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Nymphenburg or the Residenz?

We have limited time in Munich, and want to see one of the palaces. Which would you recommend over the other (I know they are both worth it, for the record)--Numphenburg or the Residenz? Thank you in advance for any advice.

Posted by
416 posts

We only made it to the Residenz but we positively loved it. They practically had to drag us out of there when they were closing. And we aren't even museum people.

Posted by
1002 posts

I enjoyed the Residenz, but I prefer Nymphenburg for the gardens and grounds. I really enjoyed walking out in the gardens. If you are interested in that, I would choose Nymphenburg. If you are just interested in the interior, I would probably choose the Residenz.

Posted by
3447 posts

Based on the grounds and outbuildings, I would pick Nymphenburg if I had to make a choice.

But, the Residenz is also well worth a visit - central location and you can enjoy a good lunch and beer at Spatenhaus when you're through.

Posted by
19276 posts

The first place I toured in Munich was the Residenz, years ago. At first it was interesting, but the almost endless procession of Rococo rooms and porcelain collections got tedious real fast. I was actually relieved to get out.

I've toured Nymphenburg twice, and never get tired of it (particularly the grounds).

If I had to choose one, it would be Nymphenburg first. I'm not sure the Residenz would even be 2nd. I'd probably choose the City Museum of Munich over the Residenz.

Posted by
2091 posts

The Munich Botanical Garden is adjacent to the Nymphenburg. We spent a very nice day visiting both, with a quick lunch in the garden’s cafe.

Posted by
6 posts

I can't comment on Nyphenburg as we've only done the Residenz, but I will comment on Residenz.

We stayed in an apartment almost directly across from the Residenz and our first afternoon in Munich we thought we would drop in and check it out since we weren't going to wonder off too far on our first day.

I wish we hadn't done it on our first day because I was a little tired from the flight... I say that because I thought it was fantastic and could have easily spent hours upon hours inside.

I'm not normally a museum person but for some reason it really stood out to me. The Antiquarium is one of the most beautiful rooms you will see anywhere. I really just stood there in awe for quite a while!

The whole thing is just really well done and because it wasn't jam packed with people we were able to take our time and really enjoy each room we were in. Often I hate museums because you are jammed in there with a million other people trying to look at the same thing, at that point I just want to rush through everything!

Be sure you visit the treasury if you do the Residenz. It's really impressive!

The location is fantastic. You're practically next door to the Hofgarten and then a short walk to the Englischer Garten, we enjoyed a beer in both...

As for Nymphenburg, we are heading back to Munich in October and it's on my list of things we have to do this time around!

Posted by
813 posts

Unless it is a rainy day, it's Nymphenburg hands down. Beyond the palace itself, the grounds and gardens are great and don't miss the carriage museum.