Altstadt Travel Guide

Get a comprehensive tour guide on Altstadt in Munich, including information on places to visit, hiking, biking, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety, transportation options, and nearby destinations and excursions.


A Complete Guide to Altstadt, Munich, Germany

Located in Upper Bavaria, Munich, Germany, Altstadt is a historical district that is known for its cultural landmarks, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere. Known as the “Old Town” of Munich, Altstadt is a must-visit for travelers looking for a taste of Bavarian culture and history.

Introduction to Altstadt

Altstadt is a charming district of Munich, characterized by cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and stunning architecture. It is considered the historic center of Munich, which reflects the city’s ancient culture. Located just a few miles from the famous Marienplatz Square, Altstadt is a place where travelers can experience the spirit of Munich’s rich heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Altstadt

Altstadt is home to several museums, galleries, architectural landmarks, and historical buildings. Here are some of the must-visit places in Altstadt:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Alte Pinakothek: A prestigious art museum that houses over 700 European paintings from the 14th century to the 18th century.
  • Munich Residenz: Built in the late 14th century, this palace complex is one of Munich’s most famous landmarks.
  • Frauenkirche: Constructed in the 15th century, this cathedral is an iconic religious monument in Munich.

Natural Attractions of Altstadt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • English Garden: This beautiful park, spans over 900 acres, and features stunning gardens, walking trails, and even a river for swimming.
  • Nymphenburg Palace: With its stunning Baroque architecture, sprawling gardens, and breathtaking fountains, Nymphenburg Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Munich.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Altstadt

Altstadt is home to several hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the city. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Isar River Walk: Enjoy a scenic stroll along the banks of the Isar River, located just a few steps from the heart of Altstadt.
  • Viktualienmarkt: This local market is a great place to walk around and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Best Things to Do in Altstadt: Activities and Tours

Altstadt is known for its bustling atmosphere, vibrant culture, and rich history. Here are some of the best things to do in Altstadt:

  • Experience the world-famous beer halls and beer gardens of Munich, including the famous Hofbräuhaus.
  • Explore the history of Munich by using a local walking tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Altstadt

If you’re planning a weeklong trip to Altstadt, here is a sample itinerary that will ensure you get the most out of your stay:

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the old city center, visit the Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus, and Frauenkirche
Day 2 Visit the Nymphenburg Palace and Gardens, followed by an afternoon at the Englischer Garten.
Day 3 Visit the Munich Residenz and discover the many beautiful buildings within its grounds.
Day 4 Take a day trip to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Day 5 Visit the Alte Pinakothek art museum and explore the nearby shopping districts.
Day 6 Go on a food and beer tour around Munich, visiting some of the famous beer halls and restaurants.
Day 7 Explore the Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest science and technology museum.

Food and Drink Scene of Altstadt

Bavarian cuisine is known for its hearty and savory dishes, such as sausages, bread, and beer. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Weißwurst: A traditional Bavarian sausage made with veal and pork.
  • Brezen: Large soft pretzels that are a popular snack throughout Munich.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Germany is famous for its beer and Munich is no exception. Try some of the local breweries to experience a traditional Bavarian beer hall.
  • Wine: Germany is also known for its wine, try the Franken wine while in Munich.

Where to Stay in Altstadt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Altstadt has a variety of places to stay that cater to all budgets. Here are some of the best options:

  • Hotel Torbräu: This is one of Munich’s oldest hotels, with a history that dates back to 1490. The hotel is located near Marienplatz, providing easy access to many Munich’s highly visited locations.
  • Jaeger’s Munich: A bright and vibrant guesthouse located right in the heart of Altstadt.
  • Euro Youth Hotel Munich: located within walking distance of Marienplatz, offering comfortable accommodation and access to several amenities.

What to Buy in Altstadt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Munich, treat yourself to some of the following:

  • Beer steins and glasses.
  • Traditional Bavarian outfits, such as “Tracht,” which includes lederhosen for men and dirndls for women.

Local Culture and Customs of Altstadt

Bavarian culture is rooted in tradition and customs. Visitors can experience the local way of life by indulging themselves with the famous Bavarian cuisine, beer halls, and festivals, such as the Oktoberfest.

Best Time to Visit Altstadt

The best time to visit Altstadt is during the summer, between May and September, when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, this time of the year is also the high season and tourist crowds can be hectic. If you prefer a lower key experience, you could visit the city in Spring (April-May) or in winter (December-February).

Do’s and Don’ts of Altstadt

Here are some of the things you should do and avoid when you’re staying in Altstadt:

Do:

  • Familiarize yourself with the local culture and etiquette of the Bavarian people.
  • Try local food and drinks.
  • Take part in annual festivals, such as the Oktoberfest.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter in public spaces.
  • Do not raise your voice or behave disrespectfully to locals.

Safety and Health

Altstadt is one of Germany’s safest districts, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.

Safety in Altstadt

  • Stay vigilant in busy public spaces, such as crowded public transport, when people may try to steal your belongings.
  • Ensure your bag is zipped and tucked under your arm when in crowded spaces.

Health in Altstadt

  • Pack adequate sunscreen and mosquito protection during the summer months when spending time in the park and gardens.

Getting to Altstadt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here is a list of transportation options for getting to Altstadt:

Airports Near Altstadt

  • Munich International Airport

Bus Stations Near Altstadt

  • Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof Munich)

Other Options

  • S-Bahn (suburban train) and U-Bahn (Underground train) systems provide easy access to Altstadt and other surrounding districts.

How to Get Around in Altstadt

Altstadt is a walkable district, and you can use public transportation to get to other parts of the city or surrounding regions. Trams, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn (underground trains) are all popular and affordable options for getting around Munich.

Where to Go Next from Altstadt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Munich offers many great destinations to explore beyond Altstadt. Here are some of the recommended places:

  • Olympic Park Munich
  • Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • The charming old town of Augsburg.

Conclusion

Munich’s Altstadt is an ancient district steeped in the city’s rich history, culture, and traditions. With its cozy beer gardens, beautiful architectural landmarks, beautiful parks, and dynamic atmosphere, Altstadt offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience to any traveler who visits it. With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to dive headfirst into the heart of Munich and discover all the wealth of experiences the city has to offer.

Frauenkirche seen from Peterskirche Tower Frauenkirche seen from Peterskirche Tower Old City Hall Old City Hall Feldherrnhalle Feldherrnhalle Antiquarium banqueting hall Antiquarium banqueting hall Bavarian State Chancellery Bavarian State Chancellery Theatinerkirche on Odeonsplatz Theatinerkirche on Odeonsplatz Karls gate at night Karls gate at night Ohel Jakob Synagogue Ohel Jakob Synagogue Neues Rathaus and Marienplatz Neues Rathaus and Marienplatz Standard and Nürnberger sausages Standard and Nürnberger sausages Hofbräuhaus: Hofbräuhaus: "oans, zwoa, g'suffa!" Goldene Bar behind Haus der Kunst Goldene Bar behind Haus der Kunst Müllerstraße has many bars and clubs Müllerstraße has many bars and clubs Kaufingerstraße is a main shopping street Kaufingerstraße is a main shopping street