This pearl of Germany will surprise even the most picky tourists who have seen a lot in their lifetime. Munich, associated primarily with German beer, boasts numerous architectural and cultural values. The third largest city is full of attractions, and you simply cannot not visit them.
As travelers admit, it is impossible to get to know all the curious corners even in a month. Amazing natural beauty is here side by side with man-made, and the capital of Bavaria, which opens up new opportunities for a memorable vacation, attracts foreign visitors all year round.
Oktoberfest is a large-scale city event
Founded in 1158, this cozy city is known all over the world for its great festival - Oktoberfest, which is attended by about six million people annually. For 16 days, mass festivities and costumed processions take place in the center of Munich. Of course, the hero of this bright holiday is a special beer with a pronounced malt flavor. However, not only this drink, which can be bought only during a fun festival, will please its guests. During the October festivities, mature and young wines, alcoholic cocktails are poured like a river, and a variety of meat delicacies are incredibly popular among tourists who come to Munich.
Where should the guests of the city's main event and the world's largest holiday go? Fourteen beer tents are built annually, belonging to a particular brand of intoxicating drink. And for those who want to try something new, there is a giant tent of local champagne.
Near the so-called beer alley there is a whole amusement park, where not only adults, but also children will enjoy their free time. All 16 days of Oktoberfest are accompanied by costumed processions and noisy concerts until the morning, so those who do not know where to go in Munich in the evening go to fun events, the memory of which will remain for a long time.
In the opened souvenir shops, guests of the city buy gifts with the attributes of the holiday. For the sake of the festival, saturated with the atmosphere of joy, people from different parts of our planet rush to Bavaria.
Main square
Where to go in Munich for a tourist who first arrived in a southern German city? Of course, its main attraction is the Marienplatz square, located in the very center of a cozy and noisy settlement at the same time. This is a favorite walking area for all guests and locals, who believe that those who have not seen the Bavarian landmark have not learned anything about real Germany.
The square got its name thanks to the bronze figure of the Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms. A marble column with the image of the Mother of God dedicated to the patroness of the city appeared after the invasion of the Swedes in the 17th century. And at the bottom of the monument, the guests of the city look for a long time at the small figurines of angels who are fighting against human troubles.
It is very easy to find Marienplatz: it is located in the very center of the pedestrian zone, and you can get to the square by metro or train (exit at the Marienplatz station, Munich). Where to go and what to see in the busy square, where life is in full swing day and night?
New town hall
In the heart of the city, there are delightful architectural structures built in different eras. The acquaintance with the ancient city begins from the Marienplatz, and a wonderful view of Munich opens from the observation deck of the New Town Hall. The ancient architectural monument, built in the neo-Gothic style, is a whole complex of buildings with an area of \u200b\u200babout 10 thousand square meters. It also houses the city government and numerous branded clothing stores.
The high observation tower is the main advantage of the structure popular with tourists, and the bell ringing of the famous clock, on which 32 human-sized figures play curious scenes, sounds enchanting music for travelers who admire the wonderful place.
The performance lasts several minutes and gathers a huge crowd of people peering into the heights, so when the question is asked where to go in Munich in the center, the answer suggests itself.
Old town hall
The Old Town Hall is also located in the square - a white building in the Gothic style with Renaissance elements. The fabulously beautiful structure will surprise guests with a clock tower, which depicts gilded zodiac signs. During the war, most of the historical monument was destroyed, but after careful restoration, the town hall acquired its former appearance.
Toy Museum
Foreigners know where to go in Munich and go on an excursion to the tower of the Old Town Hall, which houses an unusual museum on four floors. The assembled collection of Spilzeugmuseum toys will appeal to people of different ages, but the kids will be most happy, and they will take their breath away from the sight of numerous teddy bears, wooden toy soldiers, Barbie dolls.
Fischbrunnen
The ancient fountain called "Fish" will confuse tourists. Young men with buckets are sitting on different sides of the structure, but these are not fishermen, as many think. In Munich, there was a custom - the graduated students of butchers jumped into the Fischbrunnen fountain. They say that such a dedication once a year washed away all sins. And tourists who rinse empty wallets in the water are sure that this will help to fill them with banknotes as soon as possible.
Christmas market
From the end of November until Christmas (December 25), the most magical time begins. The square is decorated with New Year's tree and sparkling garlands. Thousands of tourists come here who know exactly where to go in Munich in winter. where you can buy original handmade souvenirs, national food and drinks, attracts with a festive atmosphere, in which all problems are forgotten.
Corners for tourists with kids
Tourists arriving in the capital of Bavaria often have a question about where to go in Munich with children? Our recommendations will help you make your choice and visit the most interesting corners of the city.
The Ponyhof is a wonderful horse and pony stable. No child will miss the unique chance to ride and feed a cute animal. Whole families come here to enjoy the picturesque nature and walks in the fresh air. The horse farm at Beuernerstraße 7, 86926 Pflaumdorf will delight young riders and their parents.
All children have a sweet tooth, and this is well known to the adults who founded the open-air Beeren Cafe family business. Unfortunately, this cafe only works during the summer months, when you can pick berries directly from the bushes. Children love the place equipped with swings and swimming pools, and parents watch them play in the shade of umbrellas, savoring delicious desserts. The Berry Café located on Feldmochingerstrasse will delight adults and their little ones with a varied menu.
