If you are limited by time, but eager to explore Munich, join my express tour to discover the best of the city in a nutshell and with no rush in just 90 minutes.
The tour is meant to introduce you to the main sights of the Munich old town, highlighting the city’s secret spots and most fascinating attractions and offering you a compact but very substantial and engaging dive into Munich’s history and legends.
On our walk along a 1,3 km route around the old town we will discover the ancient gate granting access to the medieval city and will find out what its watchtower has to do with toys. You will visit Munich’s oldest church and will learn the blood-chilling story of its silent bell. You will go inside the world’s most famous beer hall to greet the beer angel and to eyewitness the unique Bavarian beer drinking culture. And to crown it all you will admire the very heart of the city – St. Mary’s square, edged by the monumental New Town Hall with its majestic Glockenspiel clock tower.
I will meet you by the tower of the Old Town Hall and will explain you the role it played in the fortification system of medieval Munich. You will learn the story of the city foundation, will make acquaintance with its founder, and will discover how salt fostered the rise of what is now the Bavarian capital.
Additionally, you will find out how the monk became Munich’s symbol and what that has to do with the city’s name.
We will visit Munich’s oldest church and will learn the peculiar story of its tower adorned by 8 clocks. In the apse we will admire the high altar featuring St. Peter and will discover when his tiara is being removed and how this symbolic act is connected to the election of the Pope in Rome.
We will also scrutinise the exteriors of the church, to discover a cannonball in one of its windowsills and to sight the only presently silent bell of St. Peter’s – the Poor Sinners’ bell, which tolled the executions held in old times on Marienplatz.
We will delve together into the centuries-old history of Munich’s central square, once the main marketplace of the medieval city and nowadays, just as in old times, the heart of the city’s animated life.
We will admire St. Mary’s column and the angels fighting the four evils at its base, will learn counting the driving distances in Munich and will discover the place where the Munich white sausage was invented.
I will show you Munich’s most famous fountain and explain you the two local traditions connected to it – the Wallet Washing and the Butchers’ Jump.
We will decipher the architectural structure of the majestic Neo-Gothic building of the New Town Hall and will learn two significant moments from the city history, which are daily reenacted by the Glockenspiel, Munich’s world-famous mechanical clock, to various tunes of its carillon.
We will visit Munich’s cathedral and learn the spine-chilling legend of its construction. Moreover, we will sight the Devil’s footprint at the entrance and find out how it is connected to the wind constantly blowing around the cathedral irrespective of the season and the weather in the city.
We will take a peek at the grand courtyard of Munich’s New Town Hall, will unriddle the symbolism behind the sculptures adorning the portico of the old city treasury and will discover the Staircase of Ages and read its implied significance by the statues on its walls.
We will visit the inner courtyard of the first residence of the Wittelsbach royal family in Munich to admire the Monkey Tower and to discover its legend and its astonishing role in the life of the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV.
We will walk by the building that hosted the royal mill and bakery in old times and will discover the legend of the pretzel and its symbolic connection to Munich.
We will visit Hofbräuhaus, the former royal brewery, which is nowadays the most famous beer hall in the world.
We will go inside the main hall, where you will have the chance to meet the beer angel, observe the regular guests at their tables and take a look at the lockers they keep their personal beer mugs in.
You will discover the story behind the beer purity law, learn which breweries are allowed to sell their beer at the Oktoberfest and wonder at the unexpected connection of the Oktoberfest with a royal wedding. (No beer tasting included.)
We will meet under the arch below the tower of the Old Town Hall, nowadays home to the Munich Toy Museum. I will send you a pic of the spot as soon as you book the tour.
Munich, the vibrant capital of Bavaria, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. Home to world-famous beer halls, opulent palaces, and lush green parks, Munich offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit destination in Germany.
Marienplatz is the heart of Munich, home to the iconic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) and its famous Glockenspiel. This bustling square is a must-visit for its historic significance and vibrant atmosphere.
One of the world's largest urban parks, the Englischer Garten offers lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and recreational activities. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor fun.
Nymphenburg Palace is a stunning Baroque palace with beautiful gardens and historic interiors. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Bavarian royalty.
The BMW Museum showcases the history and innovation of the iconic German car brand. It's a must-visit for car enthusiasts and those interested in automotive design.
Hofbräuhaus is one of the world's most famous beer halls, offering traditional Bavarian food, live music, and a lively atmosphere. It's a quintessential Munich experience.
A traditional Bavarian white sausage made from veal and parsley, typically served with sweet mustard and pretzels.
A breaded and fried cutlet, usually made from pork or veal, served with lemon and potato salad or fries.
A traditional Bavarian bread product made from dough twisted into a knot shape, often served with mustard or cheese.
A delicious pastry filled with apples, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon, baked until golden and crispy.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Munich, with warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and events. It's the best time for exploring the city's parks, beer gardens, and cultural attractions.
Euro (EUR)
CET (UTC +1), CEST (UTC +2 during daylight saving time)
230VV, 50HzHz
Munich is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Munich Central Station, Munich East Station
Munich Central Bus Station, Munich East Bus Station
The S-Bahn is efficient and connects major stations and attractions. Trains run frequently and are a convenient way to get around.
Available • Apps: FreeNow, Uber
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairytale-like castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps. It's one of Germany's most famous landmarks and offers stunning views and a glimpse into the life of King Ludwig II.
Salzburg is a beautiful Austrian city known for its historic old town, stunning architecture, and musical heritage. It's a great day trip for history and culture lovers.
The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a poignant and important historical site that offers a sobering reminder of the Holocaust and the atrocities committed during World War II.
Price varies by option