Munich has many sights and attractions to offer. We show you the most impressive highlights of the city, which you should have on your screen as a photographer when you visit the Bavarian capital. Come along on a little foray that will leave you wanting more!
Munich is popular with tourists from all over the world. No wonder, Munich has something to offer for everyone: History, art, culture, good food and of course the delicious Bavarian beer. Buildings such as the New Town Hall on Marienplatz or Nymphenburg Palace are world famous. Munich also has a lively nightlife: In the countless bars and clubs you can party until dawn. For photographers this means: lots of great motifs! Here we give you a few suggestions for an exciting photo safari through Munich.
The pulsating heart of Munich is the Marienplatz. Since the 12th century it has been the center of the city. Over the centuries it has been the scene of many important historical events. Today, Marienplatz is Munich's hub, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the city's rich architectural heritage, diverse shopping opportunities and special Munich flair - never boring and always new!
The dominant building on Marienplatz is the New Town Hall, an impressive neo-Gothic building built between 1867 and 1908. The facade is richly decorated with statues depicting the history of Munich and Bavaria. A special attraction is the carillon in the tower of the New Town Hall. Every day at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. (and 5 p.m. in the summer months), the sound and spectacle of 43 bells and 32 life-size figures attracts many onlookers.
On the other side of the square stands the Marian Column, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Bavaria, who gave the square its name. The column was erected in 1638 during the Thirty Years' War to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation.
Not far from Marienplatz rises the church of St. Peter, affectionately known as "Alter Peter", the oldest parish church in Munich. It is worth climbing the 306 steps to the observation tower. From the platform you have a breathtaking 360-degree view over the city, which in clear weather reaches all the way to the Alps. For photographers, this viewing platform is an absolute highlight in the truest sense of the word: from here, you can take fantastic panoramic pictures of Munich and its surroundings.
Munich's Frauenkirche, officially "Cathedral of Our Lady," is the city's unmistakable landmark and an impressive example of late Gothic architecture. With its characteristic twin towers dominating the cityscape, the Frauenkirche is one of the most important sights that should not be missed during a visit to Munich.
Built in the 15th century, the Frauenkirche is a symbol of permanence and resilience. After severe damage during the Second World War, it was restored and today shines again in all its splendor. The simple yet majestic interior, with high Gothic vaults and magnificent stained glass windows, exudes an atmosphere of peace and devotion that deeply moves tourists and believers alike.
Top tip: The view from the almost 100 meter high towers of the church is especially recommendable. The viewing platform offers a breathtaking view of Munich's city center; in good weather even with a panoramic view of the Alps! An excellent opportunity for photographers to capture unique city panoramas and experience the impressive architecture of the church from a bird's eye view.
A culinary Paradise right in the center of Munich is the Viktualienmarkt with its lively hustle and bustle, undoubtedly one of the most important Munich attractions. Opened in 1807, today the market covers an area of 22,000 square meters and hosts over 140 stalls offering an unmissable variety of fresh food and delicacies from all over the world.
The intoxicating variety of scents and colors alone makes a visit to the Viktualienmarkt a first-class experience - and a real treasure trove for photographers! From fresh fruits and vegetables to exotic spices and cheeses to fresh fish and meat, you'll find everything your heart and stomach desire. Specialty stalls tempt with delicacies such as truffles, caviar and homemade pasta. In the middle of the market there is a beer garden where you can enjoy a cool half (or Maß).
Here, photographers have a unique opportunity to capture an unspoiled piece of Munich in all its facets. The diversity of the stalls, the liveliness of the people and the colorfulness of the products offer countless exciting photo motifs, especially in the early morning when the merchants prepare their goods for the day.
Whether you're a passionate foodie who wants to experience the local culture, or you're just looking for interesting photo opportunities, a visit to the Viktualienmarkt is a must when visiting Munich!
One of Munich's most magnificent buildings, Nymphenburg Palace, should take pride of place in your itinerary, so to speak. Originally built as the summer residence of the Bavarian ruling family of the Wittelsbach dynasty, this Baroque masterpiece bears witness to the splendor, power and wealth of bygone times.
In the main building of the castle, you are immersed in an architectural wonderland: opulently furnished rooms and halls that reflect royal splendor of the 17. and 18th century reflect. Impressive frescoes, gilded decorations and precious works of art adorn its interiors. Especially recommended: the "Gallery of Beauty" with portraits of the most beautiful women of the 19th century.
The castle's extensive gardens also provide a stunning backdrop for walks and photo shoots. The carefully landscaped castle park is dotted with statues, fountains and a beautiful canal system. It is also home to four smaller castles scattered around the grounds. Particularly impressive is the Amalienburg, a small hunting lodge in the middle of the park, which is one of the most precious testimonies of the European Rococo.
