Munich is the capital of Bavaria in southern Germany and the third-largest city in the country (after Berlin and Hamburg). It is located far in southern Germany, about 30 miles (50 km) north of the edge of the Alps and along the Isar River. Among the best tourist attractions in Munich are the Munich Residenz, the Church of Our Lady, and the German Museum.
History of Munich
Munich (meaning “Home of the Monks”) traces its origins back to a Benedictine monastery that was possibly founded around 750 AD.
King Henry the Lion gave the monks the right to establish a market where the road from Salzburg met the Isar River in Munich. In 1255, Munich grew in wealth and size and flourished until the Thirty Years’ War.
It was occupied by the Swedes under Gustav II Adolf (Gustavus Adolphus) in 1632, and in 1634, the plague led to the death of about a third of its population.
Later, King Ludwig laid out plans for modern Munich and established it, with his architects shaping the city’s distinctive look through the public buildings they designed.
The 19th century was Munich’s greatest period of growth and development. Protestants became citizens for the first time in what had until then been an exclusively Catholic city.
The city's population, which was 100,000 in 1854, rose to 500,000 by 1900.
Munich’s cultural importance in Europe was bolstered when Ludwig II supported the city through music and theater.
Following World War I, Munich became a breeding ground for right-wing political extremism.
It was in Munich that Adolf Hitler joined the Nazi Party and became its leader.
Munich suffered heavily during World War II from Allied air raids that destroyed more than 40 percent of its buildings.
In the past, Munich also faced economic hardship due to its distance from seaports and from the coal mines of the Ruhr area. However, this situation improved when alternative energy sources to coal began to be used more widely.
Munich shifted from heavy industry to light industry and manufacturing—for example, precision instruments, optical and electrical equipment, aerospace technology, and other high-tech products—as well as food, cosmetics, and clothing production.
Munich is a major tourist destination and a conference center. Publishing, printing, and television production also hold an important place there.
Top Tourist Attractions in Munich, Germany
There are many prominent landmarks and tourist attractions in Munich. Among the best are the Munich Residenz, the Church of Our Lady, the English Garden, the German Museum, the Cuvilliés Theatre, and many other sites and landmarks.
The city is also a hub for banking and finance and has one of the largest wholesale markets in Europe for fruits, vegetables, and animal products, which sustains it.
1. Munich Residenz
The Residenz, located in the center of Munich, was once the city castle of Bavarian dukes, princes, and emperors.
In terms of style, the group of buildings constructed over the centuries is a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture.
With the residence, Munich boasts one of the most important museums of interior decoration in Europe.
For five hundred years, the facility in the heart of the old town served as the residence and seat of power for Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings.
It was also a place for artistic expression and architectural passion.
Design
The castle structure includes ten courtyards, making the Munich Residenz the largest city palace in central Germany.
The most famous buildings of the Residenz include celebrated concert halls such as the Hercules Hall.
The largest of the inner courtyards is used for cultural events such as open-air concerts and the medieval Christmas village.
One of the highlights of the guided tours is the largest and most beautiful Renaissance hall north of the Alps, built around 1570 for the antique collection and later used as a festival hall.
The 130 rooms of the Munich Residenz are filled with furniture, oil paintings, textiles, and porcelain from the finest artists of their time.
In addition to the sparkling galleries, many special collections can be viewed, such as silver, porcelain, and archaeological chambers.
The Residenz Treasury presents unique gold works from the Middle Ages to the Neoclassical period.
A standout part of the collection also includes precious items made of rock crystal, ivory, gemstones, jewelry, tableware, and even Ottoman daggers.
Notable pieces include the Bavarian crown insignia and the precious statue of Saint George the Knight.
The Munich Residenz houses several monuments and museums, including the Treasury and the All Saints Court Church.
Be sure to explore the palace grounds as well, with many magnificent old courtyards including the beautiful Court Garden, as well as numerous fountains, ponds, and gardens.
2. The New Town Hall – Marienplatz
The New Town Hall at Marienplatz is a stunning Neo-Gothic building that dominates the northern side of Marienplatz in Munich.
The limestone construction was completed by Georg von Hauberrisser between 1867 and 1874.
Due to the city’s rapid growth, annexes were soon required and were built between 1899 and 1903.
It is the seat of the mayor’s office, the city council, and the municipal administration.
