Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

Nestled in the western part of Munich, the baroque Nymphenburg Palace once served as the summer residence for the Bavarian monarchs. This grand estate is a testament to the legacy of five generations of the Wittelsbach family, who each contributed to its construction. Visitors are drawn to its opulent interiors, especially the famed "Gallery of Beauties" commissioned by Ludwig I. It's no wonder this palace is a beloved attraction in Munich. Among its many treasures, you'll find the former bedroom of King Ludwig II and an awe-inspiring banquet hall adorned with breathtaking ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann. The Nymphenburg Palace, one of Europe's largest royal palaces, is a must-see on any tour of Bavaria's capital. Its expansive gardens and museums attract tourists from around the globe, yet it remains a cherished spot for locals too. Built in 1664 by Prince Ferdinand Maria as a gift to his wife, who had just given birth to their much-anticipated heir, Max Emanuel, the palace has a rich history. Max Emanuel later played a pivotal role in expanding its layout, adding to its grandeur. As you stroll through the palace grounds, the meticulously landscaped gardens offer a serene escape from the bustling city. You might even spot a few locals enjoying a leisurely afternoon, a testament to the palace's special place in the hearts of Munich's residents. With its blend of history, art, and natural beauty, Nymphenburg Palace is a destination that promises to captivate all who visit.

Marienplatz is the central square in Old Town, Munich’s urban heart and the central point of the pedestrian zone. To the north is the magnificent neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (“New Town Hall”), to the east the Altes Rathaus (“Old Town Hall”), and the passageway to Tal and the Viktualienmarkt (farmers’ market). To the south, the square is bordered by stores, office buildings, and restaurants. To the west, the pedestrian zone opens to Kaufingerstraße, which ends at the Karlstor (gate) located at the square known by locals as Stachus. Marienplatz has been the center of Munich since it was founded in 1158 and is the heart of the city. In the first few centuries, the approximately 100 x 50 meter large area was used as the central marketplace, which is attested to today by the fish fountain on the northeast corner of Marienplatz. In 1638 Elector Maximilian I had the Mariensäule (Mary’s Column) erected in gratitude for the city being spared during the Thirty Years’ War; Marienplatz takes its name from the Mariensäule. The column is used as a reference point in land surveying as the topological center of Bavaria. Today Marienplatz is a center for festivities and political, cultural, or sports events. During Advent, Munich’s oldest traditional Christmas market (“Christkindlmarkt”) takes place here. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/attractions/marienplatz.html

"The Kirche St. Peter (“Church of St. Peter”) is one of Munich’s landmarks, the oldest parish church in the city, and is known affectionately by the locals as Alter Peter (“Old Peter”). The church stands on a hill called Petersbergl, which is the only noteworthy elevation within the Munich’s historic Old Town. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/churches/church-of-st-peter.html

"The Englische Garten (“English Garden”) is one of the largest urban parks in the world. The layout has undergone constant change throughout the centuries as new buildings and green spaces were added time and again. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/parks/english-garden.html

Situated in the midst of the Bavarian Alpine foothills, Schloss Linderhof (Linderhof Palace) attracts visitors to the imperial villa with its spacious landscaped garden and impressive terraces. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/castles/linderhof-palace.html

The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city (the Neuveste, or new citadel), was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town. The rooms and art collections spanning a period that begins with the Renaissance, and extends via the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism, bear witness to the discriminating taste and the political ambition of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed. Today, with the museums of the Bavarian Palace Administration (the Residence Museum itself, the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre) along with other cultural institutions, this is one of the largest museum complexes in Bavaria. http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/residenc/

At Olympiaberg in Munich, every skier can find their perfect slope. This highest hill in the city presents a range of options for descending: gentle slopes welcome those eager to learn skiing and bobsledding, while the steep descents cater to adrenaline junkies who love to zip across the snow. The Olympic Park, located in northern Munich, is famous far beyond the city's borders. Its unique tent-like architecture and the iconic Olympic Tower stand out as some of Munich’s most recognized landmarks. After hosting the 1972 Olympic Games, the park sprawled into a 300-hectare recreational haven for the entire city. It's a lively hub where joggers, cyclists, and walkers make their rounds, and swimmers glide through the lanes of the Olympic swimming facility. The park's vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon, offering activities for everyone, whether you're into sports or just want to relax with a good book under a tree. Standing over 50 meters (about 150 feet) high, the Olympic Hill offers a breathtaking view of Munich's rooftops with the majestic mountains as a backdrop. On a clear day, the sight is nothing short of spectacular, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking the perfect photo op.

The late Baroque Asam Church is located on Sendlingerstraße just a few minutes’ walk away from the Sendlinger Tor (Sendling Gate). It was erected between 1733 and 1746 by the Asam brothers and bears the official name of St. Johann Nepomuk. Originally planned as a private church for the builder, its Baroque facade is integrated into the row of houses on Sendlingerstraße. Two massive rocks arise from the base of the columns at the entrance. The luxuriously furnished interior breaks from Baroque convention with its proportional distribution. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/churches/asam-church.html

Munich is the capital of beer - with six breweries, the Hofbräuhaus and the Oktoberfest. Interested in the story of beer? So go into the Bier- und Oktoberfestmuseum. Learn more about the history of beer from migration of peoples, the monasteries, the purity law, and the unique quality of Munich's beer. And what about the story of the Oktoberfest? Established as the national festival for King Luis's wedding with Princess Theresa from Sachsen Hildburghausen to the world's great fair. Moreover, you can visit one of Munich's historical buildings. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/museums/beer-and-oktoberfest-museum.html

Together with the Synagogue and the Jewish Community Center the Jewish Museum Munich forms part of the Jewish Center at St.-Jakobs-Platz. It is situated in immediate proximity to Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/museums/jewish-museum.html

Exemplary pleasure palace with novel (for the time) ceiling frescoes. Maximilian Emanuel's "hunting palace" was built to celebrate his marriage to the Emperor's daughter, Maria Antonia, in June 1685. The palace houses an outstanding collection of Meissen porcelain from the Ernst Schneider Foundation. The collection includes over 2,000 valuable plates, table centerpieces and animal figures, and is surpassed only by the collection in the Dresdner Zwinger Palace. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/castles/lustheim-palace.html

Outstanding works of European art and sculpture from the late 18th to the beginning of the 20th century are in the spotlight of the Neue Pinakothek. One focus is on the German art of the 19th century - this collection, which goes back to the private collection of King Ludwig I, is one of the most comprehensive of all. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/museums/neue-pinakothek.html

The Deutsches Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of transportation, showcasing its collection of track and road vehicles in a fresh, exciting way. As you wander through the exhibits, you'll find yourself transported back in time with historical coaches and steam locomotives that reveal the origins of mobility. The displays and demonstrations provide a captivating look at the joys and challenges that come with moving from one place to another. From the simplicity of inline skates to the futuristic Transrapid, motion as life's fundamental principle is a central theme. This exhibition, which first opened its doors in 2003, is housed in the charming historic halls of the old Exhibition Center. For those with a passion for engineering and history, the museum is a treasure trove of knowledge. You can see firsthand how technology has shaped our world, and the museum's interactive elements make learning about the past an engaging experience. Plan to spend a few hours here; there's so much to see and learn that time tends to fly by. Plus, Munich itself is a city full of life and culture, so be sure to explore beyond the museum for a complete experience.