Munich (or, München, in German) is a great city on many levels. Its location, the Bavarian cuisine, the amazing architecture, and the many things to see and do make it a perfect place to explore over a few days. However, my chances to spend time there seem contained to a day or so. My first time was in 1994 as I went from Frankfurt to Austria; the family I was traveling with had a relative there so we stopped somewhere on the outskirts of the city to have lunch and visit – a very short visit. Then in 1999, I went to Munich for a business trip that lasted just a few hours – not even an overnight and nowhere the near the city center. Eventually, in 2011, I finally got see the city center and stay overnight on a stopover as I returned home from a trip to Croatia. That time, I got to walk around Marienplatz at night and have dinner at a great local restaurant nearby but that was to be all.
Place I had dinner at in 2011
Landing in Munich again!
Fast forward to 2017 and another visit to Munich appears on my radar but – yet again – it is not going to be a long one: another overnight but, this time, with the chance to see the city center in the daytime!
On the final approach on the flight over from Amsterdam, it was neat to see the beautiful Bavarian countryside…
Upon landing, it was time to get the rental vehicle and drop the stuff at the hotel before venturing into the heart of the city (the hotel was close to the airport). The drive into town was easy – GPS and Google Maps took care of that. It was neat to finally see the city in the daytime!
Approaching the city center
Marientplatz – the place to be
We approached Marienplatz by crossing through a former’s farmer market, the Victuals Market (Viktualienmarkt), now selling fruits, meats, and ready-to-eat food across a hundred or so stalls/kiosks/cafés. Though it was February, the place was teeming with people – very lively place.
The Victuals Market
The Victuals Market
We entered Marienplatz after passing by Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost) by the side where the Spielzeugmuseum (toy museum) is located.
The Church of the Holy Ghost
Interior of the church
That places you seeing the Rathaus, or City Hall, from the side and at a little distance – it is so impressive to see!!
The Rathaus upon entering Marienplatz
The Spielzeugmuseum – a toy museum – at one end of Marienplatz
The Rathaus (not rat house!), the key building in Marienplatz
Closeup of the Rathaus’ façade
Detail of a Rathaus’ entrance
Munich from atop the Rathaus
Whenever I have the chance, I go up! Climbing or riding up but I go up! At the Rathaus, you can ride up to the top to get great views of the city all around and to take a look down at Marienplatz itself. I highly recommend checking it out!
Looking down at Marienplatz from atop the Rathaus
Looking down at Marienplatz from atop the Rathaus
Looking at the very top of the Rathaus from the viewing platform
View of the city from atop the Rathaus
From above, I want to explore all the corners of this great city: walk its streets, check out bars and restaurants, see its museums, visit its churches, etc. Maybe the fourth time will be the charm and I will get to spend a few days doing just that! Auf wiedersehen, München!
Pin any of the photos above or this one to your travel board!
Munich is a really stunning and magical travel destination and your pictures just prove that, Raul! When would it be the best time of the year to explore it?
Agness, I would not have said February but it was spectacular this last visit! I would prefer avoiding peak summer crowds. I bet April/May would be an awesome time to go!