Hidden Gems Near Munich Hop-On Hop-Off Stops

The bus takes you to the famous sights, but sometimes the real magic is just around the corner. Here are three secrets to finding within 5 minutes of hopping off.

Near Marienplatz Stop

1. The Devil's Footstep (Teufelstritt) Inside the Frauenkirche (Cathedral), right near the entrance, is a black footprint in the floor with a spur.

• The Legend: The Devil made a deal with the builder. When he entered the finished church, he stood at this spot and saw no windows (from this specific angle, the massive pillars hide the side windows, and the altar window was blocked by a huge altar at the time). He laughed at the dark church and stomped his foot in triumph, leaving the mark. Then he took a step forward, saw the light, and turned into a violent windstorm which still blows around the church today.

2. Asamkirche (Asam Church) Walk 5 minutes down Sendlinger Straße. This tiny church is a Baroque explosion. It was built by the Asam brothers as their private chapel, and every inch is covered in gold, skeletons, and marble. It makes the big cathedral look plain by comparison. It is narrow, dark, and incredibly atmospheric.

Near Odeonsplatz Stop

3. Viscardigasse (Drückebergergasse) Behind the Feldherrnhalle is a small alley with a line of gold cobblestones.

• The History: During the Nazi era, a memorial to the failed Putsch was placed on the Odeonsplatz. Passersby were required to give a "Heil Hitler" salute. Locals who refused to salute would take this alley ("Dodger's Alley") to bypass the memorial and avoid trouble. The gold stones honor their quiet civil resistance.

Near English Garden Stop

4. The Standing Wave (Eisbach) (Mentioned before, but emphasizes it's a hidden spectacle if you don't know where to look!). Just behind the Haus der Kunst.

Explore these small details to add depth to your standard sightseeing tour.