Detailed photo of the oak wreath of the Bavaria statue at Theresienwiese in Munich photographed with a drone

Westend

Old buildings and winding backyards

A walk through the Westend: a district on the move. 25 nations live here next door in the best neighborhood.

The highlights at a glance

 

Ilse the snail has the best view. This four-metre-tall clay snail beams a friendly smile as she looks casually out over Bavariapark while the daily hustle and bustle goes on around her. This is where children come to ride their bikes and where locals and visitors enjoy the good life in the nearby beer garden.

The Verkehrszentrum – a unique collection

A snail like this isn’t particularly speedy, though carrying her home on her back means she is incredibly mobile. Ilse’s “parents”, respected American artists Jason Rhoades and Paul McCarthy, had this mobility in mind when they placed their “Sweet Brown Snail” directly opposite the Verkehrszentrum (the transportation centre of the Deutsches Museum). This spot is full of exciting and entertaining exhibits – and not just for technology fans!

With its unique collection of land vehicles, the Verkehrszentrum tells the story of travel and mobility of the past, present and future. A glimpse of an old Vespa, a blue and white train from the 1972 Olympic Games or the first pair of roller skates may conjure up feelings of nostalgia, while a carriage simulator can help you to learn about the uncomfortable travel conditions in the age of Mozart.

From specially constructed platforms, you can climb aboard historic and modern trains. With a loud blast of its whistle, Puffing Billy, the world’s first steam train, sets off from here every day at 3 p.m. Regular demonstrations show a range of different vehicles in action. Speaking of trains ...

During the two-week-long Oktoberfest, this spot at the foot of the Bavaria is perfect for listening to the music from the beer tents and the sounds of the fairground rides as the scent of grilled fish and toasted almonds wafts beneath your nose.

The Hackerbrücke connects

... the Hackerbrücke, a historic iron construction from the 19th century, connects the main station with the Westend. With a view over the tracks and towards the city centre to the Frauenkirche, it is not only used to get from A to B, but also to enjoy the sunset with friends. Big city romance – that is what the Hackerbrücke is really good at, because with its picturesque bridge railing it is a meeting place for tourists and locals alike for an after-work beer - and therefore no longer an insider tip.

For all Oktoberfest fans, the joy of celebrating usually begins with crossing the Hackerbrücke, together with thousands of people who have travelled from all over the world. On the way, people often open their first beer, sing and arrange to meet later on the grounds. Bridges connect. The Hackerbrücke in particular.

The Bavaria watches over the hustle and bustle of the Theresienwiese

A few metres to the east in Bavariapark you will encounter a sudden steep slope. This hill leading to the Bavaria statue is a unique, natural grandstand terrace, which was also used for the horse race that was part of the festivities to honour the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Therese (the first ever Oktoberfest in 1810). From here, you can enjoy unobstructed views over the world’s largest folk festival.

During the two-week-long Oktoberfest (held from mid-September until early October), this spot at the foot of the Bavaria is perfect for listening to the music from the beer tents and the sounds of the fairground rides as the scent of grilled fish and toasted almonds wafts beneath your nose.

In December, this spot affords views over the beautiful sea of lights created by the Tollwood-Winterfestival and the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Video: Districts of Munich

From a run-down quarter to a popular residential area

It’s not that long ago that locals used to think of Westend as the run-down part of town. It just didn’t seem to fit in with the grand, classical architecture of Athens on the Isar (as Munich is sometimes known) despite the fact that it was home to the magnificent Bavaria statue and the elegant Ruhmeshalle building (Hall of Fame).

The area was very sparsely populated all the way up to the early 19th century. It was not until the start of the Industrial Revolution in 1850 that the first factories began to spring up. In the 19th century, it was mainly workers from the surrounding region who moved here to live close to the factories. In the 1960s, however, many foreign workers moved to Westend to start their new lives in Germany. Thanks to countless initiatives and social facilities, the area is now home to up to 25 nationalities who live together in a thriving community.

The last of the factories were closed and torn down in the 1980s, to be replaced by beautiful green courtyards. Many of the Gründerzeit (Wilhelminian-style) buildings here have since been restored. Since the city’s trade fair grounds were moved to the east-end of Munich in 1998, a new residential and business district has sprouted up in Schwanthalerhöhe in the area around Bavariapark.

