A City for All Seasons: Discover the Treasures of Munich

Gesamtkunstwerk: Art & culture

1. At the heart of Munich, Marienplatz is the city's main square, surrounded by historic architecture and bustling life. The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), with its elaborate Gothic façade, is renowned for the Glockenspiel show, which animates the façade at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m. daily. The square is also home to the Mariensäule column, a landmark commemorating the end of Swedish occupation in the 30 Years' War. (Kids and teens will enjoy the interactive display of the Glockenspiel mechanical figures and the lively atmosphere of the square.).

2. Frauenkirche: Just a short walk from Marienplatz, this iconic church with its twin towers is a defining feature of the Munich skyline. The south tower provides panoramic views of Munich and, on clear days, the Alps.

3. Munich’s Nationaltheater, home to the Bavarian State Opera, is a neoclassical masterpiece that stands as one of the city’s most revered cultural landmarks. Opened in 1818 and rebuilt after World War II, this grand opera house boasts an opulent interior adorned with chandeliers, gilded balconies, and rich velvet seating. As this writer found out, it also makes for a convenient shelter in a thunderstorm.

4. Fünf Höfe: This boutique art museum is a hidden gem in Munich’s art scene. The museum’s rotating exhibits showcase contemporary art in an intimate and sophisticated setting. It’s located in a chic area surrounded by high-end designer stores, making it the perfect stop for those who appreciate both art and luxury shopping.

5. BMW Museum: A modern marvel of architecture that reflects the brand’s forward-thinking design. The museum’s sleek, futuristic exterior, with its sweeping curves and metallic sheen, mirrors the innovation housed within. Inside, visitors can explore the history of BMW through meticulously curated exhibits that showcase everything from vintage models to cutting-edge concept cars. The shop in the museum is small. Walk over the foot bridge for a larger selection of takeaways. A peek into the plant also has some interactive elements, especially fun for the young and young at heart.

6. Hunting and Fishing Museum: For a unique cultural experience, this centrally located museum provides an intriguing look into the history and practices of hunting and fishing in Bavaria. The exhibits include intricately crafted trophies, antique fishing gear, and detailed dioramas of hunting scenes. The museum’s exhibits are as informative as they are visually striking, making it a great stop for a rainy day.

7. Sonnenstrasse & Assam Kirche: Sonnenstrasse shopping area is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Here, you’ll find the Assam Kirche, a stunning example of Rococo art. The church’s intricate design and opulent interiors are a testament to Bavaria's artistic heritage.

Das Gefällt mir: Shopping

8. Dallmayr: For an indulgent experience, visit Dallmayr, Munich’s upscale food hall in the vein of Harrod’s (though smaller). Known for its luxurious offerings, including a selection of gourmet chocolates, fine wines, and exotic delicacies, it's a feast for the senses. The beautifully arranged displays and elegant ambiance make it a destination worth visiting, even if only a feast for your eyes.

9. In the old town, Weinstrasse and Maximilianstraße feature designer stores and offer a glimpse into Munich’s high-end shopping scene.

Nature and adventure: The great outdoors

10. Englischer Garten: Spanning over 900 acres, the Englischer Garten is one of the world’s largest urban parks, outstripping even New York’s Central Park in size. Created in 1789, it is a masterpiece of landscape design. It combines the structured elegance of English gardens with the natural beauty of woodlands, meadows, and streams. It features scenic walking paths, a serene lake, and the famous Eisbach wave, where surfers ride a standing wave year-round (a great show for your kid or teen). At the heart of the garden is the Chinesischer Turm, an iconic pagoda that hosts a traditional beer garden beneath its tiers. Not to miss is the Diana Temple, an elegant rotunda, which often serves as a stage for instrumentalists and buskers, filling the air with live music.

Munich’s tradition of restaurants and beer halls offering only one brand of beer, a practice that reflects the strong ties between local establishments and the historic breweries that have long been a part of Munich’s identity.

