Private History Munich Tour: Iconic Sights and WWII Landmarks

The Munich New Town Hall building is a splendid example of German Neo-Gothic architecture, housing the city council since 1907. Undoubtedly, it is the most iconic structure in the city, featuring figures of rulers, city bishops, renowned historical figures, and characters from Bavarian legends on its facade. Among them is the city's patron - the Munich Child, crowning the tower. Here, you will learn about the history of the New Town Hall's construction and enjoy a performance by the figurines on the tower. These figurines, set in motion daily by the tolling of bells, reenact fascinating historical events to the amazement of the audience. Our guide will be delighted to share the stories behind these captivating performances with you. The tower also features an observation deck that you can reach via an elevator, offering panoramic views from a height of 85 meters, allowing you to marvel at the city's breathtaking beauty from a literal bird's-eye perspective.

The Old Town Hall is a prominent feature in the eastern part of Marienplatz. The building was constructed in the 1470s and 1480s by Jörg von Halsbach, partially destroyed during World War II, and subsequently reconstructed in 1975. Today, the Old Town Hall is home to the remarkable Toy Museum.

The oldest parish church in Munich, founded back in the 12th century and situated near Marienplatz. Architecturally, this cathedral is unique in its own right - it began construction as a Gothic structure in the Middle Ages but was completed in the Renaissance period as a Baroque church. The tower of St. Peter's Cathedral, standing at a height of 91 meters, is one of the city's symbols. The residents of Munich refer to it as "Old Peter." If you desire, you can ascend it, but to do so, you'll need to conquer 294 steps. However, the view of Munich from a bird's-eye perspective is truly something special.

Head over to Viktualienmarkt to experience its unique atmosphere and discover a wide range of offerings to suit your preferences. Delight in the enticing aromas of one of Germany's most renowned markets, and receive valuable recommendations from your local guide on what items to purchase and which stalls to explore.

One of Munich's most renowned symbols is the city's main cathedral, Frauenkirche. In its place, during the 13th and 14th centuries, there stood another church. However, in 1468, the first stone of the new church was laid, and it would later become the familial burial place of the Wittelsbach dynasty. The immense brick cathedral, measuring 109 meters in length and 40 meters in width, was constructed relatively quickly under the guidance of the master builder Jörg von Halsbach, although both hundred-meter towers were only completed in 1525. Their distinctive feature is the original onion-shaped domes. In front of the entrance to the Cathedral of Our Lady in Munich, there is an unusual footprint that, according to legend, belongs to the Devil himself. Allow your guide to share this fascinating legend with you.

The Munich Residenz is situated in the heart of Munich and is one of the most magnificent imperial palaces in the world. The palace comprises 130 rooms and 10 inner courtyards, and it was constructed by nearly every generation of the Wittelsbach dynasty, possibly the oldest royal family in the world. The Residenz embodies a fusion of various architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century, spanning a construction period of nearly 600 years. However, a substantial portion of the buildings had to be reconstructed after World War II. Fortunately, many of the furnishings and valuable works of art were successfully evacuated during the advance of Allied forces. Today, the Residenz houses the Bavarian Academy of Sciences, along with several museums that host various exhibitions on an ongoing basis.

The Theatine Church is a basilica in the high Baroque style. Elector Ferdinand Maria and his spouse established the church as an expression of gratitude for the birth of their long-awaited heir to the throne, Max Emanuel. Following its consecration, the Church of St. Gaetano was entrusted to the Theatine monks. Construction took place from 1663 to 1770. The majestic façade adorned with two stylized towers, a beautiful 70-meter-high dome, and the elegant interior decor all set an example for many Bavarian churches. The rich Baroque-style interior of the church is embellished with magnificent stuccowork by Giovanni Antonio Viscardi.

Ludwigstrasse street culminates in the Field Marshals' Hall. This is an open-air hall with arcades reaching a height of 20 meters, designed in the style of the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. In this arcade, erected by Friedrich von Gärtner from 1841 to 1844 under the commission of Ludwig I, bronze monuments in honor of Bavarian military leaders Tilly and Wrede are installed. This Bavarian military memorial serves as a reminder of the German-Franco War of 1870-71. However, the most captivating chapter of the Arcades' history for many tourists is that in 1923, it was the site of the Beer Hall Putsch led by Adolf Hitler and Erich Ludendorff. Hitler later made this event a pivotal moment in Nazi history, and during the existence of the Third Reich, all Nazi marches in Munich consistently concluded at the Field Marshals' Hall.