Munich can be explored through a range of themes: the architectural history around Marienplatz, the river and park landscape along the Isar, and a diverse cultural scene. For planning, it is worth first choosing your main focus. Destinations range from the city itself to places in the surrounding area; you do not have to fit everything into a single itinerary.
Marienplatz and architectural history
Marienplatz has been the lively heart of Munich since the city was founded in 1158 and is now a popular meeting place. The golden Mariensäule (Mary's Column) stands in its centre. The New Town Hall, with its Neo-Gothic façade, dominates the square: Georg von Hauberrisser built it between 1867 and 1909. The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is one of the major sights. As performance times can vary, it is a good idea to check them before your visit.
The Frauenkirche also offers a glimpse into Munich's architectural history. Master builder Jörg von Halsbach constructed it in the 15th century; its distinctive onion domes were added in 1525. If you are interested in architecture, you can consider these details alongside the Town Hall as different points in the city's history, without assigning both buildings to the same period.
The Isar and the English Garden
The English Garden covers an area equivalent to around 640 football pitches and is considered the world's largest urban park. You can stroll across its meadows. The park is also home to the Monopteros, a temple. The garden offers a distinct focus alongside the city's buildings and museums: here, green spaces and walks take centre stage.
The Isar landscape within the city is designated a landscape conservation area; the protected area continues north and south into the Munich district. The Isar invites you to walk, relax, observe, explore and unwind. Since June 2011, the river section between the Großhesseloher Weir and the Deutsches Museum has been open to visitors in its restored, natural diversity. People surf on the river at the centrally located Eisbach wave; conditions can vary.
Swimming is permitted at designated locations within the city. Before swimming, check the current local rules and river conditions. Boating is permitted on certain stretches; you should also check the applicable rules and conditions beforehand. These notices apply to the specified activities and not to the river as a whole.
Museums and cultural venues
The Kunstareal comprises 18 museums and exhibition centres, more than 20 galleries, six universities and numerous cultural institutions. The Deutsches Museum offers a focus on science and technology, with one of the most important collections of its kind. In Munich's Old Town, the Residenz is one of Bavaria's largest museum complexes. These three examples showcase different cultural profiles: an entire district with a wide range of institutions, a collection focused on science and technology, and a large palace complex.
Destinations in the surrounding area
In Oberschleißheim near Munich, the Schleißheim Palace complex comprises the Old and New Palaces, Lustheim Palace and the original Baroque palace park. Fountains and paths invite you to stroll and explore. As you should check the operator's current visitor information, it is best to plan your visit using the details provided there. Also in Oberschleißheim, the Schleißheim Aviation Museum, an outpost of the Deutsches Museum, displays aircraft from every era of aviation.
The Olympic regatta course in Oberschleißheim was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics and continues to host national and international competitions. The palace complex, aviation museum and regatta course each appeal to different interests: architecture and parks, aviation history or sporting events.
The Grünwald Castle Museum and Bavaria Filmstadt in Geiselgasteig offer further, distinct experiences. The castle museum presents castles from the Isar Valley and throughout Bavaria, from early medieval refuge castles to romantic knight's castles. Hands-on exhibits, staged displays, and play and media stations introduce visitors to the medieval world; the play and media stations are especially suitable for children. A guided tour of Bavaria Filmstadt takes you to filming locations, original sets and props from well-known films and series. In the 4D cinema, 3D images and sound combine with moving seats and special effects in the auditorium.
This allows you to explore Munich according to your interests: city history and architecture, river and park, collections, or individual destinations in the surrounding area. When looking for accommodation, it helps to first decide which experiences matter most for your trip and then find hotels in Munich.
Discover more destinations: Munich, Grünwald, Unterschleißheim, Unterhaching, Unterföhring, Taufkirchen, Putzbrunn, Pullach Im Isartal, Planegg, Ottobrunn, Oberschleißheim, Oberhaching, Neubiberg, Grasbrunn, Ismaning, Aying, Aschheim, Garching Bei München, Gräfelfing, Haar, Brunnthal, Kirchheim Bei München, Sauerlach, Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn, Hohenbrunn, Baierbrunn, Straßlach-Dingharting, Schäftlarn, Feldkirchen, Munich Airport
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