Rain is not a hindrance to children's entertainment
Well, if the weather in the city has turned bad, and the children are in need of entertainment, then there is a great option to occupy your child in a specially equipped room, where you can feel agile and strong. So where to go in Munich in the rain with a child? The Coco Loco Play Center will appeal to active fidgets who are tired of playing in the fresh air. What is not here: bright trampolines, various attractions, bouncy castles, high slides, intricate labyrinths will delight all children.
Aquarium
Where else to go in Munich with children? The Sea Life Aquarium is a huge territory where children will get to know the inhabitants of the seas and oceans, which are fun to follow in their natural habitat. A real adventure guarantees positive emotions and new experiences. The children like the fabulous setting with old sunken ships, heavy chests with jewels, and such decorations add a mysterious flair to transparent aquariums in which living creatures frolic and rest.
Most marine life do not care about people, but curious fish and turtles can swim up close, thereby delivering a lot of pleasant emotions to children. And after a walk through Sea Life (Willi Daume Platz 1), you can relax in a cafe, where a child will enjoy desserts and pastries. To get to the Munich Aquarium, you need to get off at the Olympiazentrum metro station.
Nymphemburg Palace
I must say that the status of the capital has left its mark on the number of majestic palaces for which the German pearl is famous. Tourists who love history do not ask where to go in Munich, but immediately go by tram number 17 to Schloß Nymphenburg street, where there is a beautiful architectural monument, striking in its magnificence.
The palace complex, built in the Baroque style, surrounded by a picturesque park area, is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists who admire the interior decoration of the halls. Now on the territory of the former residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty, four museums and the so-called gallery of beauties are open, where portraits of ordinary village girls and noble ladies are presented.
Located near Rotkreuzplatz station, the Nymphenburg Palace is one of the most popular attractions for a glimpse into the distant past.
Park area of \u200b\u200bthe palace
Guests of the city, thinking about where to go in Munich in the summer, go for a walk in the park, where the art of landscape design is manifested most vividly. The green area, spread over 180 hectares of land, delights with the harmonious combination of nature and architecture.
Tourists realize the greatness of the palace park and freeze with admiration in front of the original fountains, pacifying lakes, cozy pavilions, unusual sculptures, arches entwined with plants.
It seems that this amazing creation is the handiwork of Mother Nature herself, slightly improved by talented gardeners.
Former residence of Schleissheim
Not far from the hospitable city is the Schleissheim Palace, which was also home to the Wittelsbach dynasty. Take the S1 train there to the Oberschleißheim stop, and you won't have to wonder where to go in Munich. A photo of a fabulously beautiful estate cannot convey the splendor of an architectural complex that was supposed to overshadow Versailles.
Today, only part of the former summer residence is accessible for inspection, but this is enough to enjoy the incredible sight. Powerful marble columns, colorful frescoes, decorated rooms are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
Church of the Holy Mother of God
The center of European tourism is famous not only for palace complexes, but also for religious buildings, which cannot be counted. As folk legends say, Munich is a city of 365 temples, which seems to be true, since throughout history the role of churches has been very significant.
The symbol of the Bavarian capital is the Church of the Holy Mother of God, whose onion domes are known far beyond Germany. When the question arises of where to go in Munich, guests of the city go to the tallest cathedral on Frauenplatz 12. The Frauenkirche image has long been a favorite motif on the covers of numerous city guides. The local administration has banned the construction of any structures above the main cathedral, and this requirement is strictly followed by the architects.
According to legend, the Frauenkirche towers differ by one meter, and all the guides will not fail to tell about this, but to be precise, the northern extension is only 13 centimeters higher than the southern one.
The monumental structure has always amazed with its size. During the service in the church, up to 20 thousand parishioners can be present, and the population of the whole of Munich in the 15th century, when the Church of the Holy Mother of God appeared, did not exceed 13 thousand. The interior space is divided by columns, which, like transparent walls, do not impede the passage of sunlight in the temple, and tourists admit that the cathedral is more filled with the atmosphere of an old museum than with Gothic mysticism.
The building received its famous domes in the 16th century, and it was believed that this shape resembles the silhouettes of the heavenly city that will appear after the Apocalypse.
St. Peter's Church
Of course, travelers will not have to think long about where to go in Munich, because there are many cathedrals here, and St. Peter's Church is the oldest attraction in the glorious city. Destroyed and restored, it changed its external appearance and interior decoration. Observation deck St. Peter Kirche is a favorite destination for foreigners admiring the Bavarian capital from a bird's eye view. True, you will have to overcome the hard way up, namely 306 steps.
Those who have reached Rindermarkt 1, near Marienplatz, admire the mysterious beauty of the Gothic cathedral, from the bell tower of which you can hear the battle that sounds in memory of the dead townspeople.
City market Viktualienmarkt
The main tourists who have visited all want to get acquainted with the retail outlets of the capital of Bavaria and first of all go to the market, which is located next to the main square. Attracting with national delicacies, it delights all gourmets, frozen in place by the sight of counters filled with Bavarian sausages, cheeses and spices. Having visited the noisy Viktualienmarkt once, guests of the city no longer worry about where to go in Munich.
