Romantic Munich

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:

When the foundations of the city walls were laid in 1791, Prince Karl Theodor ordered the construction of a square in front of the Neuhauser Tor, now the Karlstor. The square was named Karlsplatz after the prince, although the locals call it Stachus, probably after the Wirtschaft zum Stachus, or Stachus Inn, opened by Eustachius Föderl in 1755. The circular structures were built in 1899-1902 by Gabriel von Seidl in place of an earlier building erected in 1803. Karlsplatz was one of the busiest squares in the world in the 1920's. It was pedestrianised in 1972 to form the western edge of the pedestrian zone and, despite an unfortunate fountain and the traffic on Altstadtring which cuts the square off from the western side of the city, it is a popular meeting-place and one of the last sunny spots in the evening.

Our Local Expert Says:

During hot summer days spent in the city, this fountain almost begs to be run through! This may not be so acceptable, so instead buy a gelato from one of the shops nearby and simply enjoy the fountain's mist as you watch passerbys.

Description:

Munich's most beautiful fountain is located on a terrace up on Lenbachplatz, overlooking the clusters of trees on Maximilianplatz. Like the other buildings on the axis of Karlsplatz, Lenbachplatz and Maximiliansplatz, Wittelsbacher Fountain was constructed at the end of the 19th century. This landmark depicts allegories of strength and water: the man hurling stones and the woman bearing a bowl provide a successful example of historicism which, in this case, combines Roman Baroque with classical elements. The fountain was sculpted between 1893-95 by Adolf von Hildebrand, to celebrate the installation of a municipal water supply.

Description:

A real Munich institution, Radspieler is located in the wonderful Radspielerhaus, whose three shops are permeated by an air of quality, beauty and naturalness. Radspieler stocks a broad selection of materials for the home, suitable for furniture, curtains, cushions and bedding (or even for clothes). Almost all materials are made from natural fibers. The complex also houses two furniture shops which stock high-quality yet slightly pricey wooden furniture.

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:

Select the type of room you want. Choose from country house, colonial, Laura Ashley, and more. You can view the specific rooms on their webpage. The Bayerischer Hof is a hotel of luxury. Relax at the wellness center or have a drink at the bar. Just be sure to remember your wallet!

Description:

More so than most hotels in the city, the Bayerischer Hof has a fascinating history. It was built in 1840 by King Ludwig I's architect Maffei to provide first-class lodgings for visitors to the nearby palace. The Montgelas Palace, which the hotel bought in 1969, was initially a Minister's residence and later became the seat of the royal administration. Elegant and sophisticated, this is one of the leading hotels in the region, with spacious rooms reflecting a variety of styles Hotel Bayerischer Hof—part modern in Laura Ashley vein, part traditional and classical in the style of the Montgelas Palace. Its various restaurants offer quality cuisine, with contemporary international dishes in the idyllic Garden Restaurant, Asian specialties in Trader Vic's and whole food and vegetarian fare in the Palais Keller. The Bayerischer Hof Nightclub is one of Germany's top jazz venues.

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:

This restaurant has the atmosphere of rural Andalusia - down to earth yet romantic. Just sitting here is pleasant enough, but you'll be even happier when the tapas arrive on the table. The wine racks used to decorate the restaurant can't help but tempt you to one of the Spanish wines. Whatever the time of day, El Perro y el Griego is always full, so it can get quite loud and the mood is fairly upbeat. Staff are excellent and always manage to keep on top of things despite the constant throng of customers.

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:

Alter Peter (Old Peter) is the tower of the oldest parish church in Munich, St Peter's Church. The valiant visitor who manages to climb the 302 steps to the top will have an incomparable view of Munich and, on a clear day, the Alps look close enough to touch. St. Peter's was named after the old hill on which it stands, the Petersbergl. There was apparently a chapel on the site before Munich was founded, which was then replaced with a Romanesque structure in the 11th century and later a Gothic building. In the 14th century, the double-tower was redeveloped to form the single tower facade of the church which remains today. Over the centuries, St. Peter's underwent even more changes, mainly in the Baroque and Rococo periods.

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:

Select the type of room you want. Choose from country house, colonial, Laura Ashley, and more. You can view the specific rooms on their webpage. The Bayerischer Hof is a hotel of luxury. Relax at the wellness center or have a drink at the bar. Just be sure to remember your wallet!

