City Sightseeing Tour Munich
Explore Munich’s historical and cultural core, from royal residences to vibrant markets and iconic landmarks, with your personal driver-guide.
Begin in medieval Old Town to trace Munich’s royal lineage at Alter Hof and the Residenz, then admire the onion domes of Frauenkirche and experience the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz. Taste local tradition at Hofbräuhaus and wander the lively Viktualienmarkt before discovering sacred artistry in Munich’s major churches and reflecting at Ohel Jakob synagogue. Finish with views of Nymphenburg Palace and the city’s contemporary landmarks, including BMW Welt and the Olympic Area.
Key Information
- Duration: 4 hours
- Vehicles: Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series (3 pax), Mercedes V-Class (7 pax)
- Multilingual driver-guide
- Light walking
Suggested Itinerary
Odeonsplatz: the Odeonsplatz in Munich is one of the city's most historic locations. The square was laid out under Ludwig I, who wanted to transform Munich into a cultural center in the style of the Renaissance and Classicism. On November 9, 1923, Odeonsplatz was the scene of Hitler's failed coup. Today, the square regularly hosts various cultural events, such as “Klassik am Odeonsplatz” (Classical Music at Odeonsplatz).
Directly on Odeonsplatz, you stand in front of the Feldherrnhalle, with the Theatinerkirche church to its right and the Munich Residenz to its left. From Odeonsplatz, you can walk directly to the Hofgarten, an Italian Renaissance-style garden, where you can relax and unwind.
Maximilianeum: the "Maximilianeum" in Munich is not only an architectural monument, but also a place steeped in history and political significance.
The Maximilianeum was completed in 1874 in the Neo-Renaissance style — King Maximilian II. wanted to create an educational institution for gifted young men from Bavaria and the Palatinate—and the “Maximilianeum Foundation” still houses LMU scholarship holders today.
Since 1949, the Maximilianeum has been the seat of the Bavarian State Parliament.
Max-Joseph Platz: the Max-Joseph-Platz is a place of Bavarian high culture, with a monument to Max Joseph II standing in its center.
Built in 1802 in classical style, the square is home to Munich's national theater: the Bavarian State Opera. The Residenz and the Residenztheater, the Palais Toerring-Jettenbach, and the Residenz and Königsbau are also located here. Overall, the architecture, political significance, and naming of the square are closely linked to Napoleon's reorganization of Europe.
Hofbräuhaus, Tal, Isartor: from the Hofbräuhaus across the "Tal" (the "valley") to the Isartor! The "Hofbräuhaus am Platzl" is the most famous "beer palace" in the world. It was founded in 1589 to supply the Bavarian court with beer and has been open to the public since 1828. It has its own banquet hall, over a hundred regulars' tables, beer mug cabinets, and brass band music every day!
The „Tal“ was created in 1253 as a trade route with inns and workshops and was part of the old salt road to Switzerland – today it is a shopping street with restaurants and a pedestrian zone. The Tal leads to the Isartor, which was built in 1337 under Ludwig the Bavarian as part of the old city wall. Even after its restoration in 1833–1835, it has remained a medieval original. And if you're looking for something to smile about, you'll find the Valentin-Karlstadt-Musäum here!
Maximilianeum: the "Maximilianeum" in Munich is not only an architectural monument, but also a place steeped in history and political significance.
The Maximilianeum was completed in 1874 in the Neo-Renaissance style—King Maximilian II wanted to create an educational institution for gifted young men from Bavaria and the Palatinate—and the “Maximilianeum Foundation” still houses LMU scholarship holders today. Since 1949, the Maximilianeum has been the seat of the Bavarian State Parliament.
Friedensengel: the "Angel of Peace" – the „Friedensengel“ is a symbol of peace—an architectural masterpiece and a popular viewpoint—and was completed in 1899 to commemorate 25 years of peace after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71.
The monument is 38 meters high and consists of a Greek temple, a 23-meter-high Corinthian column, and a 6-meter-high statue of Nike, the goddess of victory. The temple is decorated with mosaics depicting war, victory, peace, and cultural blessings, as well as portraits of personalities such as Emperor Wilhelm I and King Ludwig II. Every year in July, the Peace Angel Festival takes place around the monument, offering music, culture, and culinary delights over several days.
