The city of München (Munich), located in the southeastern German province of Bayern (Bavaria), is known worldwide, for better or worse, as the birthplace of Oktoberfest. Having decided to visit in March, however, I like to think that I experienced a different Munich, one entirely devoid of beer, though still culturally and gastronomically intoxicating. The main attraction in Munich is Marienplatz (Maria’s Plaza), where several of well-known landmarks are located. The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) is a wonderful neo-gothic building that looks a lot older than it is. It sits in the heart of Altes Stadt (Old Town) surrounded by designer boutiques and coffee shops situated in buildings whose dignity is now questionable in light of their new residents. Many important and beautiful churches are also in the vicinity. To the north one finds Odeonsplatz, which is the location of the failed Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, when Nazi supportes attempted to take control of the city. Although I could find no written indication of where the beer hall actually stands, I am pretty sure it is now a San Francisco Coffee Company. Right next to Odeonsplatz is Residenz, the former home of the Dukes, Electors, and Kings of Bavaria, which is now used by museums and local government. Beyond Residentz is the Englischer Garten (English Garden), a sprawling city-park with several exotic buildings (such as a faux Greek temple) and a nice stream running through it. Overall, Munich was a great city to spend a few days in, but unless you are a crazed and perhaps deluded beer-aficionado, the city feels incredibly mono-focused on emphasizing what I am sure they believe tourists perceive to be their main selling point. This cycle only reinforces itself and indentified over the years and has now, more or less, taken on a life of its own. Munich has been around a lot longer than Oktoberfest, 635 years longer in fact, Oktoberfest dating only to 1810, and it would be nice if people recognized that quaint Bavaria has so much more to offer to the curious tourist who dares to say no to beer and instead drinks sparkling water with both lunch and dinner!
The New Town-hall
Odeonsplatz
In the English Gardens
Church of Our Lady
St. Peters Church
Maypole
A Mural in Residenz
The River Isar
From the museums
