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Germany
Munich
Munich, the capital of Bavaria is located on the Isar River. Its image is that of a high-spirited and festival-addicted city. There is an old charm to the city which combines with the energetic, cosmopolitan feel to provide the perfect mix. Munich is renowned for its architecture and culture. The city is a haven of culture, with a huge number of museums, a vibrant arts scene and the famous celebrations of Oktoberfest.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Palace of Nymphenburg
This was the Wittlesbachs summer residence. Elector Ferdinand Maria commissioned the building of the Palace in 1664. Its center is a small Italianate palace which the Electress Adelaide dedicated to the goddess Flora and her nymphs – which is where the palace’s name comes from.
Marstallmuseum
This museum is loacted to the south of the palace buildings and has state coaches, sleighs and riding equipment used by the Bavarian rulers on display. The coaches with their fine upholestry, sculpture, gilt ornamentation and paintings are real works of art. Among the main highlights are the magnificent vehicles that belonged to King Ludwig II.
Royal Gardens/ Amalienburg/Badenburg/Pagodenburg
The Palace Park covers an area of about 180 hectares. It was originally a Baroque garden which was transformed in the early 1800’s into a landscape garden. There are extensive grounds with lakes, streams and the famous pavillions, Amalienburg (a roccoco hunting lodge), Pagodenburg (which was used for the most exclusive parties thrown by the court), Badenburg (a small bathing palace) and Magdalenenklause (a place for religious retreat).
Bavaria Film Studio
This film studio is Europe's largest film making center. Production began here in 1920. Directors such as Fassbinder, Wim Wenders, Herzog and Stanley Kubrickhave worked here. Tours take you through the sets of famous films such as Das Boot and The Neverending Story. There is also a live stunt show, as well as a 4-D film viewing that can be taken in during the visit.
City Center (Marienplatz/Karlsplatz/ Odeonsplatz/Konigsplatz)
Marienplatz is the very heart of Munich and is always full of crowds who are being entertained by street performers and musicians. This square is dedicated to the patron of the city, whose golden statue stands on top of a huge column (the Mariensaule) in the center of the square. The city's most beautiful square, Odeonsplatz is located to the north. Travelling west from Odeonsplatz you will come to the wide shopping avenue, Briennerstrasse. This avenue will lead you to Konigsplatz, which is a large Grecian square. Located around this square are three classical buildings constructed by Ludwig I, namely, the Propylaen, the Glyptothek, and the Antikensammlungen.
Neues Rathaus( New City Hall with famous chimes)
The New City Hall is a huge 19th century neo-Gothic building where every day at 1100 and 1200 hours, the glockenspiel on the frontage plays out a complex presentation which includes a miniature tournament, with copper figures moving in and out of the archways.
Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall) with Spielzeugmuseum
To the right of the New City Hall is the Old City Hall, which has been rebuilt after being destroyed in the war. It is built in the 15 th century style and now houses a vast toy collection in the Toy Museum.
Frauenkirche- Cathedral Church of our Lady
This church is one of the landmarks of Munich. It has a late Gothic nave from the 15th century and its interior is decorated with works of art spanning over five centuries.
Peterskirche(Church of St. Peter)
This is Munich's oldest church, built in 1180. The church also has a tall steeple that you can climb.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Munich
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Munich
Hofbrauhaus (Beer Hall)
This is Munich's largest and most famous drinking hall. It covers three floors, with the typically Bavarian banquet hall décor, with long wooden tables and low chandeliers. Vaulted ceilings create a unique atmosphere. During the summer guests can sit outside in
Knigshof
This restaurant offers an outstanding service and the most succulent dishes. It is one of the most consistent fine-dining locations in Munich.
Boettner's
Boettner's offers a fare that uses ingredients of the highest quality like lobster and fresh white truffles. Located in a Renaissance building in the center of Munich, the restaurant has a menu that features rich old Bavarian favorite dishes for those who want to treat themselves.
