Munich

Mario, Sissy and I spent a quick weekend taking in the sights of Munich. So come along on this adventure. 

     Last time, we were in Munich we only spent the night as we were passing through and  stayed near the Olympic Park. This time we stayed right in the heart, a few blocks from old town and the main train station.
     Due to road construction and some rain, it was around 3 hours to get here, but the drive wasn’t bad. We stayed in one of Marriott’s Luxury collection hotels. This hotel provided parking and was pet friendly, two big things I look for when traveling. From the second we arrived, the customer service was amazing! Every person we interacted with were so friendly and Sissy was quite a celebrity with the staff. As we checked in, we learned we were upgraded to a junior suite which gave us view of the city. Thank goodness for our Marriott status. As we explored our room, we saw the mini bar was complimentary and refilled daily, this was a first! Our room's windows offered a sun shaded and black out shades, both were helpful during our stay. 

     After taking in the views that our room offered, we headed out to explore. In front of our hotel is a pedestrian street which took us into old town. The main train station is located behind our hotel by a few blocks.  As we walked we window shopped and took in the views of the old buildings.

     One place I wanted to explore was the Frauenkirche or the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady church.  The two towers this church host were amazing. Mario stayed outside with Sissy so I could explore the inside of the church. While taking in the views of the stain glass windows and listening to the organ music.  This church was bombed during 1945. I learned for 7.50 euro for an adult one can travel up into the South Tower which offered amazing views of the city, so I decided to explore. First, you climb narrow spiral stairs which leads to an elevator which takes you to the top of the tower. Once at the top, you can walk around viewing all parts of the city from the different windows.  Some of the windows had interactive maps which pointed out key places around the city.  After I explored, I waited for the elevator to go back down and then headed outside to find Mario and Sissy.

​From there we continue our walk and came across the town hall or Neues Rathaus. Wow, the detail! Below the clock or glockenspiel,  there are figures.  Since it was almost 5pm, we figured we would wait to hear the bells. Little did we realize that the figures move. After some research we learned, the historical figures and the 43 bells, play at the hours of 11am, 12pm and 5pm. From April to October. The show is about 15 minutes. There is a smaller show at 9pm too.  I posted two videos so you can hear and see the show. ​

From here we head back towards the hotel, stopping in the Harry Potter store on the way. The decided we would explore the park 2 blocks from our hotel. Whenever I traveled with the dogs, I always look for grass for them, it makes potty breaks so much nicer. This park or botanical garden was nice and was established in 1812. There were food trucks and music by the Poseidon fountain. Definitely can see people enjoying this space in warmer weather. Sissy enjoyed all the new smells. I went back the next morning and got a picture of the fountain with no one there. When we arrived back at the room we were welcome to a little thank you gift.

The next day started with breakfast which is located on the 9th floor of the hotel. While eating I enjoyed the view of Munich.

The next day brought sunny skies and a few clouds.   First, we headed back into Old Town.  Our first stop was to see inside the St. Michael Jesuitenkirch church. It was so pretty. From there we walked towards the Munich Residence which is the former royal palace of Bavarian Monarchs, ending at the park behind it. We enjoyed the fountain and nice breezy while relaxing on a bench.  We took in the view of the Dianatempel a 17th century 12 sided structure dedicated to the goddess Diana. Then headed to  the bottom section of the English Garden, which is Munich’s largest park. It was a great place to wonder around. We came upon a family of swan. Then walked towards the  Eisbachwelle, which is known as a river surfing spot. There was an accident in April of this year (2025) which has closed this spot. Just to walk next to it, the current was so strong. From there we head back towards our hotel and relaxed the rest of the day. 

Later that night we went back to the Town Hall to see it lite up. 

The next morning we left and headed home. As we were leaving the city, we drove by the BMW museum and Olympic Park. Our next time in Munich we will explore these two places. We arrive early afternoon! Another great trip in the books.