Munich is not the largest European city, according to 6 years ago, less than 1.5 million inhabitants lived in it, but in terms of saturation with historical, cultural and architectural monuments, it will give odds to many other European cities, rightfully considered a pearl. What to see in Munich in 1, 2, 3 days and where to go? The possibilities in the capital of the federal state of Bavaria are so wide that they make it difficult to choose.
How to get there?
A Schengen visa is required to travel to Munich. Its cost is 35 euros, the set of required documents for obtaining it is given on the website www.germania.diplo.de, to obtain it you need to contact the embassy or consulates that are in large cities.
There is no direct train to Munich, you will have to go with a change, for example, through Prague. It is possible to travel by bus or personal transport, but best of all is a direct plane that will take you to the place in 3-4 hours. The airport is located 28 km from the city; to travel to Munich it is better to choose the train - the fastest mode of transport here, excluding traffic jams.
In the city itself there is a branched scheme of four types of transport - tram, bus, metro, city train. Travel by any transport costs the same, it is more profitable to purchase a ticket for 1 or 3 days. Transport runs exactly on schedule up to a minute.
City center
Marienplatz / Ashwin Chandrasekaran, flickr.om
The old town and Marienplatz square are a place of attraction for lovers of architectural monuments. Most excursions begin with a survey of this square. What to see in Munich in 1 day? For the first day's inspection we recommend:
- Old Town Hall - a Gothic building with an interesting multi-figure clock, the building houses a toy museum;
- A new town hall in a pseudo-Gothic style, the tallest building on the square, a wonderful city panorama opens from the observation deck (for lifting there is an elevator);
- Peterskirche - the Gothic Church of St. Peter, the oldest operating in the city, a statue of the Saint is installed in the altar, there is also a viewing platform on the bell tower 92 meters high, but the ascent to it is not mechanized;
- Obelisk of Marienzoile - the topographic center of the city, a marble stele is crowned with a bronze statue of the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus in her arms;
- Fischbrunnen fountain - built in the XIV century, previously there was a fish market around it, hence the name (German Fisch - fish). The old tradition of the townspeople is to rinse empty wallets in it for a quick refill.
Odeonsplatz / Anthony V., flickr.com
Marienplatz with the next interesting point of view - the Odeonsplatz square connects Neunhauserstraße - Munich's pedestrian zone. On the street you can admire the late Gothic Frauenkirche - the tallest church, the symbol of the city, built in the Rococo style of Azamkirche (St. John of Nepomuk), named after the Azam brothers who built it.
On the Odeonsplatz itself are located:
- Theatinerkirche.
- Loggia Feldfernhalle.
- Residence palace complex.
The Theatinerkirche (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity) was built in the late Baroque style. Copper domes and snow-white richly decorated interiors are one of the most visited places by tourists.
Feldfernhalle - a part of Italy, transferred to Germany, is identical to the Lanzi loggia, one of the architectural monuments from Florence. Another name for the loggia is the arcade of the generals. A monument to the army and statues of commanders Tilly and Wrede, cast from bronze, remind of the victories of Bavaria.
Munich Residence / Pierre Andre Leclercq, flickr.com
The Residence Palace is located opposite the Theatinerkirche. The former residence of the Bavarian royal house of the Wittelsbach, spread out in the Hofgarten garden, has been turned into a museum complex. Eight buildings of the palace are connected by passages that formed courtyards.
This is what you can see in the museums of the Residence: the richest collection of jewelers' creations, regalia of royalty, a chapel with mosaic panels made of semi-precious stones, miniatures - these exhibits are the pride of the museum collection.
A traveler who comes to Munich for the first time will be interested in visiting some quarters of the city:
- Heidenhausen is a trendy area south of the Old Town with a lot of nightclubs, attractive to the intellectual elite and artists;
- Schwabing is the center of the city's "nightlife", a center of avant-garde art with a variety of entertainment, restaurants and antiques shops.
- Westend - the area of \u200b\u200bresidence of immigrants from other countries, mainly Turkey, has an oriental flavor.
A trip to Munich can be combined with attending a premiere at the National Theater, considered one of the best in the world. Known for innovative productions of both classical and modern operas and ballets. Stars of the world stage, outstanding composers and conductors collaborate with the theater. The building, built in the classicism style, copies the Odeon theater in Paris.
After completing a rich cultural program, you can relax and satisfy your hunger in the numerous cafes and restaurants of the Old Town. Next to the Marienplatz is the Hofbräuhaus brasserie, opened in 1589.
Major museums
We will devote one more day to museums. Munich has many museums, acquaintance with which takes much longer than the allotted 1-2-3 days. But among them there are several, not to see which is a sin for a traveler:
- Pinakothek;
- German Museum;
- Nymphenburg Palace;
- Glyptotek;
- BMW Museum.
Pinakothek / sanfamedia.com, flickr.com
Pinakothek is a complex of art galleries "Areal of Arts" - this is the name of the quarter of museums. The world famous collection of works is decorated with works by Dürer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Botticelli, Cranach, Leonardo, Brueghel and many other geniuses.
The German Museum is the largest museum of natural history and technology, distinguished by the fact that the visitor becomes an experimenter in it. The exposition of the museum with a total length of 19 km cannot be bypassed in 1 day, so it is advisable to choose a route in advance in the areas of interest in science.