Mark's Restaurant
Up a wide stairway on the hotel's mezzanine is Mark's, a splendid restaurant with flawless service. The salads may be the best in town. This restaurant is the fashionable business lunch spot of Munich. The menu changes according to the ingredients available during the different seasons.
Schuhbecks Südtiroler Stuben
This is a luxurious restaurant ranked at the top of all those in Bavaria. A culinary celebrity chef, Alfons Schuhbeck combines Eastern and Western cuisine in his delicious offerings. He uses California for his inspiration. The menu is always changing based on the best produce in any given season.
Acuarello
This is a great Italian restaurant. Classical music sets the stage for a romantic evening. The cuisine is vibrant and modern and never depends on the clichés of the Italian cuisine.
Tantris
This restaurant serves Munich's most sophisticated cuisine. The food is artistically served and is appetizing. One of the top German chefs, Hans Haas is the chef at this restaurant. There is no equivalent to Tantris in the city in terms of service or taste.
Donisl
Donisl is Munich's oldest beer hall. The restaurant has a comfortable ambiance and can accommodate 550 people. The restaurant has two levels and you can dine outside in the garden as well. The menu consists of traditional Bavarian food as well as weekly specials. The specialties here are the Weisswurst and duck.
Haxnbauer
This restaurant, located near Marienplatz, specializes in German cuisine. The finely marinated pork and veal are one of the most famous dishes here. Additionally, there are international dishes available as well.
Thai-Chinese
This restaurant provides unbeatable value for Indian food.
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Where to stay in Munich
Eden Hotel - Wolff
Located in the train station area, the seven-storey Eden Hotel is a mere 5 minutes walking distance from Munich's city centre and 40 minutes from the airport. It is very close to Marienplatz. Don't get put off by the cold stone-clad facade of the hotel because a world of warmth and coziness is hidden behind it. Dark wood paneling and chandeliers give a rich traditional look to the interiors. The Eden offers more than just a room to stay after you're done for the day. Most of the 210 rooms are spacious and all are tastefully furnished in decor that is extremely chic to rustic. The large bathrooms have a combination shower-tub. Other amenities include satellite TV, wireless internet, mini bar, writing desk. The hotel has access for the disabled as well. Special weekend rates are available. Care is taken of all types of customers. Non-smoking and anti-allergic rooms are available on request. A friendly and helpful staff makes your stay an enjoyable experience. The concierge will book tickets for shows if requested. Also available are extensive conferencing and event facilities. All things combined, your stay at the Eden will be a memory you will always cherish.
Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Luxury, elegance and style are the keywords of this hotel. On any visit to this hotel you're sure to come face to face with a celebrity as this hotel is popular with the rich, famous and beautiful. The rooms are categorized into business, classic and deluxe. Here old world charm and magic is fused with techno-savvy comfort to make your stay amemorable and enjoyable one. Some of the in-room facilities include telephone with voice mail, modem point, TV, internet and play station games. Award winning traditional cuisine is served in the hotel restaurant. One can also unwind at the bar with live piano music, which is claimed to be the best in the world.
Bayerischer Hof
With 160 years of tradition, this family run hotel caters to an international, elite clientele. This hotel was built to impress and it certainly does. Stunning halls and foyers in classical architecture set it apart from other hotels. The hotel boasts a top-floor terrace swimming pool, designer shops, a theatre and a jazz nightclub. The rooms are extravagantly decorated in different themes. The ones designed by Laura Ashley are very romantic and English. Some recreate the ambience of a French 19th century palace while others feature a south European country house theme. Many prominent functions and award parties for the rich and famous are hosted in this hotel. The hotel has the capacity to seat up to 2500 people in its conference and events rooms. Special discounts are offered on a regular basis on rooms and dinner and drinks in its various restaurants and bars.
