Munich is an enigmatic mix of old-world charm and chic sophistication. A walk in the city centre and Munich will share its cultural and spiritual riches with you.
Places of general interest
Isartor (Isar Gate)
Most easterly of Munich's three remaining town gates, dating from the 14th century. Careful restoration has recreated the dimensions and appearance of the original structure. The Isar Gate accommodates the Valentin Museum.
Karlstor (Charles' Gate)
Westerly town gate from 14th century. Incorporated at the end of the 18th century into the square known as "Stachus" (officially Karlsplatz). Today it marks one end of Munich's primary pedestrian zone.
Sendlinger Tor (Sendlinger Gate)
Remaining towers of southerly fortifications from the 14th century.
Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
Marienplatz 15
80331 Munchen
Most easterly building on Marienplatz square, at the heart of Munich. Gothic council hall and ballroom and the adjoining town hall tower have been reconstructed.
Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)
Marienplatz 8
80331 Munchen
Built 1867 - 1909 in Flanders Gothic style; its facade, over 300 feet in length, features strikingly elaborate stone ornamentation. Its 260-foot tower with carillon is, with St. Peter's Church and the twin towers of the Cathedral, one of the most distinctive features of the city's skyline.
Ludwigstraße
Magnificent "showpiece" of Munich, extending from the Siegestor (Triumphal Arch) to the Feldherrnhalle (Commanders' Hall); built under King Ludwig I in the first half of the 19th century, it marked the transformation of Munich from a medieval town to an imperial residence.
Theresienwiese / Oktoberfest
The Theresienwiese is mainly known as the site of the Oktoberfest, and is also referred to as the "Wies’n".
Ruhmeshalle (Hall of Fame) and Bavaria
U-shaped open hall modeled on Graeco-Roman precedents; a memorial to distinguished figures of Bavarian history; situated above the Theresienwiese (site of the Oktoberfest). The bronze statue in front of the hall represents the State of Bavaria; a good view of the city skyline with its many towers can be had from the top.
Olympiaturm
(Olympic Tower), 951 feet
Germany's highest television tower.
Schloß Nymphenburg
80638 Munchen
Phone 17 90 80
Including the Amalienburg, Badenburg and Pagodenburg summer houses, the Magdalenenklause grotto and the Marstallmuseum (Royal Stables Museum).
Hofbrauhaus
This belover beer hall has existed since 1644 and lives up to its reputation: beer, food, tourists, oom-pah music, drunken revelry and Lederhosen. Check out the wall of beer steins, personalized and locked away for their owners. Note: Tables lebeled with "Stammtisch" are reserved for regulars (this is true for all Bavarian restaurants).
Marienplatz
Named after the column of the Virgin Mary at it´s center, the square is famed for its neo-Gothic Town Hall, whose mechanical clock, or Glockenspiel, plays every day at 11.00, 12.00 and 17.00. The Marienplatz is a centerpiece for the city´s Founding Festival as well as for Fasching celebrations and the popular Christmas market.
Glockenspiel im Rathausturm (Carillon in New Town Hall Tower)
Largest carillon in Germany, with near-lifesize figures performing the traditional Coopers' Dance and a jousting match.
Three times a day at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 5 p.m.
Konigsplatz
Commissioned by Ludwig I and later used as a Nazi ground, this neo-Classical square boasts the Propyläen gateway and the Glyptothek, a small but enchanting collection of Greek and Roman sculpture. Also the sight of an annual summer outdoor concert series.
Churches
Cathedral Church of Our Lady
Frauenplatz 1
Metropolitan Church of the Archbishopric of Munich-Freising. Late Gothic nave from the 15th century, interior with works of art spanning 5 centuries; landmark for the City of Munich.
Peterskirche (Church of St. Peter)
Rindermarkt 1
Oldest parish church in Munich; ornate interior decorated with old masters from 6 centuries.
Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan
Theatinerstraße 22
Basilica in Italianate High Baroque which had a major influence on Southern German baroque architecture.
St.-Johann-Nepomuk-Kirche (Asam-Kirche)
Sendlinger Straße 62
Church endowed and built by the Brothers Asam, pioneering artists of the Rococo period.
