The Essential Guide to Munich, Germany

Beer, lederhosen, and Oktoberfest are just some cultural cornerstones that vacationers affiliate with Munich. However there’s much more to the Bavarian capital than its conventional allure.

Typically overshadowed by its hip youthful sister, Berlin, Munich additionally has loads of trendy museums and theaters, opera homes, and literature festivals. Town additionally has a cutting-edge culinary scene, which is simply as a lot part of Munich’s id as its centuries-old taverns and historic beer halls.

For a lot of, town represents the polished, prosperous facet of Germany—and it’s straightforward to see why. Perhaps it is the designer boutiques that line the Maximilianstraße (a storied avenue identified for its luxurious retailers), or the parades of BMWs, Mercedes, and Porsches that rev by the streets. However beneath the cosmopolitan floor of town lies a deep-rooted historical past formed not by luxurious, however by the rhythms of rural life.

Munich was based by Benedictine monks within the twelfth century, who favored the realm’s prime geographic place and established a market there. It will get its identify from the time period “mönche,” a German phrase which means “dwelling of the monks.”

For hundreds of years, farmers, craftsmen, and merchants formed town’s character. In the present day, traces of its agrarian previous might be discovered woven into every day life. For instance, locals collect in beer gardens shaded by chestnut bushes that had been as soon as planted to chill underground beer cellars—an age-old custom. “It’s important to go to not less than one beer backyard, ideally in [the park] Englischer Garten,” says Kate Mann, a Munich knowledgeable and author whose weblog Munich Bites covers all issues associated to the Bavarian capital. “They’re such an awesome introduction to Bavarian tradition and delicacies.”

And although town’s id is tied to its raucous annual beer bash, Oktoberfest, there’s a lot extra to this underrated German metropolis, and there is actually no dangerous time to go to. In the summertime, you’ll be able to depart town in any course and inside an hour, end up in quiet mountain villages or lakeside retreats. In winter, snowboarding within the close by Bavarian Alps is greater than only a weekend exercise—it’s virtually a compulsory a part of Münchner tradition.

Here is what you have to know earlier than planning a visit to Munich, Germany.

Finest Inns

The Rosewood

The Rosewood Munich opened in 2023, providing a contemporary but timeless tackle luxurious hospitality. Housed in a fantastically restored former financial institution, it attracts a discerning, design-conscious crowd with ethereal interiors and excellent on-site pâtisserie.

Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, by Hyatt

There are many causes to like the Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, however its 22,000-square-foot spa may high the listing. It is one of many largest indoor wellness areas in Germany and spans two flooring, and has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of town. Add to that the smooth, well-designed rooms and The Lonely Broccoli—a contemporary meat restaurant with loads of character—and also you’ve bought a trendy metropolis keep. Take a look at the herb backyard and bee hives on the rooftop when you’re there.

The Charles Lodge

The Charles Hotel is a recent artwork deco masterpiece located in Munich’s Maxvorstadt district, nestled subsequent to the Outdated Botanical Backyard. It opened in 2007 and has 160 spacious rooms and suites, a famend Italian restaurant known as Florio, and town’s longest indoor pool.

Lodge Bayerischer Hof

Munich and Hotel Bayerischer Hof are inseparable. Established in 1897 and nonetheless family-owned by the Volkhardts, this iconic lodge has main character: it’s been the setting for iconic nationwide TV exhibits and often hosts worldwide celebrities. Naturally, it even has an in-house cinema, designed by architect and artwork collector, Axel Vervoordt. The rooftop is a perfect place to benefit from the sundown amid gorgeous metropolis views.

Haus im Tal

Only a stone’s throw away from the culinary hub of Viktualienmarkt, this boutique hotel is an ideal decide for design lovers. Mann says she loves the “stylish Haus im Tal, with its cozy rooftop bar and pleasant younger workforce.” Throughout their keep, vacationers will discover issues like stainless-steel espresso makers of their rooms, fantastically tiled jacuzzis, attentive workers, and a delightfully relaxed environment.

Finest Issues to Do

Swim, stroll, or take a ship on the Isar.

Water has all the time performed a surprisingly massive function in on a regular basis life in Munich. After the well-known inner-city browsing spot Eisbachwelle lately closed, the Isar has turn into much more in style. In the summertime, guests can select from an ice-cold mountain water dip or a sluggish drift on their backs down the massive stream with gorgeous views of the historic interior metropolis.

