If you are planning a trip to Munich, Germany and want to explore beyond Oktoberfest and the beer halls, then you should place the Munich Residenz at the top of your list. (Also called the Residenz or Residence for short.) Once the seat of power of Bavaria's Wittelsbach family, the Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany. Located right in the city center, just steps from the Hofgarten and Odeonsplatz, this former royal palace is one of the most impressive historical sites in all of Germany.
To visit Munich Residenz without missing the highlights, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Munich Residenz before you go, from must-see rooms like the Antiquarium and Rich Rooms, to tips on buying tickets, finding tours, and understanding its royal past. No trip to Munich would truly be complete without a visit to the Munich Residenz. The Munich Residenz is grand, ornate, and honestly...underrated. Let's dive in!
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If you are wondering "is the Munich Residenz worth visiting?", the answer is absolutely yes! The Munich Residenz may look like just another palace from the outside, but step inside, and you will uncover centuries of political power, royal ambition, and architectural evolution. What began in the late 14th century as a relatively modest fortress gradually transformed into the extravagant seat of power of the Wittelsbach dynasty, Bavaria’s ruling family for over 700 years. Over time, it became not just a royal residence, but a bold statement of wealth, culture, and influence, layered with Renaissance courtyards, Baroque halls, Rococo details, and Neoclassical grandeur.
(If the name Wittelsbach sounds familiar, it is because they are the same royal family behind the stunning Nymphenburg Palace, also located in Munich. If you are curious to learn more about the Wittelsbach family and that palace, check out my full guide to Munich Nymphenburg Palace.)
Over the centuries, the Wittelsbach family expanded their influence through strategic marriages, diplomacy, and sheer longevity. Their reign saw the transformation of Munich from a medieval trading town into the elegant capital of a kingdom.
The Residenz started as a fortress in 1385, known as the "Neuveste," built to protect the ruling family. However, as the Wittelsbachs gained power and wealth, they transformed this humble stronghold into a magnificent palace complex that showcased their prestige. Each ruler left their mark, commissioning new wings, redesigning interiors, and adding extravagant touches to reflect the architectural trends of their era. The result was a palace that spanned multiple styles, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical, all under one roof.
When the German monarchy collapsed at the end of World War I, the Wittelsbach dynasty officially abdicated. The royal family left the Munich Residenz, and Bavaria transitioned into a republic. While the Wittelsbachs retained some private estates, they no longer resided in or ruled from the Munich Residenz.
Following the abdication, the palace transitioned from being a working royal residence to a museum and state property. In 1920, parts of the Residenz were opened to the public, and it became one of Munich’s most prestigious cultural and historical institutions. Decorative arts, furnishings, and royal artifacts were curated into exhibitions, and the building itself became a showcase of Bavarian heritage.
Like many of the landmarks in Munich, the Residenz was not spared from destruction during World War II (WWII). Although no longer a royal seat, the Munich Residenz was targeted during WWII because of its location and symbolic importance. Munich was a major strategic and symbolic city for Nazi Germany, it was known as the "Hauptstadt der Bewegung" or "Capital of the Movement," due to its deep connection with Hitler’s rise to power.
The Residenz sat near key Nazi party offices, government buildings, and military administrative centers. Allied bombing raids were designed to cripple Nazi infrastructure, communication, and morale, and central Munich was repeatedly targeted. The Munich Residenz, despite its cultural value, was caught in these raids, both as collateral damage and due to its proximity to Nazi military and political operations.
Between 1943 and 1945, the Munich Residenz was hit multiple times. Though many artworks and artifacts had been removed in anticipation (this is clear to see in the Ancestral Gallery where paintings were cut out of their frames to save them from the bombing raids), the building itself—walls, ceilings, frescos, and priceless interiors—was largely destroyed.
After the war, there was significant debate about what to do with the ruins. Some wanted to leave them as a war memorial. Others believed in restoring Bavaria’s cultural heritage. Ultimately, the decision was made to rebuild the Residenz in its historical image, and it became a symbol not just of Bavarian royalty, but of cultural preservation, resilience, and postwar identity.
Restoration began in the 1950s, with the palace gradually reopening in stages. Today, it is once again a public museum that tells the story not just of Bavarian royalty, but of survival through destruction and rebirth.
Located in Munich's Old Town, or Innere Stadt, the Munich Residenz is centrally located, making it one of the easiest landmarks and museums to add to your Munich itinerary.
While the Munich Residenz can easily be reached on foot if you are in the Old Town, public transportation in Munich is efficient, clean, and easy to use. The closest stations and stops to the Munich Residenz are listed below.
Before you visit the Munich Residenz, it is a good idea to know when to go, how much it costs, and whether you need to book your tickets in advance. Here is everything you need to plan your visit.
April through Mid-October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last Entry 5:00 PM)
Mid-October through March: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last Entry 4:00 PM)
The Munich Residenz is open daily. However, the palace does close to the public on on January 1st, Shrove Tuesday (Tuesday, February 17, 2026), and December 24th, 25th, and 31st, annually.