The nearly 100-meter-long (300 feet) building at Marienplatz is richly decorated in the Neo-Gothic style and showcases the full coat of arms of nearly all Bavarian regions.
The Town Hall Tower
The balcony of the Town Hall Tower is world-famous and well worth seeing.
Since 1908, the figures have depicted stories from Munich’s history.
They rotate on two levels daily at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM.
(The 5:00 PM show is canceled from November through February), and also feature the famous coopers’ dance.
The Münchner Kindl (symbol of the city’s coat of arms) and the Angel of Peace appear in a scene that lasts about 12 minutes.
At the top of the 85-meter (255 feet) high tower is an observation deck accessible by elevator, offering a breathtaking view over the city’s rooftops.
On clear days, you can even see the Alps. The Ratskeller, a traditional Munich restaurant since 1867, is located in the richly adorned basement of the Neues Rathaus.
At midday in Munich’s Marienplatz, all eyes turn to the tower. After that comes the animated coopers' dance, followed by cheers and applause from the crowd.
These two scenes have not lost any of their appeal in over 100 years—in fact, they’ve gained even more charm since the 1972 Summer Olympics.
The New Town Hall adds grandeur to Marienplatz, and the fifth-largest clock in Europe holds a special place in the hearts of both visitors and locals.
We recommend arriving on time to see and hear the chimes, which include a medieval tournament reenactment, followed by stunning panoramic views of the city!
3. The Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady is located in Munich’s Old Town, not far from the central site of Marienplatz.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1468.
During World War II, it was severely damaged by air raids, but it was later rebuilt and restored in several phases.
The cathedral’s south tower can be climbed, offering a unique and expansive view across Munich’s rooftops and the Alps.
Inside this late Gothic interior, visitors encounter, among other things, the legendary Devil's Footprint in the church floor.
Notably, there is also a royal tomb beneath the altar—the oldest place in Munich—where the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria (1282–1347) is buried.
In fact, as early as the 11th century, a church stood on this site, but by the early 18th century, it had become too small for the growing population of Munich.
In 1722, the city council decided to build a new and larger church.
Baroque Design of the Church of Our Lady
The Baroque-style Church of Our Lady was designed by George Bähr, the chief carpenter in Dresden, with a height of 95 meters (311 feet) and a stone dome with a diameter of 23.5 meters (77 feet), built on a square floor plan measuring 45 × 45 meters.
Construction began in 1726, and the church was consecrated just seven years later.
The impressive dome—later known as the “Stone Bell”—was completed in 1738 and consists of a double shell structure forming both the inner and outer domes.
The magnificent church was completed in 1743, and thanks to its dome, it became a global symbol of the city.
It miraculously survived the heavy Allied bombing and subsequent fires on February 13, 1945.
That same year, the local church launched a fundraising campaign to rebuild it, but those efforts halted shortly after the war ended.
Soon after, the Church of Saxony and the city of Dresden supported the initiative, and in 1993, preparations finally began to rebuild the Church of Our Lady, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Munich, Germany.
4. Asam Church
Asam Church is nestled between buildings in the heart of Munich as one of the most important historical Baroque buildings in southern Germany.
This elaborate personal church has a rich history, having been built between 1733 and 1746 by the Asam brothers in hopes of securing their salvation.
Design
The two brothers were painters and sculptors who used their skills to cover every inch of the 22 × 8-meter space.
The chapel was adorned with allegorical paintings and statues intended to guide Munich’s youth back onto the right path.
Despite the limited space, the church contains seven religious sections, and even the lighting was designed to send a message.
The central section (usually white) was for the emperor and represents light flowing from above—the light of heaven.
It also illuminates a beautiful fresco, considered one of the artist’s finest works.
Light is also carefully used in the choir area, where hidden windows shine light on the three figures of the Trinity, making them appear radiant.
However, this part of the church was severely damaged by a bomb in 1944, so the choir area today is a reconstruction from the 1980s.
The Altar Area
One of the church’s highlights is the altar area, which emphasizes Italian fraternal ties. The four columns framing the altar are a reference to the pillars above Saint Peter’s tomb in Rome.
It is also said to contain relics of Saint John of Nepomuk, to whom the church is dedicated.
There are differing views on why the brothers chose Saint John.
Although his role as a protector of Bavaria may have been reason enough, some believe it was because the foundation stone was laid on his feast day.
