Maxvorstadt – Munich’s vibrant university district! Home to LMU, TUM, and renowned art and music academies, it’s a hub of knowledge and creativity. Stroll past historic cafés like Alter Simpl, once a meeting place for intellectuals and artists, and discover stories of the Weiße Rose resistance. With grand architecture, hidden gems, and a rich cultural scene, this tour unveils the heart of Munich’s academic and artistic life.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Siegestor (Victory Gate)
- Bellow the Siegestor
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität / White Rose Memorial
Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), founded in 1472, is one of Europe’s leading universities, shaping minds for centuries. During WWII, it became a center of resistance through the Weiße Rose group. This student-led movement, led by Hans and Sophie Scholl, opposed the Nazi regime with pamphlets calling for freedom. The White Rose Memorial in LMU’s atrium honors their bravery, with leaflets embedded in the pavement as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.
Alter Simpl / Georg-Elser-Platz
Alter Simpl is a legendary artist pub that once served as a meeting place for writers, thinkers, and satirists. It is particularly known for its connection to the Dada movement and Munich’s bohemian scene. To this day, it retains its unique charm and remains a lively spot with a rich historical atmosphere. Not far away, Georg-Elser-Platz commemorates the brave resistance fighter who planned an assassination attempt on Hitler in 1939. The memorial on the square honors his solitary yet determined act in the fight against the Nazi regime.
Schelling Salon and former Osteria Bavaria
The Schelling-Salon is one of Munich’s oldest billiard cafés, a historic meeting place for students, intellectuals, and artists. Since the early 20th century, it has retained its vintage charm, offering a glimpse into the city’s academic and bohemian past. Just a short walk away, the former Osteria Bavaria was once a favorite restaurant of filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl and, more infamously, Adolf Hitler. Despite its dark historical associations, it remains part of Munich’s layered history, reflecting the complex narratives of the city’s past.
Kunstareal
The Kunstareal is Munich’s renowned art district, home to world-class museums and galleries. Spanning centuries of artistic achievement, it includes the Alte Pinakothek with masterpieces from the Renaissance to Rococo, the Neue Pinakothek (currently under renovation) focusing on 19th-century art, and the Pinakothek der Moderne, a hub for modern and contemporary works. Other highlights include the Brandhorst Museum with its striking architecture and contemporary collections, as well as the Glyptothek and Staatliche Antikensammlungen, showcasing ancient sculptures and artifacts. This unique cultural quarter offers an unparalleled journey through art history.
Karolinenplatz
Karolinenplatz is a striking neoclassical square in Munich, easily recognizable by its black obelisk at the center. Erected in 1833, the monument commemorates the Bavarian soldiers who perished in Napoleon’s Russian campaign of 1812. The square, designed in a radial layout, connects key city streets and is surrounded by elegant historic buildings. Today, it serves as both a memorial and a gateway to Munich’s Maxvorstadt, blending history with the city’s vibrant urban landscape.
Königsplatz / Führerbau (Place of the Munich Treaty)
Königsplatz is one of Munich’s most impressive neoclassical squares, inspired by ancient Greece and designed in the early 19th century. Flanked by the Glyptothek and the Staatliche Antikensammlungen, it has long been a center of art and culture. However, during the Nazi era, it became a site for propaganda rallies. Nearby stands the Führerbau, originally built as an administrative building for the Nazi Party. It was here that the Munich Agreement was signed in 1938. Today, the building houses the Hochschule für Musik und Theater, transforming a dark past into a place of creativity and learning.
Lenbachhaus
The Lenbachhaus is one of Munich’s most celebrated art museums, housed in the former villa of painter Franz von Lenbach. Known for its outstanding collection of Der Blaue Reiter, it showcases works by Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, Franz Marc, and other Expressionist pioneers. The museum also features contemporary art and Munich’s 19th-century artistic heritage. Its blend of historic architecture and modern extensions makes it a must-visit for art lovers, offering a unique journey through the evolution of German and international art.
Ending Point
Löwenbräukeller
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
- Food and drinks
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is wheelchair accessible.
* ATTENTION: We're just passing most of the Museums. I'll explain the history of the Museums and what can be found inside. The museums can then be visited by yourself after the tour.
Hello, I'm Philipp,
A native of Munich with a lifelong connection to this incredible city. As a passionate tour guide and content creator, I specialize in bringing Munich's unique stories and lesser-known gems to life.
Growing up here, I’ve cultivated not only an insider’s knowledge of the city’s famous landmarks but also the hidden corners that most visitors miss. Munich’s history spans from its medieval foundations to its complex role in the rise of National Socialism, and I strive to present these chapters with the depth and context they deserve.
The city is also a culinary treasure trove, from hearty Bavarian classics to vibrant street food markets that showcase local flavors. And with a rich calendar of seasonal events, like the world-famous Oktoberfest and magical Christmas markets, there’s always something to celebrate.
Beyond the main attractions, I enjoy introducing visitors to lesser-known treasures like the Auer Dult, a traditional fair, and Starkbierfest, Munich's “strong beer” festival rooted in Bavarian monastic tradition. Through my videos and tours, I provide a local’s perspective that’s rich with personal anecdotes and connections to the city’s past and present. Whether you’re looking for iconic sights, authentic eats, or a deep dive into Munich’s vibrant, authentic spots, I’m here to show you a side of Munich that you’ll never forget.
$320/ per group