The Nymphenburg Palace was built as a summer suburban residence, but with the expansion of the city's boundaries it became part of it. The luxurious complex “a la Versailles” is now a complex of museums, here you can visit the museum of carriages, porcelain, the Gallery of beauties, the Tapestry hall, the hall of the arms, the Chinese lacquer cabinet.
The Glyptotek is a collection of sculptures from ancient Rome and Greece. The museum was founded in 1830, sculptures from the pediment of the temple of Athena Afaya from the island of Aegina, the faun of Barberini (drunk satyr) are especially interesting. Munich is the headquarters of the BMW concern. The produced cars are exhibited in the museum.
Even museums from this small list cannot be visited in a day. Only the inspection of the Pinakothek collections will take more than one month, and in Munich there is also the State Museum of Egyptian Art, the State Paleontological Museum, the State Museum of Applied and Ancient Art - and you can go on for a long time. So the question is: "What to visit in Munich?" should not arise.
Neighborhood
Lake Constance / Ștefan Jurcă, flickr.com
Having set aside one day out of three for acquaintance with the outskirts of Munich, you can see several unique natural parks and ancient castles:
- Lake Constance;
- Rhine Falls;
- Plettenberg Castle;
- Neuschwanstein Castle.
Lake Constance is 180 km from the city and it will take a full day to get there. This is a local resort area. On the island near the town of Lindau there is a pedestrian zone, many cafes and recreation places. The town itself is very picturesque, reminiscent of Italy.
From Lindau along the German or Swiss shore of the lake, you can get to the Rhine Falls, in the waters of which Arthur Conan Doyle originally wanted to drown Sherlock Holmes. The largest waterfall in Europe is located 20 km from Lake Constance on the bend of the Rhine. From the observation deck, one can appreciate the power of the water falling in a wide stream at a tremendous speed.
Plettenberg Castle has been known since the 12th century, in its present form it has stood since the middle of the 15th century - the hunting castle of the Bavarian Duke Albrecht II is washed by water on three sides. Now it houses a youth library.
Neuschwanstein Castle, due to its picturesque nature, has come to the wallpaper of computer tables. Still not fully completed in accordance with the project of Ludwig II, the castle nevertheless became the main attraction of the area. Built in the neo-Gothic style, it impresses with its size and graceful silhouette. The castle hosts regular concerts of classical music.
Interesting for little travelers
Flamingos at Hellabrunn Zoo / oocoryxx, flickr.com
In Munich, it is not difficult to find an attraction that will interest a child. What to see in Munich with Kids? In addition to the already mentioned toy museum in the Old Town Hall, you can recommend a visit to the botanical garden and zoo, the German Museum and the BMW Museum.
The new botanical garden presents plants both characteristic of the nature of Bavaria and exotic plants. You can walk in the deciduous forest, see the collection of trees of the South, the collection of ferns and the collection of rhododendrons. The total number of plants in the New Botanical Garden is about 14 thousand copies.
Hellabrunn Zoo, a nature reserve on the right bank of the Isar River, is the world's first geo - zoo. Opened in 1911. Children will love a visit to the elephant, aquarium and bat pavilion.
In the German Museum, a little traveler, participating in experiments, can feel like a natural scientist. In addition, there you can touch many of the exhibits.
The BMW Museum is a collection of all brands of cars that ever came off the assembly line of the concern. Here you can ride the latest simulators.
Video: what can you see in Munich and which places to visit?
Oktoberfest
The most famous holiday in Bavaria is the autumn Oktoberfest beer festival. Thousands of beer lovers annually, at the end of September - beginning of October, for more than two hundred years have been coming to the capital of Bavaria - Munich to drink this drink in the Theresienweisse square (Teresa's meadow) for 2 weeks and 2 days, produced in one of 6 major breweries.
The holiday is so popular that all hotels are overcrowded, and prices are flying into space. For tourists who do not drink beer, this period is the only time for an unwanted excursion to Munich.
Bavaria is a picturesque southern region of Germany, lying next to the Alps, with fertile land and a mild climate. In spring and autumn, winter and summer - at any time of the year, acquaintance with Bavaria and Munich will bring pleasure and broaden your horizons.
The Bavarian dukes and kings of the Wittelsbach dynasty built their wonderful world on this land in the center of Europe. It is more modest than that of the imperial France, Austria, Russia, but it is cozy and demonstrates its Bavarian mentality, expressed by the motto "Bavaria loves you."
Munich is home to numerous monuments, architectural, museum and cultural values. To fully enjoy them, not even a month is enough. We, nevertheless, will try to highlight the most basic of them and answer the question: what to see in Munich in 2 days?
Briefly about the city
This city with a population of almost one and a half million is the third largest after Berlin and Hamburg. It is the capital of the federal state of Bavaria.
In the minds of most of us, Munich is associated with brewing. And it is not in vain, because it has long been famous for the best breweries that provide the world's largest festival - the Oktoberfest beer festival, held annually in Munich.
Developed brewing is just a small part of what the capital of Bavaria can boast of. Many tourists consider Munich the most interesting European city in terms of entertainment, shopping, cultural events, but first of all - attractions.
Trip to Munich: day one
On the first day, guests of the city can visit the rich sights of Munich squares - Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz, and also visit located between them with obor Frauenkirche, St. Peter's Church and the Bavarian National Museum... If time remains, it is worth stopping by the Hofbräuhaus brasserie or the Viktualienmarkt market. You can end the first day by going to National Theater.
