Curator’s statement
Munich: the postcard image of Bavaria and one of my all-time favorite cities in Europe. Beer culture prevails here, but there is so much more to this lively and sophisticated metropolis than golden lagers. Although, if you’re not drinking from steins and eating würst while you’re there, you’re doing it wrong. When in München, mein Schatz. Home to about 1.5 million people, the capital of Bavaria is geographically closer to Salzburg and Zurich than to Berlin. If your image of Germany involves dirndls, lederhosen and sausages, you’ll find it here in spades. You’ll also find exceptional art museums, beautiful historic architecture, upscale shopping and fine contemporary cuisine.
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Things to do in Munich
Marienplatz & Glockenspiel
Since the year 1158, Marienplatz has been Munich's main square. This historic pedestrian zone is home to the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall, which features a giant 43 bell Glockenspiel with life-size figurines performing in a scene reminiscent of Mr. Rogers’ puppet theater. The vintage production lasts 10 minutes and runs twice a day (3 times in summer).
Viktualienmarkt
Munich's open-air market with its cheerful giant maypole, is an essential Munich stop. Over 100 stalls offer everything your foodie heart desires, from breads and pretzels to meats and sweets to souvenirs. Notable stalls include Caspar Plautz for inspired potato dishes and Marktpatisserie Lea Zapf for divine pastries. Grab a snack or lunch and enjoy it in the outdoor biergarten.
English garden
The largest city park in Europe, at over 900 acres of land. It’s a must-see on nice days, and especially enjoyable on bike. Check out the Chinesischer Turm, a pagoda-style restaurant amid a biergarten, serving tasty schweinshaxe, bratwurst, and Hofbräu on tap.
What’s not to love?
Die Pinakotheken Munich boasts three world class art museums. The impressive historic gallery Alte Pinakothek houses a large collection of Old Master paintings and works from the 14th to 18th Centuries. Munich's terrific modern art museum Pinakothek der Moderne was built 2002 and features works by Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Magritte and Ernst. With more time, also visit Neue Pinakothek, for its notable collection of 18th and 19th century art.
Frauenkirche
The “Münchner Dom” is a huge, distinctive twin-domed church rising above the city's skyline. The main church was built in the 1400’s, with the tower domes added a century later. After heavy WWII damage, a multistage restoration was eventually completed in 1994.
Residenz
The opulent compound of the Bavarian Wittelsbach royal dynasty, both palace and administrative hub. You’ll find the Residenz Museum, Treasury (containing family jewels and heirlooms) and the impressive Rococo Old Residence Theater. Strolling around the Residenz transports you to Germany before the first world war.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
Visiting Dachau, about 30 minutes from the city center of Munich, is a profoundly educational and moving experience. A trip to the former camp and museum will take about half a day, but I highly recommend a visit.
Schloss Nymphenburg & Palace Park
Vast and imposing, the Baroque façade of Wittelsbach’s “summer home” exceeds the width of Versailles. When paired with a visit to the Residenz, it’s not hard to imagine the power of the royal family.
Beer tasting
Munich is a hub of brewing and beer culture. The local producers are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbrau, Paulaner, and Spaten - and you should sample them all! This is an easy DIY, or I’m happy to point you to some guided tastings and tours.
Shopping
Fine shopping abounds in Munich. Marvel at the grand Boulevard Maximilianstrasse, home to couture shops housed in beautiful buildings. Stroll along Maffeistrasse and don’t miss Munich’s finest department store, Lodenfrey. Around the corner on Dienerstrasse, gourmands will enjoy a visit to Dallmayr — grab some treats for a picnic in the English Garden!
Places to eat & drink in Munich
Görreshof Wirsthaus
The oldest pub in the city serves traditional roast pork, sausage salad and Münchner schnitzel, with Augustiner on tap.
Julius Brantner Brothandwerk
This eponymous modern bakery is known for spectacular sourdough, rye and morning pastries in an industrial-chic setting.
Restaurant & Weinhandel Broeding
A 30+ year fixture of Munich fine dining, Broeding offers a daily six-course menu and earned a Michelin Green Star for sustainable practices. Exceptional regional wine list.
Xaver’s
Self-described as “an evolution of Bavarian pub culture, Xaver’s puts a fresh and modern twist on classic Bavarian cuisine.
Paulaner am Nockherberg
With a sleek modern restaurant and beautiful biergarten, there’s much to love here, beyond the Paulaner beer brewing in the two spectacular copper kettles in the dining hall.
Andechser Am Dom
Kloster Andechs, a mountaintop monastery with a brewery, is a worthy day trip, but the monks also have an outpost in town. This is one of my go-to spots for an authentic Bavarian experience.
Need to know
Like much of Germany, Munich was left in ruins after the Allied bombing campaigns of World War II. As rebuilding began in West Germany, each municipality voted on how to proceed. Some decided to emphasize forward-looking modern architecture, and others, like Munich, deciding to honor the rich architectural grandeur of its past. Munich’s churches, palaces and city blocks were rebuilt in baroque, neoclassical and neomedieval styles. This resulted in a charming, traditionally German aesthetic and a beautiful new-old city.
Munich has evolved into a place that celebrates its rich cultural traditions, recognizes its difficult history and moves forward with contemporary life all at the same time. The Old Town, or “Alstadt” is the tourist center of the city. There you’ll find historic churches and buildings, outdoor markets, biergartens and restaurants. If walkability is important to you, you’ll prefer staying in the Old Town. Day-trip options abound as well, and public transportation and car rentals are straightforward and efficient in Germany. Whether you only have a couple of days or a full week, there is plenty to keep you occupied in Munich and planning your return visit!
Travel Advisor
Catherine Kinsey
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