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.

Just west of Mary’s Square lies one of Munich’s oldest streets-Kaufinger. In fact, it holds the title for the city's oldest recorded street name, first mentioned in a document dated May 28, 1239. While it suffered heavy damage during World War II, the decades that followed brought a fresh architectural wave. By the 1990s, many of the utilitarian post-war buildings had been replaced with sleek, postmodern designs. Today, Kaufinger remains a key artery in Munich’s Old Town, forming part of the main west-to-east route through the historic center.

As you continue along, Kaufinger flows directly into Neuhauser, forming a broad thoroughfare. Once a busy traffic route with tram tracks, Neuhauser was transformed into a pedestrian zone in 1972, just ahead of the Munich Summer Olympics. The goal was to accommodate the anticipated crowds-and the result is now the most profitable shopping street in all of Germany.

Naturally, both streets are lined with a rich mix of shops and restaurants. Global brands rub shoulders with local vendors selling everything from fresh flowers and fruit to roasted nuts and souvenirs. Outdoor cafés spill onto the pavement, offering shoppers a place to rest, sip a coffee, enjoy a meal, and take in the architecture, along with the energy of the crowd.

Tip: If you're looking to escape the mainstream retail chains while staying in the city center, make your way to Sendlinger Street. It’s just nearby and offers a more laid-back, boutique shopping experience.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Residenz was the home of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach dynasty all the way up until 1918. With its gilded grandeur and Versailles-like scale, this royal palace complex ranks among Europe’s most impressive, and a throrough exploration could easily take a few days. It’s massive to begin with, and even larger now that more rooms and passageways have been restored and opened to the public.

A good place to start is outside, with the three imposing facades and a series of stunning courtyards, many of which are freely accessible. From there, you can step into the Residenz Museum itself, as well as the Cuvilliés-arguably the finest Rococo theater in Europe, and the Treasure Chamber, where you’ll find a glittering display of jewels, gold, silver, crystal, and enamelwork-collected over a thousand years.

There’s a huge amount to see in the 10 courtyards and nearly 130 rooms, halls and galleries. Among the standout highlights is the Gallery of the Ancestors, where you’ll meet 121 members of the Wittelsbach family; the Antiquarium-the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps; the extensive porcelain collections, including an array of pieces from France, England, Germany, Japan, and China; and the lavish State Rooms, where German Rococo reaches its decorative peak, especially in the Green Gallery and the Cabinet of Mirrors. Oh, and don’t miss the Grottenhof courtyard, known for its elegant arcade and bronze fountain of Perseus.

For the full experience, consider a combined ticket that includes the Museum, the Theatre and the Treasury. And if you want to tailor your visit, the audio guide lets you jump straight to the rooms, artworks, or stories that interest you most.

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.

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.