One of the oldest English-style landscape gardens and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, the Englischer Garten is Munich's most fascinating park. Sprawling across an area of 3.7 square kilometres (1.4 square miles), this place is one of the largest public parks in the world. The park features some of the best architecturally diverse landmarks along its vast verdant expanse and rolling lawns. From a Chinese pagoda with an adjoining beer garden and the Monopteros Greek temple, to a Japanese Tea House, the park is full of intriguing monuments and landmarks. Artificial streams gush through the park and several surfers can be seen gliding effortlessly along its foamy waters. Also housing an artificial lake and an open-air theater, the urban park is one of the best socio-cultural hubs of Munich.
BMW Welt is one of the defining landmarks of Munich's architectural and technological advancements. An immaculate glass cone design that combines form and function, the center is an exquisite socio-cultural hub used for large-scale exhibitions, meetings, conferences and other major events. Displaying the brilliant cars, this is also the collecting center for BMW buyers, with on-site restaurants and lounges serving delectable cuisine for visitors.
Longer in width than the Palace of Versailles, Schloss Nymphenburg was the impressive summer residence of the Wittelsbachs. One of the most popular attractions in Munich, the palace and its grounds are home to several landmarks showcasing diverse architectural styles. Designed by Italian Baroque architect Augustino Barelli, the palace still preserves its rococo and baroque rooms. The ornate, marble polished Stone Hall is particularly impressive and the famous 'Schönheitengalerie' (Gallery of the Beauties) containing the portraits of 36 local women, is a must see for visitors. A few interesting smaller palaces can be found in the park: the Amalienburg, Pagodenburg and Badenburg. The Marstallmuseum has a comprehensive display of carriages, sleds and crockery, while the Meditationskapelle (Meditation Chapel) with its Magdalenenklause is also worth a visit.
Located in the Schloss Nymphenburg, Schlosspark Nymphenburg is one of the largest parks in Munich. The picturesque green landscape, complemented by some extraordinary garden art, is the reason behind the castle garden's popularity among visitors. The entire area is spread around 229 hectares (565.87 acres) of land and is a must visit when in Munich. You can also avail of guided tours conducted by the garden authorities.
Marienplatz has been at the center of the city ever since it was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. Named after the Marian Column of Mariensaule which was built in 1638 to mark the end of Swedish rule in Germany, the square is one of the most historically rich cultural hubs of the city. Serving as a bustling marketplace in its early days, the square retained its position as the city's social core even after the market was moved. Replete with monuments, Marienplatz is thronged by tourists admiring the intricate 100-meter (328-feet) high Gothic façade of the New Town Hall and the waters of the Fish Fountain. The Marian column forms the centerpiece of the square, with a golden statue of Mother Mary perched on its top.
Built for the 1972 Olympic Games, the Olympic complex is now used for a variety of leisure activities ranging from sports events to concerts. The 287-meter (942-foot) high Olympic Tower boasts a stunning view of the city. On a good day, visitors can go up and see as far as the Alps. There is also a rotating restaurant at the top. The famous canopy roof which spans the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Swimming Pool and the Olympiahalle were a topic of debate in their day. The complex is, however, timelessly beautiful and has become an integral part of the modern cityscape. The Olympiaberg (Olympic Hill) is a grassy mound made from Second World War rubble and also provides great views. The ice rink and swimming pool are also popular with sports fans, as is the Olympic Stadium, home to FC Bayern Munich- one of Europe's top football clubs.
In the 1980s, Karl Pfefferle did his best to make the Junge Wilden - the creative young artists, acceptable in Munich. Some years have passed since then, but this gallery still has its finger on the city's art pulse. Regular temporary exhibitions keep collectors interested; the main attractions are presented by the likes of Klaudia Schifferle, Markus Oehlen, Peter Schuyff and Bernd Zimmer. Admission is free.
Schloss Schleißheim is a monument because of an absolutist ruler and a passionate art collector. Built during the reign of Elector Max Emanuel, the splendid Baroque palace was intended as a royal residence, though the Elector himself was forced into exile and never lived here. Building work was begun in 1701 by Zuccalli and continued between 1719-26 by Joseph Effner the Younger. French architectural features are evident in the facade and the building's interior, which is a triumph of elegance. The most impressive rooms are the Große Saal, the Viktoriensaal and the Große Galerie.
One of the smallest cinemas in Munich, Neues Maxim shows cinematic gems, including retrospectives (Tarkowski being a favorite), documentaries and (from time to time) feature films. It has only 94 seats, but it does have a loyal and regular clientele. Advance booking is advised for popular events and at the weekend. There are mostly two performances a day, sometimes three. As you would expect from this kind of cinema, it is not very well laid out and the seats are not particularly comfortable, but that's all part of the charm!
Located at Maxvorstadt, this place is a great surprise. Monika Schmidt offers you with some of the rarest and oldest collection of the world map prints of various countries. These prints also feature the copper engravings of the ancient scripts. Operating since 1970, they also undertake international orders for keen buyers. This place is a sure must-visit! For special appointments, call ahead or check out the website for more.
Thanks to Emperor Wilhelm II, this small but exquisite collection has remained in Munich. The previous owner, Adolf Friedrich Graf von Schack, had betrothed his collection of 250 contemporary paintings to the royal family, but the emperor decided to leave the pictures where they were. When the Prussian Embassy was rebuilt in 1911, the Schack pictures were moved to a new wing, where they have remained to this day. The collection includes works by Böcklin, Lenbach, Schwind, Feuerbach and Spitzweg as well as numerous landscapes.
One of the oldest English-style landscape gardens and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, the Englischer Garten is Munich's most fascinating park. Sprawling across an area of 3.7 square kilometres (1.4 square miles), this place is one of the largest public parks in the world. The park features some of the best architecturally diverse landmarks along its vast verdant expanse and rolling lawns. From a Chinese pagoda with an adjoining beer garden and the Monopteros Greek temple, to a Japanese Tea House, the park is full of intriguing monuments and landmarks. Artificial streams gush through the park and several surfers can be seen gliding effortlessly along its foamy waters. Also housing an artificial lake and an open-air theater, the urban park is one of the best socio-cultural hubs of Munich.