Others attribute the dedication to a stormy journey, where the brothers were transporting valuable statues via river and prayed to John of Nepomuk for protection.
Although the brothers originally intended the church for personal use, public pressure forced them to promise to open it to the public.
Sadly, neither brother lived to see the church’s opening in 1746.
Today, tourists can visit the church for free, although access to the lobby area is restricted—only the main gate of the building is open outside of service times.
However, through the wrought-iron gates, visitors can easily view and admire the many statues and try to absorb all the intricate artistic details of this incredibly ornate church.
5. The English Garden
The English Garden (Englische Garten) is considered one of the largest urban parks in the world.
It has been under continuous development for centuries, with new buildings and green spaces added over time, making it the largest park in Munich.
Garden Design
It all began in 1789 when Elector Karl Theodor ordered the creation of a public garden along the Isar River.
The project was placed in the hands of British-born Benjamin Thompson, who at the time was working for the Bavarian army.
The garden was named "Englische Garten" because it was designed in the style of a traditional English rural park.
Today, the English Garden offers a wide range of recreational activities.
Cyclists and joggers train on a network of paths stretching 78 kilometers (48.5 miles).
Amateur soccer players gather in recreational sports fields.
There is a 25-meter (about 75 feet) high temple based on a design dating back to 1789.
This tower has burned down several times over the years but has always been rebuilt according to the original design.
All seats are quickly occupied as the Seehaus restaurant, open year-round, serves sophisticated local dishes.
Behind the Seehaus lies the beginning of the park's northern section, which is much quieter than the lively southern part.
The English Garden in Munich is not only the largest city park in Germany—it spans 910 acres—but also one of the most beautiful parks in the world.
Naturally arranged clusters of trees and plants provide constantly changing scenery.
Nine kilometers of winding streams and an artificial lake complete the beautiful, landscape-like impression.
Originally designed in 1785 as a military garden, it is now a delightful place for sunbathing and picnicking. You can also stop for a snack or drink at the Chinesischen Turm (Chinese Tower), a 25-meter-high temple.
This makes the English Garden one of the top tourist destinations in Munich—and in the world.
6. Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) is one of Munich’s main landmarks and is the city’s oldest parish church. Locals affectionately call it Alter Peter ("Old Peter").
The church stands on Petersbergl Hill, the only notable elevation within Munich’s historic Old Town, near Marienplatz.
It may not be as famous as the nearby Church of Our Lady, which is just a few minutes’ walk away, but if you want to enjoy a full panoramic view of the city center from the tower of St. Peter’s Parish Church, you’ll need to climb at least 299 steps.
Once you reach the top, the panoramic view over Munich makes the effort worthwhile.
On very clear days, you may even see the Alps.
There is an entrance fee for the observation deck, and it’s also worth spending a little extra to use the telescopes that offer a detailed view of the Old Town.
The church has stood since the 11th century and has been rebuilt and expanded several times over time.
Church Design
Explaining the various styles of artwork found within the church is part of what makes it so special.
It includes a stunning 18th-century altar and large frescoes stretching along the entire nave.
"Mary’s Square," the “Farmers’ Market,” and the “Cattle Market” all converge around the church nave.
Having been rebuilt numerous times over the past 800 years due to fires and wars, the church’s interior now combines Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles.
Among its highlights are the altar of Saint Martin and the ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.
One feature of St. Peter’s Church that often draws visitors' attention is the second chapel on the left, which houses a rather unusual relic: the bejeweled skeleton of Saint Munditia, covered in gold and decorated with precious stones.
If you’re feeling energetic, climbing the church tower—popularly known as "Alter Peter"—is well worth the effort.
At a height of 92 meters (300 feet), 306 steps separate you from one of the best views of Munich’s historic center, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Munich, Germany.
7. Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: Nymphenburg Palace
The Baroque Nymphenburg Palace, located in the western part of Munich, was the summer residence of the Bavarian kings.
Five generations of the Wittelsbach ruling family contributed to the construction of this grand complex, which houses many prominent collections.
The palace is one of Munich’s favorite tourist attractions, famous for its lavish interior and the “Gallery of Beauties” commissioned by King Ludwig I.
Notable features include the former bedroom of King Ludwig II and the impressive banquet hall, adorned with beautiful frescoes painted by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.
Nymphenburg Palace also features the second largest garden in Munich, after the English Garden.
