Let's begin our journey with the monumental Ruhmeshalle, an impressive neo-classical building that remains in the shadow of the city's more famous attractions. This 'Hall of Glory' was built between 1843 and 1853, commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, who wanted to create a place to commemorate prominent Bavarians. Designed by Leo von Klenze, this Dorian temple with 96 columns hides more than 90 busts of prominent figures associated with Bavaria, including artists, scientists and politicians. Interestingly, initially only images of people who had been deceased for at least 10 years were placed here so that history could objectively assess their achievements. In front of the building is a monumental statue of Bavaria - the personification of Bavaria - measuring 18.5 meters high. Inside this huge statue is a spiral staircase leading to the top, which offers a spectacular view of the city and the Theresienwiese grounds, where the famous Oktoberfest takes place.

Another historical treasure is the Isartor, one of Munich's four surviving medieval city gates. Built in the 14th century as part of the city's fortifications, this gate was the eastern entrance to the city. Its name comes from the Isartor River, on which it is located. Isartor has survived numerous wars and reconstructions, retaining its medieval character. On the outer facade of the gate is a fresco depicting the triumphant return of Emperor Ludwig IV of Bavaria after his victory over Frederick of Austria at the Battle of Mühldorf in 1322. The painting was added much later, in the 19th century, as part of a romantic revitalization of the monument. Inside the gate is a small museum dedicated to Munich's carnival traditions, which is often overlooked by tourists, but provides a fascinating insight into local culture.

The Alter Hof is another historical gem that often escapes tourists' attention. This medieval palace complex was the first permanent imperial residence in Munich, used by the Wittelsbach dynasty since the 13th century. The building has a fascinating history - according to local legend, it was here in 1517 that Emperor Ludwig IV of Bavaria experienced an ominous phenomenon that foretold his death. He is said to have seen a ghost appear before him in the courtyard of the palace. A few days later, the emperor died during a bear hunt. This legend adds to the mysterious character of the place. Today part of the complex houses the Infopoint Museen & Schlösser in Bayern, where you can get information about Bavarian museums and castles. Of particular interest is the courtyard with its distinctive Gothic arcades and the 'Affenturm' (Monkey Tower), the only surviving medieval tower in the complex. The Alter Hof provides a fascinating contrast to the nearby, much more grandiose Munich Residence, offering a more intimate and authentic look at the city's history.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of urban Munich, there are unique oases of tranquility that allow for a moment of respite and contact with nature. One such gem is Dianatempel, a charming temple dedicated to the Roman goddess of hunting, Diana. This neoclassical pavilion, built in 1615, is located in the heart of the Hofgarten, a Renaissance court garden. Designed by Heinrich Schön the Elder, the pavilion is the centerpiece of the garden and is surrounded by eight paths radiating in all directions. Interestingly, inside the dome of the pavilion is an acoustic peculiarity - a whisper uttered at one point of the dome is perfectly audible at the opposite end, creating a fascinating 'whispering gallery' effect. On warm days you can often find local tango dancers here, who use the flat space around the pavilion for their performances, creating a unique atmosphere.

The Hofgarten itself is a Renaissance garden designed in 1613 on the model of Italian formal gardens. It originally served as a prince's private garden, but was opened to the public as early as 1780, becoming one of the first public parks in Europe. The garden impresses with its geometric layout of alleys, carefully trimmed hedges and fountains. It is especially charming in spring, when hundreds of multicolored tulips bloom here. In the northeast corner of the garden is the historic Tambosi Café - the oldest café in Munich, operating since 1775. The Hofgarten has witnessed many historical events, including the activities of the 'White Rose' resistance movement during World War II. Members of this anti-Nazi student group often met here, planning their activities. Today the site is commemorated by a modest plaque.

