The Bavarian capital Munich is a giant “town” that managed to preserve its classic look and feel throughout times. You will notice the absence of skyscrapers and unappealing looking concrete blocks. The city and surroundings are ideal for strolling at any season and casually taking snap shots.
Marienplatz…..
The center square in downtown is Marienplatz where the historic town hall building is located. It’s most easy to reach via the metro. When you emerge from underground you’ll be right in the midst of the hustle. That’s a good spot to start a photo tour. There are a bunch of nice street cafes nearby where you can sit, sip and watch the crowds go by.
Viktualienmarkt…..
From the main square you can easily reach the Viktualienmarkt by walking past the Spielzeugmuseum (toy museum) and then turning south. The Viktualienmarkt is an open air fresh produce market dating back to the early 1800s. There are a bunch of tightly spaced stalls that feature fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, breads and culinary specialties from the Bavarian region.
Kaufingerstrasse…..
Heading back to the main square you can next cross Marienplatz to the opposite side and continue on Kaufingerstrasse. This is a generously broad shopping mile for pedestrians only and is one of the highest revenue-turning retail streets in Germany. You’ll find outfitters, restaurants, department stores, etc. The passage ends at Karlsplatz (“Stachus”) where you can go underground to catch the metro. Or if you feel like you haven’t done enough damage to your wallet, walk back to Marienplatz.
Schwabing…..
One part of town that always evokes memories from my childhood is Schwabing where my grandparents used to live. This part of Munich was once known as the bohemian quarter. During the mid-20th century it was a popular place of exchange for intellectuals, artists and students to hang out and coalesce. Schwabing has lost much of its former vibes but still showcases nostalgia due to its classy street cafes, nestled back alleys and preserved architecture.
The English Garden……
A short stroll from Schwabing is the famous English Garden. This is one of the world’s largest inner city parks with some 375 hectares of lush meadows and woods. The park is very pedestrian- and bike-friendly with plenty of intersecting pathways. My grandparents would often walk around Kleinhesseloher lake and feed the ducks and geese with bread crumbs.
Nymphenburg Castle…..
One last recommendation worthy of a visit is the Nymphenburg palace located in the west of Munich. This baroque era building with opulent interiors served as the summer residence of the Bavarian kings. The park behind the main palace wings is open to the public during daylight hours. There is a long canal stretching away from the palace staircase where visitors can hitch a gondola ride in the summer. I like to just sit on one of the many park benches and soak in some quiet time.
