Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Schwabing & the Englischer Garten
Take the U-Bahn to Münchner Freiheit, grab a table in a street-side cafe on Leopoldstrasse
and watch the world on parade. What do you see? Bronzed Lotharios in deep-buttoned
white shirts. Faux blondes in tiny tees. Teens in tight premium jeans. Chic mamas walking
designer dogs. Yep, no matter what you've heard or read, Schwabing's reputation as a bo-
ho stronghold of artists and students is a thing of the past. Fact is, Schwabing is thor-
oughly gentrified, has some of the highest rents in town, and is populated by lawyers, ed-
itors, professors and well-heeled types. Some live in beautifully restored Jugendstil (art
nouveau) buildings along such streets as Ainmillerstrasse and Gedonstrasse.
Through it all runs urban Leopoldstrasse. Like all grand boulevards, Leopoldstrasse is a
catwalk for the masses, a wide and shady promenade in full view of passing traffic and
perfect for showing off the goods - a new car, a new partner, a new outfit - especially on
warm summer evenings. The task is made easier by the rows of street-side cafe tables
packed with aspirants and arrivés. The tallest eye-catcher along here, though, is Jonathan
mid-stride.
Best of all, the English Garden is only a quick stroll away. The student quarter, mean-
while, is actually south of Schwabing, in Maxvorstadt. But don't worry; even locals get
the two confused.
PARK
Englischer Garten
( Universität)
The sprawling English Garden is among Europe's biggest city parks,
bigger than even London's Hyde Park and New York's Central Park and a favourite play-
ground for locals and visitors alike. Stretching north from Prinzregentenstrasse for about
5km, it was commissioned by Elector Karl Theodor in 1789 and designed by Benjamin
Thompson, an American-born scientist working as an advisor to the Bavarian govern-
ment.
Paths piddle around in dark stands of mature oak and maple before emerging into sunlit
meadows of lush grass. Locals are mindful of its popularity and tolerate the close quarters
of bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Street musicians dodge balls kicked by frolicking chil-
dren, and students sprawl on the grass to chat about missed lectures.
