Budget Munich

Description:

The Theatinerkirche is one of the most striking, both inside and out, in Munich. Electress Henriette Adelaide and her husband Elector Ferdinand Maria had it built on the occasion of the birth of their first male child, which gave them a successor. Elector Ferdinand first began construction of Nymphenburg palace to thank his wife and then started on the Theatinerkirche to thank god.
The church was built in Italian high-baroque style after San Andrea del Valle in Rome and designed by the Italian architect Agostino Barelli. His successor, Enrico Zuccalli, added two towers, which originally were not planned and then finished the 71 meter (233 ft) high dome in 1690. The facade in rococo style was completed only in 1768 by François de Cuvilles. Its Mediterranean appearance and yellow coloring became a well known symbol for the city and had much influence on Southern German baroque architecture.
Much of the interior was destroyed in bombing, but the towers and facade are mostly original. This church also serves as one of the two main burial places for the Wittelsbach family, who ruled Bavaria from 1180 until 1918.
read more

Description:

Augustiner, Munich's best selling beer, has its main beer hall right on the main pedestrian street between the train station and Marienplatz. The restaurant is located where the brewery used to be from 1817 until 1885, when it again moved further from the center of town to where it is now, just north of the Oktoberfest grounds. After 1885 it was completely renovated and turned into a beer hall, designed by Emanuel von Seidl, and has remained as such to the present day. Today, the prices are reasonable, portions are large, and the location couldn't be better for tourists. This is one of Munich's greatest and most historic beer halls with its main competition being the Hofbräuhaus, the Löwenbräu Keller, and Paulaner am Nockherberg.

Description:

When one of the Bavarian royals said that he was going to the castle, he could have meant any number of places, especially if he was Ludwig II. But if he said that he was going home, he could only be referring to the Residenz. This enormous palace, with a history almost as long as that of the Wittelsbach family, was the official residence of the rulers of Bavaria from 1385 to 1918. Added to and rebuilt over the centuries, the complex is a conglomerate of various styles. Depending on how you approach the Residenz, you might first see a German Renaissance hall (the western facade), a Palladian palace (on the north), or a Florentine Renaissance palace (on the south facing Max-Joseph-Platz).

The Residenz was restored after its almost total destruction in World War II and now houses the Residenz Museum, a concert hall, the Cuvilliés Theater, and the Residenz Treasury. The Residenz Museum (tel. 089/29-06-71), the southwestern section of the palace, has some 120 rooms of art and furnishings collected by centuries of Wittelsbachs. To see the entire collection, you'll have to take two tours, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You may also visit the rooms on your own.

The Ancestral...

Description:

Directly adjacent to one of Munich's main squares (odeonsplatz), the Hofgarten was the former royal gardens of the Residenz. The Hofgarten was originally commissioned by Duke Maximilian I. The central pavilion dates from 1613 with the majority of the garden remaining in the french garden style popular in the 17th century. In the 18th century the garden was changed to more of a tree garden and today we have a mix of those of those style.

This garden is popular with students from the nearby university as well as with travelers who want a break from the city. The Hofgarten is the most central garden area of Munich and many would argue one of the prettiest.

Description:

The Muffathalle venue features up and coming and established artists from all over the world. The acts are contemporary and usually Top 40.

Our Local Expert Says:

At Hotel Acanthus the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. Prepare to make yourself feel at home. The rooms vary, but each has a distinct character of its own.

Description:

A small bed and breakfast establishment in the centre of Munich, Hotel Acanthus is not far from Sendlinger Tor, with the city centre also easily accessible on foot. Good transport facilities enable guests to reach other parts of Munich with ease. The rooms are decorated in 'English style' with pastel shades and plenty of dark wooden furniture. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, minibar and en suite bathrooms.

Our Local Expert Says:

Here you can by the freshest fruit and vegetables in the whole city. The market has a reputation of having higher prices than your average supermarket but in actual fact many goods here are cheaper than elsewhere. Vikualienmarkt also has a beer garden that is more calm than those at Marienplatz.

