With its laid-back, almost rural energy, sprawling city parks and embrace of tradition, Munich is known locally as the “village of a million people”. The Bavarian capital is also synonymous with its infamous annual beer festival, but this city is more than just a celebration of hops and Lederhosen. From design-forward stays to cutting-edge culture and world-class dining, get ready to discover the best of Munich – like a local.
Stay: Cortiina Munich
This modern boutique hotel in the heart of the old town is the perfect launch pad for seeing Munich’s principal attractions. Ideal for design-minded travellers, its lodgings emanate class and sophistication with earthy natural materials, high-design touches and feng shui’d energy flows. Be sure to enjoy the fresh breakfast sourced from the nearby Viktualienmarkt, and circle back to end your day with a tipple or two at the trendy Bar Centrale across the road.
See: Kunstareal
The city’s Kunstareal district brings together 18 museums and exhibition centres, as well as more than 40 galleries and numerous cultural institutions. For art, the beautiful Lenbachhaus Gallery boasts a remarkable array of contemporary artworks, while the Alte Pinakothek houses a significant collection of Old Master paintings in an imposing structure illuminated by natural skylights. Those in the mood for history, meanwhile, can enjoy sculptures in the Glyptothek or dive into the past at the State Museum of Egyptian Art.
Power Up: Man Versus Machine
Locally based speciality roaster Man Versus Machine has been supplying Münchners with top-quality arabica coffees and ceremonial-grade matcha for over a decade, supported by a tempting selection of banana breads, brownies and cinnamon-rich Franzbrötchen in the pastry cabinet. With four stylishly appointed branches across the city, you’re never far from a caffeinated pick-me-up. You can also grab a bag of organic beans to take home; let the knowledgeable baristas help you choose the best ones for your taste and brewing method of choice.
Lunch: Pizzesco
With Italy just a few hours’ drive to the south, Munich considers itself the Mediterranean’s northernmost city – so there’s plenty of good Italian food to be found. Pizzesco, a short stroll from the shallow river Isar that runs through the city, is an excellent choice for authentic Italian flavours, and there are even gluten-free options prepared entirely separately. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, take a few to-go slices and head for the verdant parks along the riverbank. You might just forget you’re in Germany’s third-largest metropolis.
Shop: Hohenzollernstraße
The town centre has all the chain stores you could need, plus higher-end brands on Maximilianstraße, but for something you can’t get at home, the well-heeled northern neighbourhood of Schwabing is the place to go. The stretch of Hohenzollernstraße between Leopoldstraße and Kurfürstenplatz is full of tempting independent boutiques and second-hand shops. Make sure to stop by the impressive Kunst Oase, a treasure trove filled to the rafters with antique lamps, mirrors and antiques of every kind.
Sup: Xaver’s
This rustic-chic restaurant is an evolution rather than a revolution of Bavaria’s traditional taverns. Maintaining strong ties to local culture, cuisine and food production, the menu celebrates staples such as schnitzel, white sausage and cheesy Käsepätzle noodles. The wine list is extensive, but the most authentic choice is a freshly pulled beer from the city’s Augustiner brewery.
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Sip: Glockenbachviertel
A short five-minute stroll away, the vibrant Glockenbachviertel neighbourhood is the place to enjoy after-dinner drinks. For cocktails and modern buzz, head to Frau Bartels (or their recently opened brother bar, Herr Bartels); for an Italian aperitivo, try Anna Bar; for great tunes, the music-centric Cozy listening bar. On sunny days, crowds tend to gather around the flower-covered Gärtnerplatz before spilling into the various surrounding establishments.
