Munich: many leisure activities, from art to shopping

Munich enjoys an unbelievable wealth of landmarks, historical sights and important places of cultural interest such as the Frauenkirche, the Munich Residence, Nymphenburg Palace, the 42 museums and over 70 galleries. The uniquely diverse cultural offerings provide a daily variety of leisure activities and lasting impressions. Munich can also hold its own with other world metropolises when it comes to art: The Alte (Old) and Neue (New) Pinakothek art galleries house masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, Tiepolo, Corinth, Klimt, Schiele and many more. The Pinakothek der Moderne gallery displays many works from the likes of Max Ernst, Dali, Lehmbruck and Beuys. And the Haus der Kunst, dedicated to avant-garde art and performance, to name only a few of the most important. The multitude of museums and galleries is a real paradise for art lovers.

But Munich also has plenty to offer when it comes to striking architecture: The futuristic and architecturally unique BMW Welt (BMW World), Stefan Braunfels' innovative Pinakothek der Moderne, and of course architectural classics such as the Olympic Park, designed by Günther Behnisch and Frei Otto. The impressive new Allianz Arena, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is a must for football fans. Time and again Munich is called "the northernmost city in Italy". There are many reasons for this: The architecture along the world famous Maximilianstrasse and on Ludwigstrasse is reminiscent of the cityscapes of Milan or Verona. But also that particular light reserved for glorious sunny days has a distinctly southern feel.  And the southern flair is emphasised by the many Italian restaurants.

In Munich you can enjoy an almost Mediterranean lifestyle - also in the beer gardens and street cafés, the well-kept green areas in the Englischer Garten (English Garden) and along the Isar River. In the Haus der Kunst, which is a constant talking point thanks to its progressive exhibitions, you will catch a glimpse of the Eisbach (ice brook), where the courageous surfers are the centre of attention. If you count shopping as a leisure activity, Munich has much more to offer than just the city centre. The hip, fashionable districts such as Schwabing, Haidhausen or Glockenbachviertel are definitely worth a visit.

Distances from the city sights

• Theresienwiese / Oktoberfest: 1 km
• Pinakothek art gallery: 1.5 km
• Marienplatz: 1.5 km
• Frauenkirche: 1.6 km
• Hofbräuhaus: 2 km
• Olympic park: 3 km
• Deutsches Museum (German Museum): 3.2 km
• Tierpark Hellabrunn zoo: 6.8 km
• Englischer Garten park: 7.2 km