What to see in Munich in 1-2-3 days on your own - my list
The capital of Bavaria has a special atmosphere, Munich really does not look like other cities in Germany. Romantic castles in the foothills of the Alps, exquisite late Gothic architecture, Tyrolean songs and lively conversations over a glass of excellent Bavarian beer - all this makes Munich a unique and charming, very pleasant and interesting place in terms of tourism. In autumn, the world famous beer festival Oktoberfest is held here; but you can feel its spirit all year round in the old Hofbräuhaus brasserie, where the best beers and noisy fun never end. Munich is famous for both historical architecture: squares, cathedrals and palaces, and modern: BMW Museum, Allianz Arena, Olympic Park and Tower.
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Russian-language excursions
For those who want to save time preparing for the trip and immerse themselves more fully in the atmosphere and history of the city, I would recommend using the services of a private guide. In my opinion, individual excursions are much more interesting than organized excursions with their large number of people and a hackneyed program. Moreover, with a private guide, you can always agree on a convenient time and day for you..
Check out the selected guided tours below, you might like something. I liked «Munich Express Tour» and «Munich through the eyes of a layman». The first is well suited for those who have only a couple of hours, for example, when transit in Munich.
Excursions in Munich
What to see in Munich
Frauenkirche cathedral
The Frauenkirche Cathedral, or Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a 15th-century pavilion-type building created in the late Gothic style. Located in the center of Munich between Odeonsplatz and Marienplatz. The Frauenkirche is the tallest cathedral in Munich and belongs to the Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. The 22 columns of the Cathedral create the illusion of a small space, however, it is so huge that it could hold up to 20,000 people (while the population of Munich at the time of the construction of the Frauenkirche was only 13,000 people). The cathedral is 99 meters high and is the tallest building in the city..
the entrance is free.
Marienplatz square
This is Munich's central square and one of its most famous landmarks. There are two Munich town halls, New and Old. This is where the Kaufingerstrasse begins. The historical Viktualienmarkt market is also located here. Under the square is the junction station of the Munich metro, connected to the city train line. The Marienzoile Column and the Fischbrunnen Fountain were also built on the square. Marienplatz is an immersion in the atmosphere of medieval Germany.
the entrance is free.
BMW Museum
The BMW Museum is dedicated to more than a century of the concern's history, displaying aircraft propellers, engines, motorcycles and cars. Apart from the museum, the complex of buildings of modern architecture also includes the main headquarters of the BMW company and the modern BMW Welt center. The BMW Museum building is shaped like a bowl, when viewed from above, the company logo is visible on the roof. The 22-storey headquarters building resembles a four-cylinder engine and is listed as a Munich Landmark. The BMW Museum building was opened for the 1972 Olympics, and a new pavilion opened in 2008. In addition to old cars, the museum has an interactive part with installations and modern concept models that you can sit in. In addition to the museum exposition, an excursion to the production facility is also available by appointment. More details about BMW Museum.
Entrance fee: € 10 for adults
BMW Museum
Odeonsplatz
The square was founded by King Maximilian I of Bavaria in 1828 on the site of the destroyed city walls of the Schwabing Gate. The famous architect Leo von Klenze took part in the construction of the square. Here in 1862 a monument to Ludwig the First was erected - a huge equestrian statue. On the Odeonsplatz there are several sights of Munich at once: Theatinerkirche - a church created in the late Baroque style, the Arcade of the commanders, the chic Leuchtenberg palace and the concert hall «Odeon».
the entrance is free.
National Theater
The National or Royal Theater has been a cultural symbol of Bavaria and Munich since 1818. It was built by the architect Karl von Fischer in the style of a classical Greek temple. It is the main venue for the Bavarian Opera and Ballet. The theater is located on Max Joseph Square. The facade of the building is decorated with a colonnade, and inside there is a huge number of graceful sculptures. The Royal Theater is famous for the fact that such world-famous composers as Strauss and Wagner presented their creations here for the first time..
Entrance fee: tickets for performances start from a few euros.
Brasserie Hofbräuhaus
Hofbräuhaus or «Court brewery» Is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Munich. This historic brasserie with three large halls with a garden is located in the historic center, next to the city's main square - Marienplatz. The history of the Bavarian dukes' court brewery began in 1607, and in 1828 the restaurant was opened to the public. Hofbräuhaus has been visited by many famous people, from Mozart to Lenin. The restaurant can accommodate up to 4 thousand people at a time. In the main hall on the ground floor, an orchestra plays, visitors are seated at long wooden tables with benches, and beer is served in huge liter mugs. Here you can taste traditional Bavarian dishes, for example, the famous shank with cabbage and pretzels - salty Bavarian pretzels for beer. And, of course, this is the very place where you can and should try many varieties of excellent Bavarian beer, not only in our usual, but also more exotic, for example - beer with lemonade.
