Munich/Maxvorstadt

Maxvorstadt is the arts and university district of Munich, just north of Altstadt the historic city centre.

Understand
In German a Vorstadt is a district just beyond the city centre but tightly fused to it. Maxvorstadt is named for King Maximilian I Joseph but was built under his successor Ludwig I from 1825. Ludwig admired ancient Greece, verging on infatuation, and imposed a grand neo-classical style on his "Athens of the North". The houses in that style were lost to wartime bombing but the museums, galleries and monuments around Königsplatz still show its grandeur.

The district has no less than seven universities, including Germany's top two LMU and TUM, and over 100,000 students attend them. Famous people who've lived here include Bertholt Brecht, Georg Elser, Adolf Hitler, Wassily Kandinsky, Thomas Mann, Franz Marc, Wolfgang Pauli, Joseph Ratzinger (former Pope Benedict XVI), and Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (aka Lenin). The district is roughly bounded by the English Garden to the east, Georgenstraße north, Lothstraße west, and the main railway line and Altstadtring south.

By train
the city's main railway station is at the south edge of this district, so you'll probably transit through it. See Munich for its long-distance connections and facilities.

S-Bahn suburban lines skim the south edge of the district but don't cross it. S1 and S8 come from the airport, and these plus S2, S3, S4, S6, S7 and S27 track along the south edge of Maxvorstadt with stops at Donnersbergerbrücke, Hackerbrücke (for ZOB the central bus station), Hauptbahnhof and Karlsplatz (Stachus). They cross Altstadt to Ostbahnhof then diverge to eastern suburbs.

U-Bahn underground lines run north-south across the district. All of Maxvorstadt is within the inner city fare zone.


 * and run from the southeast via Hauptbahnhof to Königsplatz (for Kunstareal), Stiglmaierplatz and Maillingerstraße, then out to Rotekreuzeplatz and Olympia.
 * starts from Messe trade centre way out east. It's joined by at Sendlinger Tor, then they run north to Hauptbahnhof, Königsplatz, Theresienstraße  and Josephsplatz. U8 terminates at Olympia while U2 continues to Feldmoching, change for S1 to the airport.
 * and start in the southwest and run north via Sendlinger Tor, Marienplatz (for Altstadt), Odeonsplatz and Universität. U3 turns west to Moosach (for S1 to the airport), U6 continues north to Fröttmaning (for Allianz Arena) and Garching.

By tram

 * Lines 16 and 17 run from Nymphenburg along Arnulfstraße to the bus station and Hauptbahnhof, then turn south to Sendlinger Tor and circle Altstadt.
 * Lines 20, 21 and 29 run north from Hauptbahnhof to Stiglmaierplatz and up Dachauer Straße.
 * Lines 27 and 28 run from Sendlinger Tor to Karlsplatz (Stachus) and north up Barer Straße via Karolinenplatz and the Kunstareal district.

By bus
(ZOB: Zentraler Omnibus Bahnhof) is south edge of this of district next to Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station. All long distance buses arrive and depart here, see Munich for connections and station facilities.

By road
It's easy to reach this area by car outside of rush hour, just follow signs for city centre and Hauptbahnhof. But parking is notoriously scarce for non-residents, check ahead with your accommodation.

By bicycle from outlying parts is straightforward, many streets have bike lanes. The trick is to avoid getting stuck in tramlines.

Get around
Walking is almost always the best option, as most places of interest are within a one-km strip between Königsplatz and the university. Taking the U-Bahn will often involve a ride into Karlsplatz to change lines and come out again.

Königsplatz / Kunstareal

 * This is a quarter of grand museums and galleries, near Königsplatz and reached by that U-Bahn station.


