Sightseeing in Munich - what to see. Complete travel guide

Munich is one of the richest and most expensive cities in Europe. It was founded in 1158 by Henry the Lion, the Duke of Saxony and Bavaria. Since 1806 Munich has been the capital of Bavaria. The most important banks, media companies and large enterprises, such as, for example, BMW, are headquartered in this city. The main city of Bavaria is home to a large number of museums of world importance, an unforgettable cultural environment, a vibrant nightlife and such world-famous events as the Oktoberfest.

All main architectural monuments and sights of Munich are, without a doubt, located in Karlsplatz and Marienplatz . The squares are also known for their Old and New Town Halls. The picturesque old town is located around Marienplatz with its tall Mary column. You will find Frauenkirche not far away from the square. The powerful towers of the church have become a symbol of Munich. Hofbräuhaus brewery, the Residence and Viktualienmarkt form a number of beautiful and amazing buildings. Odeonsplatz and Theatinerkirche church are also popular places of interest in Munich. This part of the city is the place, from which starts one of the most beautiful streets of Munich - Leopoldstrasse .

Marienplatz square.
This is the busiest tourist spot in Munich. You will easily find shopping streets, various pubs and restaurants in this square. All of them will be in a walking distance from Marienplatz. However, the square itself contains many interesting objects, such as Glockenspiel chime on the front of the New Town Hall . The tower was built in the XIX century. When it’s 11, 12 and 21 hours, the chime is accompanied with a puppet show that is usually dedicated to different historical events. The New City Hall is decorated with an 85m tower. The tower provides a beautiful view of the old part of Munich. The top of the tower is the location of the mascot and symbol of the city - a small Kindl monk. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Frauenkirche.
The main church in Munich, Frauenkirche, is located in Frauenplatz near Marienplatz in the center of the city. Two 99-meter towers of the church have largely determined the look of today's Munich. The church was built between 1468 and 1488 in the Baroque style and is considered one of the best examples of the Bavarian architecture. By the way, not everyone is equally positive about the beauty of Frauenkirche. Some visitors consider the church too gloomy inside. However, in any case, the church is definitely worth visiting and making your own opinion about its look.

North of Marienplatz is the location of the Residence, a large complex of buildings constructed by the Vittelbachs, a family that brought fame and prosperity to Munich. The construction was carried out up to the XVIII century. After World War II the areas, which had been damaged severely, were rebuilt. Currently, the former ducal palace has become home to a number of museums (the Museum of Ancient Coins and Porcelain), a large concert hall and a small theater. Without a doubt, the Residence museum and treasury are also worth your closest attention.

Munich is internationally famous for its Oktoberfest that takes place in Theresienwiese meadow. However, the city has much to offer to its guests, not only beer, salted pretzels and girls in national costumes. Munich is home to an incredible number of museums , the most significant of which are the German Museum, the National Prehistoric Collection, the Old Pinakothek, the Museum of Ethnography and the Munich City Museum, housed in the former arsenal.

Deutsches Museum.
The huge German Museum (Deutsches Museum) , which is located on the Museum Island on the Isar River, is dedicated to various aspects of science, technology and transportation. The museum is so large that it is simply impossible to watch its exposition in one day. A section with miniatures is one of the most interesting parts of the museum. Visitors are also recommended to visit the planetarium and the new transport section.

Alte (Old) Pinakothek is the largest and the oldest museum of art in Munich. It was built in the XIX century by order of Duke Ludwig I. When the construction was finished, he immediately placed his collection of art there. Today, the museum exhibits a very large collection of paintings by masters of the XIV-XVIII centuries.

Despite the status of a big city, there are many green areas, gardens and parks in Munich. For example, world-famous English Garden stretches from the center of the city and to its northern suburbs. This is one of the most popular attractions of the city, loved by both tourists and Munich residents. The total area of the park is even bigger than New York's Central Park. Olympic Park is also very popular with visitors . It attracts people by its numerous lakes and spectacular views of the city from the Olympic hill. Certainly, do not forget to visit Park Nymphenburg, which is the location of a beautiful palace. Isarauen Park is a favorite place for swimming and a barbecue. If you want to enjoy an unhurried walk and get away from the city noise, Westpark will be your best choice. Tourists are usually fascinated with various botanical gardens, Deer Garden Park or the Court Garden.

Munich is also a wonderful place for shopping. Maximilianstraße is, without a doubt, the most elegant shopping street in Munich . However, even far away from luxury boutiques and elegant passages one will find an incredible number of shops that sell everything you can think of and even more. When it comes to food, you will find restaurants of different culinary trends in Munich. The capital of Bavaria itself is famous for boiled veal sausages, salted pretzels, different sorts of beer, and, the last but not the least, its hospitable people.