Konigshof
Konigshof is the hotel where real world functionality combines with other world charm to offer personalized service of the topmost quality. If you want the ultimate in luxury, then this top of the line hotel is definitely for you. The hotel welcomes guests with an ambience of charm and intimate luxurious elegance. The soundproofed rooms with sleek decor and picture windows are a sheer delight. The bathrooms are well- maintained with shower -tub combinations. The hotel has facilities for private parties, conferences and meetings for up to about 100 people. Centrally located, this hotel provides excellent links to the main shopping areas as well as several museums. Due to its location one can enjoy brilliant views over the city as well.
Charles Hotel
Opened in October 2007, with popular tourist attractions close at hand, the Charles Hotel has become the latest address for all visitors to Munich. It is located in the heart of the city, close to the historic square, the old town and the shopping area. It is a haven of tranquility within the bustle of the city and convenient for both business and leisure guests. Original paintings by Munich's celebrated 19th century artist Franz von Lenbach adorn the public areas, giving this hotel a distinctive individuality. The extensive meeting facilities available ensure that your business is always fruitful. Be sure you'll encounter luxury with unparalleled excellence throughout the hotel. Rich and sophisticated without exaggerated opulence, and generous amenities like heated bathroom flooring, make each guest feel special and pampered.The professional and friendly staff ensures that superior service and comfort are yours to enjoy.
Schlicker
This centuries old hotel has now been modernized with only the breakfast room retaining its old world look. Dating back to 1544, this is a hotel of charm and tradition. It is located in the heart of Munich near the Marienplatz and around the corner from the food market, Viktualienmarkt. Since 1897 this hotel has been traditionally run by the Mayer family. The midsize bedrooms are comfortable and traditional and come with a tiled, midsize bathroom with shower or tub.
Hotel Advokat
Classy elegance with décor in creams, whites and natural woods,the Hotel Advokat provide a stress free environment to unwind after a hectic day of business or sight-seeing. The glass floor to ceiling façade gives the impression of the exterior blending with the interior. Each of the 50 rooms is equipped to give you complete comfort. With central heating, minibar and cable TV to uninterrupted internet access, your stay will certainly be comfortable and relaxing. A lavish breakfast buffet is another feature of this hotel. Attention to detail with personal touch is the keyword of this hotel. Paintings, flower arrangements and busts have been carefully placed throughout the hotel demonstrating the bond between art and design. Centrally located, this hotel forms the base point from which to tour the sites of Munich. Munich's very first design hotel is sure to charm its guests into visiting it again and again.
Hotel Mercure Munchen Altstadt
This is a three star hotel located in the centre of Munich between Stachus and Marienplatz square. The S and U Bahn trains are at nearby Marienplatz. The 75 rooms are air conditioned with amenities like wi-fi broadband access, TV, minibar and safe. Non-smoking rooms are also available. Pets are also accepted at this hotel. There is facility for public parking opposite the hotel. The hotel also features a restaurant.
Olympic
The hotel is housed in a 19th century Victorian villa in the centre of Munich. However, the modern amenities provided have not diluted the old world charm. The interior of the hotel is characterized by high ceilings, white walls and a lot of wooden accessories. All the 32 tastefully furnished rooms follow a unique design scheme throughout. Most of the midsize bathrooms come with shower only. The spacious dining room echos memoriesof the grand bourgeoisie of the Industrial Revolution. This hotel is popular with journalists and actors. It also has a number of gay clients since it is in the vicinity of gay bars and hangouts.
Reinbold
The Reinbold is a very practical, down to earth hotel with no fancy trappings. It is just a few meters from the railway station. Well kept rooms with decent furnishings make for a comfortable stay. The rooms are equipped with a writing desk, radio, mini bar, cable TV and Wi-Fi internet access. Non smoking rooms are also available upon request. A lavish breakfast served in the breakfast room is the only meal served there. Guests can dine at the several restaurants in the neighborhood. Professional service from friendly staff make a stay in this hotel a pleasurable experience.
History and today in Munich
General Visa Information
A valid passport or other identification document is required by foreign nationals in order to enter Germany. The passport must be valid for a minimum of four months at least after entry into Germany or the Schengen area (The Schengen member states include: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden).