 * Königsplatz itself is a wide-open square surrounded by classicist buildings. Planned as the "Athens on the Isar", it was framed on three sides by the Doric Propylaea (Propyläen), the Ionic Glyphothek, and the Corinthian Antikensammlung. During the Third Reich in Germany several structures were added on the once open side of the square, some of which still exist today. The square is now used as a venue for open-air concerts and an open-air cinema during summer.
 * Geological Museum is shown separately on some maps, but it's simply the east wing of the Palaeontological Museum, facing Königsplatz.
 * Richard-Wagner-Straße from Lenbachshaus past the Palaeontological Museum is one of the few central streets relatively unscathed by wartime bombing, so its houses are 1890s originals in "historicism" style. One casualty however was Wagner's own villa at the foot of the street, corner with Brienner Straße, his home from 1864 to 1871. That got bombed and was not rebuilt.
 * Geological Museum is shown separately on some maps, but it's simply the east wing of the Palaeontological Museum, facing Königsplatz.
 * Richard-Wagner-Straße from Lenbachshaus past the Palaeontological Museum is one of the few central streets relatively unscathed by wartime bombing, so its houses are 1890s originals in "historicism" style. One casualty however was Wagner's own villa at the foot of the street, corner with Brienner Straße, his home from 1864 to 1871. That got bombed and was not rebuilt.
 * Geological Museum is shown separately on some maps, but it's simply the east wing of the Palaeontological Museum, facing Königsplatz.
 * Richard-Wagner-Straße from Lenbachshaus past the Palaeontological Museum is one of the few central streets relatively unscathed by wartime bombing, so its houses are 1890s originals in "historicism" style. One casualty however was Wagner's own villa at the foot of the street, corner with Brienner Straße, his home from 1864 to 1871. That got bombed and was not rebuilt.
 * (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz) is the circle at the intersection of Brienner Straße and Barer Straße. The 29 m black obelisk commemorates the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers killed during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.
 * (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz) is the circle at the intersection of Brienner Straße and Barer Straße. The 29 m black obelisk commemorates the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers killed during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.
 * (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz) is the circle at the intersection of Brienner Straße and Barer Straße. The 29 m black obelisk commemorates the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers killed during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.
 * (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz) is the circle at the intersection of Brienner Straße and Barer Straße. The 29 m black obelisk commemorates the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers killed during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.
 * (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz) is the circle at the intersection of Brienner Straße and Barer Straße. The 29 m black obelisk commemorates the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers killed during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.
 * (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz) is the circle at the intersection of Brienner Straße and Barer Straße. The 29 m black obelisk commemorates the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers killed during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.
 * (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz) is the circle at the intersection of Brienner Straße and Barer Straße. The 29 m black obelisk commemorates the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers killed during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.
 * (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz) is the circle at the intersection of Brienner Straße and Barer Straße. The 29 m black obelisk commemorates the 30,000 Bavarian soldiers killed during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia.

Ludwigstraße

 * Ludwigstraße is the boulevard forming the east boundary of this district, with Universität U-Bahn station midway. Another 200 m further east is the English Garden.


 * the south terminus of the boulevard is described as part of Altstadt, along with the nearby Hofgarten, Residenz and Wittelsbacherplatz. The grand statue of Ludwig on horseback was created in 1862.
 * Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 100 m north of Universität U-Bahn station is a circular plaza with two large fountains, surrounded by the university main campus.
 * is a triumphal arch originally dedicated to the glory of the Bavarian army, completed in 1852. Seeking to outdo Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the chariot-hauling quadriga are lions not horses. Arch, city and army were all smashed in World War II, so it was reconstructed as a monument to peace. The arch marks the north terminus of Ludwigstraße: beyond is Leopoldstraße, described as part of northern Munich, with its giant Walking Man.
 * (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität) commemorates the man who almost wiped out Hitler and the Nazi High Command on 8 Nov 1939. That was the anniversary of the founding of the Party, and Hitler came to give a speech at the beerhall where it all started. Elser placed a bomb near the speech podium, but Hitler concluded his speech early and left - fog had grounded his return flight to Berlin so he needed to start back early by private train. The bomb killed 8 and injured another 62, but the Nazi inner circle escaped by ten minutes. Elser was later caught trying to cross into Switzerland. The Gestapo tortured the plot out of him and it appears he acted alone. He was sent to Dachau but only shot when Germany's defeat was imminent.
 * (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität) commemorates the man who almost wiped out Hitler and the Nazi High Command on 8 Nov 1939. That was the anniversary of the founding of the Party, and Hitler came to give a speech at the beerhall where it all started. Elser placed a bomb near the speech podium, but Hitler concluded his speech early and left - fog had grounded his return flight to Berlin so he needed to start back early by private train. The bomb killed 8 and injured another 62, but the Nazi inner circle escaped by ten minutes. Elser was later caught trying to cross into Switzerland. The Gestapo tortured the plot out of him and it appears he acted alone. He was sent to Dachau but only shot when Germany's defeat was imminent.