There are several ticket options depending on what parts of the Munich Residenz you want to visit. Ticket types and prices are listed below.
| Ticket Type | Price (Adult) | Reduced* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residenz Museum Only | €10.00 | €9.00 | Includes entry to historic state rooms with audio guide |
| Treasury (Schatzkammer) Only | €10.00 | €9.00 | Home to royal jewels & artifacts |
| Combination Ticket | €15.00 | €13.00 | Includes Residenz Museum & Treasury |
| Combination Ticket (with Cuvilliés Theatre) | €20.00 | €16.00 | Includes Residenz Museum, Treasury, & admission to the Cuvilliés Theatre |
*Reduced prices apply for students (with valid student ID card), seniors over the age of 65, and groups. Admission for children under the age of 18 is free.
Tickets can be purchased both on-site and online, in advance of your visit. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in the summer months, during Oktoberfest, and during the winter holidays when Christmas markets are in full swing. To book tickets online, please visit the Munich Residenz Ticket Shop.
With over 130 rooms spread across courtyards, halls, apartments, and chapels, a visit to the Munich Residenz can feel overwhelming, especially for a first-time visitor. However, you do not need to see everything to get the full experience. Here are the top highlights you should not miss when you visit the Munich Residenz, especially if you are short on time or planning a one-day Munich tour and cramming in as much sightseeing as possible!
The Antiquarium is the oldest part of the Munich Residenz and is hands-down the most incredible! Built in the 1500s to house Duke Albrecht V's collection of antique sculptures (hence the name), it is lined with classical busts, an elaborately painted ceiling, and enough Renaissance detail to make your head spin. It is also the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps.
Aside from the Antiquarium, which is in a category of its own, some of my favorite spaces in the Munich Residenz were the more refined and richly decorated rooms that come later in the visitor route, and aptly named the Rich Rooms. Used by Bavarian monarchs during their rule, these rooms showcase royal life in lavish detail. From elaborate wall coverings and gilded furniture to chandeliers and ornate fireplaces, the Rich Rooms really make the Munich Residenz feel like a palace. Highlights inside the Rich Rooms include:
The Ancestral Gallery features a series of portraits that tracks the Wittelsbach family lineage. This hallway is both stunning and historically fascinating. Dozens of portraits in gilded frames stretch down a corridor dripping in Rococo detail. It feels as if you are walking through a family tree.
As I alluded to earlier, if you look closely at the paintings in the Ancestral Gallery, you might notice something unusual: many of them were cut out of their frames during World War II and later reinserted to protect them from destruction during Allied bombing raids. It is subtle and easy to miss, but I always like to point it out because while books and films like The Monuments Men talk about how art was impacted during WWII, this is a real, tangible example right in front of you.
Less visited but worth a quick peek, this Baroque chapel is filled with gilded ornamentation and religious iconography. It reflects the deep connection between Bavarian royalty and Catholic tradition. Today, the chapel is used for musical concerts. If you are interested in attending a concert in this historic venue, our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, has a couple of options available to you, including:
Tucked within the palace’s inner courtyards, the Grotto Courtyard is one of the Residenz’s most unexpected and whimsical features. At its center stands a seashell-covered grotto fountain, decorated with natural stones, crystals, and coral, a nod to Renaissance fascination with nature and mythology. It is a peaceful, photogenic spot that feels like a hidden garden inside of the palace walls. Plus, I think it is safe to say, you will not see another room like this in any other palace! It is completely unique, and one of those little surprises that makes a visit to the Munich Residenz so memorable. Photos do not do the seashells justice!
The Treasury at the Munich Residenz is undoubtedly one of the palace's highlights. This collection houses crowns, ceremonial swords, religious relics, and jewels. It is an impressive collection even by European standards. Keep in mind that if you are interested in visiting the Treasury, you have to buy a ticket as it is not included in the general admission for the Munich Residenz (unless, of course, you buy the combo ticket).
Unfortunately, the Treasury was closed during my visit to the Munich Residenz. 😥 However, Brian explored it on a previous trip to Munich and could not stop raving about it, calling it his favorite part of the entire palace complex!
Tucked inside the palace complex is this gem of Rococo design. The Cuvilliés Theatre once hosted royal operas and still hosts performances today. With red velvet seats, gold trim, and multi-tiered balconies, it is one of the best-preserved 18th-century theaters in Europe. (In fact, the interior of the Cuvilliés Theatre was actually dismantled and safely stored away before the bombing raids on Munich caused extensive damage to the building itself.) The Cuvilliés Theatre has slightly different opening hours than the Munich Residenz. For additional information, please visit the Munich Residenz website. If you are interested in seeing a live performance at the Cuvilliés Theatre, there is an option available to you through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide:
Planning to visit Munich Residenz for the first time? Use these travel-tested tips to make the most of your visit. The Munich Residenz is larger and more detailed than most people expect with 130 rooms and 10 courtyards. To make the most of your visit (and avoid feeling overwhelmed halfway through your visit, before reaching the Treasury), here are three tips I wish I would have known before my first time.
If you are planning to visit the Munich Residenz for the first time, chances are you have a few logistical questions, especially if you are trying to fit it into a packed Munich itinerary. Here are some quick answers to the most common things travelers want to know before visiting the Munich Residenz.