With the Wohnturm residential block, which was inspired by the tower in the former trade fair, Munich’s famous architect Otto Steidle created one last architectural monument prior to his death in 2004. Thanks to its colourful ceramic cladding, the KPMG building – designed by Steidle and Partner – is another of the area’s landmarks. The jewel in its crown is the double helix installation in the courtyard, created by world famous artist Olafur Eliasson.

The gastronomy: Bavarian tradition meets international cuisine

For fans of tradition, Westend is the home of Munich’s oldest brewery, Augustiner, which has been based here for 130 years. The large, rustic beer garden at Augustiner-Keller to the north of Hackerbrücke bridge remains a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors.

If you’re looking for an unconventional place to eat breakfast, head to Parkstrasse 2 where you’ll find a shop-cum-café housed in a recently restored textile warehouse. The wooden interior features shop counters and shelves full of hundreds of tiny drawers left over from the 1920s. The mix and match settee sets from the period between 1900 and 1960 are available to buy.

The large, rustic beer garden at Augustiner-Keller to the north of Hackerbrücke bridge remains a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors.

As an ideal example of just how deeply rooted residents are in this area, an elderly lady who used to work as a waitress at Oktoberfest explains how she now travels into the city every day to say a prayer for the residents in her building at Alte Peter church. Everyone here knows each other and looks out for their neighbours. And because very few flats have their own garden, they often meet on the squares to chat and play.

The colourful community of this multi-cultural neighbourhood is reflected in the diversity of its eateries. From Turkish to Ethiopian, Italian, Greek and French to Caribbean, Thai and Japanese, and from Spanish to Vietnamese, there is something here for every taste.

 

 

Text: München Tourismus; Photos: Redline Enterprises, istock/bene-a; Illustration: Julia Pfaller; Video: Redline Enterprises
People at the Siegestor in Munich

Maxvorstadt

A district full of life and adventure

Maxvorstadt is a bustling district: education, culture and business meet a colourful urban offering.

Maxvorstadt is a bustling district: universities, cultural temples and business meet small cafés, bars, restaurants and colourful shops.

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.

Towers ot the St Luke's Church in Munich photographed from the air.

Lehel

A beautiful spot

Lehel is considered one of Munich's most popular and exclusive residential areas. But it wasn't always the case.

Lehel is considered one of Munich's most popular and exclusive residential areas. But it wasn't always the case.

View of Nymphenburg Palace across the canal and its bridge.

Nymphenburg-Neuhausen

Around Schloss Nymphenburg

Neuhausen-Nymphenburg offers a wealth of things to discover besides the palace.

In addition to the palace, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg also has the Botanical Garden, numerous museums and the vibrant neighbourhood of Neuhausen with its vibrant shopping and café scene.

Various house facades in the sunlight in Munich.

Giesing

A district full of variety

Giesing may be famous for soccer and beer, but what the locals value most is the neighbourhood’s lively diversity.

Giesing may be famous for soccer and beer, but what the locals value most is the neighbourhood’s lively diversity of architecture, culture, and people.

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.

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.

Maximilianeum in Munich at sunset.

Bogenhausen

Once a village, now a noble district

The Bogenhausen district in the northeast of Munich captivates with many green areas, old villas and its proximity to the river Isar.

There's a lot to discover here: the Bogenhausen district in the northeast of Munich captivates with many green areas, old villas and its proximity to the river Isar.

Panoramic view of the Olmpic Park with Olympic Tower, Olympic Swimming Hall, Olympic Lake and the headquarter of BMW in Munich in the background.

Munich's north

Masterpieces of architecture and entertainment

BMW Welt, Allianz Arena and Olympic Park - Munich's north has much to offer.

With the Olympiapark, BMW Welt and Allianz Arena and the city's oldest church, the north of Munich has a lot to offer.

A group of humans is tasting Baklava in front of a vitrine in a shop in the station district in Munich.

Bahnhofsviertel

Many cultures, one neighborhood

The charm of the oriental Bajuvaric microcosm in the quarter to the south of the main train station gives you that holiday feeling.

The aroma of mocha and black tea fills the air: the charm of the oriental Bajuvaric microcosm in the quarter to the south of the main train station gives you that holiday feeling.

Café Gans am Wasser in Westpark in Munich.

Sendling

From Westpark to Harras

The district of Sendling is divided into different areas, with each offering its own charm and special highlights.

The district of Sendling is divided into the areas of Untersendling, Mittersendling and Obersendling, with each area offering its own charm and special highlights.

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.

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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.

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.