- Flight time from London: 1 hour 50 min
- Munich Airport: 34km from the city centre; transfer time about 40 min
- Nearest railway station: München Central Station
- Currency: Euro
Munich retains the traditional charm of a provincial town and exudes a warm Mediterranean flair. Age-old traditions exist side by side with modernist architecture, high-design restaurants, bars and shopping facilities while creative neighbourhoods and a strong cultural scene make Munich a fascinating destination. For culture lovers, there are many museums and art galleries to satisfy your cravings, while lovers of architecture will relish the chance to see the Residenz, the Asamkirche and the Schloss Nymphenburg which pay tribute to the Old Munich.
For shoppers, the 'Funf Höfe', the Maximilianstrasse and the Neuhauserstrasse are all worthy areas to visit. 2015 saw the opening of the 'Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism', built on the site of the former Nazi headquarters, where visitors can gain an insight into Munich's role in Hitler's rise to power as well as the difficulties in dealing with the Nazi past after 1945.
This square in the city centre is the heart and soul of Munich Old Town, together with the neo-gothic New Town Hall. The carillon in the tower resounds when the clock chimes the hour (11 and 12 a.m. - in summer also at 5 p.m.) and spreads its sound all over the square.
Odeonsplatz is one of the other main hotspots in Munich. On the south side of the square stands the impressive Field Marshal's Hall Monument, whilst on the west side you can find the beautiful and glorious Theatiner Church. Last but not least a gate leads to the Renaissance Royal Gardens and the Royal Residence, the largest residential palace in Germany.
One of the largest city parks in the world and the perfect place for strolling, relaxing, surfing in the Eisbach, paddle-boating and enjoying a tasty Bavarian beer. Alternatively, enjoy a Japanese Tea and watch the many surfers.
Just around the corner from Marienplatz and the Town Hall, you will find one of Europe's finest food markets. In summer, the entire place is transformed into a beer garden.
An enormous, beautiful park area in the northwestern part of Munich that surrounds the baroque summer residence of the Bavarian Electors.
Visit the Pinakothek galleries. The three galleries of Old, New and Modern offer some of the finest works in Germany. With paintings exhibited by such masters as Dürer and Hals in the Alte Pinakothek and Goya, Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh in the Neue Pinakothek there is something for all Art lovers.
The 'Cathedral of our Blessed Lady' with its twin towers, is Munich's most famous landmark. The gothic facade and its onion-domed towers are a distinctive image of the city.
Home to Munich's Philharmonic Orchestra and the city's premier cultural venue with a diverse schedule throughout the year.
Located on the museum island in the Isar River. It is one of the oldest museums for science and technology in the world.
BMW Welt, with its unique and futuristic architecture, is the BMW experience and delivery centre. The museum presents a unique collection of the most important and original brand examples and the current development of this popular car manufacturer.
This park was created for the Summer Olympic Games back in 1972. This sports area can be found in the north of Munich and it's now a popular urban destination for recreation and fun. On the top of the Olympic Tower, you can get a great view of Munich and the Alps.
The futuristic stadium has been the home of FC Bayern München since 2005.
An early morning swim or sauna at Müller'sches Volksbad (Munich's oldest public baths) is an invigorating way to start the day. Then, take a trip to the Viktualienmarkt to view the many stalls offering fresh produce and stop at a café or stall for a refreshing drink. At 11am, the glockenspiel on the New Town Hall in Marienplatz comes to life when the clock chimes the hour.
Visit Dallmayr food hall on your way to Maximilianstrasse for some serious window shopping - this is not a street to buy from if you are on a limited budget. A walk from there brings you to the English Garden where the beer garden is an ideal spot to stop for lunch. Take local transport to BMW Welt and explore the modern and futuristic worlds of motoring. In the evening, follow the well-known tourist route by eating at the Ratskeller and then enjoying a nightcap at the famous 'Hofbräuhaus'.
There are numerous restaurants, bars and pubs in Munich and visitors will find something for every price range and taste. But no visitor should miss out on trying some of the local cuisine.
Situated underneath the historic Rathaus, this vast restaurant offers the most atmospheric surroundings in Munich.
A very popular local restaurant serving creative Bavarian food in an authentic setting.
One of the finer ways to sample Bavaria's best brews and tasty local delicacies are the many beer halls and beer gardens all over the city.
A popular beer garden located around the famous Chinese Tower in the centre of the English Garden. Brass bands play on Sundays.
In walking distance of Munich's main station, this giant leafy beer garden is buzzing with life and good cheer.
Stroll along Viktualienmarkt where many locals consider the daily market to be the beating heart of Munich's culinary scene. Open throughout the year and set in an open-air location, here you can taste some of the city's food specialities or just sit in the biergarten and chill out with a Bavarian beer. Wander around Marienplatz, Munich's main square at the Town Hall and pedestrian area for a great shopping experience.
Munich's latest shopping centre is called Fünf Höfe, or Five Courts, and offers exclusive shops, bistros and cafés. Alternatively, pay a visit to the Hogstatt shopping mall.
Fashionistas looking for exclusive designer boutiques should head for Maximilianstrasse, Theatinerstrasse and Briennerstrasse. For high street shops and department stores, try the pedestrian area between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz Stachus.
Smaller alternative boutiques and trendier street clothes can be found in Munich's Gärtnerplatz district, and in Schwabing, Munich's Bohemian and student quarter.
Mich is home to the third largest Louis Vuitton flagship store at Louis Vuitton Munich Residenzpost.
Opening times (larger shops, department stores, supermarkets):
Mon-Sat 09:00 - 20:00
Munich's nightlife has something to suit most tastes. Apart from clubs, pubs and beer halls, the city offers some excellent classical, jazz and opera venues.
Hofbräuhaus - Am Platzl 9: Bavaria's best-known and most celebrated beer hall. A live band plays Bavarian folk music most of the day.
Alter Simpl - Türkenstrasse 57: This pub in the district of Schwabing has good jazz and an arthouse vibe. Some of Germany's most famous writers and artists used to meet here in the early 20th century.
P1 - Prinzregentenstrasse 1: This upmarket club is regularly frequented by Munich's jet set; exclusive, expensive and difficult to get into, but nevertheless a real Munich institution.
Atomic Café - Neuturmstr. 5: A trendy spot in the city centre, featuring pop and rock music, touring DJs and some live bands.
© Fred. Olsen Travel 2024.
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