Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a city where rich tradition meets modernity and beautiful nature flows throughout! Whether you’re visiting for Oktoberfest or planning an extended stay, Munich has something for literally everyone. From its world-renowned beer gardens, historic landmarks, and modern art scene — I think you’re going to fall in love just as hard as I did!
About 15 years ago, my family came to Munich for a few days on a Europe vacation – we were all taken aback by how smitten we were with this charming city. It has become one of our favorite destinations we have ventured to as a family! This time, I was in town to catch Adele’s run of shows in Munich. I had much more time to explore and was really excited to sink my teeth in to the Bavaraian City ! I was taken aback by how lovely and liveable the city is: with so much nature, park/picnic culture, separate bike lanes on nearly every street, and all the laid-back biergartens… I could really see myself living here!
Munich is a city steeped in history! Start your journey at Marienplatz Square, the true heart of the old city. Make sure to catch the Glockenspiel show – a charming clockwork performance featuring life-sized figures reenacting Bavarian history to churchbells. A Bavarian spectacle! A short walk away is the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady), an iconic symbol of Munich with its twin domes visible from all around the city!
Munich is such a green city, with plenty of parks and gardens to relax and picnic in! The English Garden (Englischer Garten) – Munich’s “Central Park” is one of the largest urban parks in the world, perfect for a stroll or a picnic by the Kleinhesseloher. Don’t miss the Eisbachwelle, where surfers ride the standing wave, a crazy sight for being in the middle of the city! For a more formal garden experience, visit Seehaus for a lovely lunch by the water!
Munich is home to some of the best museums in Europe. If you’re interested in art museums, you shouldn’t miss the Pinakothek trio: Alte Pinakothek (Old Masters), Neue Pinakothek (19th-century art), and Pinakothek der Moderne (Modern). Each museum offers a pretty unique journey through art history. For something different, head to the Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest museum of science & technology. It’s a fascinating place to explore, with exhibits ranging from early aircraft to space exploration. For a deeper dive into history, a great rainy-day activity is to visit the Residenz Museum, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, now a museum that showcases the wealth of the Wittelsbach dynasty.
No visit to Munich would be complete without experiencing its historic Bavarian beer culture. The city is dotted with beer gardens, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy a cold Maß (liter) of beer. Hofbräuhaus is one of the most famous beer halls in the world and is a must-visit for its lively atmosphere (and a pretzel to go with your beer!). For a more local experience, try the Augustiner-Keller or Chinesischer Turm in the English Garden. Both offer a great Bavarian experience with large outdoor seating areas, traditional Bavarian cuisine, and of course, excellent beer brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot – Germany’s beer purity law.
Munich’s nightlife is as diverse as the city itself. From traditional beer halls to trendy nightclubs, there’s something for every taste. The Glockenbachviertel is the epicenter of Munich’s nightlife, with a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues. If you’re in the mood for something cultural, check out the Bayerische Staatsoper for an unforgettable opera experience or catch a concert at the Gasteig, home to the Munich Philharmonic!
Munich’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Some Bavarian dishes you should be looking to try: Weißwurst (white sausage), Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast), Spätzle (German egg noodle pasta), and of course, the German Schnitzel. If you’re in Munich for the first time, you’ll want to grab breakfast at Wagners Juicery for a healthy start, Café Faber, or Trachtenvogl! After breakfast head to Viktualienmarkt, Europe’s oldest operating open-air market – with 140 food vendors – to sample local cheeses, sausages, and fresh produce. You can get lunch at Spatenhaus at the Opera, Kaisergarten, or a quick sandwich at Bacio Sandwich Bar! In the afternoon, a stop at a beer hall or biergarten is a must! I’d recommend Hofbrauhaus, Augustiner Keller, or Seehaus in the English Garden. For dinner, head to Brenner, Der Dantler, BINGO Bistro, or Italian fare at Giorgia Trattoria!
To Eat:
- *Café Faber – This local favorite is serving up bright and healthy breakfast and brunch dishes as well as specialty coffee! No reservations and the line can get long on the weekend!
- Botanista Café Club – Easygoing hangout with a shabby-chic vibe offering an all-day menu of health-conscious meals. Don’t miss out on getting the banana bread here!
- A Small Café & Bar – A fun brunch destination with dishes inspired by global cuisines! They have a world-class cafe and feature some fun cocktails!