Description:

More so than most hotels in the city, the Bayerischer Hof has a fascinating history. It was built in 1840 by King Ludwig I's architect Maffei to provide first-class lodgings for visitors to the nearby palace. The Montgelas Palace, which the hotel bought in 1969, was initially a Minister's residence and later became the seat of the royal administration. Elegant and sophisticated, this is one of the leading hotels in the region, with spacious rooms reflecting a variety of styles Hotel Bayerischer Hof—part modern in Laura Ashley vein, part traditional and classical in the style of the Montgelas Palace. Its various restaurants offer quality cuisine, with contemporary international dishes in the idyllic Garden Restaurant, Asian specialties in Trader Vic's and whole food and vegetarian fare in the Palais Keller. The Bayerischer Hof Nightclub is one of Germany's top jazz venues.

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:

It is hard to say why, but the ambience at the Grappolo is somehow very Italian. Probably the best Italian eatery in the university district, it has small tables, where you eat standing, and the food is delicious. The pasta dishes are so good that it is worth going just for them, but the antipasti and the meat and fish dishes are equally tempting. If you can find a space outside in the summer, you will notice that there are just as many students here as business people.

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:

Popular with actors, advertising executives and fashion designers, Trader Vic's has been a firm favorite for decades. Situated in the basement of the luxurious Hotel Bayerischer Hof, the restaurant boasts wicker tables and chairs, colorfully dressed waiters and a fine choice of Polynesian food. The spare ribs and charcoal-grilled dishes are highly recommended.

Our Local Expert Says:

Select the type of room you want. Choose from country house, colonial, Laura Ashley, and more. You can view the specific rooms on their webpage. The Bayerischer Hof is a hotel of luxury. Relax at the wellness center or have a drink at the bar. Just be sure to remember your wallet!

Description:

More so than most hotels in the city, the Bayerischer Hof has a fascinating history. It was built in 1840 by King Ludwig I's architect Maffei to provide first-class lodgings for visitors to the nearby palace. The Montgelas Palace, which the hotel bought in 1969, was initially a Minister's residence and later became the seat of the royal administration. Elegant and sophisticated, this is one of the leading hotels in the region, with spacious rooms reflecting a variety of styles Hotel Bayerischer Hof—part modern in Laura Ashley vein, part traditional and classical in the style of the Montgelas Palace. Its various restaurants offer quality cuisine, with contemporary international dishes in the idyllic Garden Restaurant, Asian specialties in Trader Vic's and whole food and vegetarian fare in the Palais Keller. The Bayerischer Hof Nightclub is one of Germany's top jazz venues.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the square where Hitler came to power and frequently gave speeches. Two lions stand at one end of the square. People rubs their noses for good luck.

Description:

Construction of this gigantic, symmetrical square began in 1816, several years after the plans for a western entrance to the city had been drawn up. The Propyläen to the west (Doric), Glyptothek to the north (Ionic) and the Ausstellungsgebäude (now the State Collection of Antiques) on the southern side (Corinthian) are symbolic of religion, history and art. Crown Prince Ludwig, later Ludwig I, intended it to be a cultural forum. The Führerbau (Führer Building) and Haus der Kulturinstitute (now the Academy of Music and the State Collection of Graphics) can still be seen on the east side of the square.

Description:

A well-established Japanese restaurant with a striking wooden interior. Not only trendy sushi is served, but the long menu also offers many typical (and not so typical) specialities from the Land of the Rising Sun. Delicious tempura EUR 18 is a popular favourite, while main courses EUR9 and an interesting set meal for EUR47.50 should leave you satisfied. A low-priced business lunch can be enjoyed for just EUR6.50. Some come here just for the karaoke!

Description:

Whereas the next-door Glyptothek concentrates on large antique sculptures, the State Collection of Antiques specialises in smaller objects, glassware, gold and silver. The internationally renowned collection of antique and Etruscan vases, based on King Ludwig I's collection, is outstanding. It was Ludwig who, in 1838, instructed architect Georg Friedrich Ziebland to design this temple-like building. Destroyed during the War, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1967. Check website for more information.

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.

Description:

Munich's showcase boulevard was planned by Leo von Klenze on the orders of Ludwig I, after whom the street was named. Construction began in 1817 and continued until the mid-19th Century under the oversight of master architect Friedrich von Gärtner. The boulevard appears to have been inspired by the Via del Corso in Rome which had made a great impression on Ludwig and Klenze during their travels in Italy. Ludwigstraße begins at the Renaissance-style Feldherrnhalle and continues northwards to the Romanesque Siegestor. Ludwig Maximilian University and St Ludwig's Church are two other highlights; they too display a heavy Italian influence.

Description:

Located on Odeonsplatz, this café offers a wonderful view of the Theatinerkirche and Feldherrenhalle from its sun terrace. At the back, you can enjoy a beer in the courtyard garden. Prices are average and the food is excellent. There is a wide selection of coffees. In the evenings, operatic arias accompanied by piano are performed by students of the Music Academy. This is very much in keeping with the rococo-style interior. One point to bear in mind is that Tambosi can fill up very quickly after performances at the nearby theatres.

