Districts of Munich
Districts: Munich's city centre
Munich's city centre
Classical and curious
Numerous Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route which starts at Karlsplatz-Stachus, continues through the pedestrian mall along Neuhauserstraße and Kaufingerstraße until it reaches Marienplatz square.
Salt traders and merchants once bustled around here. Now this area attracts countless shopping fans. Even Napoleon followed this path into Munich on a foggy evening in the fall of 1805. The double name Karlsplatz-Stachus already brings a smile to one's face today: After taking over the rule of Bavaria in 1777 the Palatinate Elector Karl Theodor without further ado renamed squares and places in Munich after himself. This resulted in the terms Karlstor and Karlsplatz.
Munich locals engaged in civil disobedience and furnished the square with the nickname "Stachus" inspired by the nearby inn of Eustachius Föderl. The unpopular Elector had intended to trade Bavaria as a barter object to the Austrians! And so it happened that the name "Stachus" has been preserved – alongside the official term – to the present day and is even used to announce the subway stop.
The Karlstor is one of the three remaining original gates of the city wall that was torn down at the end of the 18th century. Until the construction of the pedestrian mall in 1972 this was one of the main thoroughfares of the city. Under the curved section of the arch the corners are adorned withso-called "collar heads" of prominent Munich residents. One of them depicts the coachman Franz Xaver Krenkl, whose audacity put the tolerance of King Ludwig I to a grueling test.
Munich locals engaged in civil disobedience and furnished the square with the nickname "Stachus" inspired by the nearby inn of Eustachius Föderl.
Krenkl bypassed the royal coach with a team of horses whose splendor and strength was far superior to those of the King. As if this breach of etiquette was not already too much, Krenkl called out proudly to the already-insulted sovereign, "Wer ko, der ko!" (Those who can, do!). In Bavaria this proverbial phrase has become synonymous with relaxed self-confidence.
Video: Districts of Munich
On the way through the pedestrian mall you see the green building complex of the Munichpolice headquarters to the left on Ettstraße. Many people know this structure from the Munich "Tatort" TV series.The headquarters accommodate the Polizeimuseum which is open to the public. The exhibition documents police work, including spectacular police operations e.g. during the murderous attacks at the 1972 Olympics and criminal cases such as the murder of the Munich fashion czar Rudolph Moshammer in 2005. Advance registration at www.muenchnerblaulicht.de, Phone +49 89 29 10 20 10. Children under 14 years are not admitted.
In 1935 the devilish pilot Ernst Udet roared his plane between the two towers by flying sideways.
A few steps farther on the left you get a view of Frauenkirche which was built by Jörg von Halsbach in the 15th century. The towers with the so-called "Welsh domes" are a landmark of the city. It is less known that the domes were designed according to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, one of the most important sanctuaries of Islam. The twin towers time and again inspire spectacular feats.
Gallery: Views of Munich
The Bavaria statue on the Theresienwiese holds its laurel wreath high above Munich. Photo: Redline Enterprises
The English Garden was created by an American in 1789. Nevertheless, the city park was named English Garden because the English landscape gardens served as a role model at that time. Photo: Jörg Lutz
St Luke's Church, located on the banks of the Isar, is the only almost preserved Protestant church of historicism in Munich. Photo: Redline Enterprises
Climb 306 stairs up to the viewing platform of St Peter's Church and enjoy exactly this view of the Marienplatz and the Frauenkirche. Photo: Jörg Lutz
Nymphenburg Palace in the west of Munich ranks among the largest palace complexes in Europe. Photo: Jörg Lutz
At the weir between the Deutsches Museum and Praterinsel, the Isar divides before reuniting. Photo: Redline Enterprises
Isar-Athens at Königsplatz in Munich impresses with monumental architecture and international leading museums of antique art. Photo: Alfred Müller
Once the Isartor belonged to the 2nd city fortification. Today the towers of the gate house the Valentin-Karlstadt-Musäum. Photo: Redline Enterprises
The Angel of Peace midst the Maximilian parc in the district of Bogenhausen was built in the occasion of the 25 peaceful years after the Franco-German war of 1870/1871. Photo: Redline Enterprises
More than 300,000 LED lights of the Allianz Arena in the north of Munich can illuminate the football stadium in more than 16 million different colours. Photo: Markus Dlouhy
Mountaineering, freeriding, hiking or skiing: the surrounding area of Munich offers numerous opportunities for outdoor lovers. Photo: Thomas Klinger
The Geschwister-Scholl-Platz was named after Sophie and Hans Scholl - both were members of the "White Rose". Photo: Sven Kolb
The elevator of the Olympic Tower brings its visitors in seven metres per second up to the viewing platform. Enjoy a fantastic view! Photo: istock/jordieasy
The Karlsplatz-Stachus was an important junction in Munich in the sixties. This is most likely where the expression "Da geht's ja zua wia am Stachus" originates from. Photo: Jörg Lutz
With an area of around 229 hectares, Nymphenburg Palace Park offers plenty of space for strolling. Photo: Redline Enterprises
The bells of the Frauenkirche in Munich rank among the most important bell ensembles in Germany. On special occasions bell concerts can be heard. Photo: Jörg Lutz
King Ludwig I had the Monopteros built so high that he could see the residence from here. Photo: Redline Entersprises