Located in western Munich, Nymphenburg is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe and should not be missed during a sightseeing tour of Bavaria’s capital.
Its Baroque attractions, sprawling landscaped garden, and engaging museums are not only internationally recognized but also dearly loved by Munich residents.
Palace Restoration and Expansion
In 1664, Prince Ferdinand Maria built the palace as a gift for his wife, who had borne him the long-awaited heir (Max Emanuel), who would later play a key role in expanding the palace layout.
For many years, the palace buildings were used by the Wittelsbachs as a summer residence.
Some rooms retain their original Baroque decor, while others were later redesigned in Rococo and Neoclassical styles.
Prominent architects such as Giovanni Antonio Viscardi, Leo von Klenze, and François de Cuvilliés participated in its expansions.
Among many artworks, two features especially stand out: Ludwig I’s Gallery of Beauties and the room where King Ludwig II was born.
The palace also houses the Museum of Man and Nature and the Porcelain Museum, showcasing the craft of porcelain-making. In the palace’s expansive park, visitors can discover countless other priceless attractions.
The large landscape garden, covering 299 hectares, also features architectural gems, hidden sculptures, and picturesque streams and lakes.
Some buildings are only open to the public during the summer season.
8. Art Museums in the Kunstareal District
Munich’s museum district in the city center is a uniquely dense cluster of museums and institutions.
With 18 museums, art venues, over 40 galleries, six universities, and numerous cultural institutions, the area is known as the Kunstareal ("Art District").
The district’s relatively unified architecture holds a treasure trove of works by European masters from the 14th to the 18th century.
The collection reflects the eclectic taste of the Wittelsbachs over four centuries.
It is arranged by school across two sprawling floors.
Key exhibits include a self-portrait of Christ, depictions of the four apostles, sacred works by Raphael, and paintings by Peter Paul Rubens.
The gallery houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Rubens in the world.
Art Museums
The modern art museums include the National Collection of Works on Paper, the Museum of Design and Applied Arts, and the Museum of Architecture at the Technical University of Munich.
All are housed in a single building and collectively represent one of the most important modern art museums in Europe.
It also holds the largest collection of industrial design.
The Works on Paper collection ranges from masterpieces by Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci to works by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, and David Hockney.
This world-renowned collection includes 400,000 prints, engravings, and drawings dating back to the Renaissance.
It maintains a large collection of paintings by Pablo Picasso, Max Beckmann, and artists from the Die Brücke movement.
The Brandhorst Museum houses a private collection of more than 700 works of modern and contemporary art.
The Kunstareal was completed with the new building of the Egyptian Museum in 2013.
This museum showcases exhibitions from all periods of ancient Egyptian history, as well as Assyrian reliefs and a lion from the Ishtar Gate in Babylon.
Visitors can explore and experience 5,000 years of art and cultural history presented in a wide variety of displays at the Lenbachhaus city gallery.
Also located in the area are the State Museum of Egyptian Art and the Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism.
The art museums of the Kunstareal District are among the most important cultural and artistic centers in Europe, uniquely blending art, culture, and knowledge.
9. Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: Cuvilliés Theatre
The Cuvilliés Theatre was built between 1751 and 1755 during the reign of Elector Max III, based on the plans of Cuvilliés the Elder.
Many magnificent Baroque opera productions premiered there, including Mozart’s “Idomeneo” in 1781.
Although the building was destroyed during World War II, its ornate box tiers had been removed in advance and stored safely outside Munich.
Developments
By 1958, the components were reassembled into another building in the Fountain Courtyard.
To experience the true flower of German Rococo, one must visit Munich.
There, court architect François de Cuvilliés was commissioned to add a theater to the royal palace.
To create the Residenztheater, some of the finest craftsmen in Germany were brought in to assist.
Its auditorium followed the traditional U-shape with four levels of galleries.
The proscenium arch was supported by pairs of faux red marble columns, with the stage projecting as far as the outer pair.
The space between each pair contained two boxes—shared equally between performers and audience.
In the modern rebuilt theater, this space is now used for the orchestra, which originally sat in the front.
The stairways were functional rather than decorative, and apart from the auditorium, only the apartment behind the Elector’s box received any elaborate decoration.
Since there was no backstage area for the actors, their dressing rooms and those for royalty and scenic artists were located beside the stage behind the boxes.
In 1905, all of these arrangements were dismantled when the theater was rebuilt at a different location—though still within the Residenz.
