This Gothic building used to be one of the four primary gates of the medieval city wall. It served as a defensive fortification and is the easternmost of Munich's three remaining Gothic town gates (Isartor, Sendlinger Tor, and Karlstor). The gate, known as "Tor," is situated near the Isar River and derives its name from it. The Isartor was constructed in 1337 as part of Munich's expansion and the building of the second city wall, which took place between 1285 and 1337 under the rule of Emperor Louis IV.

Today, the Isartor is the sole surviving medieval gate in Munich that has preserved its central main tower, and the restoration work carried out by Friedrich von Gärtner in 1833-35 has faithfully reproduced its original dimensions and appearance. The frescoes, created in 1835 by Bernhard von Neher, depict Emperor Louis's triumphant return after the Battle of Mühldorf in 1322. Presently, the Isartor houses a museum dedicated to the comedian and actor Karl Valentin, known for his humor. Additionally, there is a café within the premises for visitors to enjoy.

The Sternecker building may look like just another spot in Munich’s old town, but it quietly holds one of the darker turning points in 20th-century history. Originally part of the city’s long-standing beer hall tradition, it gained far more notoriety for its role in the early formation of the Nazi Party.

Back in September 1919, a young Adolf Hitler, working as an army intelligence agent, showed up at a meeting of the German Workers’ Party-a small, fringe political group holding court in the beer hall. He challenged a speaker mid-session, and his intense rhetoric left an impression on the party’s founders, including Anton Drexler. Before long, they invited him to join. He accepted-and the Sternecker became ground zero in the origin story of his political ascent.

Years later, in 1933, after seizing power, the Nazis turned a room above the beer hall into a small museum, packed with artifacts from the party’s early days-photos, furniture, and documents curated to feed the myth. Somehow, the building survived the Allied bombings that flattened much of Munich. The museum, however, was shut down after the war, and the beer hall faded out of existence in the decades that followed.

Today, the structure still stands, now home to a retail shop. There’s no plaque, no sign, no marker of its historical weight. Unlike other Nazi-era sites that have been formally preserved or publicly contextualized, the Sternecker remains quietly anonymous-its past buried beneath the rhythms of modern commerce. Yet for those who know the story, this building was a silent witness to a moment when history took a dark turn.

Arguably the most famous ‘watering hole’ in Munich, this spot is the embodiment of Bavarian tradition and spirit. Its story began in 1589, founded as part of the Royal Brewery by Wilhelm V. Back then, it wasn’t even open to the public-reserved instead for royal use. That changed in 1828, when the doors were finally thrown open to everyone. Today, it's among the city’s most beloved gathering places, steeped in old-world charm.

On the ground floor, long tables fill the hall that can hold 1,000 drinkers while bands belt out folk tunes. The menu is full of Bavarian classics, and the atmosphere is pure celebration. Upstairs, a vaulted ceremonial hall can seat another 1,300 people, with additional side rooms for smaller gatherings. And when the weather’s warm, the beer garden becomes a favorite hangout-with its shady chestnut trees, bubbling fountain, and relaxed outdoor vibe. On a typical day, around 10,000 liters of beer are served here-that’s over 17,000 pints.

True to tradition, the beer follows the Bavarian Beer Purity Law of 1516, which allows only natural ingredients. That standard is still upheld across the city, and the brews here are no exception-crafted with care and full of flavor.

But not all of the building’s history is festive. On February 24, 1920, Adolf Hitler stood here to announce the official program of the then-fledgling Nazi Party. Just over a year later, on July 29, 1921, he was elected as the Party’s leader-right in this very hall. So while the beer house is rightly remembered for joy, music, and beer, it also witnessed one of the more sobering moments of 20th-century history.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Although modest in size, this church is famed for having the most lavish interior of any religious site in Munich. What it lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in sheer decorative intensity-frescoes, marble, stucco, and layer upon layer of gold leaf all compete for the eye’s attention. The style might not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s difficult not to be captivated. It’s gaudy, yes-and unmistakably Baroque-but in a very special way that you don't get to see very often.