Haus der Kunst

Haus der Kunst isn’t fairly a hidden gem, however a generally underrated artwork establishment of worldwide magnitude. Positioned in a monumental neoclassical constructing initially commissioned in 1933, this museum is distinct in that it does not have its personal everlasting assortment. This enables it to host extremely dynamic, large-scale exhibitions with versatile programming. Since 2011, the museum’s former air-raid shelter within the basement has hosted rotating video artwork exhibitions from the Goetz Assortment—curated and co-organized throughout the Haus der Kunst. It is price a go to only for the juxtaposition of extremely trendy artwork and historic structure.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is affectionately known as Munich’s “fifth season,” and it attracts thousands and thousands of holiday makers every year—and for good purpose. Visiting this pageant looks like stepping right into a parallel universe at instances. Conventional Bavarian fare like roast rooster, pork knuckle, pretzels, and sausages is served in all places, and lots of guests costume in conventional clothes. Desk reservations are sometimes the one solution to sneak right into a packed tent. For a extra old school and calmer model of the pageant, the Oide Wiesn (Bavarian for “previous Oktoberfest”), situated on the finish of the fairground, offers a little bit of a throwback expertise.

But when all this appears a bit overwhelming, Frühlingsfest may simply be for you. This spring pageant is way smaller and usually extra reasonably priced, however with the identical nice native meals and the identical (learn: massive) quantity of beer. Avoiding Oktoberfest can even assure you expertise much less crowded trains, cheaper lodge charges, and an total simpler expertise.

Viktualienmarkt

Whereas this place is definitely on many guests’ radar, having fun with an Aperol spritz or a glass of wine right here on a weeknight can have you feeling like an area very quickly. And the place else do culinary distributors name themselves “Flower Elly” or “Fish Witty?”

Englischer Garten

Englischer Garten isn’t solely Munich’s largest park, but it surely additionally has charming beer gardens, stunning monuments, and mountain river streams—this park is the inexperienced soul of town. It stretches out over 900 acres, making it bigger than Central Park. There’s even a nudist space, a protracted custom in Germany.

Biergartens

Some sights are chronically overrun or just don’t stay as much as their hype. Bavarian beer gardens by no means disappoint, and they’re a staple in Munich. Perhaps their magic lies within the sounds that the pebbles make when you stroll over them to the beer benches located beneath massive bushes, or the truth that company are allowed to deliver their very own meals (however you might not wish to, given their normally glorious menus). I like to recommend visiting Augustiner-Kelle, among the many oldest and hottest beer gardens in Munich, situated by the Chinese language Tower in Englischer Garten.

Finest Buying

Dallmayr Delicatessen

Getting into Dallmayr looks like coming into Munich’s model of Harrods Meals Corridor—however with over 300 years of Bavarian custom. Simply steps from Marienplatz, this historic delicatessen (which is without doubt one of the largest in Europe) has the whole lot from caviar and truffles to a house-roasted signature espresso. Baroque interiors and white-glove service full the expertise. Go on a weekday morning to beat the crowds.

Ludwig Beck

Courting again to 1861, Ludwig Beck is a Munich establishment situated proper on Marienplatz, throughout from the Glockenspiel. As soon as a positive textiles store, it’s now a refined division retailer with a curated clothes choice, Europe’s finest indie music, and an distinctive vary of worldwide magnificence manufacturers on the bottom stage. Subtle, selective, and oh-so Munich.

Maximilianstraße

Munich’s schickeria (jet set) crowd has made a reputation for itself because the Eighties. Maximilianstraße exemplifies this luxury-oriented, Porsche-driving, and tennis-playing facet of town with upscale boutiques, grand bars, and theatre homes. Most institutions are set inside stately Nineteenth-century buildings that really feel extra like grand salons than storefronts. It is price a stroll and a look-see, even when Chanel and Dior will not be within the price range.

Fraunhoferstraße

Nestled in one of many metropolis’s coolest neighborhoods, the realm is dotted with unbiased boutiques, file shops, curated classic emporiums, and design-forward idea retailers. It’s the type of place the place you store for ethically made linen pants, artisanal chocolate, and hand-thrown ceramics—all set alongside the Isar river.

Lodenfrey

For all these courageous souls taking up Oktoberfest in lederhosen, Lodenfrey has the suitable match. This conventional Alpine luxurious retailer and label sells trachten (conventional Bavarian clothes) with a contemporary twist. Its identify is derived from the phrase loden, an area textile made with specifically handled wool that is usually utilized in conventional coats and jackets.