Prinzregentenstraße, Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Eisbach: the Prinzregentenstraße is Munich's last grand boulevard – laid out in 1891 under Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria – characterized by Baroque-inspired Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism. Here you will find the Prinz-Carl-Palais, the Haus der Kunst, the Prinzregententheater, the Villa Stuck, and the Bavarian National Museum, which was founded in 1855 by King Max II and now houses numerous art and craft collections.
For a walk and a break, we recommend the nearby Eisbach, an artificial tributary of the Isar, which was created around 1789. A popular place to linger is the famous Eisbach wave, where surfers show off their skills.
Museumsinsel - Museums district: Munich's Museum Island is located in the middle of the Isar River and is home to the world-famous Deutsches Museum – an absolute must for every visitor to Munich. The Museum Island combines science, technology, and city history in a fascinating way.
The island used to be called “Kohleninsel” (Coal Island): since the Middle Ages, wood and charcoal transported on rafts across the Isar River were stored here. From 1772 onwards, there was a barracks and a parade ground here. With the construction of the Deutsches Museum in 1906, the island was redefined and given its current name.
Königsplatz: the Königsplatz in Munich is an architectural masterpiece and a place with a complex history – from classical splendor to dark chapters of the 20th century.
From 1806 onwards, Königsplatz was planned under Crown Prince Ludwig based on the model of the Acropolis in Athens – as part of his concept of an “Isar Athens”: European classicism – with Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian column orders reminiscent of ancient temple architecture.The redesigns from the Nazi era were reversed in the 1980s.
Here you will find the Glyptothek, the State Collection of Egyptian Art, the Propylaea, and the Lenbachhaus.
The square is regularly the venue for music events, film screenings, and demonstrations – but it is also a place to relax: particularly popular with Munich residents for sunbathing, reading, and taking photos.
Löwenbräu: first mentioned in 1524, Löwenbräu is not only one of Munich's best-known beer brands, but also a piece of living city history. The Löwenbräukeller on Stiglmaierplatz, which opened in 1883, is particularly popular with tourists and locals alike.
The building is constructed in a historicist style and features a large ballroom, a beer garden, and the famous mechanical lion that has been roaring at Oktoberfest since 1950. Concerts and strong beer festivals are held here, as well as political events – and, of course, traditional Bavarian cuisine is served. Löwenbräu was one of the first German breweries to export on a large scale, including to France, Belgium, and the USA.
Nymphenburger Kanal: the Nymphenburg Canal is much more than just a waterway—it is a Baroque masterpiece. The canal is a symbol of royal representation and a popular place for walks, photo shoots, and even winter sports.
Duke Max Emanuel had the five-kilometer-long canal built between 1701 and 1704 as part of an ambitious canal system connecting the residences of Nymphenburg and Schleißheim.
Baroque landscape architecture at its finest: the canal served not only for transportation, but also for the display of power and aesthetics – very much in the spirit of French garden design: The canal extends the axis of Nymphenburg Palace into the city center – a representative visual axis and an urban planning statement.
In winter, when it freezes over, the canal is transformed into an ice rink, inviting visitors to enjoy ice skating and „Eisstockschießen“ – (curling).
Schloß Nymphenburg: the Nymphenburg Palace is one of Europe's most important royal palaces, combining Baroque splendor, court history, and nature. Elector Ferdinand Maria had the palace built as a gift for his wife Henriette Adelaide on the occasion of the birth of their heir to the throne, Max Emanuel. Construction began in 1664.
For centuries, the palace served as a retreat for the Bavarian ruling family – the famous “Fairy Tale King” was born here in 1845 – his birth room is now part of the exhibition.
The palace houses the “Stone Hall” – a magnificent banquet hall with ceiling frescoes and stucco work – and the Gallery of Beauties, which displays portraits of women whom King Ludwig I considered particularly beautiful, including his mistress Lola Montez. Historic carriages, sleighs, and riding equipment can be admired in the Royal Stable Museum. The “Nymphenburg Porcelain Museum” presents the famous porcelain manufactory, which has been associated with the palace since the 18th century.