Description:

Unless you happen to be staying in a place where you have access to a kitchen, it's doubtful that you'll want to be hauling groceries back to your hotel room during your stay in Munich. That doesn't detract, however, from the allure of wandering through the open-air stalls of the city's most prominent food market, a few minutes' walk south of the Marienplatz (there is no specific address, but the market sprawls over a wide area and can't be missed). It's composed of hundreds of independently operated merchants who maintain whatever hours they want, often closing up their cramped premises whenever the day's inventory is sold out. Most economy-minded shoppers, however, show up, shopping basket in hand, around 8am, to stock their larders before noon. By 5pm, only the hardiest of merchants remain in place, and by early evening, the kiosks are locked up tight. On the premises is a worthy collection of wine, meats, cheeses, and all the other bounty of the Bavarian agrarian world.

Description:

How times have changed around here. In a building some 7 centuries old, wild game used to be skinned and butchered around the corner from the Hofbräuhaus, that famous beer palace. Today this vegan, part raw food establishment serves a plant-based cuisine created by Chad Sarno, who uses organic produce. Most dishes are cooked at a very low temperature to preserve optimal flavor and nutrition. The claim is that such uncooked vegan food cleanses the body of destructive toxins. Try such innovative dishes as lasagna with black truffles and macadamia nuts or beetroot ricotta ravioli with a cashew filling. A cauliflower risotto comes with a seared sage polenta with tempura shiitake mushrooms drizzled in truffle oil. Desserts are spectacular, including "drunken fruits" in a bitter cocoa syrup with a passion fruit crème with kiwi relish and hemp brittle. For your drink of choice, have you ever had a tarragon-laced gin tonic?

Our Local Expert Says:

Tour guides are available. The acoustics in the main hall are outstanding. If you have the chance, sing a short tune!

Description:

Built in the 16th century by Duke Wilhelm V as a simple farmhouse, the Duke's son, Elector Maximilan I, converted the house into a high Renaissance-style manor house between in 1617-23. The original outhouses were kept, and remain intact today. Large scale renovation was necessary after a bad fire in 1944, and the Altes Schloss now forms part of the Bavarian National Museum, showing exhibitions on East and West Prussia and the Gertrud Weinhold collection.

Description:

Lucillus consists of a long, narrow room, usually very overcrowded, but ideal for striking up conversation and even romance. Those who fancy something more serene should try sitting on the leafy patio - a great place to enjoy excellent food, especially by candlelight. The menu is reasonably priced and the service is pleasant and unobtrusive, making for a great evening all round. The platters of assorted grilled meats and fish are particularly popular (EUR 7.50-9.50).

Our Local Expert Says:

At Hotel Acanthus the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. Prepare to make yourself feel at home. The rooms vary, but each has a distinct character of its own.

Description:

A small bed and breakfast establishment in the centre of Munich, Hotel Acanthus is not far from Sendlinger Tor, with the city centre also easily accessible on foot. Good transport facilities enable guests to reach other parts of Munich with ease. The rooms are decorated in 'English style' with pastel shades and plenty of dark wooden furniture. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, minibar and en suite bathrooms.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a hot spot in the city center. If you are interested in taking a tour or having your picture taken with traditionally dressed Germans, this is a spot to check out.

Description:

Set against a clear blue sky, the towers of the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) form Munich's most celebrated landmark. The distinctive towers - built in 1525 - make the church of considerable architectural interest as they are considered to be the precursors of the Renaissance style. The church itself was designed by Gothic architect Jörg von Halsbach in 1468. Its size is imposing, but its simplicity and symmetry rule out any suggestion of ostentation. The interior is mainly Gothic, but the altars were redesigned in the 18th Century under Baroque influence.

Description:

The Augustiner Bräustuben is a beer hall physically connected to the Augustiner brewery, which is Munich's best selling beer. Although its location is not the best for most tourists, if you are staying anywhere near by it has that working class beer hall feel that many of the downtown restaurants lack. Since a major hostel opened up across the street, it can get rather rowdy at the Augustiner Bräustuben so if you want a quiet atmosphere go elsewhere, but if you want that loud beer hall feel than this is a great choice. This is on the more expensive end of the scale as far as traditional restaurants are concerned although the beer is the typical price.