The defining glory of the Residenztheater is its ornamentation, designed by Cuvilliés and executed by exceptionally talented artists.
Gilded fruit and foliage hang above the boxes, separated by caryatid figures ending in candlesticks.
Above the railings, crimson velvet drapes with golden trim appear casually tossed, adding to the grandeur.
This makes Cuvilliés Theatre one of the top tourist attractions in Munich, Germany.
10- Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: The Deutsches Museum
Sailing ships, atom models, wind turbines, space probes, diesel locomotives, industrial robots, devices, and lifeboats—this astonishing abundance of technological achievements and much more can be found at the Deutsches Museum.
It is not only one of the world’s first science and technology museums but also one of the most frequently visited, and with an area of 50,000 square meters, it is the largest of its kind.
Museum Exhibits
The laws of nature, tools, and technological methods of knowledge are presented at a high scientific level, but in an engaging and entertaining way—among them are machines, lightning flashes in the air, and telescopes magnifying star formations.
This concept of learning through experience attracts about 1.3 million people to the museum every year.
Visitors have been provided with a comprehensive basic understanding of science and technology for a hundred years.
Understanding what is urgently needed to deal with an increasingly complex world.
Another part of the Deutsches Museum includes all kinds of vehicles from Formula 1 cars to bicycles, with a focus on aircraft.
The Deutsches Museum in Munich is one of the largest museums of science and technology in the world.
It was founded in 1903 and has been located on its current site on an island in the Isar River since 1925.
The museum has been renovated and expanded several times and suffered significant damage during World War II.
The Deutsches Museum’s collection consists of more than 100,000 items, a quarter of which are regularly displayed in the exhibition halls.
In addition to interactive and multimedia exhibits, there are videos, pictures, and explanatory panels.
The Exhibits
The exhibitions are organized into several thematic sections: natural sciences, materials, energy, communication, transport, musical instruments, and new technologies.
Two additional sections are dedicated to children's activities and the history of the museum itself.
The collection is extremely diverse and complete. Among the most famous exhibits are a plane built by the Wright brothers, the U1 submarine, the first program-controlled computer, and the first engine designed by Rudolf Diesel.
The galleries are particularly geared toward children and families, offering a full range of hands-on activities.
11- Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: Viktualienmarkt
Located in the heart of Munich's Old Town, the well-known Viktualienmarkt originally began as a market for farmers and herbs.
Today, Viktualienmarkt is a popular spot for connoisseurs, gourmets, and visitors who can find everything their hearts desire—from urban Bavarian goods to exotic fruits.
Until the early 19th century, the market was located in Munich's Marienplatz and gradually expanded from a small market to the Viktualienmarkt we know today.
Developments of Viktualienmarkt
Initially, the square was simply called “the market” and later became known as Viktualienmarkt, deriving from the Late Latin word Viktualien, meaning food.
This gave the market its unique identity, although it didn’t reach its current size until 1890, with additions such as a fruit pavilion or a hall for North Sea fish.
Only later did the term “Viktualien” come into regular use, as a late Latin expression for food.
In addition to the many stalls, there are fountains representing Munich's heritage, with fountain figures in Viktualienmarkt dedicated to folk singers and comedians.
On the first Friday in August, the Fountain Festival is held, where fountains are decorated in bright colors and there are performances by artists, musicians, and actors.
Viktualienmarkt burned down in 1932 and was reopened in 2005, featuring the opening of the butcher's hall, fish hall, bakery and fruit vendor pavilions, bird and poultry shops, and flower stalls.
After World War II, the market was revived by the city administration, and Munich citizens enriched it with commemorative wells for folk singers and comedians such as Karl Valentin, Weiß Ferdl, and Liesl Karlstadt.
Water has always played an important role in the marketplace. For years, seven brooks connected to the Isar River flowed through the square.
In the middle of Viktualienmarkt stood small statues showcasing trades and crafts from that part of Munich.
These guild signs date back to ancient times and represent a village or district with its trade.
They also served for traveling vendors or artisans seeking a new master to learn from.
Viktualienmarkts are common in their home countries and also known, for example, in parts of England.
12- Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: BMW Museum
The BMW Museum in Munich showcases the development of the brand throughout its history. Along with BMW Welt, it’s the perfect destination for car enthusiasts.
The BMW Museum is housed in an unusual round building designed to resemble a racing car engine. It is home to exhibitions that present the brand's history and its evolution over time.