Finest Nightlife

Schumann’s

A quintessential Munich expertise, Schumann’s offers company with a view of the attractive Odeonsplatz, town’s public sq.. This inner-city gem exudes an Outdated World magnificence. The menu has a variety of traditional cocktails, crafted to perfection by founder (and former mannequin) Charles Schumann—there are additionally servers in white jackets, excessive ceilings, and marble in all places.

Bar Centrale

Going to Bar Centrale looks like one of the best type of glad accident. Its location within the historic Lederer Avenue with its cobblestone alley and signal that reads “pastry store” in old school font, makes it really feel prefer it’s caught within the Center Ages in the easiest way attainable. However the inside of Bar Centrale, nevertheless, looks like Seventies Italy, the place espresso meets negronis always of the day.

Fortunate Who

Lucky Who blurs the road between dinner, drinks, and nightlife. Located close to elegant Maximilianstraße, that is the place Munich’s inventive and media crowd mingles. The moody, upscale setting is accented with splashes of gold and velvet, and you may anticipate issues like truffle pasta, steak, and craft cocktails on the menu. It transforms right into a swanky, DJ‑pushed scene on the weekends.

Alte Utting

Ever questioned what a ship on a railroad bridge would seem like? Alte Utting has the reply. Mann calls it “Munich’s quirky bar on a landlocked boat.” Someplace between a bar, a restaurant, and—properly—a ship, company will discover a extra inventive, grungy facet to town right here. Lovely panoramas of town and river abound.

Frau im Mond

Rooftop bars may not be a typical Munich expertise, however this spot begs to vary. Frau im Mond, which interprets to “girl on the moon,” offers its company with a lounge atmosphere, spectacular metropolis views over the Isar, and sunlit out of doors seating. Take a look at the Deutsche Museum beneath, a world-renowned pure historical past museum.

Finest Eating places

Resraurant Tantris DNA

Tantris DNA opened in 1971, and its interiors are a loving homage to the groovy decade. Its unique chef, Eckart Witzigmann, grew to become the primary German particular person to helm a restaurant with three Michelin stars, Aubergine. These days, Tantris DNA—a sister restaurant—is extra informal however nonetheless high-end, and has a inventive à la carte eating that focuses on town’s culinary heritage (therefore, “DNA”).

Mural

Mural might not be your conventional Bavarian inn, but it surely’s the right place to have a Michelin-starred meal in an industrial stylish area that is been seamlessly built-in into the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art. Virtually all objects on the menu are regionally sourced: from the orange wine to the inventive five-course menus.

Max Emanuel Brauerei

Max Emanuel Brauerei offers a glimpse into trendy Bavarian eating places—the sort with these acquainted chestnut bushes within the beer backyard, and the place households ask for an additional toddler chair on weekends. This spot is situated in Munich’s scholar district, Maxvorstadt, and serves Alpine delicacies with an upscale twist. Attempt the crispy backhendl (rotisserie rooster), or kaspressknödl (cheese dumplings) for a vegetarian possibility.

Julius Brantner Brothandwerk

Julius Brantner is a part of a brand new wave of upscale artisanal bakeries, and its slow-fermented sourdough creations are simply as wonderful as their artsy presentation. Mann says the bakery’s “rye loaf with fermented natural apples” is one in every of her absolute favorites. However actually, something is definitely worth the wait on this store, which focuses on high quality over having a big choice.

Nari Pizza Atelier

Some individuals consult with Munich because the northernmost Italian metropolis, and Munich’s pizzas could be up there with a few of the finest pies made by the Neapolitan masters. This new and very hot addition, sited within the hip Fraunhoferstraße, serves creations akin to “Gen-Z-Pizza” and “Fundamental Bitch” in a stainless-steel studio. The furnishings is on the market too. Proprietor Kimo Kanoui studied mechanical engineering again dwelling in Italy and constructed a lot of the inside décor himself.

Finest Time to Go to

Deciding on when to go to Munich will principally rely upon the actions you’re planning on doing, or planning to keep away from. Are you trying to dive into the thrill of Oktoberfest season? Then intention to go to in late September to early October, because the pageant normally begins round Sept. 20. Ensure to e-book your keep early to keep away from overpriced motels and lengthy commutes.

