
Beautiful-viewpoints-in-Munich: where-to-take-ideal-photos
April 11, 2025
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a city full of contrasts, where history intertwines with modernity and tradition with innovation. To fully appreciate its beauty and diversity, it's worth taking a look at it from above. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of Munich's most beautiful vantage points, where you can capture the city's skyline and take unforgettable photos. From historic towers to modern observation platforms, you'll learn about places that offer breathtaking views of this fascinating city. Whether you're passionate about photography or simply looking for a unique experience, these vantage points will allow you to see Munich from a whole new perspective. Get your camera ready and set off with us to explore the most picturesque corners of the Bavarian metropolis!
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Classic vantage points in the heart of the city
Start our journey from the heart of Munich, where you'll find two classic vantage points that have attracted tourists and locals alike for years.
The first is the Rathausturm, or the tower of the New Town Hall on Marienplatz. This neo-Gothic architectural gem offers not only a fascinating view of the square itself, but also a panorama of the entire city center. From a height of 85 meters, you can admire a sea of red roofs, distinctive church towers and, in good weather, even the distant Alps. It costs 6.5 euros for an adult to climb the tower (as of 2023), but the view is definitely worth the price. Remember that the tower is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (last ascent at 6:30 pm).
Reviews by tourists emphasize that the view from the Rathausturm is 'breathtaking' and the tower itself is a 'must-see' for any visitor to Munich. One visitor wrote: 'Put in an inhale/exhale - after seeing it for the first time it takes a while to recover, and it takes much more than a moment to grasp it all. There are too many details for a quick glance.
Not far from the Rathausturm, also on Marienplatz, is the Mariensäule - St. Mary's column. Although not a typical vantage point in the traditional sense, standing at its base, you can admire the beauty of the square itself and the surrounding buildings. The column, erected in 1638 to commemorate the end of the Swedish occupation, is now a popular meeting place and landmark. It's the perfect place to snap a photo of the distinctive facade of the New City Hall or capture the bustling heart of the city.
The Mariensäule, while it doesn't offer high-altitude views, allows for great photos from a street-level perspective. One tourist noted: 'The center of Munich, a meeting place for locals and tourists. Definitely be prepared for a crowd of people at any time of the day or night.' It's a great place to observe city life and take portraits against the historical architecture.
Comparing the two places, the Rathausturm offers a wider panorama and a chance to see the city from above, while the Mariensäule allows for a closer look at architectural details and street life. The Rathausturm requires the purchase of a ticket and may be less accessible for those with mobility limitations, while the Mariensäule is free and accessible to all. However, both sites are extremely popular, so be prepared to encounter crowds of tourists, especially in high season.
Green perspectives: Parks and gardens with a view
Munich is famous not only for its historic architecture, but also for its beautiful green spaces that offer unique vantage points surrounded by nature. In this section, we will present two such places that will give you a completely different perspective on the city.
The first is Olympiapark München, the Olympic complex built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It's not only a place of great historical significance, but also a great vantage point. The centerpiece of the park is the Olympiaturm, a 291-meter-high Olympic tower that offers a panoramic view of the entire city and its surroundings. On sunny days you can even see the distant Alps from here.
Olympiapark is a place that combines recreational functions with the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views. One visitor described the place this way: 'A park in the center of the city - worth a visit - playing fields, walking trails, rest areas. Next to the BMW Welt, SEA Life i.e. aquarium, Olympia observation tower - the highest vantage point from which you can see Munich, the surrounding area and on a clear day also the mountains.
Admission to the park itself is free, making it accessible to all. There is an additional fee to climb the tower, but the views are worth every cent. The park is well connected to the city center, making it easily accessible to tourists.
The second green vantage point worth visiting is the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world. At the heart of this vast green area is Monopteros, a Greek temple built on a 15-meter-high hill, which offers a beautiful view of the park and the city skyline.
Monopteros, although not as high as other viewpoints, has its own unique charm. One tourist described the place as follows: 'A beautiful view of Englisher Garten, including, in a way, the city skyline. Lots of greenery, peace and quiet. A perfect place for a Sunday stroll with family or friends.''
Englischer Garten and Monopteros offer a more intimate and peaceful experience than the busy Olympiapark. It's the perfect place for those who want to combine admiring the views with relaxing in nature. Admission to the park and Monopteros is free, making it an attractive option for families and those traveling on a budget.
Comparing the two, Olympiapark offers more expansive views and more attractions, but can be more crowded, especially on weekends and during events. The Englischer Garten with Monopteros is a quieter alternative, ideal for a relaxing stroll combined with panoramic views. Both places are accessible year-round, but look most beautiful in spring and summer, when the greenery is at its most lush.
Whether you choose the dynamic Olympiapark or the tranquil Englischer Garten, both sites offer unique perspectives on Munich and are ideal for taking unforgettable photos surrounded by nature.
Alternative views and tips for photographers
Munich is a city that holds many surprises for lovers of photography and beautiful views. In this section, we will present some alternative viewpoints and practical tips to help you capture the most beautiful frames of the Bavarian capital.
One of the lesser-known but equally fascinating vantage points is the roof of the Deutsches Museum. While the museum itself is popular with tourists, not everyone knows that its rooftop has an observation deck offering a unique perspective on the city and the Isar River. It's a great spot for those looking for a less crowded location for photography.
For those looking for a more contemporary view of the city, a visit to BMW Welt is recommended. Although the main attraction here is the car exhibition, the building also offers interesting views of the northern part of Munich, including the aforementioned Olympiapark.
Here are some practical tips for photographers:
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golden hour: the best light for photographing the city skyline is usually just after sunrise and before sunset. Particularly beautiful photos can be taken from Olympiapark or Monopteros in Englischer Garten at these times of day.
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long exposure time: When photographing the city's night skyline from the Rathausturm, use a tripod and a longer exposure time to capture the streaks of car lights and illuminated buildings.
3 - Wide angle: Wide-angle lenses are best for shooting city skylines to capture more detail and convey the scale of the urban landscape.
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polarizing filters: Use polarizing filters, especially when shooting from the Englischer Garten or Olympiapark, to reduce glare and improve the color saturation of the sky and greens.
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composition: Look for interesting foreground elements that will add depth to your photos. This could be a park bench, a piece of sculpture or a distinctive piece of architecture.
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Perspective: Experiment with different heights and angles. Sometimes you can get the most interesting shots by shooting from ground level or by looking for unusual viewpoints.
7 Detail: Don't just focus on wide panoramas. Munich has many beautiful architectural details that are worth capturing in photos.
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Weather: A foggy morning can create a magical atmosphere in photos from the Englischer Garten, while a cloudless sky is ideal for shooting from the Rathausturm.
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Local guides: Consider using a local photo guide who knows the lesser-known but equally beautiful viewpoints in the city.
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Respect: Remember to always respect local laws and the privacy of locals when taking photos.
Comparing all the viewpoints discussed, each offers something unique. Rathausturm and Mariensäule are ideal for those who want to capture the historic heart of the city. Olympiapark and Englischer Garten are perfect for lovers of greenery and wider panoramas. And alternative points, such as the rooftop of the Deutsches Museum or the BMW Welt, provide a less obvious perspective on the city.
Whichever vantage point you choose, Munich is sure to provide you with unforgettable experiences and beautiful frames. Remember, the most important thing is to patiently explore and look for your own unique shots that will best capture your experience of this fascinating city.
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