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Author: Barry Pickard
Welcome to Munich, a city full of history, culture, and excitement. Located in the south of Germany, Munich offers a wide range of attractions for travellers of all interests. From its stunning architecture and lively beer halls to its world-renowned festivals and museums, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. So why not add this city to your travel bucket list and start planning your trip today around the top attractions to visit in Munich?
Due to the amount of interesting and exciting attractions in Munich, this post has been split over two parts. If you haven’t read part 1, please check it out and in the meantime, enjoy part 2 and find out my favourite things to do and see in Munich. I hope you will agree that an extended focus on Munich is fully justified.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these attractions appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the highlights of Munich, or indeed, a general tour of the beautiful state of Bavaria.
Top Attractions to Visit in Munich
10. Asamkirche
Asamkirche, with its splendid facade, is one of southern Germany’s most significant late Baroque buildings. Asamkirche was built between 1733 and 1746 by brothers Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam and it was originally intended for the church to be a private chapel, but soon opened it to the public after the vehement insistence of the population. Since Asamkirche was a private building, the brothers were able to enjoy free rein when it came to the design.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Take note of the colours of the interior. The church is divided into three levels. The area in which church visitors sit is relatively dark and gloomy: it symbolises worldly suffering. The higher up you look – and therefore the closer you get to the heavens – the brighter the church becomes. The middle level is decorated in white and blue and was reserved for the Emperor. The brightly lit top level opens onto the sky and is dedicated to God and eternity.
9. Olympiapark & Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm)
The Olympiapark & Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm) in Munich is a complex of sports facilities and a landmark skyscraper located in the northern part of the city. The park was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics and has since become a popular destination for sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. The park features multiple sports facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a stadium, and an ice rink, as well as large open spaces for outdoor activities. The Olympic Tower, located within the park, is a 291-meter-tall observation tower that offers stunning views of Munich and the surrounding area. Visitors can take the elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Restaurant 181, a revolving restaurant at the top of the tower, is a unique way to dine in Munich.
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8. Neues Schloss Schleißheim
Neues Schloss Schleißheim is one of Germany’s most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture and its sheer size will amaze you. In around 1598, however, it had more modest beginnings when the Duke of Bavaria commissioned a simple manor house to be built in Schleissheim, an area that, at that point, was still a secluded piece of moorland. His son had much loftier ambitions and, in 1617, had the entire building torn down right down to the cellar walls and erected the building now known as the Alte Schloss Schleissheim (the Old Palace) in its place, with the New Palace being added almost a century later.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Both palaces can be visited and plenty of time should also be set aside to explore the extensive gardens. Note that they only except cash for the entrance fee.
Read on to find out which attraction tops the list.
7. Marienplatz & New Town Hall
Marienplatz (square) has been at the centre of the city since Munich was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. These days, you can sit in the shadows of the Neues and Altes Rathaus (New and Old Town Halls) and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee, watching the hustle and bustle around you.
At the centre of Marienplatz, you will find the Mariensäule (column). On top of the column, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the Patrona Bavariae, watches over the city and the state of Bavaria. Elector Maximilian I had the 11-metre-tall column erected out of Tegernsee marble in 1638. The column was meant to symbolise his gratitude for keeping Munich safe while it was occupied by Sweden during the Thirty Years’ War.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: The figures of the Glockenspiel in the tower of the New Town Hall can be witnessed dancing daily at 11 am and 12 pm, and between March and October the carillon also takes place at 5 pm.
6. Deutsches Museum Flugwerft Schleissheim
Flugwerft Schleißheim Aviation Museum consists of two halls which are home to more than 70 amazing flying machines – from a modern fighter jet to historical wooden aircraft. There are a range of historical and modern air and space travel exhibits, from exceptional engines and powertrains to a flight simulator. There are also aeroplanes from the time of the Royal Bavarian Aviation Battalion – which existed from 1912 to 1919 and was the precursor to the Bavarian air force.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: The museum is just five minutes’ walk from Neues Schloss Schleißheim, so these two attractions are ideal to visit together.
5. Nymphenburg Palace
Construction began on the Nymphenburg Palace in 1664 in an area west of the city, which was open countryside at the time. The Italian architect Agostino Barelli, who also designed Munich’s Theatine Church, excelled creating this sumptuous palace.
