DK Travel : Munich

Of the city he lived in for many years, 20th-century writer Thomas Mann said that “Munich glows”. And indeed, the sky is often a brilliant blue dotted with puffy white clouds in “Italy’s northernmost city”, where the relaxed, often Baroque lifestyle gives it a southern flair. Englischer Garten and the Isar meadows are right in the middle of the city; Starnberger See and the mountains are virtually on the doorstep. But Munich is also a city of art and culture with an abundance of historic buildings, museum treasures, and a lively cultural scene. Fine art, leisure, and la dolce vita make this a unique city.

For Munich on the Internet, visit www.muenchen.de With 1.3 million inhabitants, Munich is Germany’s third-largest city.

Alte Münze

Northeast of the Alter Hof lies the Münzhof (1567), the former royal stables of the Bavarian rulers. This stunning Renaissance courtyard with arcades rising across three stories held the stables and coach houses, as well as the library and treasure chamber of Albrecht V. In the 19th century, the complex was converted into the state mint, hence the name Alte Münze, or Old Mint. Coins were minted here as recently as 1983.
Alter Botanischer Garten

During the 19th century, the former botanical garden was located in this small park. Today, it serves as the perfect oasis to relax in after a shopping spree in the nearby pedestrian zone and city centre.
Alter Hof

Built within the city walls between 1253 and 1255, the former residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty lies northeast of Marienplatz. Preserved in its original form, the west wing features a gatehouse embellished with the family’s coat of arms. A bay window, known as the Affenturm, or Monkey Tower, is another original element. According to legend, a court monkey abducted young Ludwig IV, the future emperor of Germany, and climbed to the top of the tower with the boy before returning him safely to ground level.
Alter Nördlicher Friedhof

There’s nothing morbid about this park-like former cemetery that dates back to 1866 and has since been given over to the public for recreation and relaxation. Children play on the lawn among old tombstones while adults seek shade on the benches beneath the trees.
Altes Hackerhaus

Hearty Bavarian cuisine in a former brewery building dating from 1832. Pretty courtyard with fountain.
Altötting

Bavaria’s oldest pilgrimage site, Altötting lies on a hill near the right bank of the Inn River. A small, octagonal chapel with a central aisle, the Holy Chapel dates from 750. It was subsequently expanded by a nave. In the interior, a silver tabernacle set into a shell-lined niche on the eastern end contains the votive image of “Our Dear Lady of Altötting” – a revered Black Madonna (c. 1300) carved from linden wood. Another feature of interest is the panorama re-creating the view from Golgotha in Jerusalem at the time of the Crucifixion, which is located in a domed structure east of the town centre. This is a monumental depiction of the Passion of Christ, with life-life figures in the foreground representing the stations of the cross.
Amaliencafé

Both students from the nearby university and the business crowd frequent this café. Ideal for a quick cappuccino or for a snack at lunch.
Ammersee

Bavaria’s third-largest lake, Ammersee lies in a glacial basin from the Ice Age surrounded by forested moraines. Under clear skies, there is a glorious view of the Alps. Its shoreline is studded with many small towns, offering activities such as sailing, rowing, surfing, cycling, hiking, and much more.
An der Kreppe

Restored inns and hostels for day-labourers and brick workers give this corner of Haidhausen a village-like character.
An Old Town Stroll

Morning

From Marienplatz walk through the pedestrian zone to Mazaristr., which will lead you to the Frauenkirche . Continue north along Maffeistr. to the Fünf Höfe complex and stroll along Theatinerstr. to Odeonsplatz with Theatinerkirche and Feldherrnhalle. Enjoy an excellent cup of coffee with a view of the Hofgarten at Café Tambosi. You will need half a day to tour the Residenz, but you can explore the palace’s many inner courtyards on your own. Cross the Residenzstr. to Max-Joseph-Platz and the opera and exclusive shops along Maximilianstr. Return to Marienplatz via Dienerstr., Alter Hof, and Platzl, just in time for the clock’s chiming (at 11am or noon). Walk along Tal to the Weißes Bräuhaus at No. 10 for a traditional Bavarian lunch.

Afternoon

After lunch, climb to the top of St Peter’s (see Peterskirche) and take in the glorious view of the Old Town. Then walk through the Rindermarkt with its medieval Löwenturm and right into Sendlinger Str. Although Asamhaus (No. 34) is closed to the public, the interior of the late Baroque Asamkirche (No. 62) will take your breath away. Keep left to reach St-JakobsPlatz, the Stadtmuseum, and the future synagogue. Drop into the Stadtcafé for an afternoon break. From Viktualienmarkt, just around the corner, go east to Isartor and the Valentin-Musäum (see Isartor & Valentin-Musäum) or south to the Gärtnerplatz district with its many pubs and bars.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with a glass of wine or beer (or equivalent meal), taxes, and service charges.
- under 30 €
- 30–40 €
- 40–50 €
- 50–60 €
- over 60 €