A male surfer with his surfboard and bicycle at the Siegestor in Munich.

Welcome to Munich

All in the mix: simply Munich!

What is it about Munich that makes people flock here from all over the world? Well, it’s the incomparable mix of cosmopolitanism and tradition; high-tech living and down-to-earth locals; innovation and a charming self-composure. An overview.

Home to 1.54 million people, the state capital of Bavaria has everything a visitor could dream of for a perfect trip: A diverse arts and cultural scene, limitless sports and shopping facilities, lively bars and a thriving night-life, a colourful array of restaurants, and an excellent public transport network.

The city garnered its status as a top spot for leisure and recreation thanks its countless green oases, including the Englischer Garten, Isar floodplains, and various palace gardens, as well as its proximity to the Alps and lakes of Upper Bavaria.

Munich is famous around the world as a hub of art, culture and knowledge. Three world-class orchestras, huge music festivals, outstanding opera and concert venues and a world-renowned club scene reflect the wide array of musical genres on offer, ranging from classical and jazz, to rock, pop and avant-garde. Munich is home to over 60 museums and exhibition spaces.

Video: simply Munich

An ever-growing world-class art district attracts art lovers from all over the world. Featuring an impressive, colourful facade, Museum Brandhorst houses a highly regarded collection of modern art, making it the perfect accompaniment to the three Pinakothek museums.

The new Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst (State Museum of Egyptian Art) opened its doors to visitors in 2013 while the Lenbachhaus gallery has already been open for several years following its renovations and expansion.

When the Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism opened in Munich in 2015, the city became home to a central hub of learning and memorial, reminding visitors of the crimes committed by the Nazi dictatorship and encouraging them to think about their causes, forms and impact on life today.

Anyone looking for a hands-on experience with the past and future of technology should visit the Deutsches Museum and its two separate branches in the city, the Verkehrszentrum (Transport Centre) at Theresienhöhe and Flugwerft Schleissheim (Aviation Museum) in northern Munich. Fans of cars and the relationship between technology and design should make their way to BMW Welt and the accompanying museum dedicated to the Munich-based car maker.

Visitors to Münchner Stadtmuseum (Munich City Museum) and its permanent exhibition “Typically Munich” gain a deeper insight into the history of the city. More history from the royal city and its 700 years under the ruling Wittelsbacher dynasty is presented at the Residenz palace, the Wittelsbach family’s city home. The neighbouring Alte Hof, the Wittelsbach family’s first seat in the city, is even older and now houses the Info Point for Bavaria’s museums.

A short multimedia show in the building’s museum takes you through the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Without a doubt the most famous member of the Bavarian royal family is the fairytale king Ludwig II, who entered the world in the rooms of Schloss Nymphenburg (Nymphenburg palace), the Wittelsbach family’s summer residence in Munich.

As well as the city’s rich culture, locals also love a bit of sport. Tennis or ice hockey, swimming or rowing, marathon running or cycling, golf or football, there is no end to the passion for sport in this city, which hosted the 1972 Summer Olympic Games and 2006 football World Cup. The Olympic Park and its venues are still used for a wide range ofactivities to this day, be it casual sport, major sporting events, concerts, festivals or simply a spot of relaxation in the fresh air while enjoying a view of the spectacular canopied roofs.

Munich’s Allianz Arena is one Europe’s most state-of-the-art and unusual stadium venues. The outer walls and roof over the seating ring are covered in thousands of diamond-shaped air pockets, which light up in red and white, FC Bayern’s team colours.

Any sports fans keen on their fitness will love the wide array of opportunities on offer at the city’s many popular sports festivals, its large parks, swimming pools and ice rinks.

And, last but not least, Munich is also a haven for shoppers with its chic fashion boutiques and designer outlets, trendy ateliers, huge department stores, unique antiques stores and excellent book shops. The city centre is the ideal place to combine sightseeing and shopping with a trip to a café or restaurant, with all attractions within easy reach on foot.