Entrance fee: 1 liter of branded beer - about 7.5 euros
Pinakothek Munich
Munich became famous all over the world thanks to its art galleries - the Old and New Pinakothek, as well as the Pinakothek of Modernity. The Old Pinakothek houses works of art until the mid-18th century. Opposite it is the New Pinakothek with works from the 19th - early 20th centuries. In the third - the Pinakothek of Contemporary Art - there are paintings by contemporary artists. The New Pinakothek has a collection of over 3000 paintings and 300 sculptures. The Pinakothek of Modernity includes four museums that are absolutely different from each other: the Exhibition of Contemporary Art, the New Exhibition, the Architectural Museum and the State Graphic Collection of Munich.
Entrance fee: from 4 euros per adult.
Koenigsplatz
Köningsplatz is a square on Briennerstrasse. It was created in 1830 in the form of an ancient forum. It was planned that it would become a cultural area in the so-called «New Athens». In the northern part is the Glyptotek with a collection of ancient Roman and ancient Greek art. In the western part - «gate of the square» - similar to the entrance to the Acropolis. The building of the State Antique Assembly is on the south side. And at the end of the square you can see the Abbey of St. Boniface. In the eastern part of the square, there are the administrative buildings of the NSDAP and the Führerbau, which have survived from 1936 to this day. During the Third Reich, rallies and marches were held on this square. Now in the summer, concerts and cultural events are held here in the open air..
the entrance is free.
German Museum of Science and Technology
This is the largest museum of technology and natural history in Munich. There are more than 28,000 exhibits from more than 50 branches of science. Founded in 1903 as a result of a meeting of German engineers, for a long time it was called «Museum of Masterpieces of Natural Science and Technology». Here you can see artificial lightning, an airplane runway, a mining mine, and more. In the Museum's planetarium, a projection onto a 15-meter dome can be used to experience a realistic journey through the solar system within the observable universe. A tunnel almost a kilometer long was built under the building of the Museum - and this is also an exhibition hall: here you can plunge into the world of mining. Located on the island of Museumsinsel, on the Isar River.
Cost: € 11 per adult.
Olympic Tower and Olympic Park
The creation of the Munich Olympic Park was timed to coincide with the 1972 Summer Olympics. What can you see in the Olympic Park? First of all - the Olympic zone, the stadium, the arena with a tower, grounds for all kinds of sports, the Olympic village and, in fact, the park area. The height of the Olympic Tower is impressive in its dimensions: 290 meters. The observation deck is at an altitude of 190 meters; you can get there by high-speed elevator. A view of the Alps opens up from above, with visibility reaching 40 kilometers. There is also an excellent restaurant with 150 seats. The Olympic Park and Tower are favorite recreation places for townspeople and tourists. More about Olympic tower.
Entrance fee: To the Olympic Tower for adults 7 euros, to the Olympic stadium for adults - 3 euros. Children under 6 years old - free.
View from the Olympic Tower
Friedensengel Column
The thirty-eight-meter column is installed at the end of Prinzregentstrasse. The monument is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Versailles Peace, signed in 1871. The column is decorated with a Corinthian capital, and at the top is a statue of the goddess of Victory Nike. On the observation deck, visitors can see two wonderful views at once: on the one hand - the city at their feet, on the other - a statue in the glow of gold. On summer evenings, this place gives tourists and residents of the city a romantic experience: the fountains at the base of the monument are illuminated with atmospheric lighting at night..
the entrance is free.
Nymphenburg palace
It is one of the largest castles in Europe and the largest building in Germany. Located in the western part of Munich, in the Neuhausen-Nymphenburg region. It was built in 1675 in the Baroque style. The interiors of the castle are quite varied. The Great Hall in Nymphenburg is decorated in the Rococo style and decorated with frescoes. The Gallery of Beauties houses 36 of the most beautiful women from Europe. In general, each hall of the palace is a masterpiece of architecture: everything suggests that the palace was once the residence of the royal dynasty. The palace park, with an area of more than 200 hectares, attracts tourists with lakes, water cascades and pavilion palaces. There are many swans in the park. On the territory of Nymphenburg, the Tsar's stable, luxurious baths, a hunting lodge, a swimming pool, a bathhouse, a chapel were also built «Magdalenclause» and many other interesting buildings to visit.
Entrance fee: from 8.5 euros per adult.
Attractions Map
Munich landmarks
Marienplatz:
Frauenkirche:
BMW Museum:
Odeonsplatz:
National Theater:
Brasserie Hofbräuhaus:
Old Pinakothek:
Königsplatz:
German Museum of Natural Science and Technology:
Olympic Park:
Friedensengel Column:
Nymphenburg Palace:
English garden:
Munich Residence:
Allianz arena:
New Town Hall:
Azamkirche:
Viktualienmarkt:
Old Town Hall: