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City Guide - Munich - Sightseeing | ||
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Sightseeing Marienplatz, where the main pedestrianised streets converge, is the undisputed centre of the city. Weinstrasse/ Theatinerstrasse runs north from Marienplatz to Odeonsplatz, and Kaufinger Strasse/Neuhauserstrasse runs west to Karlsplatz (known locally as Stachus). Many of the city's main attractions are in the immediate vicinity, so sightseeing can easily be done on foot or by hopping on and off trams. Worth seeing are the sixteenth-century Michaelskirche, with its imposing barrel-vaulted interior, and the Asamkirche, considered a masterpiece of south German Rococo architecture. The oldest part of the city is the area to the east of Marienplatz and includes the Alter Hof - the original royal residence - and the world-famous Hofbräuhaus; the Residenz complex lies to the north. The wide boulevard and grand palatial architecture of Ludwigstrasse and Leopoldstrasse stretches north of Odeonsplatz to the Siegestor. These grand building schemes were commissioned by Ludwig I, as were those around Königsplatz, in the part of the city known as Maxvorstadt (home to some of the city's most important museums and galleries). From the Siegestor, Leopoldstrasse forms the central artery of the popular district of Schwabing. The former artists' quarter is now considered the most fashionable part of the city, with numerous cafés, bars, restaurants and nightspots. To the east of Leopoldstrasse, side roads lead off to the Englischer Garten a quiet retreat from the busy city. Tourist Information Munich Tourist Office Hauptbahnhof, Bahnhofplatz 2 Tel: (089) 233 0300. Fax: (089) 2333 0233. Website: www.muenchen-tourist.de Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-2000, Sun 1000-1800. A second tourist information office is in the Neues Rathaus on Marienplatz; both offices make hotel reservations. Passes The München Welcome Card, available from the tourist information offices and any outlet displaying the München Welcome Card sign, entitles the holder to free travel by MVV transport in the central area and to the castles at Schleissheim as well as up to 50% reduction on admission fees to 35 attractions. The card costs DM12 (one day) or DM29 (three days). Group cards are also available |