5. See the Crown Jewels at the Residenz Treasury
The city palace of the Bavarian kings is one of the most beautiful palaces in all Europe and quite different from the lighter and airier country palace of Nymphenburg. Here is royal grandeur at its height, a huge complex spreading around seven courtyards. One entire section was built in 1579 to house the Antiquarium, which is now part of the Residenz Museum.
Along with the grand banqueting hall and sumptuous royal rooms, kids will like the Treasury, filled with glittering gold and gems of the crowns and other royal regalia. The Hofgarten, royal gardens, are beautiful, especially in the summer. In December, one of the courtyards is filled with one of Munich’s best Christmas markets.
Don’t miss the Cuvilliés-Theater, which is like stepping inside a royal jewel box. Originally built in the mid-1700s, the beautiful opera house was destroyed in World War II. But defying Hitler’s orders that nothing could be removed for protection from bombing (he believed Germany to be so powerful that bombers could never reach it), an official had its magnificent carved figures and paneling safely hidden. It has been returned to its place in the restored theater, which is one of the finest examples of Bavarian Rococo ornament.
Address: Residenzstrasse 1, Munich
6. Climb the Stadium Roof at Olympic Park
Built to house the 1972 Summer Olympics, Olympic Park spreads over more than two million square meters that have been transformed into a giant recreation complex. World-class concerts are held here, as well as annual events such as the summer Tollwood Festival of arts.
Families will find plenty of things to do here, including ziplines, behind the scenes tours of the architecture, and a chance to climb the stadium roof. The 290-meter Olympic Tower predates the 1972 Olympics, built four years earlier as a television tower. Its Aussichtskorb has a revolving restaurant and platforms where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
The giant pool, Olympia Schwimmhalle, is now open to the public, and for a nominal cost, you and your kids can swim where Olympians earned their gold medals.
Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, Munich