- *Wagners Juicery – A super-popular health-conscious café serving up smoothies, fruit bowls & salads in a minimal chic space. I had one of the best Acai bowls here!
- *Brenner – Mediterranean Italian cuisine in an impressively pillared chamber with modern decor. Don’t miss out on their beautiful back patio on a nice day or their chic bar.
- *Hofbrauhaus – While it can be a bit touristy, I think grabbing a beer here is a must! This 3-floor beer hall dates back to the 16th century. Be sure to grab a pretzel from the staff selling them in baskets! They also have traditional Bavarian musical shows that are fun
- Osteria Italiana – Upscale Italian restaurant founded in 1890, with ceiling murals & a beautiful open-air atrium. They have classic Italian pasta, meat & seafood dishes!
- Gigi Trattoria – Cosmopolitan Italian place with sumptuous, vintage-chic decor & a menu of pasta, pizza & meats.
- *Der Dantler – Stylish setup for creative European fare with Asian influences, plus a wine list & set menus.
- Kaisergarten – Bavarian restaurant in an art nouveau building, with modern-rustic decor & a shaded beer garden.
- Comal – Casual Mexican taqueria serving up delicosu tacos & margaritas!
- Andy’s Krablergarten – Relaxed restaurant & beer garden serving hearty Bavarian sides, grills & schnitzels.
- *Giorgia Trattoria – With funky-fun decor, this Italian joint is serving up some delicious pasta & Pizzas! We got the truffle mafaldine and “smoking hot” pizza! Be sure to check out their bathroom – thank me later!
- BINGO Bistro – Hip wine bar featuring
- Restaurant Alois – Dallmayr Fine Dining
- *Spatenhaus at the Opera – Rustic restaurant for Bavarian dishes & own-brewed beer, plus a more formal dining room upstairs.
- *Seehaus – A favorite in the English Garden! This upscale Bavarian restaurant is focused on seafood, with a rustic wooden interior & lakeside beer garden. Don’t miss out on their meatballs and the schnitzel!
- Marais Soir – High-concept French cuisine & fine wines presented in an unpretentious environment.
- *Bacio Sandwich Bar – Hip & trendy Italian café serving up delicious sandwiches and pizza pockets. Great for lunch!
- Wirsthaus (in der Au) – Bavarian restaurant, tavern & beer garden established in 1901, known for its dumplings & live jazz music!
- Augustiner Keller – Landmark restaurant known for its large beer garden & hall, serving Bavarian & international dishes.
- *Xavers – Bavarian dishes & beer presented in a contemporary, country-chic tavern with outdoor seating.
- Gabelspiel – Elevated and modern French farm-to-table cuisine made with regional produce!
- *Bufet Kull – A French bistro with tartare, oysters & bouillabaisse, served in a New York style haunt with arched windows & mirrors
- Matsuhisa (at the Mandarin Oriental) – Great Japanese-Peruvian fusion sushi from the team behind Nobu!
- Trachtenvogl – Warm, vintage-style café/bar featuring comfort food dishes & a breakfast menu. A great spot for brunch!
- Schreiberei – This French and Japanese fusion restaurant is as eclectic as it is delicious!
- Tantris – A Michelin-starred, architect-designed restaurant that offers a contemporary twist on traditional Bavarian cuisine.
Coffee & Bakery:
- *Sweet Spot – Cute quality coffee shop
- Bäckerei Aumüller – With several locations, they’ve been cranking out bread & Bavarian pastries for over 120 years!
- Bäckerei Alof Ohg – Their legendary Stingl-Brezn – a pretzel topped with juicy cooked ham and Emmental cheese – the best hangover breakfast is a must! Be sure to try their cheesecake, too!
- Reichart – Although it’s a chain, they are cranking out some great Bavarian pastries & pretzels!
- *Dallmayr – Great café for a coffee & slice of cake!
- Laden – Hand-brewed coffee & home-baked cakes, plus light lunches & a weekend brunch, in hip surroundings.
- *Man Versus Machine Coffee Roasters – A hip, independent coffee house
- Café Moinspatz – Coffee, cakes, and great bites for lunch!
- Cafe Lozzi – Laid-back coffeehouse & bar with vegan menu options & offbeat, shabby-chic decor.
