Located in Germany’s third-largest city, Munich City Centre is a concentrated shopping zone with a vast selection of stores within a 2-mile (3-kilometer) radius. Take a break from browsing its stores to visit numerous landmarks in the same area. Spend time in the huge market hall and famous beer garden.
Marienplatz is in the middle of the city center where major roads converge. The central location has magnificent architecture, such as the elaborate city hall, Neues Rathaus, with 400 rooms. Its neo-Gothic façade is an impressive 300 feet (90 meters) long with a tower soaring more than 250 feet (75 meters). Stay for the shows two or three times daily when the dancing figures of the Glockenspiel cuckoo clock come alive. If you’re here in December, browse among the Christmas markets filling the square.
A 14th-century castle, once a palace for Bavarian royalty, is now an art and royal treasure museum. Residenz also has meticulously maintained gardens. Attend a performance at the lavishly decorated New Residence Theatre, which replaced its 18th-century predecessor that was severely damaged in World War II. Just south, the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus marks the region’s time-honored tradition of brewing. Prepare to stand in line for entry, as it’s one of the city’s major attractions.
Climb one of two onion domes at Frauenkirche for incomparable city views. Enjoy an interesting and colorful visit to Munich’s largest food market, Viktualienmarkt. On Sendlinger Strasse the small chapel Asamkirche measures only 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Even though it’s not large, it is one of the area’s finest examples of Baroque architecture.
Originally the city’s inner core was gated. As a reminder of medieval times, Karlstor Gate near Karlsplatz is one of three remaining gates in the city. Maximilianstrasse is a high-end shopping district in Munich City Centre that includes a store featuring designs by the city’s own fashion designer, Rudolph Moshammer.
Munich City Centre is fairly compact and easy to get around, especially by bike as there is a good network of cycle lanes. You could also travel by commuter train (S-Bahn), bus or tram.
