We present a compilation of hopefully all published galaxies and quasars that were ever optically identified within |b|=<5deg. We present 2304 objects and list (and discuss), in addition to their (often considerably improved) coordinates, the best available morphological type, optical maximum diameters in the red, up-to-date heliocentric radial velocities, references to the papers where a specific object was first optically identified and results of cross-checks with the IRAS point source catalogue.