First-time travellers to Munich will marvel at the amazing sights and places of this beautiful city. As Munich is very compact and small with a good and reliable transport system, it is an easy city to travel around. In addition, it is possible to cover most of the following must-see sights on foot:

1. Marienplatz

Start your sightseeing tour at Marienplatz, Munich's central square since the foundation of the city in 1158. There are many brilliant sights clustered here such as the ?Mariens?ule? (Column St. Mary), the ?Fischbrunnen? (Fish Fountain) and Munich's Old City Hall. The Marienplatz, however, is dominated by the New City Hall, an impressive building of Neo-Gothic style. The famous ?Glockenspiel? in its tower also is a major tourist attraction.

2. Frauenkirche (Dom)

Near Marienplatz is the Frauenkirche (?Dom?). With its height of 99 m and its two towers with onion-shaped domes, it is the landmark of Munich and dominates the city center together with the New City Hall. Although the design of the catholic cathedral is quite simple, it is an amazing building.

3. Viktualienmarkt and Church St. Peter (Alter Peter)

Also next to Marienplatz, there is the ?Viktualienmarkt?, Munich's largest fruit and vegetable market. For a brilliant view of the city, you should visit the city's oldest church St. Peter, also called ?Alter Peter?, at Viktualienmarkt. If you manage to climb about 300 steps to the top of the tower, you will have a brilliant view.

4. Odeonsplatz and Church St. Kajetan (Theatinerkirche)

North of Munich's historic city center, there is the Odeonsplatz with the beautiful church St. Kajetan (Theatinerkirche) of baroque style and the Feldherrnhalle. The "Feldherrnhalle" at the Odeonsplatz was designed by Friedrich v. G'rtner and is a victory monument for the Bavarian army and its generals.

5. Residenz and Hofgarten

Also directly at the Odeonsplatz is the Residenz that used to be Munich's city castle and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings as well as the entrance to the Hofgarten. Although quite small, the Hofgarten is Munich's most central garden and very suitable for a break during your sightseeing or shopping tour.

6. English Garden

When you leave the Hofgarten in north-east direction, a path leads directly to the English Garden, the oldest and largest park in Munich. There are quite a few amazing sights in the park such as the Chinese Tower with its? huge beergarden, the artificial lake ?Kleinhesseloher See? as well as the highest viewpoint of the park, the Monopteros.

7. K'nigsplatz

After enjoying your time in the English Garden, you should explore other areas of Munich, maybe on the following day. The K'nigsplatz in the area Maxvorstadt was created on the model of the Acropolis in Athens. This square is highly impressive and there are also quite a few exhibition halls in its buildings such as the Glyptothek. If you want to explore more exhibitions, you should head for the Alte, Neue and Moderne Pinakothek as well as the Lenbachhaus which are important exhibition halls near K'nigsplatz.

8. Nymphenburg Palace

If you still have time left, the Nymphenburg Palace in the west of Munich is really worth a visit. The history of the origins of the brilliant Nymphenburg palace of baroque style and its gardens covers a period of more than 300 years. In the park of the Nymphenburg Palace, there are quite a few important places to visit such as the Amalienburg and the Pagodenburg. Next to the Nymphenburg Park, there is the Botanical Garden of Munich, one of the most important botanical gardens throughout the world.

9. Olympic Park with Olympic Tower

Another important, but very different and rather modern park is the Olympic Park in the north of Munich. In the summer of 1972, the XX Olympic Games were held in Munich. For this purpose, the Olympic Park was created. One of the most striking features of the Olympic Hall, the Olympic Stadium and the Swimming Centre is their common tent roof constructed of acrylic glass. The Olympic Park is the second largest park in Munich and popular not only for sports, but for other leisure activities and events as well.

10. Oktoberfest (Wies'n) at Theresienwiese

During late September every year, the Oktoberfest, one of the most famous public festivals throughout the world, starts at the Theresienwiese and lasts for about two weeks.

Of course, there are many more amazing sights in Munich. If you are in Munich during the summer, you should not miss visiting one of the numerous beergardens in the capital of Bavaria. Whether it is for a weekend city break or longer, any visitor to Munich will have an enjoyable and memorable experience.