Munich’s historic old town is also the downtown area. This is where you will find many historic buildings as well as Marienplatz, (the historic central square), and the Residenz. In the past, further expansion was hindered by the Englischer Garten to the northeast and the Isar River to the east. Within the boundaries of the old town gates – Karlstor, Isartor, Odeonsplatz, and Sendlinger Tor – lie the principal shopping districts. Here you will find the pedestrian zone, Theatinerstraße, and Maximilianstraße. However, Marienplatz remains the true heart of Munich for visitors and locals alike.
Some 20,000 visitors pass through Marienplatz and the adjacent pedestrian zone every hour. For information on the new Jewish Centre, visit www.juedisches-museum.muenchen.de For information on the Feldherrnhalle and the beer hall Putsch of 1923, visit www.shoa.de/hitlerputsch.html-
Not to be missed is this former supplier to the royal court. Gourmet delicacies and coffee are on the ground floor and an excellent restaurant is on the second floor.
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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.
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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.
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Hearty Bavarian cuisine in a former brewery building dating from 1832. Pretty courtyard with fountain.
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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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Original Bavarian atmosphere next to the basilica. Andechser beer is served here.
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This chic Italian day-and-evening bar is perfect for morning espresso or a delicious cocktail at night.
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Basement bar in the Fünf Höfe complex. Friendly daytime spot for lunches and light meals. Cocktail bar at night.
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The interior is plain but the food – traditional southern German and Austrian dishes – is excellent.
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Small but very fine furniture store, with home decor and gift departments.
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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.
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