Yes, the Munich Residenz is absolutely worth visiting! It is the largest city palace in Germany and it offers a rich mix of history, architecture, and royal life, from the Renaissance to the Neoclassical era. If you are planning a trip to Munich, this is one place you will not want to skip.
Booking tickets in advance for the Munich Residenz is not required, but it is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (late Spring through early autumn, especially around Oktoberfest, and during the Christmas season when the holiday markets are in full swing). Pre-booking your tickets saves time at the entrance and guarantees access to all of the sections you want to visit, including the Treasury and Cuvilliés Theatre. To book tickets online, please visit the Munich Residenz Ticket Shop.
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at the Residenz. That allows enough time to explore the main museum rooms, including the Antiquarium and Rich Rooms, and the Treasury. If you are short on time, skip the Treasury.
Yes, each part of the Munich Residenz has its own ticket option. You can visit just the Treasury (Schatzkammer) or the Cuvilliés Theatre if you prefer, but the combination ticket offers the best value and access to all three areas.
The Munich Residenz can be kid-friendly, depending on your child’s interests. While there are no hands-on exhibits, the ornate rooms and palace setting can be engaging for kids who enjoy castles and/or history. You are not permitted to bring your own, personal strollers (prams or buggies) inside of the Munich Residenz. However, strollers are available for you to borrow free of charge if you are traveling with infants or small children.
Bags and backpacks larger than 13.7 x 11.8 x 4.7 inches (35 x 30 x 12 cm) are not allowed inside of the Munich Residenz. A staffed cloakroom is available at the entrance.
Food and drinks are not permitted inside of the Munich Residenz. This includes the palace rooms, exhibition areas, Treasury, and theatre. The only exception is water in a plastic bottle, provided it does not exceed 0.5 liters. There is not a café or restaurant on premise at the Munich Residenz. However, there are a number of eateries and cafés in the neighborhood surrounding the palace.
One of the reasons why I recommend the Munich Residenz over the Nymphenburg Palace for those short on time (which is still incredible and if you have time, I highly recommend a visit) is its central location within Munich. The Munich Residenz is surrounded by some of the city's most iconic landmarks, many of which are just a short walk away. Whether you want to continue learning more about Munich's history, stroll through a beautiful garden, or do some souvenir shopping, there are a few nearby attractions that are worth adding to your Munich itinerary.
Located immediately behind the Munich Residenz, the Hofgarten is a beautifully manicured formal garden and one of the best places to visit after touring the Munich Residenz, especially if the weather is nice. With park benches, walking paths, and the domed Diana Temple (Dianatempel) at its center, it is the perfect place to unwind.
If you keep walking north through the Hofgarten, you will end up in the English Garden - Munich's largest urban park that feels more like a small forest than a city green space. You can easily spend a few hours wandering through the English Garden, walking along the streams, stopping at a beer garden, or watching surfers ride the Eisbach wave (Eisbachwelle) near the southern edge of the park.
Just across the street from the Munich Residenz entrance, Maximilianstraße is Munich’s answer to New York's Fifth Avenue and Paris's Champs-Élysées. Even if you are not in the mood to shop, it is worth a stroll. The street is lined with grand buildings, luxury boutiques, and galleries.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for more budget-friendly shopping near the Munich Residenz, there are plenty of shops in and around Marienplatz, especially on Kaufingerstraße, which is about an 8-minute walk from the Munich Residenz.
A 10–15 minute walk south of the Residenz, Viktualienmarkt is a lively open-air food market filled with fresh produce, Bavarian specialties, and street food stalls. It is hands-down one of my favorite spots in the city! If you are looking for a post-palace snack or a casual lunch, this is the place to go. Grab a pretzel, a wedge of cheese, a sandwich, or something hot off the grill and enjoy it at one of the shaded communal tables. Generally, the market stalls are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The market is closed on Sundays; however, some stalls may also be closed on Mondays.
The Munich Residenz honestly surprised me. I expected a few pretty rooms and maybe a historical fact or two, but what I got was so much more. From the beautiful Antiquarium to the over-the-top elegance of the Rich Rooms and hidden gems like the Grotto Courtyard and Miniatures Cabinet, this place really does deserve a spot on your Munich itinerary, especially if you are looking for things to do in Munich beyond the beer halls without venturing outside of the main city center.
If you are planning to visit Munich Residenz, give yourself enough time to wander, listen to the audio guide, and let the slower parts of the museum surprise you. And if you only have one palace to visit while in the city, make it this one.
If you are still planning your trip to Munich, be sure to check out our Munich Travel Guide for hotel recommendations, restaurant suggestions, and more. I also put together an Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest Munich, including what to expect, how to book tents, and what to wear—because yes, I have you covered with a full post on Oktoberfest outfits, too. In the event that you are short on time, I rounded up my top five must-see attractions and museums in Munich to help you narrow it down.
Have you visited the Munich Residenz or are planning to go? Let me know in the comments below. ⬇️ I would love to hear what surprised you the most or what you are most excited to to see! Happy travels!