Elsewhere

 * is 100 m north of Hauptbahnhof and Stachus stations. It was established in 1809, but in 1914 the botanic collection moved out to Nymphenburg (where it remains) so this area became a park. Its Glass Palace exhibition centre burned down in 1931 but there remains the neo-Classic gate, the Fountain of Neptune, and Kunstpavilion a small art exhibition hall. There's also a restaurant Kriminal Dinner and Park Cafe.
 * Justizpalast is the pompous building south side of the garden, the chief law courts.
 * ("Alter Nordfriedhof") was in use 1869-1944 so it has many turn-of-the century funerary monuments.
 * St Josephs is by the north tip of the cemetery near Josephsplatz U-Bahn station. It's neo-baroque and was completed in 1902.

Do

 * Löwenbräu brewery is opposite their beer hall on Nymphenburger Straße, see below. As of 2022, they only offer tours to pre-arranged groups of ten or more.
 * Spaten & Franziskaner Brewery is at Marsstraße 46, 500 m north of Hauptbahnhof. As of 2022, they only offer tours to pre-arranged groups of ten or more (€25 pp for 90 min) and don't have a beer hall.
 * Streetlife Festival is held along Ludwigstraße, traditionally on the first weekend in June and second weekend in September. It's a southern extension of the Corso Leopold street fair held along Leopoldstraße. Corso has resumed post-Covid but as of 2022 Streetlife Festival has not.
 * Spaten & Franziskaner Brewery is at Marsstraße 46, 500 m north of Hauptbahnhof. As of 2022, they only offer tours to pre-arranged groups of ten or more (€25 pp for 90 min) and don't have a beer hall.
 * Streetlife Festival is held along Ludwigstraße, traditionally on the first weekend in June and second weekend in September. It's a southern extension of the Corso Leopold street fair held along Leopoldstraße. Corso has resumed post-Covid but as of 2022 Streetlife Festival has not.
 * Streetlife Festival is held along Ludwigstraße, traditionally on the first weekend in June and second weekend in September. It's a southern extension of the Corso Leopold street fair held along Leopoldstraße. Corso has resumed post-Covid but as of 2022 Streetlife Festival has not.

Eat

 * The main eating strip is around the university, a block or so from Ludwigstraße the main boulevard. Walking west the streets are Amalienstraße, Türkenstraße and Barer Straße.
 * Plenty more further west along Schellingstraße, though not as densely concentrated.


 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.
 * Taverna Lakis is a Greek restaurant 50 m west of Il Mulino. It's open Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00.

Mid-range

 * Carlton Astoria is another mid-price option at Fürstenstraße 12, next to Antares and Leonardo.
 * Carlton Astoria is another mid-price option at Fürstenstraße 12, next to Antares and Leonardo.
 * Carlton Astoria is another mid-price option at Fürstenstraße 12, next to Antares and Leonardo.

Connect
As of Oct 2022, the entire city has 5G from all German carriers. Wifi (in German WLAN) is widely available in public places and on transport.

Go next

 * Altstadt is the unmissable heart of the city. Approaching on foot you come through its grand northern section around Odeonsplatz, then the medieval core clusters around Frauenkirche and Marienplatz.
 * Ludwigsvorstadt starts just south of Hauptbahnhof. The top attraction is Deutsches Museum, and Oktoberfest is also held in this district.
 * Munich/North covers a large area, from English Garden just east of the university quarter to Olympia and Nymphenburg Palace to the west.