Marienplatz
It is most convenient to start your acquaintance with the city from the central square - Marienplatz. Our tourists call it "Maria Square". Several interesting architectural structures are located here:
- column of Marienzoile,
- fischbrunnen fountain,
- Old and New Town Halls.
The Marble Column of the Virgin Mary (Marienzoile) is the central topographical point of Munich and, one might say, the heart of the city. It is crowned with a gilded bronze sculpture of the Virgin with the child Jesus.
The Fischbrunnen fountain, decorated with bronze figures, is the oldest in the city. It was built in the 14th century, but since then it has been altered several times. This fountain is called Fish, because earlier there were fish shops and a market around it. There is a tradition to rinse empty wallets in the fountain so that they will be filled up sooner.
The new town hall is the most beautiful building on the square. It was built in the neo-gothic style. Tourists can climb to the observation deck of the 85-meter tower of the town hall and enjoy the gorgeous city views from a bird's eye view.
The old town hall used to be a meeting place for the city authorities. Now this building houses a toy museum. When the clock strikes on the tower of the Old Town Hall, tourists always watch with interest how the figures rotate to the sound of bells, depicting a knightly tournament.
Odeonsplatz
The old square Odeonsplatz also attracts tourists. There are wonderful masterpieces of architecture here - the Teatinerkirche church, the Feldherrnhalle loggia, the Residence palace complex, as well as the most famous cafe in Munich - Tambozi.
The luxurious yellow building, crowned with copper tower roofs and magnificent domes, immediately attracts the eyes of tourists. Its all-white lace-like interior leaves no one indifferent. This is the Theatinerkirche (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity) - one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Munich. It was built in the late Italian Baroque style.
An exact copy of the Florentine Lanzi Loggia - the Feldherrnhalle Loggia is like a piece of Italy inside Germany.
Its second name is the Generals Arcade. On the front staircase, tourists are greeted by majestic stone lions. The cannon bronze figures of commanders Tilly and Wrede and the Bavarian army monument remind of the victories of the Bavarian troops.
The palace complex of the Residence is a grandiose architectural monument. It is located opposite the Theatinerkirche. The dukes and kings of Bavaria lived here. The buildings of the Residence are connected by beautiful courtyards, and outside is the Hofgarten court garden. Numerous halls are striking in their wealth. Of particular interest are the Treasury of Royal Regalia and Jewelery, a chapel with walls in a mosaic of semi-precious stones and a room with miniatures.
You can grab a bite to eat in the oldest and most popular Munich cafe Tamboosi. The building is made in the Venetian style. Tambosi tables are almost always full. Tourists are attracted by hearty Bavarian cuisine and affordable prices.
Frauenkirche Cathedral
The Late Gothic Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Frauenkirche) is striking in its size - it can accommodate up to 20 thousand people. Two majestic 99-meter towers of the cathedral, crowned with green domes that look like huge onions, are the hallmark of the city. One of the towers has an observation deck. The most valuable works of art are collected within the walls of the Frauenkirche.
See the main sights of Munich in this video:
St. Peter's Church
The oldest functioning temple in Munich is St. Peter's Church, popularly called "Alter Peter" ("Old Peter"). Saint Peter for the Munich parishioners is the personification of the papal authority. His sculpture is installed on the majestic Gothic altar of the temple. Having climbed almost 300 steps, tourists can climb to the observation deck of the 92-meter bell tower of St. Peter. A gorgeous panorama of the city opens from here.
Bavarian national museum
In the Bavarian National Museum you can get acquainted with the cultural and historical values \u200b\u200bof Bavaria, masterpieces of painting and sculpture. There are collections of porcelain, watches, textiles, ivory and precious metals. The museum has gained worldwide fame for the largest collection of nativity scenes - sculptural images of history with a manger in a barn.
Hofbräuhaus
The brasserie Hofbräuhaus is located a few steps from the Marienplatz. This is the oldest beer restaurant. Opened at the beginning of the 17th century, for two centuries it was a court brewery. The restaurant has several halls, an open area - a beer garden, and can accommodate 4 thousand visitors.
Viktualienmarkt
The old food market Viktualienmarkt is an extraordinary vibrant place of huge proportions, where you can feel the flavor of Bavaria. Passages, fountains and stalls with Munich delicacies brought from peasant farms make a walk through the market very exciting.
National Theater
A visit to the National Theater in Munich is a worthy end to the first day. This is one of the best theaters in the world. It is the main venue for the Bavarian Opera and Ballet. Here Wagner and Strauss presented their masterpieces to the public. Today, world-class opera and ballet stars, famous composers and conductors shine on this stage.
The theater building was created in the image of the Parisian Odeon in the classicist style of a Greek temple. The facade is decorated with a colonnade and a sculptural composition on the portico. The luxurious hall is designed for 2 thousand spectators.
Trip to Munich: day two
The second day should be devoted to visiting p horse Königsplatz, the three Pinakothek, the English Garden, the Friedensengel Column and the German Musei am.
Königsplatz
Modernity, neoclassicism and antiquity come together in the incredibly beautiful Königsplatz (King's Square). Here are the Propylaea - the gates of the square, copied from the entrance to the temple on the Acropolis, the Glyptotek and the building of the Antique collection with ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. The square amazes with the monumentality and majesty of the buildings.
