DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Munich

Clockwise from top: Staatstheater am Grtnerplatz, Hofbruhaus, Olympiapark, Schloss Nymphenburg, a Residenz lion, Oktoberfest ride

The gateway to the Bavarian Alps, Munich is one of Germanys most charming cities. Here, Baroque churches and historic art galleries sit shoulder-to-shoulder with lively cafs and festive beer gardens. Just beyond the centre, fairytale castles and scenic lakes promise alpine adventure. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Munich, its yours to explore.

Munich is a city of almost 1.5 million inhabitants, and one look at its many squares filled with bustling cafs will tell you its a city that enjoys the good life. Locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to the number of green spaces in which to unwind, including the Englischer Garten and the Isar river meadows. For fans of sport and the great outdoors, the Olympiapark is a top city destination; the Upper Bavarian lakes and nearby Alps also lie within easy reach.

Ludwig I transformed Munich into his vision of Athens on the Isar. Today, the city is blessed with more art institutions than ever, most of which can be found in the museum quarter. This is where the citys three Pinakotheken (art museums) are located, along with its two universities. Just as importantly, Munich is Germanys undisputed capital of beer, thanks to the brewing expertise of the monks who settled on the Isar back in the 13th century. It plays host to the annual Oktoberfest and to countless beer gardens.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that Munich has to offer, from its Deutsches Museum of science to the vast Olympiapark. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to getting off the beaten track, plus nine easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Munich.

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Two Days in Munich

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Day 1

Morning

Start the day at .

The mushroom water fountains by Frauenkirche a popular place to cool off in summer.

Afternoon

Visit St-Jakobs-Platz to take in the synagogue and the .

Day 2

Morning

Make a start at , and outside youll find the famous Eisbach surfers navigating the icy waters of the stream.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon in Munichs main park, the , and make a pit stop at the Chinesischer Turm or Seehaus.

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Four Days in Munich

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Day 1

Morning

Start in .

Afternoon

Head to and then visit the Hofgarten.

Day 2

Morning

Start with a stroll in the .

Afternoon

Once you reach .

Day 3

Morning

Start at .

The Lenbachhaus once belonged to painter Franz von Lenbach and is now home to a collection of works by the Blue Rider group.

Afternoon

Take bus 100 to Ostbahnhof and stroll through .

Day 4

Visit the .

Two-Piece Reclining Figure: Points is a bronze monumental sculpture created in 196970 by English sculptor Henry Moore. It is one of the most important of the sculptures surrounding the Pinakotheken.

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Top 10 Munich Highlights

Neuschwanstein, a fairy tale castle set amid the dramatic Bavarian landscape

TOP 10 MUNICH HIGHLIGHTS

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AROUND MARIENPLATZ

Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich for centuries and is still the most popular place in the city to meet up or start a walking tour. The square is dominated by the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), which serves as a backdrop to the Mariensule (Column of the Virgin Mary) and Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain). Head west of the square to reach the start of the pedestrian zone, north for Weinstrae and Theatiner-strae, east for the Isartor gate and Maximilianstrae, and south to reach Viktualienmarkt.

NEED TO KNOW

S1S8: Marienplatz, U3/U6: Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz

Altes Rathaus: Toy Museum: (089) 294 001; open10am5:30pm daily; adm 6, concessions 2

Google Map

Neues Rathaus: (089) 2339 6555; tours: 3:30pm Mon & Fri, 11:30am & 1:30pm Sat; adm 18, concessions 12, under-18s free;

Google Map

Tower: open 10am7pm MonFri (winter: until 5pm); adm 6, under-6s free