Discover Munich's sights: culture, tradition and Bavarian humour

Backstage in Munich's theatres: art and culture up close

Many people don't realise that Munich's theatres are insider tips: The theatres in the Isar metropolis are among the most renowned in Germany. More than 50 theatres offer Munich residents and visitors alike a varied programme of plays. Take a look behind the scenes and pay a visit to the German Theatre Museum in the Hofgarten. In addition to historical background information, you will also learn a lot about the European theatre scene. Admire elaborate costumes, stage designs and props. The museum also has the world's most extensive collection of theatre photography. As there are constantly changing special exhibitions, a visit to the theatre museum is a new experience every time and one of the real Munich tips.

From the main railway station, it is around a 25-minute walk to your museum destination at Hofgarten. Follow Arnulfstraße eastwards in the direction of Luisenstraße. From there, walk onto Elisenstraße and stroll along the street parallel to the Old Botanical Garden. At the end of the park, follow the road past Lenbachplatz and on to Maximiliansplatz. You will see the Wittelsbach Fountain on your left and the Schiller Monument at the end of the park. Turn onto Platz der Opfer des Nationalsozialismus. Turn right at the fork onto Brienner Straße until you reach Odeonsplatz. Walk along it and turn right at the fork to Galeriestraße until you reach this Munich landmark.

A green oasis in Munich: The Poet's Garden

Diagonally opposite the Theatermuseum you will find the Dichtergarten. Even among many long-established Munich residents, the Dichtergarten is still considered a real Munich insider tip. The small park is located right next to the famous Hofgarten. With its dense tree growth and hilly landscape, it has an enchanted air about it - but that also gives it a romantic flair. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this green island of tranquillity in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge your batteries for the next items on your programme.

Culinary delights in Munich: Traditional cuisine at Spatenhaus and Dallmayr

Lunch with a view: After your visit to the park, treat yourself to a small snack at the Spatenhaus an der Oper, around 500 metres away. This traditional Bavarian restaurant is located in the direct neighbourhood of the Bavarian State Opera. The building in which the restaurant is housed dates back to the 19th century and was built in the neo-Renaissance style. The Spatenhaus an der Oper offers its guests two types of hospitality: straightforward Bavarian on the ground floor and ambitious and opulent on the upper floor. The furnishings are in the Bavarian style and there are numerous details reminiscent of the rich history of Bavarian culture. The restaurant menu offers a wide selection of traditional Bavarian dishes such as veal sausage, pork knuckle and liver dumplings, as well as a large selection of wine and beer specialities.

Fancy a souvenir? Be sure to pay a visit to the Munich landmark, the Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus. Walk straight along Residenzstraße and follow Dienerstraße until you reach the imposing, ochre-yellow traditional shop. The Munich-based family business scores points with its customers for quality and style. Choose from around 6,000 products, such as cheese, wine, honey, jam and everything your gourmet heart desires. The famous Dallmayr fountain with its cherubs takes centre stage and fascinates young and old with its shellfish. The flagship store in Munich owes its fame above all to the TV adverts for the coffee brand, which were filmed on location. Take the opportunity to shop for a little something special for those at home.

Humorous Munich: Visit to the Valentin Karlstadt Museum

For fans of quirky humour, a visit to the Valentin Karlstadt Musäum in the towers of the Isartor is almost a must. The exhibition is a tribute to the Bavarian comedy duo Karl Valentin and Liesl Karlstadt. In the accompanying cinema, the two come back to life and make their audience laugh with original Bavarian humour.

Please note: Due to urgent fire safety renovations, the "Musäum" and the Café Turmstüberl are expected to be closed until the beginning of 2026!

The legendary "Musäum" is just 600 metres away from the Dallmayr House. Walk south along Dienerstraße and turn left onto Altenhofstraße. Follow Ledererstraße, continue on Dürnbräugasse and stroll left into the valley.

Bavarian lifestyle: stop off at the Tegernsee Valley Bräuhaus

After your visit to the museum, take the same route back and stop off at the Tegernseer Tal Bräuhaus to round off your day in Munich. An enjoyable piece of Tegernsee awaits you under the modern glass dome. Take a seat at one of the rustic wooden tables and savour Bavarian classics. A refreshing Tegernsee Hell on tap is of course a must.

Round off your day trip to Munich with a 20-minute walk: start in the valley, walk towards Viktualienmarkt and turn right onto Marienplatz. Follow Kaufinger/Neuhauserstraße until you reach Karlsplatz. Cross the road in the direction of Prielmayerstraße. Turn left into Schützenstraße and continue straight ahead until you reach the main railway station. On the train, you can replay your impressions of Munich's sights in your mind, or in the words of Karl Valentin: "Today is the good old days of tomorrow".

Listen to this episode of the DB Regio Bayern "Audio Guides and explore Bavaria's capital together with narrator Paul Sedlmeir. Discover Munich, the Isar metropolis with a heart!