Saint Peter’s Church rises from the highest point of Munich’s Old Town and holds the title of the city’s oldest public building. It played a key role in the city’s early development, with roots reaching back to the 12th century. In fact, the church was once part of the original monastery that gave the city its name-“ménchen” meaning “monks.” After the first structure was lost to fire, a new Gothic-style design took its place in the 13th century. Over time, the church evolved even further, getting a Baroque facelift in the 17th century and then a Rococo reimagining in the 18th. After World War II, major restoration work was carried out to return it to its former glory.

Step inside today, and you're met with an unexpectedly lavish interior. The high altar features a commanding statue of Saint Peter, surrounded by the Church Fathers, while the choir displays five intricately carved scenes from Peter’s life. Look closely and you may even spot the jeweled remains of Saint Mundita-an ornate, if somewhat haunting, presence.

The church’s tower, known as “Old Peter,” is another highlight. Equipped with eight clocks, seven bells, and a viewing gallery, it offers panoramic views over the city-and on clear days, even as far as the Alps. A set of color-coded markers on the lower platform helps gauge visibility; if you spot a white circle, it means you’re in luck. Climbing to the top is well worth the price, but be warned: it’s a steep ascent and not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights. For those who make it, two binocular viewers let you take in the rooftops, church spires, and skyline in vivid detail. And if you arrive before noon, you’ll get an unbeatable vantage point for watching the carillon perform over at Mary’s Square.

Before the New Town Hall took over in 1874, the Old Town Hall was where Munich’s city government did its business. Unlike many buildings that were torn down to make way for the new structure, this one remained-preserved as a testament to the city’s commitment to restoration over replacement.

With its dove-grey façade, amber-tiled steeple, and delicate Gothic spires, the Hall captures the essence of its 15th-century origins-though what stands today isn’t an exact replica. Over time, additions like a baroque onion dome and later, an overly enthusiastic attempt at “regothification,” took the structure further from its medieval roots than what the current version reflects. Ironically, the faithful postwar reconstruction you see today may be closer to the spirit of the original than what existed before the Allied bombing.

The oldest surviving element is the 12th-century tower, once part of the city’s medieval fortifications. Today, it houses the Toy Museum, where you’ll find a charming collection of vintage toys-from antique train sets to miniature zoos-spread across four narrow floors connected by a spiral staircase. There's also a gift shop with hand-picked items that make for great souvenirs.

The ceremonial hall still retains its Gothic grandeur, with broad wooden barrel vaults and a frieze of 96 coats of arms lining one wall. Meanwhile, on the building’s side, there's a whimsical surprise: a bronze statue of Shakespeare’s Juliet, a gift from the city of Verona in the 1970s.

But the building also carries a darker legacy. In 1938, Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels delivered a speech here that triggered the “Night of Broken Glass.” That night of terror saw synagogues burned, Jewish businesses destroyed, and thousands arrested. It’s widely seen as the moment when Nazi anti-Semitic violence escalated into what became the Holocaust.

Welcome to Munich’s oldest and most charming market. Since the early 1800s, it’s been the go-to spot for just about anything edible-fresh produce, dairy, meats, fine French wines, seafood, and rare delicacies from around the globe. Prices tend to be on the higher side, but the variety and quality are hard to beat. Of course, you’ll also find classic Bavarian favorites like pretzels, sausages, and local cheeses, all offering a true taste of the region.

People from all walks of life gather here-locals picking up ingredients for dinner, tourists exploring with wide eyes, and regulars who’ve made it part of their daily routine. Local customs involve eating white sausage, sipping hot soup, and enjoying a cold beer in one of the city’s most beloved beer gardens, set around a decorated maypole. Under the shade of chestnut trees, folks gather to sip cold brews and enjoy a break from the buzz.

But this market is more than a place to shop, drink or snack-it’s actually woven into Munich’s cultural identity. Throughout the year, it plays host to everything from folk dances and live music to seasonal festivals, and an especially lively Mardi Gras parade. The fountain erected to commemorate German cabaret artists emphasizes the spirit that has always animated this place.

In every sense, it’s a feast-for the senses, for the culture, and most definitely for the appetite.

