Munich

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The Rathaus-Glockenspiel re-enacts a sixteenth century royal wedding and the coopers' dance, Munich, Germany

The twin towers of the Frauenkirche, Munich's cathedral, are the city's best-known landmark, Germany

Viktualienmarkt has been Munich's main open-air food market since the early nineteenth century, Germany

The Antiquarium, a vaulted Renaissance hall, is one of the highlights of the Munich Residenz, Germany

About Munich

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, a prosperous city on the Isar River with the Alps visible on clear days from its higher points. Long the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, it combines royal palaces and grand museums with a strong attachment to local traditions, beer halls and seasonal festivals. Much of the center was rebuilt after heavy damage in World War II, carefully restoring its historic look.

Marienplatz, with the New Town Hall and its mechanical Glockenspiel, is the natural center, and the twin towers of the Frauenkirche and the tower of St. Peter's Church stand close by. The Viktualienmarkt food market fills a square just south. The Residenz, the former royal palace, holds extensive state rooms and treasures, while the Englischer Garten stretches north as one of Europe's largest city parks, complete with river surfers on the Eisbach. Farther out, visitors tour Nymphenburg Palace and the Deutsches Museum of science and technology, the galleries of the Kunstareal including the Pinakotheks, and Olympiapark beside BMW Welt. The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, a short train ride away, is a somber and essential visit.

Munich suits travelers who like efficient transit, museums and beer gardens. Oktoberfest, which starts in September, fills hotels, and day trips reach castles and Alpine lakes.

Best seasonMay to early October for beer gardens and festivals; December for Christmas markets.

Ideal stayThree to four days, plus extra time for Alpine or castle day trips.

ArrivingMunich Airport links to the center by S-Bahn, and long-distance trains arrive at the main station.

WiserMap travel guideMunich Germany Beer Gardens Palaces and OktoberfestExplore Munich with this detailed guide to Marienplatz, the Residenz, the English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, beer gardens, Oktoberfest and smart day trips.Read the guide

Top 12 Experiences in Munich

Landmarks 4

Marienplatz and the New Town Hall

Munich's central square has been the city's meeting point since the Middle Ages, watched over by a golden Virgin Mary on her colum...

Frauenkirche and St. Peter's Church

The twin brick towers of the Frauenkirche, capped by green onion domes, have defined Munich's skyline since the late 15th century....

Munich Residenz

For four centuries the Wittelsbach dukes, electors and kings of Bavaria ruled from this sprawling palace, the largest city palace...

Nymphenburg Palace

Begun in 1664 to celebrate the birth of an heir to the Bavarian throne, Nymphenburg grew into one of Europe's grandest Baroque sum...

Food and Drink 2

Viktualienmarkt

Just south of Marienplatz, Munich's open-air food market has filled this square since the early 19th century. Over a hundred stall...

Hofbräuhaus

Founded in 1589 as the brewery of the Bavarian dukes, the Hofbräuhaus moved its beer hall into the current building in the late 18...

Parks 2

Englischer Garten

Laid out from 1789 as a public park for all, the Englischer Garten stretches north from the old town along the Isar and is larger...

Olympiapark and BMW Welt

Built for the 1972 Olympics, the Olympiapark is famous for its tent-like roof of acrylic panels by Günter Behnisch and Frei Otto,...

Museums 2

Deutsches Museum

Founded in 1903 by engineer Oskar von Miller on an island in the Isar, the Deutsches Museum is one of the world's largest museums...

The Kunstareal and the Pinakotheks

North of the old town, the Kunstareal packs some of Europe's finest museums into a few blocks. The Alte Pinakothek, opened in 1836...

History 1

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Opened in March 1933, Dachau was the first concentration camp set up by the Nazi regime and a model for those that followed; more...

Events 1

Oktoberfest at the Theresienwiese

The world's largest beer festival began in 1810 as the wedding celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, whose name...

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