Munich districts: 1. old town Lehel

Munich districts: 1. old town-Lehel

Munich's 1st district is Altstadt-Lehel. To get to know the district better, Altstadt and Lehel should be viewed separately, as they are quite different.

📌 Facts:

• Area: over 300 hectares
• Sights: magnificent buildings & monuments, English Garden, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Alter Peter
• Transportation: U4 & U5

Old Town

The historic old town consists of the medieval districts of Hackenviertel, Kreuzviertel, Angerviertel, and Graggenau. The center and hotspot of Munich is the Marienplatz. This is where many people gather to store, eat, drink, and stroll. Well-known sights are for example the Frauenkirche, the Old Peter, or the old and new city hall.

Today's Old Town still corresponds in many points to the historic Old Town and is bordered by the Old Town Ring. When this was built in 1619, Munich was still a fortress. The district of Lehel adjoins the east side.

Photo: Stefanie Jost

Lehel

Lehel is one of the oldest suburbs of Munich and was originally supposed to be renamed "St.-Anna-Vorstadt". The reason for this was the construction of the monastery of St. Anna. However, the population was not necessarily satisfied with this, which is why the name Lehel has continued to prevail. In the beginning, only people who were barred from living in the city lived in Lehel.

Over time, more and more people settled, including some craftsmen and an increasing number of trades. Then, after Lehel became a permanent part of the city of Munich, the district grew into a popular residential area. Today, Lehel is still a popular residential area, but more for the older generation. There are a few pubs and bars, but this is where the population comes more for walking than partying.

In addition to beautiful architecture, walkers can unwind in the English Garden. The southern part of the English Garden, which belongs to Lehel, makes up about 22% of the green area in the district and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors to Munich. Not only can nature be enjoyed here, but there is also a beer garden to linger in at the Chinese Tower or watch brave surfers in the Eisbach wave.