The range of eateries on offer span from world-famous award-winning restaurants to snack stands at Viktualienmarkt and traditional taverns.

The best place to savour traditional Bavarian cooking and a nice cool beer is the shade of the chestnut trees at one of Munich’s many beer gardens. These venues bring together tourists and locals, cultivate old friendships and help to forge new ones. The tradition of beer gardens in Munich dates back to over 200 years ago and they are now seen as the epitome of the Bavarian lifestyle.

 

 

Photos: Tourismus Oberbayern, Christian Kasper; Illustration: Julia Pfaller; Video: Redline Enterprises
A church window in the Salvatorkirche in Munich

Munich's church windows

The most beautiful windows of the city

Michael Mayer of Mayer’sche Hofkunstanstalt presents the most spectacular church windows.

Fascinating people for centuries: Michael Mayer of Mayer’sche Hofkunstanstalt presents the most spectacular church windows the city has to offer.

The monument to Max I. Joseph in front of the Residenz

Munich's royal monuments

Four kings and a prince regent

In Munich there are fantastic monuments to admire. Where they are and what makes them so special.

In Munich there are several fantastic monuments to admire. Where they are and what makes them so special: an overview.

The tour guide Alvestad-Aschenbrenner stands in the Museum for Abgüsse Klassischer Bildwerke Munich

Ludwig I of Bavaria

When Munich became an „Athens on the Isar“

Ludwig I of Bavaria converted Munich into his "„Athens on the Isar“, many buildings still remind us of this today. An interview.

Ludwig I of Bavaria converted Munich into his "„Athens on the Isar“, many buildings still remind us of this today. An interview with a tour guide.

Young woman sitting at a window in a tram in Munich.

Column

A vacation in my own city

Our author used to be a travel blogger. Now she has started to explore her own city: Munich!

Our author used to be a travel blogger. Now she has started to explore her own city: Munich!

View from the inside of a figure of the carillon in the New Town Hall in Munich.

New Town Hall

The Glockenspiel in ten pictures

An exclusive look behind the scenes.

The Glockenspiel on Marienplatz has been enchanting visitors and locals for over 100 years. An exclusive look behind the scenes.

Panoramic view of Karlsplatz / Stachus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background photographed from the air.

Munich's city centre

Classical and curiosities

Numerous Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.

Numerous interesting Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.

Weissenburger Platz in Munich photographed from above with a drone.

Haidhausen and Au

A village in the city

Haidhausen and Au have developed from working-class quarters into popular residential areas.

When strolling along the narrow streets of the districts Haidhausen and Au with small shops and green courtyards, it almost feels like being in a village in the middle of the city.

The Academy of Fine Arts in Munich in autumn.

Schwabing

From artists and writers

Around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.

In the heyday of the Schwabinger Bohème around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.

Flowerbed at Gärtnerplatz in Munich.

Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach

Where the night begins

Independent labels, hip bars, pubs and cool inns attract the young and the young-at-heart.

The Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach neighbourhoods are known as trendy quarters. Their independent labels, hip bars, pubs, cool inns and calm backyards attract the young and the young-at-heart.

Merchant with dried fruit on the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.
Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Book now for 40 €!

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Panoramic view of the Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz.
Christmas Market Tour

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Book now for 28 €!

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

View of a residence serenade with candles in the court chapel.
Residenz Serenades

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Book now from 38 €

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Exterior view of the Munich Palace of Justice on Prielmayerstraße in Maxvorstadt.
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 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 22 €

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 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...

Book now!

Street Art-Tour

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

Experience the city's diverse art & exciting graffiti on our street art tour!

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

View of the Salzach river and the castle in Salzburg.
Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Book now from 58 €

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

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.

Bikes stand in the green grass in the English Garden in Munich
Rental bike 1 day

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

Book now for 26 €!

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

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.