When to go
Munich, the capital of the largest federal state of Germany, Bavaria, is one of the most popular cities in the country. The best time of the year to visit Munich is from May to early October, when the city's numerous beer gardens, street cafes and bars are overflowing. Munich is bursting with tourists between May and September, when the weather is at its best, with temperatures ranging from 18 C to 23 C on an average. There are fewer visitors during April-May and September-October (with the exception of the Oktoberfest revelers in October) and these months are also a good time to visit as the weather is fine then too.
Fast Facts
Location:: Southeastern Germany, on the River Isar, north of the Bavarian Alps; Local City Name:: München Area: 310 sq km 120 sq miles Population: 1,338,000; Dialing code:: +49 89 Currency: Euro (€)
Exchange Rates
The currency used in Germany is the Euro (EUR).
Public Holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day January 6 - Epiphany March/April -Easter - Good Friday and Easter Monday May 1 - Labor Day Ascension Day - 10 days before Pentecost, the seventh Sun after Easter Whit-Monday - day after Whitsunday/Pentecost Corpus Christi - 10 days after Pentecost August 15 - Feast of the Assumption October 3 - Day of German Unity November 1 - All Saints' Day November 17 - Day of Prayer and National Repentance December 25 and 26 - Christmas
Annual Temperature
January: High 1 C° (34 F°) Low -5 C° (23 F°); February: High 3 C° (38 F°) Low -4 C° (25 F°); March: High 8 C° (47 F°) Low 0 C° (32 F°)
Munich Residents
Munich is Germany's third largest city. The city has a population of about 1.3 million. People are friendly, the atmosphere is good-humored and there are things to do all year round. The people of Munich are well-educated and there is a flourishing gay population. Underneath the fun-loving exterior of this city, there is also an underlying conservatism and resistance to both religious and political change.
Munich today
Munich, the capital of Bavaria is located on the Isar River. Its image is that of a high-spirited and festival-addicted city. There is an old charm to the city which combines with the energetic, cosmopolitan feel to provide the perfect mix. Munich is renowned for its architecture and culture. The city is a haven of culture, with a huge number of museums, a vibrant arts scene and the famous celebrations of Oktoberfest.
Munich History
Munich was established in 1158 by Henry the Lion who was the duke of Saxony and Bavaria. The city's name comes from the settlement near which it was situated, called Munichen. In 1255 it became the residence of the Wittelsbach family, the dukes of Bavaria. It became the capital of Bavaria in 1503. Munich developed into a leading cultural and artistic center under the 19th century kings Louis I, Maximilian II and Louis II. During this time it also played a leading role in the development of 19th and 20th century German painting.
Useful information
Shopping
Maximilianstrasse / Theatinerstrasse
Exclusive and elite boutiques can be found around Maximilianstrasse and Theatinerstrasse. In Maximilianstrasse you will discover numerous fashionable boutiques and fashion houses. You will also find here all the exclusive brands such as Louis Vuitton, Armani, Gucci and YSL amongst many more.
Rene Lezard
This is a stylish fashion house located on the most expensive shopping street of Munich, the Maxmillianstrasse. Here you can find all kinds of clothes ranging from sweaters and jackets to bags, shoes and colognes. They carry both men and women's range.
Fünf Höfe
For a more expensive shopping experience, you can visit the many stores, boutiques and galleries at the Fünf Höfe
Prada
This is a well-known international brand for women's clothes and accessories. The clothes and handbags are the biggest draw at this expensive store.
Karstadt
Karstadt is another upscale department store carrying wares ranging from clothes and accessories to Bavarian arts and crafts. There are ten stores all over Munich, the biggest of which is at the start of the Kaufingerstrasse shopping mall.
Kaufingerstrasse / Neuhauserstrasse
In the historic city center, you will find an extensive pedestrian-only shopping area. Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauserstrasse, the principal shopping streets, extend from the Hauptbahnhof to Marienplatz and then continuing north to Odeonsplatz. Both these streets are lined with large department stores and international chains, such as Zara, H&M, Mango, C&A, New Yorker, and various others.
