Schwabing

Overview

Schwabing is Munich's bohemian and intellectual quarter, where Kandinsky lived and the literary cabaret scene flourished in the early 1900s. Today it blends leafy Jugendstil streets with boutiques, cafés, and buzzy Leopoldstraße nightlife.

Highlights

• Leopoldstraße: The boulevard's summer terrace scene—people-watching capital of Munich.
• Jugendstil architecture: Ornate Art Nouveau facades, especially along Ainmillerstraße and Georgenstraße.
• Elisabethmarkt: A small, local alternative to Viktualienmarkt with neighbourhood charm.

History

Schwabing was an independent village until 1890 and became the epicentre of Munich's artistic avant-garde—the Blue Rider painters, Thomas Mann, and Rainer Maria Rilke all lived and worked here.

Visitor Tips

• Evening stroll: Walk Leopoldstraße from Münchner Freiheit southward at dusk for the best atmosphere.
• Combine with English Garden: Schwabing's eastern edge borders the park.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.