The Maximilianeum, located on the banks of the river Isar, accommodates ministers and students under one roof. Photo: Redline Enterprises
View of the museum tower of the Deutsches Museum with the Isar in the background. Once a wild mountain river, the Isar attracts today bathers, cyclists, strollers and nature lovers. Photo: Redline Enterprises
Munich from above: the tower of the New Town Hall and the viewing platform of the St Peter's Church providing a lovely view over Munich. Photo: Jörg Lutz
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich - the 2nd largest university of Germany - is located behind the Siegestor on Ludwigstraße. Photo: Peter Hutzler
Tower of the Müllersche Volksbad in the front with the skyline of Munich in the back. The indoor swimming pool opened in 1901 und provides bathing pleasure in an impressive Art Nouveau setting. Photo: Jörg Lutz
The garden design of Schleissheim palace complex nearby Munich ranks among the most important Baroque gardens in Europe. Photo: Redline Enterprises
The Münchner Kindl is a child-like figure of a monk who has been adorning the municipal coat of arms since the 13th century. Photo: Rainer Viertlböck
In 1935 the devilish pilot Ernst Udet roared his plane between the two towers by flying sideways. In 2014 a large-scale police operation was required to stop extreme climbers who had already mounted the southern tower up to the belfry. Due to renovation the regular ascent to the observation deck of the southern tower is not possible at the moment.
Now we are arriving at Marienplatz. At the time of Munich's foundation in 1158 the whole settlement was not much larger than this square. St. Mary's Column (Mariensäule) in the middle of the square gave the former market place its name. It dates back to an oath taken during the Thirty Years War when Munich was occupied but not destroyed by the Swedes.
Tour of the Rathaus
Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official city tour guide. Read more
The Neue Rathaus is the office of the Lord Mayor. From its balcony the FC Bayern Munich greats its fans at championship celebrations. At 11am and noon (and in summer also at 5 pm) numerous spectators watch the Carillon (Glockenspiel) in the town hall tower. On the ground level of the town hall the city's Tourist Information provides advice to visitors.
Become curious? Then book an individual or group tour of the Old Town and let an official guide show you the most beautiful corners of Munich's city center.
Text: München Tourismus; Photo: Jörg Lutz; Illustration: Julia Pfaller; Video: Redline Enterprises
A district full of life and adventure
Maxvorstadt is a bustling district: education, culture and business meet a colourful urban offering.
Maxvorstadt is a bustling district: universities, cultural temples and business meet small cafés, bars, restaurants and colourful shops.
A village in the city
Haidhausen and Au have developed from working-class quarters into popular residential areas.
When strolling along the narrow streets of the districts Haidhausen and Au with small shops and green courtyards, it almost feels like being in a village in the middle of the city.
From artists and writers
Around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.
In the heyday of the Schwabinger Bohème around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.
A beautiful spot
Lehel is considered one of Munich's most popular and exclusive residential areas. But it wasn't always the case.
Around Nymphenburg Palace
Neuhausen-Nymphenburg offers a wealth of things to discover besides the palace.
In addition to the palace, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg also has the Botanical Garden, numerous museums and the vibrant neighbourhood of Neuhausen with its vibrant shopping and café scene.
A district full of variety
Giesing may be famous for soccer and beer, but what the locals value most is the neighbourhood's lively diversity.
Giesing may be famous for soccer and beer, but what the locals value most is the neighbourhood's lively diversity of architecture, culture, and people.
Old buildings and winding backyards
A walk through the Westend: a district on the move. 25 nations live here side by side.
Where the night begins
Independent labels, hip bars, pubs and cool inns attract the young and the young-at-heart.
The Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach neighbourhoods are known as trendy quarters. Their independent labels, hip bars, pubs, cool inns and calm backyards attract the young and the young-at-heart.
Classical and curiosities
Numerous Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.
Numerous interesting Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.
Once a village, now a noble district
The Bogenhausen district in the northeast of Munich captivates with many green areas, old villas and its proximity to the river Isar.
There's a lot to discover here: the Bogenhausen district in the northeast of Munich captivates with many green areas, old villas and its proximity to the river Isar.
Between the Isar and the Theresienwiese
The Isar river, clubbing, Oktoberfest or multicultural mix at the main station: On a voyage of discovery in a versatile district of the city
Masterpieces of architecture and entertainment
BMW Welt, Allianz Arena and Olympic Park - Munich's north has much to offer.
With the Olympiapark, BMW Welt and Allianz Arena and the city's oldest church, the north of Munich has a lot to offer.
Many cultures, one neighborhood
The charm of the oriental Bajuvaric microcosm in the quarter to the south of the main train station gives you that holiday feeling.
The aroma of mocha and black tea fills the air: the charm of the oriental Bajuvaric microcosm in the quarter to the south of the main train station gives you that holiday feeling.