Pinakothek
The Pinakothek of Modernity, the Old and New Pinakothek are three art galleries of world importance, which every connoisseur of painting must visit. They are located in the Areal of Arts museum quarter.
These galleries display paintings by famous artists from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Old Pinakothek contains such absolute masterpieces as:
- self-portrait of Dürer,
- Rubens,
- Van Dyck,
- Portrait of the Marquise de Pompadour (Boucher),
- Lamentation for Christ (Poussin),
- Suzanne and the Elders (Van Dyck),
- Golden Age (Cranach),
- Crucifixion of Christ (Cranach),
- Lamentation for Christ (Botticelli),
- Vision of Saint Bernard (Perugino),
- Madonna and Child (Da Vinci),
- Lazy Land (Bruegel),
- Seven joys of the Virgin Mary (Memling).
English garden
You can relax on the second day of your trip to Munich in the huge English Garden, which stretches along the Isar River. It covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 4 square meters. km and is one of the largest parks in the world. It got this name thanks to the style of the English "natural" landscape park used in its design.
The large, fish-rich Kleinhessenloe lake with three islands divides the park into two parts - the lively south and the quieter north. While walking in the English Park, one cannot miss the beautiful streams, the Japanese tea house and such historical sights as the Chinese Tower, Monopter, Rumfordhouse. The park has beer gardens and glades where nudists are allowed to sunbathe.
Friedensengel column
The majestic 38-meter Friedensengel (Angel of Peace) Column was built to commemorate Germany's victory in the German-French War. At its top "hovers" a gilded statue of the goddess of victory Nike. Friedensengel is also another excellent observation deck.
German Museum
Tourists should definitely look into the largest museum of natural history and technology in the world - the Munich Deutsches Museum. More than 28 thousand exhibits are collected here and more than 50 areas of science are presented. Whereas in ordinary museums the visitor is a spectator, in the German Museum the visitor is an active participant in scientific experiments. It is allowed to touch many exhibits here.
The corridors of the museum stretch for 19 kilometers, so a full inspection is out of the question. Tourists should study the plan and choose only the most interesting halls to visit.
Trip to Munich for 3 days
What to see in Munich in 3 days? Compared to the two-day tour, one more extra day gives you the opportunity to visit more distant from the center, but no less interesting sights of the city. Depending on personal preference, you can choose one of three tour options for the third day:
- BMW Museum and Olympic Tower
- Botanical Garden
- Nymphenburg palace
- hellabrunn Zoo
BMW Museum
The BMW World building houses the BMW Museum. Here are all the ever produced (and not even serial) cars of the company. In the BMW World, you can ride the simulators of modern BMW models. BMW factories are located nearby.
Olympic tower
Built before the 72 Olympics, the Olympic Tower is located in the park of the same name in the north of Munich. The tower is 291 meters high and 40 meters thick. It is equipped with a high-speed elevator that takes tourists to a height of 190 meters to the most panoramic viewpoints in the city.
They say that you can even see the Alps from the Olympic Tower in good weather. The Olympic Park also houses a huge modern stadium, swimming pool and ice rink.
Nymphenburg palace
The luxurious palace complex of Nymphenburg, half a kilometer wide, is the former summer residence of the monarchs of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Tourists can visit museums of carriages, porcelain, nature. Of particular interest are the Gallery of Beauties, the Tapestry Room, the Heraldic Room, and the Chinese Lacquer Cabinet.
The picturesque forest and the chic Nymphenburg park with a huge water channel, cascades and small lakes are unparalleled admiration.
Botanical Garden
The New Botanical Garden is a beautiful park area that merges with the Nymphenburg park. This is one of the richest gardens in Germany. It combines a coniferous-deciduous forest, a collection of southern trees, ferns and rhododendrons. The garden contains collections of woody, aquatic, alpine, exotic plants from all over the world. There are also departments of common agricultural plants. In total, about 14 thousand plants grow here.
Hellabrunn Zoo
On the right bank of the Isar River, there are vast floodplain meadows. This place is a nature reserve. Here is the largest European zoo, Hellabrunn. This is the world's first geo-zoo. It was opened in 1911.
The most memorable places in Hellabrunn are the elephant, the tropical pavilion, the aquarium, the bat pavilion. The opportunity to feed and touch some animals delights children. Also, the zoo produces public feeding for tigers, penguins, owls, piranhas. Elephants perform gymnastic exercises and seals perform tricks. A visit to the zoo is a real event that you can devote a whole day to.
When is the best time to go to Munich?
The best time to visit the Bavarian capital for sightseeing is spring and. Tourists will surely appreciate the blooming gardens and stunning Munich fountains. They have at their disposal city lakes, swimming pools, vast parks and lawns with fresh juicy green grass, where you can lie down to relax or have a mini-picnic. Also during the warmer months, concerts and open-air movie shows are held on Königsplatz.
Autumn Munich is wonderful for the variety and brightness of natural colors. The English Park is especially beautiful. However, the city at this time attracts most tourists not at all by the landscapes of the golden autumn, but by the famous Oktoberfest beer festival, which is held in late September - early October. Bavarians and tourists from all over the world participate in this fun. During the festival, the city is overcrowded and hotel prices skyrocket. Therefore, tourists who do not intend to visit this festival should choose another time to travel to the capital of Bavaria.
