Top Attractions in Munich

Schloss Nymphenburg

With a longer façade than the Palace of Versailles, Schloss Nymphenburg was the impressive summer residence of the Wittelsbachs. The Stone Hall is particularly impressive and the famous 'Schönheitengalerie' (Gallery of the Beauties) containing the portraits of 36 local women, is a must see. A few interesting smaller palaces can be found in the park: the Amalienburg, Pagodenburg and Badenburg. The Marstallmuseum boasts a comprehensive display of carriages, sleds and crockery; the Meditationskapelle (Meditation Chapel) with its Magdalenenklause is also worth a visit.

Königsplatz

Construction of the gigantic and symmetrical Königsplatz 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 the Academy of Music and the State Collection of Graphics can also be seen on the east side of the square.

Theresienwiese

Theresienwiese, conveniently near the city center, is home to some of Munich's most well known events like the Munich Oktoberfest. In 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig I married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen at the location. The spacious outdoor area is a perfect site for a variety of large-scale events.

Jewish Museum Munich

It will be an enlightening tour to the Jewish Museum if you're seeking to know the history of the Jews in Munich. Objects, carefully chosen to highlight the life, culture and beliefs of the Jews are permanently on display. Various temporary exhibitions are also held where Munich's ancient collections or exhibits by collectors are displayed. The complex consists of a Synagogue and a Community Center as well.

Botanischer Garten

One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, this Botanical Garden is spread over 22 acres of land . This beautiful garden houses more than 14,000 different kinds of plants and preserves some of the rarest vegetation in the world. A lot of research work, gardeners' apprenticeships ,other types of training and educational work is also conducted here. The garden leads to the Museum Mensch und Natur and Nymphenburg Palace Park and attracts a huge number of visitors every year. It opens at 9 AM daily.

Rathaus-Glockenspiel

Located in Marienplatz, the heart of Munich, Rathaus-Glockenspiel is a very famous tourist attraction. It is a clockwork structure built in the 19th century and is exactly opposite Café Glockenspiel, which provides a perfect view of the structure. A mock dance is shown which tells the story of the marriage of the local Duke Wilhelm V. The whole act lasts for 12-15 minutes depending on the tune that is being played. A small golden bird chirps three times to mark the end of the act. A must see spectacle, when in Munich.

Kreuzkirche

A religious place for tranquility and peace, Kreuzkirche is a haven for those looking for some quiet away from the stresses of daily life. This church is located in the center of the city of Munich. Apart from being well-known for the building's architecture, the prayers, choirs and special services; there are many other community activities conducted at the church on a regular basis.

Olympiapark

Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, the Olympic complex is now used for a variety of leisure activities ranging from sports events to concerts. The 287m high Olympic Tower boasts a stunning view of the city. On a good day visitors can go up and see as far as the Alps. There is also a rotating restaurant at the top. The famous canopy roof which spans the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Swimming Pool and the Olympiahalle was very controversial in its day. It is, however, timelessly beautiful and has become an integral part of the modern cityscape. The Olympiaberg (Olympic Hill) is a grassy mound made from Second World War rubble and also provides great views. The ice rink and swimming pool are also popular with sports fans, as too is the Olympic Stadium, home to FC Bayern Munich, one of Europe's top football clubs. Check the website for open hours.

Theatinerkirche Sankt Kajetan

The visitor can thank Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, wife of Elector Ferdinand Maria, for the construction of Theatinerkirche Sankt Kajetan church, which she was promised in return for the birth of a male successor. By 1662, the deed was done. Construction of the church was supervised by architect Zucalli and Spinelli, who devised the magnificent baroque dome. The building is dominated by conical towers with bulging spiral roofs. In 1768, the façade was remodelled in the rococo style by François Cuvilliés the Elder. Faisenberg's carved wooden pulpit is the most striking feature in the pale stone interior.

Alter Hof

Alter Hof castle, the residence of the Bavarian royal family since 1253, was built to the north-east of the city so as to protect the Emperor against possible uprisings by the citizens of Munich. The remains of the castle, with its late-Gothic bay window (known as the 'Affenturm'), the gatehouse to the north and the enclosure to the west, form the oldest group of medieval buildings in the city. The buildings have been reconstructed several times, most notably in the nineteenth century and after the Second World War.