Munich City Guide - Sightseeing

Marienplatz, where the main pedestrianised streets converge, is the undisputed centre of the city. Weinstrasse, which becomes Theatinerstrasse, runs north from Marienplatz to Odeonsplatz, while Kaufinger Strasse/NeuhauserstrasseStrasse, which becomes Neuhauserstrasse, runs west to Karlsplatz - known locally as Stachus.

Many of the city's main attractions are in the immediate vicinity, so sightseeing can easily be done on foot or by hopping on and off trams. Worth seeing are the 16th-century Michaelskirche, with its imposing barrel-vaulted interior, and the Asamkirche, considered a masterpiece of south German Rococo architecture.

The oldest part of the city is the area to the east of Marienplatz, including the Alter Hof (the original royal residence) and the world-famous Hofbräuhaus. The Residenz complex lies to the north.

The wide boulevard and grand palatial architecture of Ludwigstrasse and Leopoldstrasse stretches north of Odeonsplatz to the Siegestor. These grand building schemes were commissioned by Ludwig I, as were those around Königsplatz, in the part of the city known as Maxvorstadt - home to some of Munich's most important museums and galleries.

From the Siegestor, Leopoldstrasse forms the central artery of the popular district of Schwabing. The former artists' quarter is now considered the most fashionable part of the city, with numerous cafés, bars, restaurants and nightlife venues.

To the east of Leopoldstrasse, side roads lead off to the Englischer Garten, a quiet retreat from the busy city.