"Munich" a Munich Travel Page by adyeast

We arrived in Munich via train from Frankfurt. We were welcomed with very cloudy, rainy, with a snowflake here and there, type weather. We walked from the train station to our hotel (~ 15 minutes). Our goal was to get out and head to the Marienplatz.

Marienplatz is a central square in the city center of Munich. In the Middle Ages markets and tournaments were held in this city square. The Glockenspiel in the new city hall was inspired by these tournaments, and draws millions of tourists a year.

Marienplatz was named after the Mariensäule, a Marian column erected in its centre to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation. It is home to Munich's Old City Hall and the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus).

In this photo you can see the column (in gold) and the glockenspiel in the tower behind the column.

The pedestrian zone between Karlsplatz (Stachus) and Marienplatz is a crowded area with numerous shops and restaurants.

We finished our day sight-seeing by stopping at Hofbräuhaus for a few refreshing beers. It was a great time! We enjoyed dining as the locals do where we shared a table with others. It was a fun way to meet other people!

Just outside the Residenz, the royal palace, there are some large bronze lions that watch the gates. Beneath them are some small lion heads attached to the pedestals. You'll notice that they are shiny bronze and not tarnished. This is because of passers by rubbing it for good luck. You don't have to feel silly - just watch the natives do it!