stadium was built to house Munich’s top two football clubs, FC Bayern and TSV 1860. It houses FC Bayern Erlebniswelt, Germany’s largest football museum, and many restaurants.
Galleries of Munich
In the world-class “Museum District” you will find three of the most important galleries in the world, within walking distance of each other.
- The Alte Pinakothek or Old Gallery houses over 700 invaluable works of art by classical European painters from the 14th to the 18th century, such as Peter Paul Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, and Botticelli’s ‘Pieta’.
- The collection of the Neue Pinakothek or New Gallery includes 4,500 paintings and 300 sculptures from the 18th and 19th centuries, from Rococo and Classicism to art nouveau. Here you will admire works by Caspar David Friedrich, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Walter Crane, and others.
- The modern Pinakothek der Moderne is home to 20th and 21st-century art. The impressive collection of modern art that houses includes paintings, graphic arts, installations, and works of new media, architecture, and design.
Time to relax and have fun
I imagine that after an exhausting walk to the sights and the galleries you will look for a place to relax. Do not worry. Munich has you covered.
- Englischer Garten: The English Garden (Englischer Garten) is the largest urban park in Germany and has been for more than 200 years the most popular destination for relaxation and entertainment of Munich residents. It is an impressive set of meadows, artificial lakes, open-air beers, and beautiful monuments suitable for boating, cycling, jogging, and even surfing in the icy waters of the Isar.
- Olympiapark: Built on the site of an old airport for the 1972 Olympics, the Olympic Park is one of Munich’s most popular attractions. The impressive complex includes artificial hills, an artificial lake, the Olympic Tower, and of course the huge Olympic Stadium with its elegant transparent roof, which is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture.
The open-air pubs claim a great deal of evening entertainment in the city, especially in the summer when they play live music in their gardens, from Oompah to Dixieland. In night Munich you are not going to get bored. In addition to traditional pubs and pubs, its elegant and glamorous nightclub includes all kinds of entertainment, from Irish pubs and trendy cocktail bars to classic discos and noisy techno and rock clubs. Some of the largest bar and club complexes can be found in the Haidhausen area, across the river.
In general, Munich is a world center of art, science, technology, economy, culture, innovation, education, business, and tourism, with a very high standard and quality of life. It is one of the most prosperous and fastest-growing cities in Germany and will definitely leave you with the best impressions.
By Anastasis Denis
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