Visit Munich
As you enter Munich, the city opens up like a story waiting to be explored. Towering church spires, colorful historic buildings and modern glass facades appear all at once. Revealing at a city where tradition and energy live side by side. The smell of fresh pretzels and roasting sausages drifts from busy cafés and cyclists glide past on streets lined with shops and beer gardens.
In the Altstadt, the city reveals its heart. Marienplatz draws visitors and locals alike. It's where the Glockenspiel comes alive with music and movement. Around every corner there are cozy cafés, boutique stores and street performers adding color to the day. Munich feels alive and easy to explore.
Head toward the Englischer Garten and the vibe shifts instantly. Cyclists and joggers pass under leafy trees, surfers ride the Eisbach while locals relax along the riverbanks with picnic blankets. Each neighborhood has its own identity. From the historic charm of Schwabing to the vibrant streets of Glockenbachviertel, giving you a new experience every few blocks.
As evening falls, beer gardens fill with chatter and the scent of hearty Bavarian food tempts you into cozy restaurants. Munich invites you to taste and soak in its mix of culture and carefree energy.
Top sights to visit
- Marienplatz The central square of Munich is surrounded by historic buildings like the New Town Hall. Don’t miss the Glockenspiel, which performs daily with moving figures. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the city’s heart.
- Nymphenburg Palace A baroque palace with expansive gardens, lakes and ornate rooms. The palace was once the summer residence of Bavarian royalty. Walking through the gardens and interiors gives a glimpse into royal life and architectural grandeur.
- Englischer Garten One of the largest urban parks in the world, perfect for walking, cycling and relaxing. It features rivers, beer gardens and even a spot for surfing on the Eisbach wave. The park offers a peaceful escape right in the city.
- The Residenz The former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs (the House of Wittelsbach) is the largest city palace in Germany. It’s a vast complex of courtyards, historic rooms and museums. It includes the stunning Antiquarium: a massive Renaissance hall that must be seen to be believed.
- Hofbräuhaus am Platzl Though famous worldwide and touristy, this is arguably the most essential Munich experience. It is one of the oldest and most traditional beer halls, known for its lively atmosphere, large wooden tables, traditional Bavarian music, and, of course, the liter-sized Maß of beer.
- Viktualienmarkt An open-air market filled with fresh produce, local delicacies and flowers. It’s a hub for food lovers to sample Bavarian specialties and gourmet treats. Street performances and traditional stalls make it lively year-round.
- Asamkirche This spectacular little church, officially named St. Johann Nepomuk, is an absolute masterpiece of the late Baroque and Rococo styles. Built in the 1730s by the Asam brothers as their private chapel with its rich gold interior, paintings and dramatic lighting. Hidden away on a side street and often surprises first-time visitors.
- BMW Welt and Museum A must-see for car enthusiasts, featuring the history of BMW and futuristic concept cars. You can explore exhibitions, showrooms and even test drives. The architecture of the building itself is also a modern spectacle.
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History of Munich
Munich was officially founded in 1158 by Duke Henry the Lion, who established a market at a crossing on the Isar River. Its name comes from Munichen, meaning “by the monks,” after the Benedictine monks of the Old Abbey of Tegernsee who had settled the area decades earlier. The city quickly grew as a trading hub, benefiting from its river location and tolls on merchants passing through southern Germany.
In 1255, Munich became the capital of Upper Bavaria under the Wittelsbach dynasty. By the late 14th century, fortified walls including the Sendlinger Tor and Isartor were built. Some still stand today. The Frauenkirche, completed in 1488, soon became the iconic symbol of the city.
The 16th century saw Munich rise as a cultural and political center. Under Duke Wilhelm V, the city became a Catholic stronghold during the Counter-Reformation, with St. Michael’s Church and the Jesuit College constructed. In 1589, the Hofbräuhaus brewery was founded for the royal family, starting Munich’s world-famous beer tradition. Brewing and beer culture grew alongside the city’s wealth and social life.
The 17th and 18th centuries brought Baroque and Rococo architecture, including the expansion of Nymphenburg Palace, while the 19th century transformed Munich into the “Athens on the Isar” with neoclassical landmarks and modern rail connections.
The 20th century challenged the city with political upheaval and World War II, which destroyed much of the historic center. Careful reconstruction restored key landmarks, blending history with modern life. Munich is a vibrant Bavarian capital where medieval churches, Baroque palaces and iconic beer halls coexist for more than 850 years.