- *aran Fünf Höfe – Cute café near Marienplatz Square
- Café Zeitgeist – Laid-back choice with outdoor seating providing burgers, pasta & salads, plus breakfast.
- The Victorian House Brown’s Tea Bar – This British tea room is a great spot for afternoon tea and cakes in Munich!
- *Billy’s Café & Kiosk – Snug coffee shop with pastries and sandwiches. They have a great Greek coffee (Freddo Espresso/Cappuccino)!
- Ballabeni Icecream Stammhaus – Delicious handcrafted ice cream!
To Drink:
- *Hofbrauhaus – While it can be a bit touristy, I think grabbing a beer here is a must! This 3-floor beer hall dates back to the 16th century. Be sure to grab a pretzel from the staff selling them in baskets! They also have traditional Bavarian musical shows that are fun
- Pfälzer Residenz Weinstube – Wine bar
- SODA – Casual bistro-style restaurant & bar with a fun crowd
- Schuhmanns Bar – American-style cocktail bar with slick, classic decor, upscale drinks & an exclusive vibe.
- M’Uniqo Rooftop – Chic Venice-inspired hotel rooftop bar & terrace with an incredible panoramic view of Munich!
- Gay Bars in Glockenbachviertel (gay neighborhood)
- Prosecco – fun dancy gay bar playing pop hits!
- Ochsengarten – A leather bar with an older clientele, frequented by Freddie Mercury
- Rendevouz – No-frills gay bar with karaoke, drag performers & themed nights
- Simsalabim
- Max & Moritz – Wine bar located in the Viktualienmarkt
- Ory (at the Mandarin Oriental)
- Augustiner-Keller
To Do:
- Grab a liter (or two!) of Bavarian beers at Hofbrauhaus
- Catch the river surfers in the river at Eisbachwelle!
- Walk through the English Garden, the “central park” of Munich
- Chinesischer Turm
- Swim in the Eisbach
- Sckellmonument
- Visit the Residenz Museum the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs
- Grab some food at Viktualienmarkt – the oldest operating open-air market in Europe – with 140 food vendors!
- See the Glockenspiel show, located in Marienplatz square
- Stroll through the Hofgarten, and catch a piano player or Spanish dancers at the Dianatempel!
- Visit the BMW Museum
- Pinakothek der Moderne – contemporary art museum of the 19th & 20th centuries
- Visit the Museum Brandhorst the Modern Art Museum
- See an opera at Bayerische Staatsoper
- Witness the Nyphenberg Palace
- Catch some contemporary art at Haus der Kunst
- See the Siegestor – A famous 19th-century arch featuring a bronze sculpture of Bavaria with 4 lions
- Shopping:
- j’ai mal à la tête – menswear
- Statement – menswear and denim destination
- Kunst Oase – vintage lighting store
- Motel a Miio – home goods
- Ed Meier – a traditional Bavarian clothing emporium and Germany’s oldest existing shoemaker.
- Delikatessen-089 – Furniture & lighting
- IMPERIA III – Flower shop with well-curated dry goods
- Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle [2-hour drive south of Munich]
- Enjoy some Bavarian beers at The Klosterbrauerei Andechs – a fun brewery outside of town [an hour west of Munich]
- Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp [30 minutes outside of Munich]
To Stay:
- Haus Im Tal – Located right in the middle of Old Town Munich, you can’t get a better location this this! Clean lines & a sleek design make their rooms with a private balcony a no-brainer!
- Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski – For a 5-star luxury stay with Bavarian flair, this is where I’d aim to stay! Located right behind the Munich Opera House it’s central to all of Munich’s Old Town.
- Cortiina – This elegant hotel in central Munich has a very Bavarian touch!
- Koenigshof – A new jewel of the city, this Marriott Luxury Collection has an incredible rooftop as well as a great gym!
- 25 Hours Hotel Royal Bavarian – A stately hotel with a twist! Funky-fun with an eclectic mix of history and design. Located directly at Munich Central Station!
Munich is a city that captivates with its blend of Bavarian history, culture, and modern lifestyle. Whether you’re wandering through its historic streets, devouring Bavarian delicacies, or soaking in its vibrant arts scene, Munich offers a unique experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. So pack your bags, brush up on your German (or just your appetite for beer & pretzels!), and get ready to explore one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. I was in Munich towards the end of August and think I’ll need to get back for the next Oktoberfest! See you there!
Stay Risky,
– John