Built in the 1730s and 1740s by the talented Asam brothers, the church was originally intended as their private chapel. It was later opened to the public and consecrated in honor of Saint Johann Nepomuk, a Bohemian monk and martyr. According to legend, he was executed by drowning in the Danube after refusing to reveal the Queen’s confessions-an act ordered by King Wenceslaus.

Inside, you’ll find a visual feast. The ceiling bursts with frescoes, including a dramatic scene depicting Saint Nepomuk’s final moments in the river. The high altar is flanked by four elaborately twisted columns and features a glass shrine holding a wax figure of the saint. Look upward, and you'll spot a striking sculpture of God the Father leaning over the crucified Christ, perched above the cornice. Much of what you see today is the result of a detailed restoration carried out between 1975 and 1982.

Here’s a tip: try to visit early in the morning, before the crowds arrive-or outside of mass hours if possible. And if the sun’s shining, even better. The light catches the gilded surfaces beautifully, making the whole interior shimmer like a golden dream.

The largest Gothic structure in southern Germany, this church was built at an astonishing pace. Construction began in 1468 and wrapped up just 20 years later, a remarkable feat for the time. With its twin towers capped by distinctive onion-shaped domes rising 99 meters high, it remains the city’s most iconic landmark.

Entry is free, though there’s a small charge if you’d rather take the elevator up the South Tower instead of making the climb yourself. The panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort-an unforgettable way to view the city from above.

Inside, the atmosphere is stark and reverent. What you may see today was rebuilt from the ruins left by World War II bombings. Having been safely stored away during the war, the Gothic windows offer a glimpse of the church’s former glory. In the choir, you’ll find sculptures of the Apostles and Prophets, created in 1502 and miraculously preserved. The north chapel holds a striking altarpiece of Christ’s baptism, alongside Jan Polack’s panels depicting scenes from the Passion. Also look out for his painting “The Protecting Cloak”, as well as an elaborate cenotaph of Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV.

And then, of course, there’s the legend-the infamous Devil’s Footprint. As the story goes, architect Jörg von Halsbach made a deal with the devil: the funds to finish the church, in exchange for a design with no visible windows. From one specific spot near the entrance, the illusion holds-no windows in sight. When the devil realized he’d been tricked, he stomped his foot in rage, leaving a footprint behind. Both the footprint and the trick of perspective can still be seen today.

Since this is Munich’s mother church, photography is discouraged out of respect for those who come here to pray. So take a quiet moment, soak in the stillness, and let the space speak for itself.

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.

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.

The Alte Pinakothek (Old Pinacoteca), the art gallery in Munich's Kunstareal art district, displays European paintings from the period prior to the 19th century. It boasts an extensive collection that includes masterpieces from the Wittelsbach Royal family and contributions from prominent art collectors.

In 1826, King Ludwig I of Bavaria commissioned the construction of the Alte Pinakothek. Architect Leo von Klenze designed this structure in the Italian Renaissance style, which later served as a model for numerous art galleries throughout Europe. During World War II, the museum temporarily closed its doors, and its collections were safely relocated. Subsequently, the building suffered damage from bombings during the war and was subsequently restored in the 1950s by architect Hans Döllgast. As a reminder of the war's destruction, Döllgast left the exterior walls with exposed brickwork covering the bomb-related holes.

The Alte Pinakothek houses a remarkable collection of over 8,000 valuable artworks created before the 19th century. The collection encompasses works by German artists from the 14th to the 18th centuries, Dutch masterpieces from the 15th to the 18th centuries, Flemish art, as well as Italian, French, and Spanish works from the 13th to the 18th centuries. One of its notable treasures is Rubens' expansive canvas known as the 'Last Judgment.' The museum is open on all days of the week except for Mondays and public holidays, offering audio guides in English to enhance the visitor experience.

Why You Should Visit:
Fantastic museum to visit if you admire the classics. Thorough selection of Reubens, Turner, Monet, and van Gogh.... and a terrific copy of the Mona Lisa in better condition than the original hanging in the Louvre.

Tip:
Come on Sunday, as entrance is a symbolic €1 – incredible value!
Inexpensive regular price includes an audio guide, and there are interpretive displays in English and German.
You can also purchase a multi-museum day pass for Alte/Neue/der Moderne Pinakothek.

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.

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.