Altstadt Frauenkirche, © NEW IN THE CITY
Even visitors who spend just one day in Munich can see an impressive array of sights. The Hofbräuhaus beer hall, the Frauenkirche, the Rathaus, Isartor and Karlsplatz (which the locals call Stachus) are right in the center of the city within the historical circular road. This is where the first foundation stones of Munich were laid around 1000 AD. Today several thousand people stroll through the pedestrian zones every day. In fact the city center is a great place to combine both shopping and sightseeing. No matter what the weather, the area around the town hall is very busy.
The 92-meter high Frauenkirche, which is the symbol of the city, rises up to the heavens at Frauenplatz, high above the neighboring stores. Sooner or later every Munich newcomer must visit the Hofbräuhaus at the Platzl. You’ll have fun here even if the ubiquitous souvenir sellers and the somewhat artificial Bavarian atmosphere seem a little too commercial. Right behind the Viktualiemarkt, a famous permanent farmer’s market, the “Schrannenhalle” (granary hall) was re-opened about one year ago.
Here you can not only find restaurants and all kinds of food but also artisans who offer their products, e.g. hatters, basket makers and silversmiths. The Schrannenhalle is also a venue for various cultural events, markets, fairs, parties and other activities.
Sightseeing highlights
Marienplatz/Rathaus
Central square. Mariensäule (St Mary’s Column), Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) with toy museum. The new town hall, built in the19th century has a tower featuring the Glockenspiel spectacle and an 80-meter-high viewing area.
›› Tower open: Mon-Thurs 9am-4pm & Fri 9am-1pm, Glockenspiel (Carillon): 11am, Mai-Oct. 11am, noon, 5pm, 9pm
Frauenkirche
Gothic cathedral with two dome-shaped towers (1468-1488). Symbol of Munich.
›› Frauenplatz 1, Tower open: April-Oct, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Hofgarten/Residenz
Royal palace built in the 16th century containing a museum and treasure chamber, palace gardens have a Temple of Diana.
›› Residenzstr. 1, Tel. 29 06 71, open: April-October 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Winter: 10am-4pm
Stachus/Karlsplatz
Square with large fountain, close to busy traffic junction. You can walk through the impressive Karlstor to reach the pedestrian zone.
›› S-Bahn Karlsplatz
Hofbräuhaus
World-famous beer hall built in 1589. Room for over 2,000 revellers.
›› Am Platzl 1, Tel. 22 16 76, open: 9am-midnight, www.hofbraeuhaus.de
Schrannenhalle
Market and event venue with artisans, specialized stores and cultural events, open 24 hours.
›› Prälat-Zistl-Str. 7, Tel. 5 18 18 18, www.schranne.de
Max-Joseph-Platz
This square is worth seeing, surrounded by impressive monumental buildings, housing the National Theater, the Residence Theater and Munich’s “Kammerspiele.”
Maximilianstraße
Munich’s magnificent shopping mile, with exclusive stores, galleries and cafés.
Viktualienmarkt
Traditional farmer’s market with plenty of market stalls, open Monday thru Saturday.
