Maximilianstrasse, Munich

Maximilianstrasse, Munich

Maximilianstraße, situated in Munich, is one of the city's four prominent avenues, which also include Brienner Straße, Ludwigstraße, and Prinzregentenstraße. It commences at Max-Joseph-Platz, where you'll find the Residenz and the National Theatre, and stretches from east to west.

This street was conceived and initiated in 1850 under the patronage of King Maximilian II of Bavaria, after whom it was named. A statue of King Maximilian II, known as the Maxmonument, sculpted by Kaspar von Zumbusch in 1875, is located in the eastern part of the avenue. Another noteworthy feature associated with Maximilianstraße is the Maximiliansbridge, adorned with the statue of Pallas Athene, constructed between 1857 and 1863 as an extension of Maximilianstraße leading to the Maximilianeum.

King Maximilian II aimed to create a novel architectural style that would blend elements from historical architectural models with contemporary construction techniques through this project. The avenue is flanked by predominantly Neo-Gothic buildings that draw inspiration from the English Perpendicular style.

In alignment with this concept, the north facade of the Old Mint Yard, facing the National Theatre, was redesigned to incorporate Neo-Gothic elements. Notable landmarks along the street encompass the Schauspielhaus (1901), the Upper Bavaria district administration building (1856–1864), the Museum Fünf Kontinente (Museum of Ethnology, 1858–1865), and the Wilhelmsgymnasium (1875–1877).

The western segment of Maximilianstraße is dedicated to upscale shopping and lavish living, featuring an abundance of art galleries, designer boutiques, luxury stores, jewelry shops, and the renowned five-star Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (Kempinski), constructed by Rudolf Gottgetreu between 1856 and 1858. Prominent brands like Gucci, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Versace, and others have replaced traditional shops, art galleries, and restaurants on Maximilianstraße, now commanding the highest retail rents in Germany.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Maximilianstrasse on Map

Sight Name: Maximilianstrasse
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Munich, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Munich

Create Your Own Walk in Munich

Creating your own self-guided walk in Munich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

The Old Town of Munich, sprawling on the west bank of the River Isar, is a treasure trove of architectural splendor and cultural heritage. Also known in German as Altstadt, this medieval area forms the historic core and cultural heart of the Bavarian capital. The entire Old Town is listed as a historical monument and is a living museum – “where the past harmonizes with the present in a grand...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Munich Introduction Walking Tour

Munich Introduction Walking Tour

Straddling the banks of the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps, Bavaria’s capital Munich is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous attractions.

The city was first mentioned in 1158. Its name is usually interpreted as the Old/Middle High German term Munichen, which means "by the monks", deriving from the monks of the Benedictine order, who ran a monastery at the place that...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Third Reich Munich Walking Tour

Third Reich Munich Walking Tour

In the first quarter of the 20th century, the capital of Bavaria, Munich, was ill-fated to become the birthplace of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (aka NSDAP or Nazi Party) and the site of its early activities. The city played a significant role in the rise and consolidation of power of the Nazi Party and, ultimately, the establishment of the Third Reich.

The Third Reich went...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shops

Old Town Souvenir Shops

"Collect moments, not things," wise men say. In reference to travel, this may be interpreted as the prevalence of experiences and memories over material gains. Still, when it comes to travel mementos, albeit material they are, memories and experiences are primarily what these little (or not so little) tokens are all about.

And it would be a pity to leave Munich without bringing home...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Top 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Munich

Top 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Munich

While there are many restaurants and cafes in downtown Munich for a visitor to choose from, by far not all of them are truly worth visiting. Here's the solid list of quality cafes and restaurants that will add greatly to your Munich experience. Each restaurant and cafe featured here offers...
12 German-Made Things to Buy in Munich

12 German-Made Things to Buy in Munich

The Bavarian capital Munich, much as the whole state of Bavaria, form an inseparable part of the German image, although a very unique part in its difference to the rest of the country, including the language. Bavarian beer occupies an important place in German heritage, from the infamous 1920s Beer...