On the banks of the Isar River, on the outskirts of the Bavarian Alps, is located Munich, capital of Bavaria and the third-largest city in Germany. It became a Monastery when the Duke of Bavaria permitted monks to set up a market at the crossroads between Salzburg and the river. The Monastery became a town.

In a ring of curved alleys, you can still see three of its beautiful ancient town gates following the lines of the Munich Medieval walls. Munich’s historical downtown is focused on the wide-open plaza, Marienplatz, where guests and residents take a break to watch the lively clock play their narrative two or three times a day.

Munich is a fun-loving city, known for its seasonal festivals and rich cultural calendar. Therefore, you should spend some time in Munich enjoying a festival, a colourfully decorated market or on a slice of one of the famous cakes in a pastry shop, together with a visit to the magnificent Churches and museums and palaces.

Munich inhabitants will also have a pleasant 900-acre English Garden amid their numerous public parks and gardens (Englischer Garten). Enjoy your visit to the city for at least a few days with this handy list of Munich’s best tourist sites and activities to do

Since the city was founded, the Marienplatz was the square of Munich, the location of mediaeval tournaments and the market until 1807. Apart from the huge new town hall, which covers a whole square, the Old Town Hall, which forms the portal at the far end.

In the wide-open plaza, there are the Mariensäule, a towering column of the Virgin Mary built in 1638, and the Fischbrunnen, a bronze fountain recovered from a fountain of the 19th century, which is newer. Marienplatz is well known for its shopping, shopping and dining venues and focuses on a huge Christmas Market and a festival scene The Marienplatz is the centre of attention

Everyone pauses to see the renowned Glockenspiel atop the Neues City Hall between 11 am and noon every day and at 5 pm from March to October, as its mechanical characters dine, snack and dance. It’s one of the most popular traditions of the city. You ought not to miss something. Take time to enjoy the complex masonry of the neo-gothic façade.

It is difficult to recall that this edifice was finished in 1892 just towards the end of the 19th century. The elevator leads to the central gallery of the 85-meter tower of the skyscraper, which offers views of the city. The Tourist Information Center is located in the City Hall and a Bavarian traditional restaurant is located at the back.

The Garden was designed as a military garden in 1785 and attracted 78 kilometres of walkways and steep slopes for walkers, joggers and bikers. This is also a nice spot for sunbathing and a picnic, so you may stop at the Chinese Tower, a 25-metre high pagoda for food or a drink…

In 1972, a genuine tea house, a gift honouring the Olympics of 1772, was built on an island at the southern end of the park. The Bavarian National Museum with its outstanding collection of mediaeval German sculptures and tapestries and a collection of Bavarian State archaeological items are also on show.

One of the park’s curiosities is Eisbachwelle, the wave generated from its subterranean course by the river Eisbach. Crowds gather to witness the antics of surfers; it’s a spectator sport and not for novices save for expert surfers.

The English Garden of Munich is not only the largest park in Germany but also one of the most beautiful, covering 910 acres. A natural collection of trees and plants offers constantly changing views and the impression of a natural environment is made up of nine kilometres of meandering streams and an artificial lake.