With over half a million visitors each year, it is one of the most visited museums in Munich.
From technological advancements and the development of BMW’s most iconic cars to the brand’s vision of the future.
The futuristic building offers visitors a fantastic insight into the brand through exhibitions of cars, engines, turbines, motorcycles, and small aircraft, among much more.
There is also an opportunity to admire the latest high-end BMW cars, as well as to visit the BMW Group Plant to discover how these dream cars are created.
Housing vintage cars, racing vehicles, and prototypes… the BMW Museum is a dream destination for petrolheads—especially fans of the brand—and is well worth a visit if you're at BMW Welt or the nearby Olympiapark.
BMW Museum Developments
The new concept for the BMW Museum was developed from the success and experience of the previous museum, with an emphasis on highlighting the importance of the BMW Museum as a brand museum.
Planning began in the spring of 2002, followed by a radical redevelopment in 2004, which culminated in the museum's reopening in 2008.
Due to the company's importance as a global player and its wide range of products, the new design provided a significant expansion of the museum.
Originally, the previous museum bowl was connected to a low-rise building, meaning that the new museum now boasts enough space to present around 120 exhibits.
The concept once again referenced a vision imagined by architect Professor Karl Schwanzer, the original creator of the BMW Museum in 1973.
He defined the interior structure of the round building as a continuation of the road in an enclosed space.
In the adjacent low-rise building, the idea was developed in a contemporary way, with a modern reinterpretation of his vision: “the road in an enclosed space as a principle of dynamic architecture.”
Similar to the structure in the round building, platforms were placed like squares along the route.
The exhibition areas in the adjacent low-rise building are arranged along a ramp that forms the visitors' central path.
The bowl is reserved for temporary exhibitions, while the low-rise building offers space for a wide leisure park.
13- Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan
This late Italian Baroque church is located directly at Odeonsplatz and was extensively restored in 1955 after suffering (partially severe) damage during World War II.
The bright yellow color of the façade draws attention, and the interior has been meticulously preserved in a polished white finish.
It was built in the 17th century in the high Italian Baroque style and is said to be one of the most prominent examples of Baroque architecture throughout Europe.
Since 1954, the Theatinerkirche has been managed by Dominican monks who still live, work, and pray there—and please be cautious and respectful when visiting the interior, as it is their home.
There are regular worship services, some in English, and you are very welcome to attend church service.
Even if you're not interested in Catholicism, you might still want to attend, at least for a short while.
If you’ve never heard one of those old beautiful organs in those massive churches, you’re missing out.
Personally, I think the Theatine Church is one of the most beautiful buildings in Munich, Germany.
And if you think the bright yellow Rococo façade is stunning, wait until you're inside—the entirely white Baroque interior is incredibly breathtaking.
History of the Theatine Church of St. Cajetan
Its history goes back to when Henriette Adelaide commissioned the church in 1662 as a thank-you to God for the birth of her son.
From the beginning, it served as a burial place for the royal Wittelsbach family.
In the Fürstengruft (crypt), 47 members of the royal family were buried in metal coffins.
It is a small church that contains the tombs of King Maximilian II and his wife, Queen Marie.
It only took 30 years to complete—which is a very short time frame. For example, the Cologne Cathedral took several hundred years and is still not finished to this day.
This makes the church one of the most magnificent and best tourist attractions in Munich, Germany.
14- Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: Hellabrunn Zoo
Come to Hellabrunn Zoo and explore a unique protected area on the banks of the Isar River.
The zoo is home to more than 750 exotic and native species from all continents.
Tour Through the Zoo
Since its opening in 1911, Hellabrunn Zoo has become a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
It was established as the world’s first geo-zoo (animals arranged by continent), and today it houses animals in spacious, natural enclosures.
Enjoy an unforgettable day at one of Bavaria’s most famous tourist attractions.
Under the current guidelines, a number of restrictions have been implemented to ensure the safety of those planning to visit the zoo.
All zoo tickets must be purchased online in advance at least one day ahead via the Munich Ticket.
Hellabrunn Zoo is wonderful and a great way to spend the day—it also offers excellent value when you consider that you can spend the entire day there.
It’s a great place even on bad-weather days, thanks to indoor areas such as the tropical forest dome, aquarium, and other indoor zones.
It’s an ideal place to go with kids on their birthdays.