Kaufhof
This is one of the largest stores in Munich, located in the city center at Marienplatz. It is on five floors in a building. Here you will find everything you can possibly think of from men's, women's, and children's clothing to house wares to groceries.
C & A
For a more reasonably priced alternative, the C&A department store in Marienplatz's walk zone, carries every item of clothing you may require.
Italian Stock House
This is the store to come to get quality buys at more affordable prices. They have branded items from Chanel and Gucci amongst others but you have to help yourself in finding the quality buys.
Kunst-Oase
This is an interesting shop located in Schwabing. They have many out of the ordinary items such as old street-signs, ornamental mirrors and sideboards.
Signature sights in Munich
Viktualienmarkt
This is a huge open-air food market selling everything from wiesswurst and beer to fruit and vegetables.
National Theater
Munich's opera history began in 1651 and since then has seen performances, including thoseof Verdi, Cavalli, Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner and Strauss. These composers make up a great share of today's programs. The Bavarian State Opera presents over 350 performances a year.
Schatzkammer
A separate ticket is needed to see the amazing treasures of the Schatzkammer. Founded in 1565, the Wittlesbach's treasury is on display in ten halls in the Konigsbau. The collected works are one of the most important of their kind with invaluable enamel, rock crystal and ivory work, crowns and royal insignia, religious art and unique goldsmith work from nine centuries.
Deutsches Museum
This is Munich’s biggest museum, located on an island in the River Isar. It covers every conceivable aspect of technical endeavour, from the first flint tools used to the research labs of modern industries.
Isartor (Isar Gate)
This gate located at Isartorplatz is one of the most well known landmarks of Munich. This tower was part of a wall that surrounded Munich and protected it from invaders.
Residenz ( Residence Palace Museum)
The Residenz was the palace of the Wittlebachs. It was first the political and cultural center of the first Dukes, then the Electors (from 1623) and finally the Kings of Bavaria (1806 – 1918). The various rulers furnished and extended the palace’s rooms to suit their personal tastes.
Festivals and events in Munich
Fasching Festival
Fasching or Carnival is a boisterous six week long festival consisting of street parties and balls. This carnival season is especially characterized by fancy dress balls. There are parades, masks and balls. A Carnival King and Queen are also elected.
Fruhlingsfest
This Spring Festival, held on the last Saturday in April, is a smaller version of the Oktoberfest festival. A fair and market called Auer Dult which is the largest market in Europe for tableware, are also part of this festival.
Munchner Stadtlauf
Munchner Stadtlauf or city run has been taking place for the past 25 years. The participation of thousands of people make this event a huge success. Runners can choose between a half marathon and a 10 kilometer run.
Munich Blade Night
Munich Blade Night is the world's largest inline skating event. Thousands of people participate in this event. Munich Blade Nights usually take place every Monday from May to two weeks before the Oktoberfest begins in September.
Music and Theatre Biennale
This festival is held every other year during the month of May.
Munich tours and experiences
Stattreisen München
This company offers a number of two hour walking and tram tours with commentary in German. Tours with English commentary are available for groups but must be booked in advance. Tours include those demonstrating the city's role in the rise and fall of Nazism and the history of Munich's beer brewing industry. Departure points vary depending on the tour chosen.
Munich Walk Tours
This company offers a number of 'Discover Munich' Walks, which take in all the major sightseeing places of the city. The assortment of walks include walks such as 'Hitler & the Third Reich' and the 'Dachau Memorial Walks'.
Gray Line Sightseeing
Buses giving sightseeing tours with commentary in both German and English leave from the square in front of the Hauptbahnhof. Tickets are sold on the bus. There are a number of different tours you can choose from.
Münchner Stadtrundfahrten
This company offers one hour 'Munich Highlights' city sightseeing trips by bus with commentary in German and English. These tours leave from Bahnhofsplatz and cover all the main sites, including the areas of Königsplatz, Schwabing and Maximilianstrasse. They also offer Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours with live guides. These bus tours stop at all the major tourist attractions where you can get on and off as you please.