1. Viktualienmarkt: Located a short walk from Marienplatz, this lively market is a sensory delight. Originally a farmers’ market dating back to 1807, it has evolved into a culinary treasure trove where you can find everything from fresh produce to gourmet delicacies. It’s a perfect spot to sample Bavarian delicacies like Weisswurst (white sausage) or freshly baked pretzels, regional cheeses, meats, and artisanal bread. Don’t miss the beer garden, where you can enjoy a drink under the shade of chestnut trees and people-watch.

2. Nymphenbergersekt Café is located near Viktualienmarkt's northeast corner. This charming café offers a delightful range of beverages from freshly brewed coffee and tea to refreshing mimosas and local beers. It is a delightful retreat dedicated to the art of sparkling wine. This chic café, set within a beautifully restored building, offers an extensive selection of Nymphenburg Sekt, Munich’s own locally-produced sparkling wine. Indulge in a leisurely brunch, toast a special occasion, or simply enjoy the passers-by in the café’s light-filled interior, adorned with vintage details.

3. Rischart Café am Markt is a beloved Munich institution. The café, positioned at the edge of Viktualienmarkt offers excellent views of Marienplatz. It has an unbeatable vantage point from its large windows for those who arrive early of the famous Glockenspiel. As you sip on a cappuccino and indulge in one of Rischart’s famed pastries, you can watch as the square below comes to life. It’s the ideal spot to start your day.

4. Augustiner am Dom is located just steps from Munich’s iconic Frauenkirche. It offers an authentic Bavarian experience in a setting steeped in history. This traditional beer hall, part of the storied Augustiner Brewery, is beloved by locals for its warm atmosphere and classic fare. Here, you can enjoy freshly poured Augustiner beer—often considered Munich’s finest—alongside hearty dishes like Schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle) and Weisswurst (Bavarian sausage). The warm, rustic interior, with dark wood paneling and long communal tables, invites long, leisurely meals in the company of locals.

5. Tucked within the Residenz, Munich’s former royal palace, Pfälzer Residenz Weinstube is a hidden favorite. It offers a blend of history, elegance, and Bavarian warmth. This charming wine tavern is located in the heart of the city, just steps from the grandeur of Odeonsplatz. While a few outside tables are available, the interior, with its vaulted ceilings, rustic wooden furniture, and intimate candlelit tables creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Steeped in history, the Weinstube has long been a favorite among locals for its extensive selection of regional wines. They pair perfectly with traditional Bavarian and Palatinate dishes. Sample a glass of Riesling or indulge in a hearty Flammkuchen.

6. Seehaus: Nestled within the lush expanse of the Englischer Garten, Seehaus is a lakeside gem of tranquility and elegance in Munich’s green lung. This picturesque beer garden and restaurant offer an idyllic setting for leisurely lunches watching the swans and pedal boats. With views overlooking the Kleinhesseloher See, Seehaus serves up a sophisticated blend of traditional Bavarian dishes. The Mediterranean flavors featured are also complemented by an excellent wine list and, naturally, a crisp glass of champagne. After your meal, take a stroll to the Chinesischer Turm to witness the lively scene of locals and tourists enjoying traditional music and food.

7. Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom near the towering Frauenkirche, this historic eatery has been serving up its famous Nürnberger sausages for over a century. The cozy, wood-paneled interior, complete with a crackling fire in the winter months, creates an atmosphere that is both rustic and warm. The star of the menu is, of course, the Nürnberger bratwurst: perfectly grilled and served with sauerkraut and freshly baked pretzels. It’s a great place for a casual lunch, whether inside or on the terrace, complemented by a refreshing Augustiner beer.

8. Trisoux: Situated in Glockenbachviertel, Trisoux is a cocktail bar renowned for its inventive drinks and stylish decor. The bar’s moss-covered walls and wooden ceiling rods create a whimsical ambiance. Try the Los Altos cocktail, which combines tequila, hibiscus, Szechuan pepper, blood orange, and grapefruit.

9. Brasserie Colette: Helmed by renowned chef Tim Raue in the Glockenbachviertel district, Brasserie Colette offers a taste of upscale French cuisine in a stylish setting. Begin with a glass of champagne and Gillardeau oysters before indulging in classic dishes like bouillabaisse or steak-frites.