Description:

Marienplatz has been the central sqaure of Munich since its founding by Henry the Lion in 1158. It was originally named Schrannenplatz and once held the salt and grain market, but it is now used by the city for various concerts and events, but mainly by tourists trying to get photos of the old and new town halls. After the market was moved around the corner starting in 1807, the square was renamed Marienplatz. The statue of Mary has stood in the center of Marienplatz since 1638 and is the reason of the new name of the square.

Description:

Probably Munich's most photographed building, the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) was built between 1867 and 1908. The most famous part of the town hall is the Glockenspiel which does its thing twice a day (11am and noon) every day of the year, with an additional performance at 5pm from May through October. You can also visit the top of the tower by taking an elevator up to the ninth floor.

Description:

The Old Town Hall is the oldest building on Marienplatz. The majority of the building dates from a building period of 1470-1480 by Jörg von Halsbach, who also designed the cathedral (Frauenkirche). The tower was completely destroyed in allied bombing in world war two, but it was rebuilt for the 1972 Olympics to the same style as it had been in the late 1400s. Today, the tower is home to Munich's toy museum while the rest of the building is used for large events held by the city council.

Description:

The Ruffini Building was constructed between 1903-05 in accordance with plans drafted by Gabriel von Seidl. The elegant facades appear old and venerable, full of opulent ornamentation. The decorative stucco mouldings depict images of plants and animals, as well as the Ruffini Tower, which was demolished at the beginning of the 19th century. The diverse styles of the building offset each other to perfection. The building is now home to the Department of Tourism.

Description:

Located next to the River Isar, this bar and restaurant looks like something out of colonial times. Delicious Caribbean drinks and Creole food are prepared according to traditional recipes, so only come if you like your food a bit different. The age of the clientele ranges from early thirties to late forties and there's a bit of a traveller's atmosphere about the place. As soon as you enter you'll notice how laid back things are, presumably due to the food - or possibly the drink!

Our Local Expert Says:

At Hotel Acanthus the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. Prepare to make yourself feel at home. The rooms vary, but each has a distinct character of its own.

Description:

A small bed and breakfast establishment in the centre of Munich, Hotel Acanthus is not far from Sendlinger Tor, with the city centre also easily accessible on foot. Good transport facilities enable guests to reach other parts of Munich with ease. The rooms are decorated in 'English style' with pastel shades and plenty of dark wooden furniture. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, minibar and en suite bathrooms.

Description:

Articles from the 'Reiche Remise', Elector Maximilian I's collection of horse-drawn carriages, have been exhibited in the stables of Nymphenburg Castle since 1952. As well as numerous magnificent golden carriages, there are various highlights including the coronation carriage of Karl Albrecht (1740), two 19th century carriages decorated by the Munich sculptor Ludwig von Schwanthaler (the 'father' of Bavaria) and last but not least some fairytale-like pieces owned by King Ludwig II including portraits of his favourite horses!

Description:

Connected to the park behind Nymphenburg palace, Munich's new Botanical Gardens were created in 1914 after the old Botanic Garden had lost so much of its grounds that it was no longer sustainable as a full Botanic garden. Plants and flowers of over 14,000 varieties are cultivated in the park and greenhouses, offering a wide range from local flora and cacti to orchids and palm trees. Based on the time of year different exhibits are available, such as the Butterfly presentation usually in January - March.

Description:

Surrounded by wonderful countryside, Lake Staffelsee has seven islands. To the west lie extensive hills and moorlands. The Staffelsee was formed from the melted ice of the Loisach glacier, and the lake's dark, slightly murky waters are a particular feature, as is the swift warming of the water in summer to 25 degrees Celsius. It is one of the warmest lakes in Bavaria suitable for bathing, and is popular among all age groups.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best restaurants in Munich. The servings may not appear large enough at first glance, but you will surprisingly find them very filling. There is no free parking, so public transportation may be a good alternative.

