Altstadt (Old City)
The oval-shaped Altstadt (Old City) centers around Marienplatz, a large paved public square dominated by the Altes Rathaus and Neues Rathaus, with its picturesque Glockenspiel. Several major churches are also in the vicinity. Kaufingerstrasse, a pedestrian-only shopping street, starts at the west end of Marienplatz, and Tal, a retail and restaurant street, begins at the east side of the square. Just to the south of Marienplatz is the Viktualienmarkt, a wonderfully lively outdoor market. East of Marienplatz lies the Platzl quarter, famed for its nightlife, restaurants, and the landmark Hofbräuhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world. Odeonsplatz, to the north of Marienplatz, is one of Munich’s most beautiful squares, site of the Residenz (former royal palace) and the giant National Theatre, home of the Bavarian State Opera.
Königsplatz & The Museum District
Running west from Odeonsplatz is Briennerstrasse, a wide shopping avenue that leads to Königsplatz (King’s Square). Flanking this large square are three neoclassical buildings constructed by Ludwig I and housing Munich’s antiquities: the Propyläen, the Glyptothek, and the Antikensammlungen. Another trio of world-famous art museums—the Alte Pinakothek (Old Masters Gallery), the Neue Pinakothek (New Masters Gallery), and the Pinakothek Moderne Kunst (Gallery of Modern Art)—are located just northeast of Königsplatz.
Schwabing
Ludwigstrasse connects the Altstadt with Schwabing, a former artists’ quarter located north of the Altstadt and known for its cafes, restaurants, and nightlife. This northern section of the city, with Leopoldstrasse as its artery, had a Bohemian heyday before World War I and has become a restaurant and entertainment area popular with students and tourists. The Englischer Garten spreads out along its eastern border, while Olympiapark and Josephsplatz mark its western border.
Gärtnerplatzviertel & Glockenbachviertel
South of the Inner City and straddling the Isar River are the Gärtnerplatzviertel and Glockenbackviertel. The former is named after the roundabout of the same name that sits in its center; both are home to concentration of independent boutiques, hip coffee shops, trendy restaurants, and a buzzing bar scene.
Olympiapark
Northwest of the city center, the site of the 1972 Olympics is now a multipurpose complex hosting concerts, sporting events, fairs and more. BMW Welt, the car maker’s showroom, museum and factory, is located here.
Nymphenburg
Nymphenburg, about a 20-minute tram ride northwest of the city center, is of interest to tourists primarily because of Schloss Nymphemburg, the summer palace of Munich’s long-ruling family, the Wittelsbachs. The ornately decorated palace with its adjacent museums and beautifully landscaped grounds make a trip here worthwhile.
Bogenhausen & Haidhausen
East of the Isar River, outside the city center, lie Bogenhausen and Haidhausen, leafy and upmarket residential neighborhoods where you find many hotels and restaurants.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
