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.

Museum Villa Stuck

Not far from the Friedens-engel is the villa (1897–98) of painter Franz von Stuck, in itself a work of art. A miller’s son, Stuck quickly rose to fame and was instrumental in the creation of a Munich style of Art Nouveau – Jugendstil (see Schwabing & University District). The villa has served as a museum since 1968. On view are Stuck’s private rooms, a permanent Art Nouveau collection, and changing exhibitions in the studio wing.
Museum Villa Stuck

Preserved in its original Art Nouveau style, the villa of Secessionist Franz von Stuck (1863–1928) houses a permanent Art Nouveau exhibition.
Museums on Prinzregentenstraße

The upper stretch of Prinzregentenstraße is home to the Haus der Kunst, the National Gallery (Nationalmuseum), and the Schack Galerie (see Museums & Galleries).
Museums on Prinzregentenstraße

The upper end of Prinzregentenstraße is home to the Haus der Kunst, the Bayerisches National-museum, and the Schack-Galerie (see Museums & Galleries).
Museumsviertel

Three Pinakotheken (picture galleries) now lie side by side in the Museum District. The oldest, the Alte Pinakothek in a reconstructed building from 1836, is devoted to historic European painting – its collection boasts priceless treasures including panels by Albrecht Dürer (see Museum District – Alte Pinakothek).
Nachtcafé

Night-owls flock to this spot for live acts from 11pm.
Nachtcafé

With meals served all night until 6am, this club is popular with night owls. Live bands hit the stage at 11pm, playing to a crowd that includes the over-30 set. Sophisticated attire is recommended to get past the doorman. The patio is a treat in summer.
Natascha Müllerschön

Understated and elegant designer fashion – and couture for those special occasions. Definitely worth a visit.
Negroni

Intimate bar in Haidhausen. The jet-black decor is ideal for night owls.
Neuhausen

Rotkreuzplatz is the centre of this, Munich’s second-largest urban district. Countless bars and restaurants line the streets surrounding the square. The many old but well-preserved low-rise apartment buildings found here make this a popular residential area. The adjacent Nymphenburg is more exclusive, with its large single-family homes and villas. Expansive green zones – the Botanical Gardens, Nymphenburg Park, and the Hirschgarten, which has the city’s largest beer garden – enhance the quality of life in this district.