Former royal palace of Bavarian monarchs — 130 rooms spanning Renaissance to Neoclassical. The Antiquarium hall, Treasury with crown jewels, and Cuvilliés Theatre are reason enough. This is where the Wittelsbach dynasty accumulated 700 years of wealth and power.
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Start with the Schatzkammer (Treasury) to see the Bavarian crown jewels and reliquaries that span a millennium of craftsmanship. Then tour the Residenz Museum rooms — the Antiquarium is the highlight, a Renaissance hall built for Duke Albrecht V's collection of antiquities. If time permits, visit the Cuvilliés Theatre separately (requires different ticket) — Rococo theatre architecture at its most delirious.
Morning on a weekday to avoid the worst crowds. The palace complex is vast; allow 2-3 hours minimum. Audio guide is essential for context. Combine with the Odeonsplatz area outside for the full Wittelsbach experience.
Built from 1385 onward, continuously expanded until the 19th century. Heavily damaged in WWII, meticulously reconstructed afterward. The Treasury holds St. George statuette with over 2,000 precious stones, the crown of Queen Therese, and reliquaries that defy description. The Antiquarium (1568-1571) is the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps. Cuvilliés Theatre is where Mozart's Idomeneo premiered in 1781. This palace was the seat of Bavarian power until the monarchy ended in 1918. Wear comfortable shoes — it is genuinely enormous.