Munich Your Way: Private Tour with Architect & Guide

Discover Munich with Philipp—an architect and certified local guide who brings the city’s streets, stories, and hidden gems to life. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a personalized journey tailored to your interests. Before we begin, you’ll receive a short questionnaire to help shape the experience, whether you're drawn to royal history, architecture, modern and street art, or nature. Uncover Bavaria’s rich heritage in the old town with tales of the Wittelsbach dynasty, wander the museum district, and explore the expressive world of the Blauer Reiter. Dive into the city’s creative pulse—street art, underground culture, and bold local flavors. In bohemian Schwabing, admire Art Nouveau architecture and follow in the footsteps of Kandinsky and Thomas Mann. From the wild beauty of the Isar River and the peaceful English Garden to a grand Renaissance hall and a Rococo gem once graced by Mozart—Munich reveals itself in layers, just waiting to be explored.

We’ll begin in the very heart of Munich—Marienplatz, where the city’s success story began with the trade of “white gold” – salt. From there, we’ll make our way to St. Peter’s Church (Alter Peter), the oldest in the historic center, offering timeless views and stories. Just around the corner lies the lively Viktualienmarkt, a beloved food market full of local specialties and flavors. Next, we’ll dive into quirky legends—rooted in real history—at Munich’s first royal residence, the Alter Hof. Framing the square are the striking Old and New Town Halls, setting the stage for the centerpiece of the plaza: the Mariensäule, or Column of St. Mary. This iconic statue reveals fascinating insights into 18th-century Bavaria and the rise of its first Prince-Elector.

The most iconic building in Munich’s historic center is a true Gothic masterpiece—the Frauenkirche, rising to nearly 100 meters (328 feet). Built in the 15th century, it stands as a powerful symbol of the Wittelsbach royal family’s influence during the late Middle Ages. Inside, the legendary devil’s footprint offers a glimpse into the superstitions and stories of medieval life. Beneath this grand structure lies an even older layer of history: the site once housed a Romanesque chapel dating back to the 13th century, reflecting centuries of spiritual and architectural evolution.

Art and commerce in perfect harmony? You'll find it at one of Munich’s best-kept secrets: the elegant shopping arcade Fünf Höfe. Tucked away in the historic center, this architectural gem blends high-end boutiques with cutting-edge design and culture. Designed by the renowned Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron, it features the world’s largest living indoor art installation—a stunning fusion of nature, light, and contemporary creativity.

Munich surprises with one of the world’s most unique urban attractions—a standing surf wave right in the heart of the city. Set against the lush backdrop of the English Garden, this spot draws surfers year-round and adds a vibrant, unexpected twist to the historic surroundings. Just steps away is the museum Haus der Kunst, originally built during the National Socialist era. Today, it stands transformed—home to cutting-edge contemporary art and the stylish Goldene Bar, a local favorite for its atmosphere and creative cocktails.

Welcome to Schwabing, Munich’s legendary bohemian district, once home to Wassily Kandinsky, co-founder of the Blauer Reiter (Blue Rider) expressionist movement, and Thomas Mann, Nobel Prize-winning author. Their creative spirit still lingers in the air. Wander through streets lined with vibrant German Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) buildings, where whimsical, colorful, and organic designs bring a playful elegance to the neighborhood. To make your visit even more memorable, we’ll create our own spray-painted postcards inspired by the most extraordinary façades we’ve discovered—a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Munich’s artistic soul.

Dive into the wildly creative south of Munich, where street art, alternative culture, and urban innovation come together in unforgettable ways. Explore a landscape of graffiti-covered shipping containers, the legendary Wall of Fame, and the vibrant cultural hub Bahnwärter Thiel—a unique space housing artists, musicians, food stands, flea markets, a nightclub, and a community with unmistakable flair. Just next door, the repurposed excursion steamboat Alte Utting sits dramatically on a bridge, now transformed into one of Munich’s most unusual beer gardens. With food stalls, a café, and sunset views, it’s no wonder the New York Times asked: “Is Munich getting cool? Look for the boat on the bridge.” We’ll also explore the charming Dreimühlenviertel, once home to three water mills and the heart of Munich’s rafting history. Along the way, we’ll uncover real hidden gems—like Little Venice, the fairytale café Gans Woanders, and the Isar River, reshaped in 2009 into a wild, natural oasis.

Baroque grandeur, Rococo elegance, and royal dreams come together at Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace—a stunning 17th-century masterpiece built to celebrate the long-awaited birth of an heir to the Bavarian throne. Surrounded by expansive Baroque and English-style gardens, the palace hides four enchanting pavilions, each with its own charm. Step inside the dazzling Rococo Stone Hall, where a young Amadeus Mozart once performed for the royal family, and visit the famous Gallery of Beauties, curated by King Ludwig I himself. Stroll the grounds where royals once hunted, played an early version of golf, and floated through the canal in gondolas—just like in Venice. Nymphenburg isn't just a palace; it’s a journey into the lavish lifestyle and hidden stories of Bavaria’s royal past.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Neuschwanstein Castle is the crown jewel of King Ludwig II’s legacy—a fairy-tale fortress that fuses romantic medieval fantasy with groundbreaking 19th-century technology. From electric lighting and telephone lines to a liftable dining table, this dreamlike castle was ahead of its time. Set against a breathtaking Alpine backdrop, with the dramatic Marienbrücke bridge offering panoramic views, Neuschwanstein invites you to walk in the footsteps of one of Europe’s most visionary and enigmatic kings. But the magic doesn’t stop there—we’ll also visit Linderhof Palace, Ludwig’s most intimate and lavish residence, and the nearby Wieskirche, a stunning Rococo masterpiece that perfectly captures the artistic spirit of the era.