Our Local Expert Says:

Select the type of room you want. Choose from country house, colonial, Laura Ashley, and more. You can view the specific rooms on their webpage. The Bayerischer Hof is a hotel of luxury. Relax at the wellness center or have a drink at the bar. Just be sure to remember your wallet!

Description:

More so than most hotels in the city, the Bayerischer Hof has a fascinating history. It was built in 1840 by King Ludwig I's architect Maffei to provide first-class lodgings for visitors to the nearby palace. The Montgelas Palace, which the hotel bought in 1969, was initially a Minister's residence and later became the seat of the royal administration. Elegant and sophisticated, this is one of the leading hotels in the region, with spacious rooms reflecting a variety of styles Hotel Bayerischer Hof—part modern in Laura Ashley vein, part traditional and classical in the style of the Montgelas Palace. Its various restaurants offer quality cuisine, with contemporary international dishes in the idyllic Garden Restaurant, Asian specialties in Trader Vic's and whole food and vegetarian fare in the Palais Keller. The Bayerischer Hof Nightclub is one of Germany's top jazz venues.

Description:

This non-smoking Mediterranean restaurant is charming like the hosts, Angelika and Fabio. A pretty interior with warm tones invites you in, or you can opt to eat on the patio (in summer). The menu offers tilapias, bruschettas, pastas, gnocchi, polenta, and more. The winelist features some rare aged labels, and a different wine with each course truly delights the guests. On the dessert front, Date Mousse, Chocolate Torte and Lemon Sorbet provide the perfect finales to your meal.

Description:

This ornate hunting lodge in the grounds of Schloss Nymphenburg is regarded by many as one of Germany's finest examples of rococo architecture. Designed by court architect Cuvilliés in 1734-39, Amalienburg was a present from Prince Karl Albert to his wife Amalia. The exterior is decorated with stuccos of Diana, Godess of Bavaria, and a number of satirical busts. The decoration inside is, to say the least, extravagant. The round mirror room, with its silver murals of the hunt, is definitely worth a visit. The other rooms are also remarkable, especially the kitchen which, for those days, was amazingly well equipped.

Description:

The Pagodenburg was one of the first pavilions to be built in Nymphenburg (1716-1719). Designed by Josef Effner for Max Emanuel, the building is modelled on the Baghdad Pagoda in Istanbul. Octagonal from the outside, the interior is divided into two hexagonal rooms and a Chinese cabinet. The façade of the pavilion is French rococo; the interior, however, is very Chinese, which was highly fashionable at the time. The rooms are decorated with painted tiles and the ceilings are covered in painted pagodas – hence the name!

Description:

A man-made retreat in the grounds of Schloss Nymphenburg built by Josef Effner on the orders of the 'pious' Elector Max Emanuel, who was apparently gripped by a sudden desire for penitence. This garden retreat is particularly noteworthy as it contains some of the earliest 'architectural ruins' in Europe, meaning it has been deliberately designed to resemble an ancient, decaying building. Before all the hard work which went into constructing the retreat was over, the Elector himself had unfortunately already passed away.

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:

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:

The location alone is overwhelming, attached to Hotel Königshof, the restaurant overlooks lively Karlsplatz (Stachus) and the city centre. The decor is elegant and refined, and the first-rate international cuisine well and truly lives up to expectations. As you would expect from a top class restaurant, the wine list is comprehensive and guests make their selection from an impressively stocked wine cellar. The service is impeccable, both attentive and discreet.

Our Local Expert Says:

Select the type of room you want. Choose from country house, colonial, Laura Ashley, and more. You can view the specific rooms on their webpage. The Bayerischer Hof is a hotel of luxury. Relax at the wellness center or have a drink at the bar. Just be sure to remember your wallet!

Description:

More so than most hotels in the city, the Bayerischer Hof has a fascinating history. It was built in 1840 by King Ludwig I's architect Maffei to provide first-class lodgings for visitors to the nearby palace. The Montgelas Palace, which the hotel bought in 1969, was initially a Minister's residence and later became the seat of the royal administration. Elegant and sophisticated, this is one of the leading hotels in the region, with spacious rooms reflecting a variety of styles Hotel Bayerischer Hof—part modern in Laura Ashley vein, part traditional and classical in the style of the Montgelas Palace. Its various restaurants offer quality cuisine, with contemporary international dishes in the idyllic Garden Restaurant, Asian specialties in Trader Vic's and whole food and vegetarian fare in the Palais Keller. The Bayerischer Hof Nightclub is one of Germany's top jazz venues.