Experience the birds of prey show for the first time—it’s worth seeing.
The naturally designed enclosures are the perfect place for breeding endangered species.
The zoo has a wide variety of birds, iguanas, fish, and insects.
The spacious, wooded grounds span 70 hectares (173 acres), resembling the animals’ natural habitats.
Hellabrunn specializes in breeding endangered species such as the Przewalski’s horse.
It houses more than 4,500 specimens from around 580 species.
It’s called a geo-zoo because the animals are grouped according to their continent of origin.
Zoo Animals
It is home to more than 19,000 animals from around 750 species—penguins, elephants, kangaroos, sea lions, birds of prey, and tigers.
Animals from all continents are grouped together with creatures from the same geographic regions.
Just like in the wild, African giraffes live on the savanna with giraffes, ferns, and porcupines.
But not all the enclosures are outdoors.
There are also fascinating indoor worlds hidden away in the animal houses: reptiles live in the Jungle House, where they share a roof with gorillas, chimpanzees, birds, and tropical fish.
In the aquarium, you can see more than 9,000 fish, coral reefs, jellyfish, and blacktip reef sharks swimming in their 14-meter-long tank.
15- Top Tourist Attractions in Munich: St. Michael’s Church
St. Michael’s Church in Munich was built in the 16th century. It is a magnificent Jesuit temple known for being the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps.
The Jesuit church of St. Michael (Michaelskirche in German) was built between 1583 and 1597 as a spiritual center for the Counter-Reformation. It is a magnificent temple in the Renaissance style.
The church’s striking main façade features bronze statues of early members of the ruling Wittelsbach family in Munich.
Between the entrances stands an imposing statue of Saint Michael the Archangel battling a human-like demon—symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, or perhaps more specifically, the victory of Catholicism over Protestantism?
Counter-Reformation symbols continue inside, where the most remarkable feature is the unvaulted barrel ceiling.
It spans more than 20 meters (65 feet) and is the largest of its kind in the world, apart from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
St. Michael’s Church is one of the largest and most astonishing Jesuit churches in the world, and its location on one of Munich’s busiest main streets makes it a great choice for a quick and quiet escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Church Foundation
It took fourteen years to complete the construction of the church, which was commissioned by Duke Wilhelm V as a Counter-Reformation center in response to Luther’s call for Catholic reform.
The crypt never caused any issues, but in 1590, the tower collapsed, destroying the choir, which had just been completed.
In response to the disaster, the Duke decided that the ominous signs demanded a larger church, so he expanded his original plans.
Soon after, construction of the second phase of this massive church began and continued until it was completed in 1597.
During this time, a new and larger choir was built, along with a wing that was added to the original designs.
16- The Olympic Park
At Munich’s Olympic Park, every skier can find the right slope for skiing.
The highest hill in the city offers a variety of descent options: gently sloping runs for those who want to learn skiing and snowboarding, and steep slopes for those who enjoy speeding through the snow.
This site of the 1972 Olympic Games features landscaped parkland with sports facilities, lakes, cycling paths, concert venues, restaurants, and a football stadium, in addition to the landmark tent-style roofs.
Don’t miss the excellent BMW Museum across the street next to the corporate headquarters building shaped like a four-cylinder engine.
The Olympic Park in northern Munich is well known far beyond the city limits.
Olympic Park Development
The unique architecture of the buildings and the Olympic Tower are among Munich’s most recognizable landmarks.
After the 1972 Olympic Games, a 300-hectare park was developed into a recreational center for the entire city.
Runners, cyclists, and walkers take their routes here, and swimmers give it their all in the Olympic swimming facility.
At over 50 meters (150 feet) high, the Olympic Hills rise within the park and are a perfect spot to enjoy views over Munich’s rooftops and the mountains beyond.
A variety of events are held at the site throughout the year, such as the Sommer-Tollwood Festival and free open-air concerts at Theatron on Olympic Lake.
Also located here is Sea Life, an aquarium and animal park with more than 10,000 different aquatic creatures, which is very popular with families.
A number of family activities have been added since the Olympics, including roof climbing on the stadium, ziplining, and behind-the-scenes tours showcasing the architecture and remarkable design of the facility.
The Olympic Tower, a 290-meter-tall television tower built in 1968 and renamed in honor of the Games, features observation platforms in the Aussichtskorb offering stunning views of the city.