Adolf Hitler’s early residence in Munich played a significant role during the years when his political influence was taking shape. From May 1920 to October 1929, he lived in this third-floor flat-a period that saw him rise from fringe agitator to leader of the Nazi Party.

The building itself was well-situated: close enough to major meeting halls, yet far enough removed to offer a degree of privacy. During this time, Hitler wasn’t just living-he was strategizing. He worked on his autobiography, “My Struggle”, hosted party loyalists, and slowly built the organizational backbone of National Socialism from this very spot.

In the late 1920s, his half-niece, Geli Raubal, moved in. Their close and controversial relationship became the subject of intense speculation, ending in tragedy when Geli took her own life in 1931, after moving out. Her death left a lasting mark on Hitler.

After he relocated in 1929, the apartment faded into anonymity. Today, the building still stands, serving as a regular residential address with no plaque, no signage, no public trace of what once took place behind its doors. A quiet relic of a deeply consequential chapter.

Munich’s English Garden is the largest publicly owned park in Europe-and even larger than New York’s Central Park, stretching across an impressive 900 acres, or about three and a half kilometers. The idea came from Archduke Carl Theodore, but it was brought to life by Benjamin Thompson, an American-born British physicist who later became known as Count Rumford.

Once a royal hunting ground for the Wittelsbach family, the land was transformed into a public park in 1792, stretching three miles along the scenic Isar River. Its name comes from the informal landscaping style that mirrors the naturalistic English gardens popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, the English Garden is a favorite escape for locals-perfect for relaxing, playing sports, or catching up with friends. For the more adventurous, nude sunbathing is also allowed. You’ll find countless paths, riverside spots to cool your feet or go for a swim, as well as live music in the warmer months, and plenty of food options.

Among standout attractions is the Eisbach wave, an artificial surfing spot that’s active year-round, drawing spectators and surfers alike. In summer, make your way to one of the four beer gardens, especially the one near the Chinese Tower. There, you can enjoy a cold draft beer to the sound of traditional Bavarian tunes.

Within the park, you’ll also find a monument to Count Rumford, a serene Japanese Garden created for the Munich Olympics, the elegant Monopteros temple, and an amphitheater tucked away toward the northern edge.

Tip: Sunday’s the big walking day. With most shops closed, locals flood the park-so if you're in town, lace up your shoes and join the crowd. Just keep an eye out for cyclists-they tend to zip by when you least expect it. And if you're planning to swim or surf, don’t forget your gear.

The Hofgarten is a peaceful, geometrically designed retreat-and one of the largest Mannerist gardens to be found north of the Alps. Originally laid out in the early 1600s, it is arranged around two straight main paths that cross at right angles. At their intersection stands the Temple of Diana, an elegant polygonal pavilion crowned with a bronze figure representing Bavaria. Lining the edges of the garden are arcades that now house art galleries and cafés, their walls adorned with frescoes depicting historic moments from the Wittelsbach dynasty.

True to its 17th-century roots, the Hofgarten has been thoughtfully restored, with chestnut trees, flowerbeds, and fountains arranged just as the original plans intended. Tucked into the northeast corner is a striking black granite monument honoring the White Rose group-a circle of philosophy students who dared to resist the Nazi regime through non-violent means. After an unjust trial, they were executed, but their legacy lives on here in quiet remembrance. The garden also finds mention in T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land”, widely regarded as one of the most important English-language poems of the 20th century. In the poem, it serves a symbol of fading aristocracy and the spiritual emptiness that followed Europe’s royal decline.

At the eastern edge of the grounds, you’ll come across another poignant tribute-a memorial to Munich’s fallen from World War I. Within a rectangular enclosure lies an open crypt holding the statue of a fallen soldier. Inaugurated in 1924 by Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, the monument has since been recognized as a cultural landmark.

The Field Marshal's Hall is a grand open-air loggia built to honor Bavaria’s military leaders and the soldiers who died in the Franco-Prussian War. Commissioned by King Ludwig I in the 1840s, it was constructed on the site of a former city gate. The design was inspired by Florence’s famous Loggia dei Lanzi, bringing a touch of Italian grandeur to Munich’s historic center.

