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Munich: Historic Sites, Beer Gardens, and BMW Museum

Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, Stadtbild München, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Photo: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, Stadtbild München, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
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Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Thorsten. I'm a software engineer living in Germany and I love to travel. So I created a site for anyone starting to plan a trip.
What this site is about

✔ Are you planning a self-organized trip to Munich? Then you've come to the right place. Here you will find information to help you plan your perfect stay in Munich.

✔ The most important start information for a trip to Bavaria, can be found on the overview page.

✔ And when it comes to the actual planning, you will find the perfect planner for your trip to Bavaria here.
Attraction
Park / Garden

Culture and history, explore and discover

Munich offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical experiences, blending traditional Bavarian customs with modern influences. Visitors can expect to encounter a city that values its heritage, with numerous festivals, art scenes, and architectural marvels. The city is known for its vibrant beer culture, historic architecture, and a deep appreciation for the arts, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring both history and contemporary culture.

All sights sorted by distance from center
1. Hofbräuhaus am Platzl: One of Munich's oldest beer halls, dating back to the 16th century, offering Bavarian food, beer, and live music. Distance in km: 0.33
2. Viktualienmarkt: A daily food market and a square in the center of Munich, known for its diverse food offerings and beer garden. Distance in km: 0.44
3. Marienplatz: ⭐ ⭐ The central square in Munich, known for the Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall, which reenacts two stories from the 16th century. Distance in km: 0.51
4. Deutsches Museum: The world's largest museum of science and technology, offering interactive exhibits across a wide range of fields. Distance in km: 0.6
5. Old Town: The historic heart of Munich, where medieval buildings blend with modern life. It's a place to wander, admire the architecture, and feel the city's pulse. Highlights include the Old Town Hall and St. Peter's Church. Distance in km: 0.67
6. Residenz Munich: The former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, offering a look into the luxury and opulence of their lifestyle. Distance in km: 0.77
7. Frauenkirche: A landmark cathedral in Munich, known for its distinctive domes and as a symbol of the city. Distance in km: 0.77
8. St. Michael's Church: A Jesuit church in Munich, known for its Renaissance architecture and the royal crypt of the Wittelsbach family. Distance in km: 0.96
9. Bavarian National Museum: A museum in Munich dedicated to the art, culture, and history of Bavaria from the early Middle Ages to the present. Distance in km: 1.11
10. Pinakothek der Moderne: A modern art museum in Munich, housing four major collections under one roof: art, works on paper, architecture, and design. Distance in km: 1.52
11. Alte Pinakothek: One of the oldest galleries in the world, housing a significant collection of Old Master paintings. Distance in km: 1.72
12. English Garden: ⭐ ⭐ One of the largest urban parks in the world, offering serene landscapes, cultural experiences, and a traditional beer garden. Distance in km: 3.68
13. Hellabrunn Zoo: A geo-zoo in Munich that is arranged by continents to show animals in naturalistic habitats. Distance in km: 4.74
14. BMW Museum: An automotive museum showcasing the history, vehicles, and technology of the BMW brand. Distance in km: 4.94
15. Olympiapark: Built for the 1972 Olympics, this park in Munich offers sports facilities, events, and panoramic views from the Olympic Tower. Distance in km: 5.01
16. Nymphenburg Palace: The summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria, showcasing Baroque architecture and expansive gardens. Distance in km: 6.39
17. Allianz Arena: A state-of-the-art football stadium in Munich, home to FC Bayern Munich, known for its exterior of inflated ETFE plastic panels. Distance in km: 9.84
18. Schleissheim Palace: A complex of three palaces in a grand baroque park, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Bavarian royalty. Distance in km: 12.9
19. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: ⭐ A poignant reminder of the atrocities of World War II, offering a sobering look at history. Distance in km: 16.99

Parks, Gardens & Green Areas in the city, relax and enjoy

Munich offers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, providing visitors with numerous opportunities to unwind. The city is known for its green spaces, tranquil environments, and a culture that values relaxation and leisure. Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk, a quiet spot to read, or a place to rejuvenate, Munich's diverse offerings cater to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

1. Englischer Garten: One of the largest urban parks in the world, located in the heart of Munich.

The Englischer Garten is a sprawling green oasis offering vast lawns, wooded areas, and a network of streams and lakes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. The park is also home to the famous Chinese Tower beer garden, the Monopteros, and the Eisbach wave, where surfers can be seen year-round.

Type: park | Fee: free
2. Nymphenburg Palace Park: A historic and beautifully landscaped park surrounding the Nymphenburg Palace.

The Nymphenburg Palace Park is a stunning example of Baroque landscape architecture, featuring formal gardens, canals, and pavilions. Visitors can explore the vast grounds, admire the beautifully manicured lawns and flower beds, and visit the charming Amalienburg, a rococo hunting lodge. The park is a serene escape, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Bavarian royalty.

Type: garden | Fee: free
3. Hofgarten: A Renaissance-style garden located next to the Residenz in central Munich.

The Hofgarten is a beautifully maintained garden with symmetrical flower beds, fountains, and tree-lined paths. It is a peaceful retreat in the city center, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment on one of the many benches. The garden also features the Temple of Diana, a popular spot for street musicians.

Type: garden | Fee: free
4. Westpark: A large public park in the west of Munich, known for its diverse landscapes and cultural features.

Westpark offers a mix of open lawns, wooded areas, and water features, along with several themed gardens such as the Japanese Garden and the Thai Sala. The park is a favorite for locals, offering playgrounds, barbecue areas, and a lake with pedal boats. It also hosts open-air movie screenings in the summer.

Type: park | Fee: free
5. Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg: A large botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plant species and themed gardens.

The Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg is a haven for plant enthusiasts, with over 14,000 species spread across 21 hectares. Visitors can explore greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants, rock gardens, and an alpine garden. The garden is a peaceful place for a leisurely walk and offers educational exhibits and seasonal events.

Type: garden | Fee: 6 euros
6. Luitpoldpark: A lesser-known park with a hill offering panoramic views of Munich.

Luitpoldpark is a tranquil green space with expansive lawns, wooded areas, and a notable hill that provides stunning views of the city skyline and the Alps on clear days. The park is ideal for walking, jogging, and picnicking. It also features a playground and the Luitpoldhügel, a popular spot for sledding in winter.

Type: park | Fee: free

Tourist Information Offices

Here you can find the main tourist information offices where you can get maps, brochures, and assistance with planning your visit.

1. Tourist Information am Marienplatz München

Tourist information center

Address: Marienplatz 8, 80331 München, Germany

What's the best way to get around as a tourist in Munich?

Munich offers a variety of mobility options that make getting around the city convenient and efficient. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, encouraging exploration on foot, while a comprehensive public transportation network connects different areas seamlessly. Cycling is also a popular choice, with numerous bike paths available. Ride-sharing services complement these options, providing flexibility for residents and visitors alike.

In Munich, the pedestrian zone in the city center, particularly around Marienplatz, allows for easy walking and access to shops and attractions. The local public transportation system, operated by MVV, includes U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses, with tickets available for single trips or in various time-based options. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Free Now operate in the city, offering an alternative to traditional taxis. For cycling enthusiasts, bike-sharing programs such as MVG Rad and Call a Bike provide convenient rental options, with numerous docking stations throughout the city. When using public transport, consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel within certain zones, and always validate your ticket before boarding.