Munich and its sights: The metropolis on the Isar with culture, tradition and genuine Bavarian humour

Backstage in Munich's theatres

What many people don't know and is one of Munich's insider tips: The theatres in the metropolis on the Isar are among the most renowned in Germany. More than 50 theatres offer a varied programme of plays to Munich residents and visitors alike. Take a look behind the scenes and pay a visit to the German Theatre Museum in the Hofgarten. In addition to historical background information, you will also learn a lot about the European theatre scene. Admire elaborate costumes, stage designs or props. The museum also has the world's most extensive theatre photography collection. As there are constantly changing special exhibitions to see, a visit to the Theatre Museum is a new experience every time and one that is a real Munich tip.

From the main railway station, it is a 25-minute walk to your museum destination at the Hofgarten. Follow Arnulfstraße east towards Luisenstraße. From there, walk onto Elisenstraße and stroll along the street parallel to the Old Botanical Garden. At the end of the park, follow the street and you will pass Lenbachplatz and continue to Maximiliansplatz. On your left you will see the Wittelsbacher Brunnen (Wittelsbach Fountain) along the way and the Schiller Monument at the end of the park. Turn onto the Platz der Opfer des Nationalsozialismus. Turn right at the fork onto Brienner Straße until you reach Odeonsplatz. Walk along there and turn right at the fork to Galeriestraße until you arrive at this Munich landmark.

A poet's and thinker's oasis in the middle of the city

Diagonally opposite the Theatre Museum you will find the Dichtergarten. Even among many long-established Munich residents, the Dichtergarten is still considered a real Munich insider tip. Yet the small park is located directly next to the famous Hofgarten. With its dense tree growth and hilly landscape, it has something enchanted about it - but that also gives it a romantic flair. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the green island of tranquillity in the midst of the city bustle and recharge your batteries for the next programme items.

Culinary delights with a view and style meet exquisite tradition

Lunch with a view: After your visit to the park, treat yourself to a snack at Spatenhaus an der Oper, around 500 metres away. This traditional Bavarian restaurant is located in the immediate vicinity of the Bavarian State Opera. The building in which the restaurant is housed dates back to the 19th century and was built in the neo-Renaissance style. The Spatenhaus an der Oper offers its guests hospitality in two variations: straightforward Bavarian on the ground floor, ambitious and opulent on the upper floor. The décor is Bavarian in style and there are numerous details that recall the rich history of Bavarian culture. The restaurant's menu offers a wide selection of traditional Bavarian dishes such as Weißwurst (white sausage), Schweinshaxe (knuckle of pork) or Leberknödel (liver dumplings), but also a large selection of wine and beer specialities.

Fancy a souvenir? Be sure to pay a visit to the Munich landmark, the Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus. Walk straight ahead along Residenzstraße and follow Dienerstraße until you are in front of the imposing, ochre-yellow traditional shop. The Munich family business scores points with its clientele for quality and style. Choose from around 6,000 products, such as cheese, wine, honey, jam and everything your gourmet heart desires. The famous Dallmayr fountain, designed with cherubs, takes centre stage and fascinates young and old with its shellfish. The flagship store in Munich owes its fame above all to the TV commercials filmed on location for the coffee brand. Take the opportunity to buy a little something for the ones at home.

A visit to the king of nonsense Valentin and a slice of Tegernsee

For fans of whimsical humour, a visit to the Valentin Karlstadt Museum in the towers of the Isar Gate is almost a must. The exhibition pays homage to the Bavarian comedy duo Karl Valentin and Liesl Karlstadt. In the accompanying cinema, the two come to life again and make their audience laugh with original Bavarian humour. The legendary "Musäum" is just 600 metres away from the Dallmayr House. Walk along Dienerstraße in a southerly direction and turn left onto Altenhofstraße. Following Ledererstraße, continue on Dürnbräugasse, stroll left into the valley.

After visiting the museum, walk back the same way a little way and stop off at the Tegernseer Tal Bräuhaus to round off your day in Munich. An enjoyable slice of Tegernsee awaits you under the modern glass dome. Take a seat at one of the rustic wooden tables and enjoy Bavarian classics. Of course, a refreshing Tegernsee Hell on tap is a must.

Round off your day trip to Munich with a 20-minute walk: start in the valley, walk towards Viktualienmarkt and turn right onto Marienplatz. Follow Kaufinger/Neuhauserstrasse to Karlsplatz. Cross the street in the direction of Prielmayerstraße. Turn left into Schützenstraße and continue straight ahead until you reach the main station. On the train, you can mentally replay your impressions of Munich's sights, or in the words of Karl Valentin, "Today is the good old days of tomorrow".

Listen in to this episode of the DB Regio Bayern "Audio Guides and explore the capital of Bavaria together with speaker Paul Sedlmeir. Discover Munich, the metropolis on the Isar with a heart!