Munich between culture, the Isar and green spaces

When looking for a hotel in Munich, it helps to use the visits you have planned as a starting point. Nearby, the city’s history and museums sit alongside riverside landscapes, green spaces and destinations in surrounding communities. First decide whether architecture, collections, time by the Isar or excursions should be the focus; these interests give your trip planning a clear direction.

Culture and city history

Marienplatz has been the lively heart of Munich since the city was founded in 1158 and is now a popular meeting place. The golden Mariensäule (Column of Mary) stands at its center. The square is dominated by the New Town Hall, with its neo-Gothic façade, built by Georg von Hauberrisser between 1867 and 1909. The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is a major attraction. If you would like to see it, check the performance times before your visit, as they may vary.

The Frauenkirche also offers a specific point of interest for architecture enthusiasts: it was built in the 15th century by master builder Jörg von Halsbach. Its distinctive onion domes were added in 1525. Details like these connect the city’s history with its architecture.

For museum visits, the Kunstareal offers a wide range of options: it comprises 18 museums and exhibition centers, more than 20 galleries, six universities and numerous cultural institutions. The numbers and composition may change over time. The Deutsches Museum houses one of the most significant collections of science and technology. The Munich Residenz in the city’s Old Town is one of Bavaria’s largest museum complexes.

The Viktualienmarkt offers another side of city life. The food market has around 100 stalls selling fresh food and regional specialties. Individual stalls and specific offerings may change.

The Isar landscape and green spaces

The entire urban Isar landscape is designated as a landscape conservation area; the protected area continues north and south into the district of Munich. The Isar landscape invites you to stroll, linger, observe, explore and relax. Since June 2011, visitors have been able to experience the Isar in its new, more natural diversity between the Großhesseloher Weir and the Deutsches Museum.

The English Garden in the heart of Munich is around the size of 640 soccer fields and is considered the world’s largest urban park. You can stroll across its lawns; the Monopteros is a temple in the English Garden. People surf on the river at the centrally located Eisbach wave. River conditions may vary.

Swimming is permitted at designated locations along the Isar within Munich, and boating is allowed on certain stretches. If you plan to take part in either activity, check the current local rules and river conditions beforehand.

Destinations in surrounding communities

The Schleißheim Palace complex in Oberschleißheim comprises the Old Palace and the New Palace, Lustheim Palace and the original Baroque palace gardens. It is one of the largest and most impressive Wittelsbach residences in Bavaria. The gardens feature fountains and invite visitors to stroll and explore. Check current visitor arrangements with the operator before your visit.

In Oberschleißheim, the Schleißheim Aviation Museum, an outpost of the Deutsches Museum, displays aircraft from every era of aviation. Also located there, the Olympic regatta course was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics; it continues to host national and international competitions. As a regional travel reference, Oberschleißheim is on S-Bahn line S1, on the direct route between the state capital, Munich, and Munich Airport.

The Grünwald Castle Museum presents castles from the Isar Valley and across Bavaria—from early medieval hilltop refuges to romantic knight’s castles. Hands-on stations and exhibits introduce visitors to the world of the Middle Ages. Play and media stations are especially suitable for children. The destinations in the surrounding communities thus offer their own highlights alongside Munich’s city history, collections and green spaces.

Discover more destinations: Munich, Grünwald, Unterschleißheim, Unterhaching, Unterföhring, Taufkirchen, Putzbrunn, Pullach in the Isar Valley, Planegg, Ottobrunn, Oberschleißheim, Oberhaching, Neubiberg, Grasbrunn, Ismaning, Aying, Aschheim, Garching near Munich, Gräfelfing, Haar, Brunnthal, Kirchheim near Munich, Sauerlach, Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn, Hohenbrunn, Baierbrunn, Schäftlarn, Straßlach-Dingharting, Feldkirchen, Munich Airport

See the higher-level travel overview: Bavaria.