Ein Mann mit Sonnenbrille lehnt an einer Hauswand in München.

Questionnaire: Peter Ambacher

The best place in Munich for a romantic date, Peter Ambacher?

Munich is shaped by fascinating personalities. In our questionnaire we would like to introduce a few of them. This time: Peter Ambacher, former travesty artist, now city guide on the traces of the rock star Freddie Mercury.

Were you born in Munich or did you move here?
I grew up in Tübingen. But it was always my dream to move to Munich, it was in my head from an early age. And then one day in the spring of 1970, my dream came true.

In which district are you at home?
Bogenhausen.

What does Munich taste like?
Hearty, substantial, perhaps like roast pork with dumplings.

What does Munich sound like?
Like a wonderful Puccini opera.

What does Munich smell like?
Like lust for life and nature.

Munich is the only city which you ...
... can live. I have tried a lot of cities: Berlin, Freiburg, Hamburg. But they didn't suit me. I always came back.

Which Munich lady should everyone know?
The folk actress Erni Singerl, who has sadly now passed away.

Your favourite Bavarian word?
"An guadn!", the Bavarian version of "bon appétit!".

The most attractive building in the city?
I am big fan of the opera, so obviously: the Nationaltheater (opera house).

Isar or Eisbach?
The Isar, because it stretches out so wonderfully. Perfect for walks or a bike ride.

Beer garden or bar?
I like beer gardens and preferably the terraces in restaurants – the main thing, outside and light.

Philharmonic orchestra or brass band music?
I prefer classical music.

Music Metropolis Munich

On a walk through the old town, you will get to know the musical side of Munich. Together with your official guide you will discover stations of famous composers. Read more 

A weekend in the mountains or by the lake?
On the Zugspitze or to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The best place in Munich to impress visitors?
I take my visitors through the city and show them all the famous sights: the Frauenkirche (cathedral), Kaufinger Strasse, the Englischer Garten (park) and the grave of fairy-tale King Ludwig II. in the crypt of St. Michael's Church.

The best place in Munich for an after-work beer?
The roof terrace at the Deutsche Eiche hotel.

The best place in Munich for a romantic date?
A wonderful restaurant: the Austernkeller for example, with its magnificent vaulted ceiling.

The best place in Munich to think?
The Englischer Garten.

The best place in Munich for music lovers?
As a lover of classical music, I again have to say: the Staatsoper.

The best place in Munich to experience culture?
Apart from the Staatsoper? The Gasteig.

The best place in Munich if you are longing for Italy?
There are so many Italian places in Munich. I like my regular Italian, the Osteria Il Ritrovo. There's gentle Italian music playing in the background, the owner is a real strong Italian, the entire family scurries around, and the food is exquisite!

 

Also interesting: Peter Ambacher in an interview about his time as a travesty artist, excessive parties and his friendship with rock star Freddie Mercury: Munich was a real paradise for Freddie

 

 

Photos: Frank Stolle
A man and a woman record a podcast in a laundromat.

Munich Podcasts

A feast for the ears

Many Munich museums and institutions have their own podcast. An overview.

Many Munich museums and institutions have their own podcast. Here we present a few examples that are particularly worth listening to.

A man and two women, one of whom has a small child on her lap, in a sitting position but without a seat in a room lined with red granite.

A sneak preview of Munich's 2024 gallery exhibitions

Hungry for art

You'll definitely want to catch these exhibitions in Munich's museums and galleries in 2024!

From the Old Masters to the new young things: Munich's museums showcase art from all branches and eras. Here are some exhibitions that you'll definitely want to catch in 2024!

A wall with graffiti in Munich.

The writing's on the wall

Get graffitiing!

Munich has long been the cradle of the European graffiti scene. Our author once painted graffiti himself, and today looks back on a quite exceptional piece of work.

Munich has long been the cradle of the European graffiti scene. Our author once painted graffiti himself, and today looks back on a quite exceptional piece of work.

Fountain in Grottenhof of the Residenz photographed through a window of the Residenz in Munich.

Royal Munich

Bisou, Bisou with the Sun King

The story of Ludwig II is a legendary tale: an account of a glamorous time that played out not only in Neuschwanstein, but also directly within the Munich court – the Residenz palace in the city centre.

The story of Ludwig II is a legendary tale: an account of a glamorous time that played out not only in Neuschwanstein, but also directly within the Munich court – the Residenz palace in the city centre.

Neuschwanstein Castle in the surrounding region of Munich.

Hiking guide

Royal wanderlust

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Endless Staircase in Munich.

Art in public spaces

At second glance

Some public art in Munich is unknown even to the locals. We present six works of art that can often only be discovered at second glance.

Some public art in Munich is unknown even to the locals. We present six works of art that can often only be discovered at second glance.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Munich's Palace of Justice

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for only 20€ !

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 20 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for only 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".

Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich

Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Bag on green background

Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.