Cityhopper Touren
This company runs a number of bicycle tours of the city. The two hour tours take in the main sights of the old city. The longer four hour tours also explore the city's parks and gardens. A minimum of six people is needed for the tour and the location of departure varies according to the tour chosen.
Mike's Bike Tours
These tours are the best for the lone traveler. Departure points and times are available on the website. The four hour tour departs from the Old Town Hall and visits the Old Town and English Garden while the longer 16 kilometer tour adds the Olympic Park and Nymphenburg Palace.
IPS München Sightseeing & Events
This company organises rafting tours on the River Isar.
Spurwechsel
This company also provides bicycle tours where you can visit Munich's main attractions. The beer tour is one of the preferred tours. Tours in English are available for groups of eight or more. Departure points change according to the tour chosen.
Munich masjids and Muslim travel
IGMG - Islamische Gemeinschaft
Landwehrstraße 25, 80336 München
Islamische Vereinigung
Bayern, Goethestr. 30, 80336 Munchen Tel: 089 53 81 96 96 www.islam.bayern.de Nationalities: Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Vietnam Main languages: Farsi, German, Arabic, Turkish
El Salaam (Islamische Foderation)
Schöttlstr. 5, 81369 München Tel: 089 54 37 06 48, -49 Nationalities: Arabic, others Main languages: Arabic, German
Verband der Islamischen Kulturzentren e.V. (VIKZ)
Landwehrstraße 61, 80336 München Tel: 089 51 61 96 84 www.vikz.de Nationality: Turkish Main language: Turkish
Islamische Gemeinschaft
Bergmannstr. 13, 80339 Munchen Tel: 089 5 02 55 25 Nationalities: North African countries Main languages: Arabic, German
DITIB – Türkisch-Islamisches Zentrum
Schanzenbachstraße 1, 81371 München Tel: 089 7 21 32 90 Nationality: Turkish Main language: Turkish
Transportation
Buses and Metro
Munich has a superb public transportation system and while the city center can be explored on foot, the attractions in the surrounding area can be easily reached by the public transport system. The Hauptbahnhof is the main central station of Munich. The bus station is right next to the train station. Tageskarte or day tickets for all public transport in the central city costs € 4.50. For travelling within Greater Munich - that is, within an 80km radius - a day card can be bought for € 11. The Munich Welcome Card, supplied by the Munich Tourist Office, is another option. It includes a roundtrip S-Bahn ticket to the city center, free public transportation in Munich, and discounts on museums and other tourist attractions.
Train
The German rail network is operated by Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) and is one of the most extensive networks in Europe. Tickets and information can be found at any station. There are rapid train connections to all major German cities and frequent services to all main European cities. For further information please visit www.bahn.de
Taxi
Taxis are very easily available but quite over-priced. The average taxi fare in Germany is aproximately €1.45 per kilometer with a minimum charge of € 2.70. For rides longer than 10km, the per-kilometer rate goes down to between € 1.30 and €1.20, depending on the distance
Car for hire
The main car rental companies have offices at the airport as well as within the main city. Information on car rental companies can be found under the heading 'Autovermietung' in the Yellow Pages of the city's phone book.
From the airport
Munich's Franz Josef Strauss Flughafen airport is connected to the Hauptbahnhof (the main train station) by S-Bahn 1 or 2. To reach central Munich using the S-Bahn, follow the S-Bahn signs to the commuter rail station in Munchen Airport Center. Tickets can be bought from vending machines or a ticket counter. The main stops include the Hauptbahnhof and the Marienplatz. The journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on the train and where you plan to get off.
Driving Tips
It is essential to know at least a few German words if you are planning on driving in Germany.
Health and Safety
Health & Safety
It is important to have proper medical insurance when traveling to Germany. Medical expenses are quite high and you should be well prepared. You should carry your own supply of medicines as well. Medicines are expensive, therefore it is better that you bring any you may need beforehand.