For photographers, Nymphenburg Palace is a true paradise. The magnificent facade of the main building, the idyllic gardens and the picturesque water features are just a few examples of many top photo locations to be found here.
As one of the largest city parks in the world, the English Garden in Munich offers an incomparable mix of scenic beauty, cultural offerings and recreational opportunities. This "green lung" of over 400 hectares is naturally also rich in great photo motifs.
As soon as you enter the English Garden, you will be amazed by its spacious meadows and picturesque streams. The park is crisscrossed with idyllic paths that lead to hidden gems like the Japanese Tea House, the Monopteros Round Temple and the Chinese Tower. One of the "hotspots" in the English Garden is the Eisbachwelle, a standing wave that is known far beyond Munich among surfers: a photo motif you shouldn't miss!
And the English Garden is also known for its numerous beer gardens, of which it is one of the largest at the Chinese Tower. Here life pulsates with beer and Bavarian delicacies and offers opportunities for exciting snapshots.
The English Garden is worth a visit in all seasons. Whether you want to capture the soft colors of spring, the bright greens of summer, the golden hues of fall, or the quiet beauty of winter, the English Garden provides a gorgeous photo backdrop all year long.
When you think of Munich and Bavaria, images of lederhosen, dirndls, pretzels and, of course, beer immediately come to mind. And there is no better place to experience and photograph these symbols of Bavarian lifestyle in all their glory than the famous Hofbräuhaus in Munich.
The Hofbräuhaus, originally founded in 1589 as a royal brewery, has become a landmark of Munich and a synonym for Bavarian hospitality and lifestyle over the centuries. The monumental building in the old town impresses even from the outside with its magnificent architecture. But the real magic unfolds when you enter the interior of the Hofbräuhaus.
With its richly decorated wood paneling, long tables and benches, and traditionally dressed waiters, the Hofbräuhaus offers a wonderful atmosphere and reflects the Munich lifestyle like no other place.
A special highlight for photographers is the so-called "glut". Here, regular guests have their own beer mug, marked with their name, which is kept in a locked cabinet. However, it is not only the atmosphere that makes the Hofbräuhaus so interesting for photographers. It is also the people - the guests and employees - who fill the house with life. Their stories, their joy and their passion for Bavarian tradition create this unique atmosphere of the Hofbräuhaus. So be sure to take time for a photographic foray through the Bavarian soul!
Although much younger than many buildings steeped in history, the Olympic Tower is another Munich landmark and also the tallest building in the city. With its 291 meters, the tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area all the way to the Alps - clearly another "must-see" for photographers on a tour of Munich.
Built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, the Olympic Tower is more than just a vantage point. It also houses a revolving restaurant, the "Restaurant 181" at 181 meters, which rotates around its own axis once an hour. This allows guests to enjoy a 360-degree view while they dine - a culinary experience that is not available everywhere.
And of course, the Olympic Tower provides an excellent photo platform to capture the Munich skyline. With the right equipment and in good weather, you can take impressive panoramic shots of the city here.
Art is an integral part of Munich's culture and way of life, and no visit to the city would be complete without a trip to Munich's famous Pinakothek museums: Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Museum Brandhorst and the Schack Collection.
The Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest galleries in the world, houses an impressive collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to the mid-18th century. The Pinakothek der Moderne, one of the most important museums of modern art in Germany, displays a unique collection of art, graphics, architecture and design of the 20. and 21st century. The building's modern architecture with its clean lines and spacious, light-filled rooms provides an excellent backdrop for creative photo shoots.
The ensemble of the Pinakothek museums is rounded off by the Brandhorst Museum, which focuses on contemporary art. Its colorful facade, consisting of 36,000 glazed ceramic rods in 23 different colors, is not to be missed by photographers.
The Schack Collection, on the other hand, focuses on 19th-century art, especially Romanticism, and presents a top-class collection of works by German artists. This makes it an insider tip for art lovers. The Pinakotheken are clearly another favorite on our list of top locations for photographers - after all, here more than anywhere else, it's all about a skill that is also necessary for good photos: creativity!
As you can see, Munich has a lot to offer for every taste. From the imposing Nymphenburg Palace to Marienplatz square with its magnificent town hall and carillon - there is much to discover here. But Munich is also worth a trip away from the tourist hot spots: cozy beer gardens, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere invite you to linger and enjoy. So if you are looking for an exciting city break with countless beautiful photo motifs, you should definitely come to the Bavarian metropolis.