Munich is also very interesting during the cold season. What to see in Munich in winter? Almost everything is the same as in summer, plus there is an opportunity to go skiing, ice skating, sledging. On the eve of Christmas (Advent), a splendid Christmas tree has been installed in front of the New Town Hall for many years, and the city is decorated with incredibly beautiful New Year's illumination. December is the time for Christmas markets and fairs. The largest of them are on the Marienplatz square. Tourists can feel the bubbling holiday atmosphere even if they only spend a couple of hours here.
Winters in Bavaria are usually not particularly cold and summers are not particularly hot. Therefore, tourists can enjoy the sights of Munich at any time of the year, and the trip will certainly be interesting and will bring only positive emotions.
Millions of tourists prefer to visit Munich in early October, during the famous beer festival - Oktoberfest. If you arrived here at this particular time, then the cultural program most likely will not interest you. After all, a variety of entertainment events, open pavilions and cozy bars work especially for local residents and visiting tourists. For 2 days spent in the city, you can taste more than a dozen types of famous Bavarian beer and have fun at a global celebration.
If your trip is planned at another time of the year (or you spontaneously find yourself in Bavaria for a few days), then the many-sided Munich will show you its most interesting places. This is the medieval architecture, built in the Gothic and Baroque style, and numerous picturesque parks and museums for every taste and age, and the proximity to the Alps mountain range, where you can enjoy various types of winter sports. If you are a fan of active skiing, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with another popular resort at this link.
In this article we will tell you what to see in Munich in 2 days, so that you can draw up a rough plan of your cultural program.
All tourists who have visited the city for a few days should definitely visit its historical center. It is here that the most interesting sights of Munich are collected.
- Marienplatz Square (Maria Square). Located in the heart of Munich. A marble column called Marienzolle - a gilded statue of the Virgin, who is holding a baby in her arms, immediately attracts the eyes of curious tourists. Nearby is the Fischbrunnen fountain, where you must "redeem" your wallet so that more money appears in it. The fish fountain was built back in the 14th century, and it is considered the oldest in Munich. Another interesting attraction on the square are two town halls - Old and New. At a height of 85 meters, in the New Town Hall there is an observation deck, which offers an indescribable view of the city's surroundings. And in the Old Town Hall there is a Toy Museum. But most of all passers-by love to watch a mini-performance during the chime of the clock on it - a toy tournament of knights.
- Odeonsplatz square. It houses the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Theatinerkirche) - the most beautiful church in Munich, built in the late Baroque style. The interior of the cathedral is made in white and attracts the eye with the "lace" decoration of the walls. Next to the cathedral, you can go to the Loggia of the commanders - a copy of the Lanzi loggia in Florence. Near the main staircase, be sure to take a photo with the majestic stone lions, and the bronze statues of Wrede and Tilly are also interesting. Opposite the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity there is a majestic architectural ensemble - the Palace complex of the Residence. It was once home to Bavarian royals, so you can see richly furnished halls here, stroll through the courtyards or the Hofgarden garden. Be sure to visit the Treasury, where the royal regalia and jewels are located, the room with miniatures and the chapel with mosaic walls.
- Frauenkirche Cathedral is located between two squares. This place can accommodate 20,000 people at the same time. The two almost 100-meter towers of the cathedral are considered the hallmark of Munich. At the top of one of them there is an observation deck, which overlooks the entire city. Inside the cathedral there is a collection of the most expensive paintings and sculptures.
- Church of St. Peter. This is the oldest temple, and at the same time, services are held within its walls. There is also an observation deck in the upper part of the bell tower, 92 meters high. To get there, you need to go through 300 steps. The altar of the church is made in the Gothic style, in its center there is a large sculpture of St. Peter. The inhabitants of Munich call the cathedral "Alter Peter", which means "old Peter".
- The National Museum of Bavaria is located next to the previous attractions and is recommended to visit by experienced tourists. Here you will not see archaeological halls or hear boring lectures about the prehistoric era. Both adults and children will be happy to view the world-famous collection of Christmas figurines - a nursery with a nativity scene. It is also worth paying attention to the examination of the collections of porcelain, miniatures made of ivory, textiles, watch movements and precious metals.
This is just a small list of must-see places for all tourists arriving in Munich for the weekend. All the sights of the historical center of the city are its visiting cards, after visiting them you will have a general impression of it.
Art lovers - pinakothek and glyptotek
Munich has four establishments that will appeal to connoisseurs of both classic and modern art.
Visits to places where the most amazing pieces of art from different times are stored will not only appeal to scientists. Here, from excursions, you can learn a lot about the history of the formation of the world's artistic culture and enjoy the most ingenious works of masters.
Traveling with a child
Children can get bored during tours of ancient architectural buildings or collections of antique sculptures. Therefore, it is better to go with them to a zoo or an entertainment center.
In the vicinity of Munich (120 km of the road) in the city of Günzburg there is a theme park "LegoLand", which will please all fans of the eponymous constructor. Visitors can choose from various attractions and themed objects made from construction details. There is no age limit, but most swings and slides are designed for 6-12 year olds. 
Visit the Miniland, a replica of European cities, and ride the rides in Pirate Country Park. There are several cafes on the territory offering fast food - hamburgers, waffles, salads, schnitzels, hot dogs or ice cream.
