The Wittelsbach Dynasty that ruled Munich until 1848 transformed it into an international center of culture, restoring medieval steeples while maintaining its original street plan.
Get your bratwurst fix at any of the street stands or beer halls, and pair it with some delicious griessknockerlsuppe –a tried and true grandma-approved remedy to soothe what ails you, similar to chicken noodle soup in America.
The Old Town
At the heart of Munich is the Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you’ll find two main city halls – Altes Rathaus and Neues Rathaus (constructed in 1909 but featuring its original clock with hourly chimes), while Marienplatz provides a lively square where locals congregate to chat or rest on one of many stone benches.
Munich’s streets near the square are home to some of its most significant cultural institutions – including Munchener Stadtmuseum, Residenz theatre and Kammerspiele theatre. You will also discover Francois Cuvillies’ breathtaking Cuvillies theatre which was constructed between 1751-1755 for Elector Maximillian Joseph III by Francois Cuvillies himself.
Louis I’s incredible building program was the catalyst behind Munich’s rapid expansion during the 19th century. He created Munich University, an expansive new library, Ludwigstrasse, a magnificent gateway modelled on Athen’s Propylaea and designed Alte Pinakothek – a museum housing one of Europe’s premier collections of paintings.
Lehel (also referred to in German as Lehentort or Little Lehel) is the area surrounding Munich’s old town that lies to its east, previously characterized by scrubby patches of land with scattered shacks and fields but eventually flourished into a wealthy suburb in the 18th century with high-priced buildings. Now known as a charming district full of small shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries – such as Glyptothek and Museum Brandhorst as well as some popular markets held there every week.
The Marienplatz
Marienplatz lies at the very core of Munich and has long been used for markets, celebrations, and protests over centuries. This majestic square is surrounded by numerous historic buildings such as Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and Mariensaule – an 11 meter column featuring a golden statue of Mary atop its summit.
Marienplatz was initially created in the 12th century as a market square under Bavarian ruler Henry the Lion. Its primary function was for farmers and artisans to sell their wares directly to residents living nearby.
As Munich experienced rapid development during the 19th century, its Old City Hall on Marienplatz became inadequate for accommodating the rapidly expanding municipality. Therefore, plans were made to construct the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). Designed by Georg von Hauberrisser in neo-Gothic style and completed between 1867 and 1909 by Georg von Hauberrisser.
Today, the New Town Hall serves as home for municipal government while its tower remains open year-round for visitors who pay an entrance fee and can enjoy stunning views from its balcony.
At Christmas time, Germany’s New Town Hall becomes home to one of Germany’s most beloved festive markets: one that must-be visited by any visitor to Berlin. Alongside festive stalls selling all manner of treats, visitors will also find skating rink and an incredible display of lights – but the highlight is undoubtedly the famous Glockenspiel (mechanical music box with moving figures depicting ducal wedding from 1568 and Schafflertanz dance) which performs four times daily!
The Glockenspiel
Marienplatz (or Mary’s Square), home of this impressive 42-bell clock tower that will astound you with its old-world craftsmanship, boasts two historical scenes within its top half: Knights jousting to commemorate Duke Wilhelm V’s wedding in 1568; while its bottom section shows Schafflertanz, or coopers’ dance, commemorating the end of Munich’s plague between 1515-1517.
At 11am and 12pm every day from March through October (5pm-9pm), Munich’s Glockenspiel plays two tunes on two chimes. A golden bird chirps and flaps its wings before 43 bells and 32 figures play out two scenes from Munich history over 15 minutes.
The top part of a glockenspiel features an engaging jousting scene to familiarise visitors with city history and culture, depicting a bayerische ritter (“Bavarian knight”) successfully throwing off their Lorraine opponent using his lance. Meanwhile, its lower section showcases Schafflertanz dances performed by coopers to show people it was safe to come out again after plague has passed through town.
A golden rooster perched atop small stages signals the start of each show by flapping its wings three times, signalling their beginning. A golden rooster signals this with its movements and three loud crows before each performance begins; its six cylinders (of which number 3’s four tunes are particularly famous). As it plays, these traditional German melodies change every six months – such as Loreley, Priesd mit viel Schonen Reden Part 1, Schafflertanz Part 1, Wendelstein-Lied!
The English Garden
The English Garden is an oasis of unparalleled beauty and diversity in a city full of historical sights. This park stands out with its lush green pastures and idyllic lakes; in fact, it’s one of the world’s largest inner-city parks–larger even than Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London!
The southern section of the park is particularly unique and offers a host of activities. Rhythm and music groups hold regular sessions here; tai chi and meditation practitioners practice among birdsong and breeze from nearby trees; while those looking for quiet entertainment can find quiet corners on meadows, play soccer or simply take in this special beer garden complete with Chinese Tower.
Monopteros Hilltop Acropolis, also known as Monopteros, is an immensely popular spot for visitors looking for picturesque photo opps. Featuring elegant neoclassical architecture that can be seen from various points nearby, Monopteros is one of the more photographed structures around its vicinity.
An attraction of the English Garden is a beer garden located north of the Chinese Tower at Lake Kleinhesseloher See, featuring 2500 seats with its own distinct ambience compared to that of Chinese Tower beer garden. Here, patrons from different backgrounds come together more frequently; Munich locals as well as tourists from various corners can often be found here!
The northern section of the park serves as an urban garden for local residents to relax on meadows, jog along the 78 km network of paths, play volleyball or soccer on expansive lawns or stretch out tightrope walkers between trees while Eisbach surfers show off their skills for eager spectators.
The Eisbachwelle
Surfers from around the globe come to Munich each year to ride Eisbachwelle, an unusual standing river wave. This activity has created a vibrant surfing culture in landlocked Germany. Eisbachwelle is considered one of the best and most consistent city centre locations for river surfing worldwide and can prove challenging even to experienced surfers; nonetheless it continues to draw surfers who seek adventure.
The Eisbachwelle was created in the 1970s when concrete blocks were placed along its riverbed to slow down water flow and produce surfable waves. While initially seen by authorities as odd or nuisance due to safety concerns, the Eisbachwelle became popular among local surfers who became attracted by its unique conditions for surfing. By 2010, however, surfing at this spot had officially been legalized by the city recognizing its cultural significance and sense of community.
At present, Eisbachwelle offers one peak that caters to experienced surfers, while less experienced ones can use the smaller E2 wave located a few hundred meters downstream. Not only are surfers using it though; kayakers, kneeboarders and bodyboarders use it too! Nonetheless, surfing at Eisbachwelle requires skill, patience and respect for those sharing this space with you.
If you’re curious about learning to surf the Eisbachwelle, sign up for a tour that will teach proper technique and provide all of the equipment. But keep in mind that temperatures may fall below freezing during winter; therefore you will require at least 6mm wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves as protection from cold waters.