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The Mariensäule (Column of the Virgin), from 1590, and the 19th-century fish fountain on Marienplatz are popular meeting spots. Although the square is dominated by the ornate Neues Rathaus, or New Town Hall (1867–1908), the eastern side is bounded by the Gothic simplicity of the Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, built during the 15th century. The Glockenspiel, a chiming clock, is not to be missed (see Around Marienplatz).

Weinstraße, a lane off Marienplatz, leads to the Frauenkirche (1468–88), a basilica designed by Jörg von Halsbach. A lack of funds forced him to abandon his idea of Gothic towers. The “Swiss bonnets” that top the towers were added later and are perhaps the forerunners of all the onion domes in Bavaria. Highlights are the emperor’s tomb, Erasmus Grasser’s carving, and the statue of St Christopher.

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.

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.

Maximilian II built this monumental boulevard between 1852 and 1855. The stretch between Max-Joseph-Platz and Alstadtring (see Shopping) is one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets. In the arcades, luxury boutiques such as Armani, Jill Sander, and Chanel offer their exquisite wares; the Hotel Vierjahreszeiten and the Kammerspiele are also found here, as is the new Maximilianhöfe complex. At its far end, the boulevard is flanked with ornate public buildings.

Munich’s most famous pub dates from 1896 and was originally the royal court brewery, founded in 1598 by Wilhelm V. There is space for 1,000 patrons on the ground floor, where Hofbräu is, of course, the main beverage served – over 10,000 litres (2,600 gallons) per day. A barrel-vaulted banquet hall occupies the second floor and the complex also features a beautiful small beer garden. Walk through the winding lanes nearby, such as Burgstraße, to enjoy one of Munich’s most historic districts.

This site is currently under development and will be home to the new Jewish synagogue, museum, and community centre. The square is also home to the Stadtmuseum, which occupies six buildings, including the Marstall (royal stables) and the former Zeughaus (arsenal). Renamed Stadtmuseum (city museum) in 1954, the museum contains several permanent collections complemented by changing exhibitions. The film museum enjoys international renown (see Museums & Galleries, Munich – the Bavarian Hollywood), especially for reconstructions of silent films. IgnazGünther-Haus – a late Gothic building that was the home and studio of the famous Rococo sculptor – stands on the west side of the square.

For a long time this was one of the oldest retail strips in the city, with shops owned by the same families for generations. In recent years, Sendlinger Straße has become more elegant – and more expensive. If you prefer a more eclectic experience, wander into the adjacent side streets and lanes, where you can browse in the many stores to your heart’s content. Be sure to visit the two Rococo jewels of the district – the Asamkirche (see Asamkirche) and the Asamhaus at Sendlinger Straße No. 34. Egid Quirin Asam acquired the building (unfortunately closed to the public) and adapted it to his own needs. One of the windows affords a direct view of the high altar in the Asamkirche. A surviving element of the medieval town fortifications, the vine-covered Sendlinger Tor marks the end of the street.

Munich’s largest historic complex, the Residenz, lies adjacent to the Hofgarten, with its lovely plantings and arcades. To the north, the garden is bounded by the Bavarian Chancellery (1989–93), which incorporates the ruins of an army museum. Remnants of a 16th-century wall and garden are visible behind glass on one side.

Princely palaces once occupied the area between Residenz and Theatinerkirche. From 1800, old fortifications here were dismantled to make way for the Ludwigstraße, which ends or begins – depending upon your viewpoint – with Odeonsplatz and the Feldherrnhalle. Statues of the Bavarian field marshals Tilly and Wrede are displayed in the niches of the loggia.