Spring sees stunning metropolis walks and reasonable temperatures, particularly after April, whereas summer time is taken into account the beginning of swimming season, when locals normally take dips within the Isar or the encircling lakes. Munich winters have one of the best exhibits and operas. Town’s well-known Christmas markets additionally happen within the winter, and supply Munich with an environment of preholiday coziness.

How you can Get There

Munich is primarily served by Munich Airport (MUC), situated about 20 miles exterior the center of town, or a 30-minute drive by automobile. You may also take the bus or the Munich U-Bahn (the subway), a trip that can take you about 40 minutes on both mode of transportation. If you happen to’re coming in on a Ryanair flight, you will most likely be touchdown in Memmingen Airport (FMM) in close by Memmingen, Germany—the prepare trip from right here will take you about 90 minutes.

German prepare service supplier Deutsche Bahn offers fast connections to and from all different German cities and collaborates with Austrian and Swiss suppliers for simple transfers. The central station, Munich Central Station, is normally fairly busy and lies inside strolling distance of an important points of interest of town.

Neighborhoods to Go to

Glockenbachviertel

The identify of this space interprets to “Bell Stream Quarter” and it is in Munich’s Isarvorstadt space. “Glockenbachviertel” refers to a metropolis creek that also runs underground, and a bell foundry that was situated right here many centuries in the past. These days, the neighborhood is understood for its vivid nightlife, town’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and the well being store-lined Fraunhoferstraße that leads straight to the Isar.

Outdated City

Residents and guests alike might be discovered strolling by the cobblestone streets of Munich’s Outdated City. Many of the massive model buying is discovered right here, in addition to main points of interest like Frauenkirche (a beautiful church), Viktualienmarkt, and Marienplatz. The well-known City Corridor with its animated clock tower will chime and placed on a captivating little present at 11 a.m., midday, and 5 p.m. Professional tip: go as much as the tower of St. Peter’s Church close by for beautiful views of town.

Schwanthalerhöhe

Generally known as the “west finish,” Schwanthalerhöhe is taken into account one of many more moderen additions to Munich’s ever-growing cityscape. This space is a extra relaxed district, with a residential really feel. However there are some nice meals choices within the neighborhood, together with Park Korean Eatery, in addition to the cutest espresso retailers within the metropolis. Attempt Mira Cafe, which doubles as an artwork gallery and file retailer.

Schwabing

As soon as upon a time, Schwabing was the epicenter of Munich’s Seventies Bohemian motion, and you may nonetheless discover traces of its hip historical past at locations like Café Münchner Freiheit or Michelin-starred Tantris. These days, the western a part of Schwabing is in particularly excessive demand, not solely due to its relaxed allure, but additionally due to its eye-catching artwork deco facades and proximity to the centrally situated Englischer Garten.

Giesing

An up-and-coming neighborhood, Giesing is attracting an increasing number of younger individuals as a consequence of its reasonable costs and artistic hubs like Gans Woanders, a community-funded venue with stay music, comedy, and a café all 12 months spherical. As soon as a employee’s district,  industrial buildings inhabited by coworking areas, bakeries, and pizza locations make it a must-see for a very complete perspective on Munich.

How you can Get Round

• The Munich U-Bahn and S Bahn: Munich’s subway system is straightforward to navigate and is a handy solution to get across the metropolis. Anticipate numerous liveliness round Oktoberfest and to listen to heavy Bavarian accents over the speaker bulletins. If you have to attain a spot simply exterior town, you’ll be able to hop on the S-Bahn, which serves the areas surrounding Munich. It is an affordable and simple solution to get to out of doors points of interest akin to Lake Starnberg, Kloster Andechs, or Wolfratshausen.
• Tram: Munich tram strains cowl many of the interior metropolis and are simply as handy as they’re nostalgic. 13 strains cowl 50 or extra trams are added throughout Oktoberfest season. Be careful for vehicles, as Munich drivers are notoriously quick and livid, and the stops are generally very near primary streets.
• Bus: With StadtBus (serving native metropolis routes), MetroBus (specializing in increased site visitors routes) and ExpressBus, Munich is properly linked through bus. You may hop on any with an Münchner Verkehrsund Tarifverbund (aka MVV) move.
• Taxis and ride-hailing providers: Within the unlikely case that public transport fails you, taxis are broadly out there. Uber is often utilized in Munich for late-night and weekday rides.
• Bicycles: Munich is pretty bike-friendly, and MVV has an app the place you’ll be able to lease e-bikes and e-scooters. You may also lease longer-term choices at locations like Swapfiets or at unbiased bike retailers across the metropolis.