Munich

The cuisine is traditional German fare; many markets are hosted here, as well as the restaurants offering the world famous beer and bratwurst. Munich is the third largest city in Germany which is situated on the river Isar and is only 30 miles away from the Alps.

---

Munich Must Sees

Marienplatz

Marien Square and the New Town Hall of Munich - is the central square in the heart of Munich; from here, you can explore many old and wonderful buildings, churches and landmarks. Marienplatz houses the Mariensäule, the Marian Column topped with the golden statue of Virgin Mary, and it is also home to the Old and the New Town Hall of Munich. The tower of the New Town Hall houses the Glockenspiel, a beautiful carillon that is over 100 years old. Come here at 11 a.m. or noon to hear the Glockenspiel chime and watch the 32 life-sized figures re-enact historical Bavarian events. Look out for the golden bird that chirps 3 times to mark the end of each show.

---

Frauenkirche

Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady- The Catholic Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady is the landmark of Munich and the city's largest church; it holds up to 20,000 people. Together with the Town Hall, the sturdy twin towers of the Cathedral shape Munich's skyline and make it a great point of orientation. You can also climb the steps of the towers - the view of Munich's cityscape and the Bavarian Alps is breathtaking. The architectural style of the brick-built cathedral is late Gothic from the 15th century. Its famous domes atop each tower were modeled on the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Opening Hours:
Thu 7am-8:30pm
Fri 7am-6pm
Sat-Wed 7am-7pm

You can also climb the tower of the Frauenkirche to view the cityscape and the Bavarian Alps.

April 1st-October 31st
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

---

Residence Palace of Munich

At the edge of Munich's old town lies the Residence, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. Today the Residence houses one of the best European museums of interior decoration. The Residence, whose first buildings were constructed in 1385, consists of ten courtyards and beautiful historical gardens. The museum itself displays 130 rooms with antique furniture, art, porcelain, and tapestries that span the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and the neoclassical era.

---

The English Garden

Just a few blocks northeast of the Munich Residence (the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs) is the English Garden, Munich's largest park. Bigger than Central Park in New York, this green oasis is a wonderful place to explore: Rent a paddle boat, stroll along the wooded paths, visit one of its traditional beer gardens, and watch the German answer to surfing on the currents of the waterway called Eisbach.

---

Viktualienmarkt

The Victuals Market- Only a few steps away from Marienplatz, you'll find the bustling Viktualienmarkt, Munich's daily outdoor farmers market. See140 colorful booths and enjoy the unique flavor of this market that boasts a great variety of fresh and regional food. The Viktualienmarkt, whose beginnings date back to the early 19th century, offers everything from flowers, honey, and spices, to meat, cheese, eggs, and pastries. See the garlands of sausages, mountains of fresh vegetables, and pyramids of fruits, and let your senses be seduced.

---

Beer Halls in Munich

If you want to drink your beer the way it was meant to be, visit one of the many beer halls in Munich; most of them brew their own beer, and your drink will taste even better with a platter of local specialties and some oompah music. Visit the Munich beer halls where you can experience Bavarian hospitality at its best.