Standing at the front are two imposing bronze statues commemorating key figures in Bavarian military history: Count Tilly, who played a major role during the Thirty Years’ War, and Count von Wrede, a marshal from the Napoleonic era. In 1882, a third sculpture was added at the center-this one celebrating the Bavarian army’s role in the Franco-Prussian War. As you approach, you’ll also spot two lion statues at the steps, crafted in 1906. One, mouth open, faces the Residenz Royal Palace; the other, with mouth closed, looks toward the nearby church.

Yet for many, the site is remembered most for the dramatic events of 1923. That year, during the failed Beer Hall Putsch, Adolf Hitler led around 2,000 followers in an attempted coup, marching toward the center of Munich in what he called a “people’s revolution.” They were met by the Bavarian police in front of this very loggia. A deadly confrontation followed-four officers and sixteen insurgents were killed. Hitler was arrested shortly after and imprisoned. A decade later, after coming to power, he elevated the failed revolt into a cornerstone of the Nazi cult.

In the second half of the 19th century, as Munich was growing rapidly and riding a wave of prosperity, city leaders decided they needed a new home for local government. The Old Town Hall had simply outgrown its purpose. They chose a prominent spot on the south side of Mary’s Square, cleared out around two dozen houses, and set the stage for something grand. Construction began in 1867 and continued all the way to 1909. Overseeing the project was a remarkably young architect-Georg Hauberrisser-just 24 when he started.

What emerged is a prime example of German pseudo-historical architecture-mock-Netherlands Gothic, to be exact. The building features six courtyards and a small garden at the back. Its façade is covered in intricate sculptures that reference Bavarian legends, local saints, and allegorical figures. At the top of the steeple stands a bronze statue of the “Munich Child,” the city’s traditional symbol. The tower also houses the fourth-largest chiming clock in Europe.

Every day, 43 bells ring out as copper figures dance in two scenes: a knightly tournament honoring the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine, and the legendary “Dance of the Coopers.” That dance, by the way, is still performed in the streets every seven years during Carnival to commemorate the passing of a plague epidemic in the early 1500s. Legend has it that coopers, loyal to the Duke, danced through the streets to inspire courage during tough times. The official dance moves were defined as far back as 1871.

The full carillon performance plays at 11 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. in the summer, lasting up to 15 minutes depending on the day’s tune. As a whimsical finale, a tiny golden rooster perched above the clock lets out three soft chirps. And when evening falls, figures of a night watchman and the Angel of Peace appear in the upper windows, quietly blessing the “Munich Child” and the city below.

Visitors can ride the elevator to the viewing platform for sweeping views of the city. And beneath the building, the historic Ratskeller restaurant offers not just a good meal, but a truly atmospheric dining experience.

Right in the center of Munich lies Mary’s Square, the city’s lively, historic core. Established back in 1158, it started out as a busy marketplace and a stage for medieval tournaments and public events. These days, it’s still the place where everything seems to converge-a perfect starting point for anyone exploring the city. Grand buildings rise on all sides, cafés spill onto the streets, and the square hums with energy from morning until night.

The star attraction is the New Town Hall, an elaborate neo-Gothic masterpiece brimming with stone figures, ornate carvings, and the famous Glockenspiel. At 11 a.m., noon, and again at 5 p.m. during the warmer months, the Glockenspiel puts on its quirky performance. Thirty-two mechanical figures spin into action, reenacting Bavarian legends to a soundtrack of bells and music. It’s theatrical, a little over-the-top, and completely delightful.

Across the square, you’ll also find the Old Town Hall, with its storybook tower and a toy museum tucked inside-great if you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy a touch of childhood nostalgia. Meanwhile in the center stands the Column of Saint Mary, raised in 1638 to mark the end of Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War. A gilded statue of the Virgin crowns the column-a quiet symbol in a bustling space, and the inspiration for the square’s name.

Street musicians, traditional restaurants, souvenir stalls-there’s always something happening around you. Want to shop? Stroll down Kaufinger Street, one of Munich’s busiest pedestrian avenues. If you’re more in the mood for architecture, the city’s Cathedral, with its distinctive twin domes, is just around the corner.