The 180-hectare palace park with canals, lakes, bridges, several park castles, and enchanted paths is freely accessible and ideal for walks.
BMW and Olympic park: BMW Welt & Museum – where technology meets design! BMW was founded in 1916 and began by building aircraft engines, later expanding into motorcycles and cars. Opened in 1973, the futuristic BMW Museum showcases over 100 years of company and technology history – featuring legendary vehicles, prototypes, design studies, and even James Bond cars.
BMW Welt: an interactive exhibition of the BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce brands – with vehicle delivery, shop, restaurants, and events.
BMW Four-Cylinder Tower: company headquarters and architectural landmark – directly opposite the museum.
The Olympic Park was built between 1967 and 1972 on the former Oberwiesenfeld for the XX. The famous tent roof symbolizes lightness and openness – a counterpoint to monumental sports venues.
Today, the Olympic Stadium and Olympic Hall are frequently used as venues for concerts and events.
The 291-meter-high Olympic Tower with its viewing platform and revolving restaurant is a “high point” in the truest sense of the word! Currently closed for renovation until 2026.
Special tips: Walk of Stars & Tent Roof Tour: Handprints of celebrities at the Olympic Lake and climbing tours over the stadium roof.
Ludwigstraße: the Ludwigstraße is a prime example of classic 19th-century urban planning and, alongside Maximilianstraße, Prinzregentenstraße, and Brienner Straße, is one of Munich's four major boulevards. It impressively combines history, architecture, and political symbolism.
Construction began in 1816: at the behest of Crown Prince Ludwig, the street was laid out from 1816 onwards as part of the northern expansion of the city by architect Leo von Klenze and later by Friedrich von Gärtner. In 1822, the former “Schabinger Landstraße” was renamed “Ludwigsstraße.” The street was intended to make the “pillars of the empire” visible – science, art, religion, and government. Among the special buildings on Ludwigstraße are the Feldherrnhalle, the Ludwigskirche, the Bavarian State Library, the Ludwig Maximilian University, and the Siegestor.
Ludwigstraße runs in a straight line from Odeonsplatz to the Siegestor as an architectural axis – an impressive walk through Munich's classicist heart.
Theresienwiese: the Theresienwiese is much more than just the venue for the world-famous Oktoberfest – it is a place with deep historical roots, political significance, and urban diversity – right in the heart of Munich.
The “Wiesn” is named after Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. She was the bride of Crown Prince Ludwig, later King Ludwig I. The occasion was their wedding on October 12, 1810, which was celebrated on October 17 with a big horse race – the origin of Oktoberfest!
The meadow has also been the scene of political events time and again: the 1918 rally with 60,000 participants triggered the November Revolution in Bavaria, and in 1938, the “Anschluss” of Austria was celebrated there at a Nazi mass rally with 500,000 participants.
Today, the Theresienwiese is best known for the annual Oktoberfest – with over 6 million visitors, it is the largest folk festival in the world: huge beer tents, large fairground rides, and Bavarian joie de vivre.
The monumental Bavaria statue on the western edge watches over everything – with a view across the entire meadow.
In addition to Oktoberfest, many winter, spring, and summer events take place here: the Tollwood Winter Festival, the “Frühlingswiesn” (Spring Festival), circuses, concerts, and markets – Theresienwiese is lively all year round.
Recreational area: Outside of festival season, Theresienwiese is a popular place for ice skating, walking, flying kites, or simply taking a deep breath in the middle of the city.
With its large pedestrian zone, Munich's city center offers a wide range of inner-city attractions. Even if you can't drive directly to all of them, we'll take you as close as possible! And perhaps you'd like to end the day in the countryside—maybe with a trip to Lake Tegernsee in the foothills of the Alps.
Ready to explore Munich?
Pricing
City Sightseeing Tour Munich
€ 390,- (incl. 19% VAT) / 4 hours and 80 km, up to 7 pax
Additional hour if requested: € 97,- (incl. 19% VAT)