Top Rated Attractions in Munich

A castle credited to Philip of the Palatinate, the Rennaissance style structure dates back to 1530. After being under the patronage of different rulers, the castle ultimately came under the management of the municipality of Ismaning in 1919 and has been its owner ever since. Today, it serves as a host to the Schlossmuseum Ismaning, which houses artworks of the local artists.

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.

One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, the Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg is spread over 21.20 hectares (52.38 acres) of land. This beautiful garden houses more than 14,000 different kinds of plants and preserves some of the rarest vegetation in the world. A lot of research work, gardeners' apprenticeships, other types of training and educational work is also conducted here. The garden leads to the Museum Mensch und Natur and Nymphenburg Palace Park and attracts a huge number of visitors every year.

In 1385, the ruling Wittelsbach family decided to build a new palace since the Alter Hof had become too small for their needs. Today, the former Royal Palace of Wittelsbach is one of the most extensive and recognizable landmarks of Munich. The main building was the first part of the royal residence to be erected. The palace grounds are a treasure chest of historic landmarks including numerous grottoes, courtyards, fountains, a medicine room, chapel and the delightful Wittelsbach fountain built by Duke Otto between 1611 and 1623. The Residenz houses the Crown Jewels, the late-baroque Residenz Theatre and the classicist Herkulessaal, a concert hall with amazing acoustics. A magnificent reminder of Germany's past, the Residenz is a spectacular peek into the royal family's lifestyle and cultural influence on the city.

One of Munich's best-known landmarks, the neo-gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) was built during the period of architectural revival in Germany from 1867-1909. Although it is now an unmistakable part of the cityscape, its architectural style is extremely popular and highly discussed even today. The carillon is built into the tower and performs at 11a and 5p every day, with 32 figures portraying a knightly joust and dance. There are additional performances between May and October. The viewing point on the ninth floor can be reached by lift.

Ludwig I's love of ancient Greece was almost infinite. In 1816, the king ordered his architect Leo von Klenze to build a temple to house his most beautiful antiques. This was to be the first museum in the country dedicated entirely to ancient art. The heart of the collection is made up of the Aeginets, the tympanum figures from the world-famous Aphaea Temple. The Roman busts are equally remarkable works of art. In summer, the atrium hosts theatrical productions.