Description:

Although Blue Nile lacks romantic ambiance, this simple restaurant is an excellent introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. The dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes without making any concessions to the European palate. It will take a moment to adjust before you get used to the dining experience, since you will have to learn to eat with your fingers! The pleasant staff will help you out if you are struggling. After a couple of glasses of honey wine, all your inhibitions will disappear. The fact that many Africans eat here speaks volumes about the quality of the food.

Our Local Expert Says:

At Hotel Acanthus the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. Prepare to make yourself feel at home. The rooms vary, but each has a distinct character of its own.

Description:

A small bed and breakfast establishment in the centre of Munich, Hotel Acanthus is not far from Sendlinger Tor, with the city centre also easily accessible on foot. Good transport facilities enable guests to reach other parts of Munich with ease. The rooms are decorated in 'English style' with pastel shades and plenty of dark wooden furniture. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, minibar and en suite bathrooms.

Description:

The small, but impressive, church was built by two regionally famous brothers Cosmas and Damian Asam. The official name of the church is the Church of St. Johann-Nepomuk, but everyone knows it only as the Asamkirch (Asam church) for the brothers who built it. The outside is striking, but once you enter the door you will understand why your tour guide pointed out this spot which isn't on most local tours. Open daily during normal church hours.

Description:

For some years, Tijuana has revelled in the reputation of being one of the best Mexican places in town. The cocktails, the snacks and the food are all great. Its fine reputation has a price, because you have to reserve in advance or at least grab your table early. Otherwise you will have no chance against the hoards of yuppies and law students. Even if you manage to find a space, you cannot rely on being able to relax. The service is often not up to coping with the numbers and long waits are far from unusual.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is something you wouldn't expect to see in a city! One warm days make your way to the Southern tip of the park to watch surfers manage the river Isar.

Description:

One of the oldest English-style landscape gardens and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, the Englischer Garten (English Garden) is Munich's crowning glory. Although perhaps best known for its nudists, the park is popular with all types of people all year round. Other features include a Chinese pagoda with adjoining beer garden, the Monopteros Greek temple, a river and a boating lake. Visitors can also attend a traditional tea ceremony in the Japanese tea house.

Description:

This huge air-raid shelter, built in 1942, was used by the military in the decades after the War (as a wine cellar!), before it was sold to the consultant Wolfgang Tumulka in 1992. Tumulka proceeded to turn the bunker into a contemporary art gallery, filled with multimedia and abstract works, which are particularly well suited to the somewhat gloomy rooms. Admission: free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Alter Simpl, like the name, has rather simple food. The music is loud, but the place births creativity, so it is at least worth a look and beer.

Description:

This pub dates back to 1905 and was named after the satirical magazine 'Simplicissimus'. It used to be a favoured meeting point for writers, painters, musicians and singers, and is still popular with a wide range of Bohemian types. Alter Simpl is pleasant, lively and atmospheric; the service is friendly and the food (Bavarian and Italian) good. Ringelnatz, the legendary local poet, no longer reads here, but it is still one of the best and most rustic bars in Maxvorstadt.

Our Local Expert Says:

At Hotel Acanthus the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. Prepare to make yourself feel at home. The rooms vary, but each has a distinct character of its own.

Description:

A small bed and breakfast establishment in the centre of Munich, Hotel Acanthus is not far from Sendlinger Tor, with the city centre also easily accessible on foot. Good transport facilities enable guests to reach other parts of Munich with ease. The rooms are decorated in 'English style' with pastel shades and plenty of dark wooden furniture. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, minibar and en suite bathrooms.

Our Local Expert Says:

Probably the most famous painting in the gallery is the self portrait of Albrecht Dürer, which is a fairly small painting so it is in a smaller side room, don't miss it!

Description:

Built by King Ludwig I in 1826, the Alte Pinakothek is among the greatest achievements of the Bavarian kings. The origin of the collection dates back to Duke Wilhelm V in the 16th century with works being added by nearly every Duke, Elector, and King from that time onward. This is one of the best museums for what are referred to as the old German masters and does an excellent job at showcasing many of the best works of not only German masters, but European art history from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

The collection continues at the Neue Pinakothek across the street which begins at the 19th century.