But a true paradise for nature lovers is the Botanical Garden Munich-Nymphenburg - one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, covering an area of 22 hectares. Founded in 1914, the botanical garden is adjacent to the impressive Nymphenburg Palace, but unlike the palace gardens, it is often overlooked by tourists. And that's a shame, because it's a real treasure trove of botanical wonders. The garden is divided into different climatic and thematic zones, including an alpine garden with mountain plants, a rose garden with more than 400 varieties of roses, and impressive greenhouses. Particularly noteworthy is the Tropical Greenhouse, where a rainforest microclimate prevails, with temperatures staying at 28°C all year round. Here you can admire exotic plants, including Germany's largest orchid collection of more than 2,500 species. The garden also offers special collections of medicinal, poisonous and useful plants, along with information on their uses. In winter, a special experience is a visit to the greenhouses, where one can take shelter from the cold and be transported to a tropical paradise. The garden also organizes regular thematic exhibitions, workshops and night tours during the full moon, providing a unique experience for visitors.

Munich is a city with an extremely rich cultural offer that goes far beyond the popular museums and galleries. One such place that deserves special attention is the Bavarian National Museum - a true treasure trove of Bavarian art and culture. Founded in 1855 by King Maximilian II, the museum is housed in an impressive neo-Baroque building designed by Gabriel von Seidl. Although it is one of the largest fine art museums in Europe, it is often overshadowed by more famous institutions such as the Pinakothek. And this is a great pity, because it hides extraordinary collections. Particularly impressive is the collection of medieval sculptures, one of the most important in the world, and the collection of Christmas cribs, which impresses with its precision of execution and richness of detail. Some of these miniature masterpieces date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and depict not only traditional scenes of the birth of Christ, but also everyday life in ancient Bavaria.

The museum is also famous for its collection of historical musical instruments, including unique pieces made by some of the most famous luthiers. An interesting fact is that the collection includes a lute that belonged to Albrecht Dürer, one of Germany's most prominent Renaissance artists. Every year during the Advent season, the museum organizes special concerts where you can hear the sound of these historical instruments. Also worth noting is the Nymphenburg porcelain collection, which shows the development of this art from the 18th century to the present day. Few people know that the Nymphenburg porcelain manufactory has been in continuous operation since 1747 and still produces exclusive products according to traditional methods.

In addition to museums, Munich also offers non-obvious attractions related to local culture and traditions. One of them is the Tiergarten near Zoo Hellabrunn - a secret spot on the Isar River, ideal for relaxing and swimming on summer days. It's a favorite spot for Munich residents who come here to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The area features a natural, almost wild landscape, with numerous small beaches and quiet river bays. Unlike the more popular parts of Isar, here you can find peace and quiet even on weekends. It is worth knowing that some parts of the Tiergarten are designated for naturists, which is perfectly acceptable in German culture.

Another fascinating place is the Riemer See, a lake created on the site of a former airport, offering a beach experience with umbrellas, towels and sand. This remarkable transformation of urban space exemplifies Munich's innovative approach to revitalization. Riem Airport, which operated here until 1992, has been transformed into a modern residential neighborhood with a park and lake as a focal point. The lake covers 10 hectares and is surrounded by extensive recreational areas. On hot days, Munich residents flock here to cool off in the crystal clear water. The lake is also surrounded by biking and jogging trails, children's playgrounds and barbecue areas. Interestingly, the entire area is an example of sustainable urban development - the lake's water filtration system is completely natural, and energy for the surrounding buildings comes in part from solar panels installed in the park.

For movie and TV lovers, a real treat will be a visit to the Bavaria Filmstadt, a working film studio where many German films and commercials are made. This place is often referred to as 'Germany's Hollywood' and has a rich history dating back to 1919. Unlike typical tourist attractions, Bavaria Filmstadt offers an authentic insight into the film industry. During a guided tour, visitors can see original movie sets, costumes and props from popular productions. It's interesting to note that the latest commercial for the Bayern Munich soccer club was recently filmed here, and in the past scenes for blockbusters such as 'The Neverending Story' and 'Ship' were shot here. For movie fans, this place is a fascinating alternative to Munich's traditional attractions.