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Munich

With around 1.5 million inhabitants, the metropolis on the banks of the Isar River is the largest city in Bavaria and one of the most economically successful and fastest growing cities in Europe. Among the sights are the Frauenkirche, the English Garden and the German Museum

Munich, a metropolis with a very special flair. Here, pulsating city life meets nature, hiking trails meet surf spots. We reveal the best things to do in the Bavarian capital.

1

The perfect Eisbach wave

The inner-city surf spot within sight of the Haus der Kunst in the southern part of the English Garden is always surrounded by large numbers of spectators eager to see daredevil youngsters plunge into the waters. The Eisbach is a cold body of water, it is fed by the Isar river and on its 12 meter width you have to be able to move extremely well to have a chance of holding on for a few seconds like on a rodeo horse. And even falling into the water is not without danger due to the chunky sturgeon stones just below the surface. Definitely not for beginners on the board, not even bathing and swimming is allowed at this point of the Eisbach. If you still want to make friends with river surfing, it's better to try it first at the Thalkirchen campground. There is with the "Floßlände" a much easier wave at the start, which is also feasible for surf beginners.

2

Speeding through Munich in a hot rod

Who wants to know a city, who likes to get an overview during a city tour at the beginning of the vacation. But for those who don't want to sit in a crowded bus, there's a fun alternative in Munich. Hot Rod you can whiz through the streets, admire the city's landmarks and let the wind blow around your nose. You will sit alone in your open motorized soapbox and follow a tour guide - past Königsplatz, the English Garden, along the Isar River to Nymphenburg Castle. Requirements: Car driving license, good weather.

With the hot rod through the city - the fun discovery tour is now offered in many major German cities © Mickis-Fotowelt/Shutterstock.com
3

Giesing - the not-yet-quite-known in district

You'd rather be on the streets of a lesser-known part of town? Then head to Giesing - Munich's trendy neighborhood, where a lot is happening at the moment and whose reputation is changing dramatically. The former working-class neighborhood is now celebrated as an in district. Many young people live here, quaint old buildings meet avant-garde. Let yourself drift through the streets and marvel at the pretty little stores, where often handmade and local things are still offered.

The Holy Cross Church is one of the landmarks in Giesing ©AdobeStock/ah_fotobox
4

Slow Travel - relaxed through Munich

Munich is big and bustling. You can explore the city by Segway, bus, bike or electric scooter, whizzing from sight to sight. But you can also just as well through the City wander - and discover lots of details of the metropolis in the process. The twelve-kilometer-long East-West Passage leads once across Munich from Prinzregentenplatz to Nymphenburg Palace. The 21-kilometer North-South Passage leads from BMW World at the Olympic Park to Hinterbrühler Weiher. With the tour app Komoot or a city guide, you can be accompanied on your walks.

On a hike through Munich you can also discover the green sides of the city © Frank Stolle
5

Wiener Platz: The smallest permanent market in Munich

On Wiener Platz in Haidhausen visitors feel a touch of village idyll. The resident market is tranquil, whereas the Hofbräukeller beer gardennot to be confused with the famous Hofbräuhaus, is one of the largest in Munich. Sitting on beer benches under chestnut trees, enjoying a refreshment and then strolling through the many fancy boutiques and stores on and around Wiener Platz - that's the way to live.

Small market with a large beer garden - Wiener Platz in Munich's Haidhausen district © FooTToo/Shutterstock.com
6

In the tree house and on the ship: enjoy coziness

Changeable weather is not uncommon in the spring. While one day it was still beautiful and sunny, the next day it can be stormy and raining cats and dogs. For such days we have two special tips for you: At Kolumbusplatz, where there used to be a flower store and a kiosk, the Hexenhäuschen by Julian Hahn, Florian Jund and Philipp Behringer is now waiting. For over two years, the three have been Goose elsewhere planned. Now a new meeting place has been created in the Giesing neighborhood with cozy seating in the tree house and a small cultural stage in the garden. Just as special as the tree house witch's cottage is the MS Utting: An Ammersee steamer in the middle of the city. In 2018, the converted ship opened as a bar, café and restaurant with a roof terrace and beer garden. A good 400 people fit into the different levels of the ship - from the engine room to the open-air deck. The view from the upper deck into the setting sun makes the Utting the perfect sundowner location. You can look out over the Schlachthofviertel, the Grossmarkthalle and the city's cranes. There is also a changing cultural program with concerts, readings and discussions.

7

Werksviertel: Visions of the future behind the Ostbahnhof station

In the past, potatoes were processed into dumplings and mashed potatoes on the industrial site at Ostbahnhof. Now a lively urban quarter is being created on the same site with loft offices, artists' studios, numerous live stages, apartments, bars and restaurants. Regular guided tours give you an insight into the quarter. Central contact point in the Factory Quarter is the orange building with the striking WERK3 lettering. A highlight is the flock of sheep on the roof. It belongs to the Almschule, which is intended to bring a piece of nature to children and young people in the city. Until the new Munich Concert Hall in the Werksviertel is completed, the site will be used temporarily as the location for the Umadum München, Germany's largest Ferris wheel. And since 2020, the Quatsch Comedy Club München has been welcoming stand-up comedy fans here in the Werksviertel.

8

Olympiaberg: Great view without crowds

To get a great look over the city, many tourists make a pilgrimage to the Olympic Tower. Rightly so, the building measures a considerable height of 300 meters and has three viewing platforms of different heights, from which the view is truly breathtaking. Cons: This has long ceased to be an insider tip, there is really a lot going on here.

Since the search for alternative is worthwhilen - and you'll find them very close by. Put on your hiking boots and climb the Olympiaberg. Although it's only 56 meters high, it offers a great view of the Olympic Center, Munich and, in good weather, the Alps. Great: In winter, you can also go tobogganing here!

Beautiful view - from the Olympiaberg you have a great view over Munich © Lauredin/Shutterstock.com
9

Street Art in Munich - Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA)

Believe it or not: Munich was the pioneer of the German graffiti scene. From 1985 to 1988, graffiti boomed so much in Munich that sprayers came from all over the world to have painted in Munich at least once. Today, the city is home to Germany's first museum of urban art, housed in a former substation of the city's public utility company. The privately financed museum grew out of the passion for collecting of its founders, Christian and Stephanie Utz. From April to October, the MUCA also offers street art bike tours and graffiti workshops. In the courtyard of the museum you can learn how to use a spray can, create stencils and spray your own graffiti using the stencil technique. 

Take the train to Munich comfortably and without traffic jams: Plan arrival.

If you're out and about in Munich, take a look at the walls of the buildings - fascinating works of art await you here © MUCA

Cover photo: Welcome to Munich - the Bavarian capital knows how to impress with its many sights © AllesSuper/Shutterstock.com

In collaboration with Bavaria Tourism Marketing GmbH

The Bavarian Alps, lots of nature, living tradition and lively cities: for your Vacation in Bavaria there are many reasons.

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