Description:

Originally created for the 1972 Olympic games the park is now used for a variety of sports, events and fun activities. The 291,28 m high Olympic Tower offers two viewing platforms (one indoor, one outdoor) that enable visitors to even see the Alps on good days. It also houses a rotating restaurant. The park also houses the large Olympic indoor swimming pool complete with diving boards as well as the Olympic hall and the Olympic stadium used as a venue for concerts, theatrical displays, conventions and sports events. The ice rink doubles as a basketball court housing both the Munich Ice Hockey Team as well as the local Basketball team. The Olympic hill was built up with rubble left in the city after the bombings of WWII. The park is also home to Munich's SeaLife aquarium.

Description:

Conveniently located between the U-Bahn stops of the U2 (Scheidplatz) and the U3 (Petuelring) this small park is a local hang-out. In the summer the residents will be playing soccer and badminton, in the winter you will see kids riding their sleighs down the hill. At the entrance to the park there is an obelisk with a commemorative plaque, explaining that the park was dedicated to His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria for his 90th birthday. On the other end of the park you will find an outdoor public pool, the "Bad Georgenschwaige". The park also houses the "Luitpoldhügel" a big hill made of debris from the cleaning efforts after WWII of which there are only two others in Munich. Halfway through the park you can find a Mexican/Brazilian restaurant with a beer garden, a bar and a basement restaurant.

Description:

An in-restaurant with French-style cuisine located near the Kammerspiele theatre and the Opera House, this friendly place has developed into a really 'good address'. Even though the choice of dishes could hardly be described as unique, the quality cannot be denied. Italian-style pasta dishes complement classic French bistro fare like coq au vin or vegetable pie. Main courses can be had for upwards of EUR 12.50 and a special 'theatre menu' is available for EUR 10. A wide range of cocktails is also available.

Our Local Expert Says:

At Hotel Acanthus the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. Prepare to make yourself feel at home. The rooms vary, but each has a distinct character of its own.

Description:

A small bed and breakfast establishment in the centre of Munich, Hotel Acanthus is not far from Sendlinger Tor, with the city centre also easily accessible on foot. Good transport facilities enable guests to reach other parts of Munich with ease. The rooms are decorated in 'English style' with pastel shades and plenty of dark wooden furniture. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, minibar and en suite bathrooms.

Description:

The first and last of Munich's city gates for Munich's second set of city walls, the Isartor, was built in 1337. Kaiser Ludwig IV the Bavarian had second city wall built to protect the expanding city and the wall remained until the late 1700's. All of the other city gates were eventually torn down or dramatically modified, but the Isartor remains quite close to its original look. It was restored between 1833 and 1835 by Friedrich von Gärtner. The murals were painted in 1835 and depict the victorious return of Ludwig IV the Bavarian to Munich after the battle of Ampfing in 1322. The Isartor is today used as part of the Valentin Museum as well as a cafe.

Description:

The history of technology: a huge subject presented in a huge museum. Since its foundation in 1906, the exhibition area has expanded to 55,000 square metres. This museum is unique in its concentration on the history and development of technology and natural science. Numerous objects and interactive models (eg. a planetarium and coal mine) are used to demonstrate mankind's progress over the centuries. Extensive library.

Description:

This Andalusian restaurant-bar is heaven for paella and tapas lovers. On Mondays you can eat as much paella as you want for, while on Sundays you can choose from over 50 tapas. Happy hour is paradise for cocktail fans, with cocktails being at almost 'give away'prices. But it is not just the Spanish food that is great, the atmosphere is authentic as well.

Our Local Expert Says:

At Hotel Acanthus the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. Prepare to make yourself feel at home. The rooms vary, but each has a distinct character of its own.

Description:

A small bed and breakfast establishment in the centre of Munich, Hotel Acanthus is not far from Sendlinger Tor, with the city centre also easily accessible on foot. Good transport facilities enable guests to reach other parts of Munich with ease. The rooms are decorated in 'English style' with pastel shades and plenty of dark wooden furniture. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. Rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, minibar and en suite bathrooms.