With its rich collection, the Marstallmuseum is one of the most important court stable museums in the world. It is located in the historical ‘Riding Stables’ in the southern Cavaliers’ Building of Nymphenburg Palace. This building, which was completed in 1740 under Elector Karl Albrecht, was formerly used for stabling the most valuable horses during the summer months. In the winter the princely horses and carriages were accommodated in the main stables and coach house on Marstallplatz near the Munich Residence.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Explore the Palace grounds and discover the various mini palaces tucked away on the site. The Amalienburg, a small pleasure palace and hunting lodge was built in 1739. The Badenburg pavilion consists of an oblong hall and the baths of the Elector. Meanwhile, the Pagodenburg was built between 1716 and 1719 by Joseph Effner to a commission from Elector Max Emanuel.
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4. Motorworld München
Motorworld München is a complex located in the north of the city that offers a unique and immersive experience for car enthusiasts and automotive history buffs. It's a combination of a classic and contemporary upmarket car dealerships, a repair shop, and a meeting place for car enthusiasts. The complex showcases a collection of classic, luxury and performance cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an emphasis on the rich history of the automobile.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Motorworld München also features a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a lounge, making it a popular destination for car enthusiasts and the wider community to gather and share their love for all things automotive.
3. Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum in Munich is the largest science and technology museum in the world and a must-visit for anyone interested in history and technology. It offers a comprehensive look at the development of various fields of science and technology, including transportation, energy, physics, mathematics, and communications. Visitors can see everything from early steam engines to the latest advancements in renewable energy, as well as interactive exhibits that allow them to experience science and technology hands-on.
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The museum is located on an island in the middle of the Isar River, making it easily accessible from the centre of the city and its vast collections are sure to keep visitors engaged and fascinated for hours. Whether you're a traveller, history buff, or science enthusiast, the Deutsches Museum is an unmissable destination.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Plan to spend at least four hours in this massive and fascinating museum.
Have you guessed yet which attraction tops the list?
2. Munich Residenz
The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city, was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town.
The rooms and art collections spanning a period that begins with the Renaissance and extends via the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism, bear witness to the discriminating taste and the political ambition of the Wittelsbach dynasty.
Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed. Today, with the museums of the Bavarian Palace Administration (the Residence Museum itself, the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre) along with other cultural institutions, this is one of the largest museum complexes in Bavaria.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Make sure that you visit the Antiquarium. This lavish hall was the highlight of the visit for me.
1. BMW Museum, Welt and Factory Tour
The BMW Museum in Munich is a must-visit destination showcasing the brand's rich history, starting from its origins as an aircraft engine manufacturer to its current status as a leading producer of luxury vehicles. Visitors can see a range of vintage vehicles, engines, and motorcycles, as well as learn about BMW's innovative technologies and design concepts. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays provide an engaging and immersive experience, while the museum's stunning architecture and modern design add to its appeal.
The BMW Welt, located next to the BMW Museum should be visited at the same time. It serves as the center of BMW's brand experience and offers visitors a chance to see the latest BMW models and technologies up close. The futuristic building houses a range of current BMW cars. Wander around the exhibition hall and admire the stunning vehicles on display. The BMW Welt also offers a range of services, including a cafe and restaurant, and a BMW shop, making it a great place to spend a day for both car enthusiasts and families.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: As if the museum and the BMW Welt were not enough, you can also book a tour of the BMW plant. The tour gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the production. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to take photos, but you can see the assembly line, where vehicles are built from start to finish, and learn about the latest production technologies and processes used by BMW. The tour is an educational and eye-opening experience, providing a glimpse into the inner workings of BMW.
Conclusion
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a fun and exciting destination, Munich has something for you. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Munich is a top destination for travellers from all over the world. So why not add this amazing city to your travel bucket list and start planning your trip today?
Accommodation Suggestions
I decided to stay on the periphery of Munich, partly because I had the use of a rental car and partly because I explored many of Bavaria's other attractions, not just amazing sites in the city centre. My time at the Amedia Hotel & Suites in Dachau was perfect for my needs, with great service and stylish, compact rooms.
However, if you are looking for a more central hotel in Munich, there is a wide range to choose from, including the Premier Inn München City Zentrum, Hotel Schlicker, and Leonardo Hotel München City Center.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on Bavaria, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Comment below and let us know what your favourite Munich attraction was.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these attractions appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the highlights of Munich, or indeed, a general tour of the beautiful state of Bavaria.
Join me next time on my adventures when I discover 21 amazing things to do in Helsinki that are free. Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
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