If you've already made your way through the "In One Day"itinerary, you'll find that your second full-day tour takes in a different part of Munich. One of Bavaria's greatest attractions, Schloss Nymphenburg, lies right on the outskirts and is easy to reach by public transportation. Because it's riddled with things to see and do, you'll need to devote an entire morning to it, at least 2 to 3 hours, before lunchtime. In the afternoon, if your time is budgeted properly, you can take in two more of the city's major attractions, both of which are museums -- the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, followed by the Pinakothek der Moderne.
Via U-Bahn station Rotkreuzplatz, head for:
1. Schloss Nymphenburg
Begun in 1664, the summer palace of the ruling dynasty, the Wittelsbachs, is one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. The kings of Bavaria always came here for their fair-weather romps, as when Ludwig I chased the famous courtesan, Lola Montez, through the gardens. You can wander at leisure through the spectacular interiors of the palace, pausing in the Great Gallery of Beauties which displays the king's pick of the most beautiful women of yesteryear. If glass coronation coaches are your thing, visit the Marstallmuseum, followed by a leisurely walk through Nymphenburg's park. With your limited time, you can't explore all 200 hectares (494 acres). Allow about 20 minutes to visit Amalienburg, the rococo hunting lodge by François Cuvilliés. Princess Maria Amalia hunted game from the roof, as palace guards drove the poor animals through the yard while she shot them in the head.
After all this, it's timeout for lunch.
After lunching at the restaurant of your choice, you can take the U-Bahn to Lethel for a visit to:
2. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum
This gigantic monster sprawls across three floors and covers the history of Bavarian culture, mainly from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. From Christmas nativity cribs to Renaissance jewelry, there is much here to amuse and delight. The medieval and Renaissance woodcarving, especially from Tilman Riemenschneider, is worth the trip here. Allow at least an hour to cover some of the highlights.
After a visit to this museum, take the U-Bahn to Odeonsplatz for a visit to:
3. Pinakothek der Moderne
On the most beautiful square in Munich, this complex is a virtual museum quarter. But for those rushed for time, as we are, one gallery, the Staatsgalerie Moderner Kunst (Gallery of Modern Art), is the gem. In an avant-garde glass-and-concrete building, the museum is the largest in Germany -- and one of the biggest in Europe -- in its collections of modern art. You expect to meet Matisse and Picasso, but there are so many other masters, enough to dazzle the eye for a mile: Kandinsky, Kirchner (our favorite), Max Ernst, Giacometti, de Kooning, Francis Bacon, and even Andy Warhol. We compare this museum favorably to London's Tate Gallery or Paris's Pompidou.
After a rest at your hotel, you might consider an evening at:
4. Kulturzentrum Gasteig
On the bluffs of the Isar River, this is one of the greatest performance halls in Germany, with five different theaters, including the Philharmonic Hall. Chances are that at the time of your visit, a cultural presentation will be featured that you'll find to your liking. It's a great way to spend an evening. Of course, there are always the beer gardens if you're so inclined.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