Munich has the largest geopark in Europe - the Hellabrunn Zoo, where animals live in the most natural conditions for them. It covers an area of \u200b\u200balmost 40 hectares, so you can walk here all day and have a lot of fun with your children:
- look at wild animals;
- get acquainted with the geography - the territory of the zoo is divided into continents by streams;
- feed and play with babies, such as lambs or kids;
- see a colony of bats in Dracula's villa;
- visit the elephant and tropical pavilion, see the underwater world in the aquarium;
- feed the animals - you can buy food for 50 cents in special vending machines, or watch how the zoo workers feed piranhas, penguins, owls and tigers.
Leisure, spent with children in Munich entertainment centers, will surely please adults too. After all, the abundance of flora and fauna in the Geopark is still being studied by scientists, and you can tickle your nerves and get a dose of adrenaline on the slides in LegoLand. 
What else can you visit in the city?
If you have some free time or you didn’t like the previous places to visit, we recommend visiting other sights of Munich. After all, a week is not enough to fully cover all the interesting places in the heart of Bavaria.
There is no severe frost in Munich in winter, and temperatures rarely rise high during the height of summer. Therefore, you can come to the capital of Bavaria at any time. Beer lovers will appreciate Oktoberfest in October, and sightseeing tours are almost always available. If only there was enough time allotted for a vacation in Munich to see everything. After this trip, we advise you to visit the Czech Republic bordering on Germany, enjoy your stay!
In this article, I want to present a short list of what to do in Munich if you come here for a few days - the main tourist attractions, as well as places that are not explicitly indicated in popular travel guides. The list is based solely on my personal impressions :)
Munich maps in Russian
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What to do in Munich
- Visit the main square of the Marienplatz and marvel at the Munich City Hall
The new town hall on Marienplatz is the most famous landmark in Munich.
Of course, a must-see on the program should be a visit to Munich's central square - Marienplatz with the New and Old Town Halls. Especially noteworthy is the New Town Hall, built in the neo-Gothic style - you can endlessly admire it, look at the numerous figures on its facade, peer into windows, balconies, spiers, etc. In the middle of the square is the column of Mary, established in the 17th century. In December, a traditional one is arranged on the square, and a Christmas tree flaunts next to the New Town Hall.
In winter, there is a Christmas tree on the Marienplatz and a traditional Christmas market (photo from personal archive)
2. Wander around the Viktualienmarkt
Without going far from the square, you can get to the Central Market of Munich - Viktualienmarkt. For me, this market is the embodiment of ideal European markets, markets with postcards, where you can find anything you want, and everything around is clean and tidy. What to do at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich? You can just wander around the Viktualienmarkt looking at the counters, or outlandish souvenirs, or you can have a snack in one of the many cafes: delicious (perhaps tastier than Italian) pastries, seafood (which, despite being far from the sea, are always the freshest, and prices are not sky-high), and, of course, sausages, sausages, and beer. And in fine weather the market turns into another beer garden!
Ideal vegetable stalls at Viktualienmarkt
Seafood at Viktualienmarkt - in abundance
Souvenir shop at Viktualienmarkt.
Baking at the Viktualienmarkt is a special delight. Perhaps German pastries are tastier than Italian ones!
Looking for hotels in the center of Munich? Then my central city hotels may be useful to you.
3. Walk around the evening city and find out everything. You can do this with a Russian-speaking guide who will reveal to you all the secrets of the Bavarian capital.
4. Visit Munich museums
Yes, few people love museums, or visit them just for show. In Munich, there is for different tastes - everyone will find what he likes. Connoisseurs of beauty go to (art gallery), lovers of speed and expensive cars - to, well, beer lovers - to, respectively!
5. Taste beer-flavored ice cream at the Crazy Ice Cream Shop (Der Verrückte Eismacher at Amalienstraße 77)
There is always a queue to the shop of a crazy ice cream maker!
Not enough for you liquid beer? Try it as ice cream! The crazy ice cream shop has dozens of unusual ice cream flavors: beer, champagne, gin, almonds, sausages, and even, they say, hemp! Try a few! The shop is decorated in a very unusual way, in the style of Alice in Wonderland, and there is almost always a queue, but this ice cream is definitely worth a try! I think this is a “must do” of the list of “what to do in Munich”
6. Visit the Michael Jackson Memorial Site.
Michael Jackson Memorial Site
For fans, and just fans, it may be interesting to visit the memorial site of M. Jackson. I don’t call it a monument, because this “patch” is located on the monument to a completely different person, I don’t think that many people know his name. And everyone knows the name of Michael Jackson - the monument is pasted over with posters, notes, hearts, candles and flowers are around. It's amazing that the monument is being looked after, a woman came right in front of us, took out a broom, swept everything, threw out the burnt candles ... The monument is located directly opposite the main entrance to the Bayerischer Hof hotel.
7. Take a walk in Munich parks
You can go boat or catamaran sailing on the lake in the English Garden.
If you come to Bavaria in the warm season and are wondering what to do in Munich, I advise you to take a walk in the local parks - take a walk around the lake in the English Garden, where swans and football players share one field, feed the ducks, or admire the scenery of the Olympic Park. and if you don't have much time, then at least sit for half an hour in the Hofgarten, which is next to Odeonsplatz. More about parks.
8. Drink beer and taste the national Bavarian food in one of the most famous pubs