In short, Mary’s Square offers the perfect snapshot of Munich. Don’t rush through it-it’s a place to linger, look up, and let the city reveal itself one detail at a time.

In 1791, after the city’s old fortifications were demolished on the orders of Elector of Bavaria Karl Theodor, a wide-open square was created on the western edge of Munich’s Old Town. Second only to Mary’s Square in size, it was officially named Karl’s Square in honor of the ruler-and the nearby gate took on the name Karl’s Gate. Locals, meanwhile, had another name in mind for this space; they called it Stachus, a nickname that stuck and is still widely used today. The name comes from a popular inn that stood on the corner of the square since the 1750s.

More recently, in 1902, architect Gabriel von Seidl added two elegant wings to the Karl's Gate, known as the Rondel Buildings. These Neo-Baroque structures feature two prominent towers and ground-floor arcades lined with shops-an early nod to the area’s commercial appeal.

Fast forward to the 1970s, and you’ll find a large circular fountain, now a favorite meeting spot for both locals and visitors. It’s also a great place to take a break, especially on warm summer afternoons. On the west side stands Kaufhof, Munich’s very first postwar department store. Meanwhile, beneath the surface, an entire network of underground shops spreads out from the U-Bahn and S-Bahn exits, making this one of the city’s busiest retail intersections.

All in all, Karl's Square isn’t just a square-it’s a crossroads of history, shopping, transport, and local life. And if you’re catching a tram, chances are you’ll pass through here-it’s one of the key hubs of Munich’s streetcar network.

The Justizpalast serves as the historic courthouse in Munich, showcasing a remarkable blend of Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles, emblematic of late 19th-century German architecture.

Architected by Friedrich von Thiersch and constructed from 1890 to 1897, the building's creation coincided with a period of economic prosperity in Germany and Austria. Notably, it features an expansive glass dome covering an area of 67 meters, symbolizing the prosperity of that era. However, it became evident that the facility could no longer accommodate the demands of the legal system, leading to the design and construction of the nearby Neue Justizpalast by Thiersch between 1906 and 1908. Unfortunately, the Gothic-style structure suffered damage during World War II, resulting in the loss of its original interior decorations.

Today, the Neue Justizpalast houses the Bavarian Constitutional Court and the Higher Regional Court. A particularly significant area within the building is Room 253, where the People's Court, presided over by the infamous pro-Nazi Judge Roland Freisler, conducted a mock trial that led to the condemnation and execution of members of the non-violent anti-Nazi group, 'The White Rose.' On February 22, 1943, at noon, the verdict was pronounced against Hans Scholl, his sister Sophie Scholl, and Christoph Probst, who were then beheaded just four hours later. Room 253 now hosts a permanent exhibit about the trial and serves as a memorial to the courageous students who lost their lives opposing the oppressive regime while upholding their principles.

Tucked into Munich’s cityscape, the so-called Leader’s Building is one of the most historically loaded structures left from the Nazi era. Built between 1933 and 1937, it housed Adolf Hitler’s Munich office and served as a key administrative hub for the regime.

The architecture is textbook Third Reich: neoclassical, rigidly symmetrical, and designed to impress. Long colonnades, marble interiors, and an air of permanence were meant to radiate power. The building was part of Hitler’s broader plan to reshape Munich into the “Capital of the Movement,” marking the city’s role as the cradle of the Nazi Party.

But what seared this spot into history books was the 1938 Munich Agreement. On September 29th, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, French Premier Édouard Daladier, Italy’s Benito Mussolini, and Hitler gathered here to sign a deal that allowed Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia. Chamberlain famously returned home proclaiming “peace for our time”-words that would soon be haunted by war.

During WWII, the building continued to host official functions. After 1945, the U.S. military took over, transforming the building into the Central Art Collecting Point, where stolen artworks were gathered, catalogued, and eventually returned to their rightful owners. Later, the space was given a new role as home to the University of Music and Performing Arts, which still uses it today.

Though not open to the public, Hitler’s office still exists behind its original oak door-frozen in time. The building now sits at a strange crossroads: once a symbol of authoritarian power, now reimagined as a place for education and artistic creation.