Munich has a lot to offer visitors as the third largest city in Germany and the capital of Bavaria overflows with rich culture and tradition from both the states.The city is known as the beer capital of the world and the Hofbräuhaus hall is the place to enjoy a beer. Many people only end up visiting the 1st level of the hall, but there are three levels where you can try the famous German beer. The bottom level of the hall is open to everyone and is where most videos and pictures of the hall are shot. The second level has a restaurant and is more laid-back than the first, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The top level has private rooms where events are held and a large hall that is usually reserved for larger tour groups and events.
Nymphenburg Palace is one of Munich’s most impressive sights. The construction of the palace began in 1664, under Prince Ferdinand Maria, as a gift to his wife, Adelaid, after the birth of their son, Max Emanuel. It was later expanded and used as the summer residence of the Wittelsbachs. King Ludwig II was born in this palace. The beautiful gardens, modelled after those of Versailles, include two small lakes and four smaller ‘burgs’ or mansions.
The culture of Germany, Munich in particular, is deeply-rooted in and around beer. The city is full of beer gardens, with many even having playgrounds for children. The city of Munich is also known worldwide for hosting the famous Oktoberfest every fall, when millions of people descend upon the city from around the world to drink beer for days and days on end.
The famous German castle, Neuschwanstein Castle is said to have inspired the Disney castle. Visiting the castle is quite easy and can be done either independently or with a tour group.
Witness the city’s pace at Marienplatz. Standing at Marienplatz, in front of Rathaus(city hall), you find yourself right in the heart of old town Munich. Marienplatz used to be home to medieval markets, celebrations, and tournaments; today, the square is a popular meeting place with its many cafés, restaurants and stores, always buzzing with locals and tourists alike.
Stroll through the Englisch Garten which is created in the late 18th century. The man-made Englisch Garten in Munich has geese, swans, open fields, beer gardens, and even surfing. The garden is one of the largest in the world and is even larger than New York City’s Central Park. It is definitely a place that you must visit during your time in Munich.
Attend the Tollwood Festival, an organic cultural festival that occurs twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. The festival not only focuses on providing natural and organic food to attendees but also spreads international cultural awareness about Munich through music and other exhibits.
Be a local at Viktualienmarkt, also known as the city’s stomach, is Munich’s outdoor farmer’s market, with many stalls and shops for flowers, exotic fruit, game, poultry, spices, cheese, fish, and more. Before leaving, take a break in the small beer garden where you can enjoy some nice local beer.
Travel to Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp in Germany, is a day trip that should be added to your itinerary. It is one thing to read about it in history and guidebooks, and another thing is to experience it in person.
Devour German and Bavarian food for no trip to Munich would be complete without chomping on local food. Munich is a great place to eat to your heart’s delight, with everything from the traditional Weißwurst and Pretzel to Sauerkraut and Schnitzel.
Pay a visit to the Michael Jackson memorial. Michael Jackson has always been loved in Munich. A huge memorial has been built for him below the statue of the Renaissance composer Orlande de Lassus. The memorial is visited by numerous fans each day.
Step back into history with contemporary art at AltePinakothek: This is one of the oldest museums in the world. ‘Alte’ actually means ‘old’; the museum covers the ‘old’ masters, mainly from the 13th to 18th century. It is part of a group of three ‘Pinakotheken’ museums, all located in the Art District or Kunstareal. There are about 800 paintings in the permanent collection. The arrangement of the paintings makes it possible to take a journey through the history of art right up to the Rococo era. If you wish to continue this journey, you would have to visit the other two Pinakotheken museums – the NeuePinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne.
