Curator’s statement
Munich stands in stark contrast to other large cities in Germany. Even though the city was bombed over 70 times during World War II, it was almost completely rebuilt to keep its old-world style. It has all the modern things you need to explore, like great shopping, Michelin-starred restaurants, well-kept parks, and a lively bar scene. Munich is incredibly clean, safe, and very walkable. The city is also just an hour drive from the Bavarian Alps, where charming villages lie nestled into expansive fields and stunning castles, like Neuschwantein and Hohenschwangau, rise from the mountainside. If you happen to be visiting during the holidays, Munich has some of the most celebrated Christmas markets in Europe serving up plenty of gluhwein to keep you warm.
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Things to do in Munich
Bavarian chapel in Schwangau
Palaces and royal homes: Munich used to be the center of Bavarian royalty. You can explore the grounds and see the amazing architectural beauty of both their old summer home in Nymphenburg and in the city center at the Munich Royal Residence. Pictures don’t quite do these historic homes justice in terms of size and grandeur. You’ll want to carve out three to five hours if you’re planning to tour both. Pack a slice of bread or two for feeding the swans at Nymphenburg.
Shopping: Don’t underestimate Munich’s shopping district in and around Altstadt (Old Town). Its lineup of designer stores could rival Paris, London, and Milan. Start just off the main street in Altstadt on Maffeistrasse. Go to the Roeckl store, a local Munich design house that has been around since the 1800s. It is famous for its leather gloves and handbags. Then, continue onto Maximillianstrasse to shop the high-end designers.
The Glockenspiel in Altstadt: Nothing elicits the Bavarian charm like a live musical clock, complete with dancing life size characters in a gothic facade. Stop by twice per day to see the little delight.
World War II history: As the former capital of the Nazi movement, Munich is packed with historical sites and monuments to World War II. Book a walking tour or a joint tour that includes the city and a tour of Dachau, one of the concentration camps outside the city walls.
Breweries: Sample a German diet staple at their infamous breweries. The three largest and most historic names are Hofbrauhaus, Agustiner-Keller, and Paulaner. Eating and drinking in one of the massive beer halls is truly a cultural experience. Don’t be shy, strike up a conversation with the folks sitting next to you and partake in the communal aspect of this tradition. If large crowds aren’t your thing, each beer house has multiple smaller outlets throughout Munich.
The English Gardens: Multiple surprises await in Munich’s expansive English Gardens. An Asian pagoda where you can enjoy a cold beer or a cup of gluhwein? Sure. Surfing in the Eisbach River? Why not. Grab a blanket and some soft pretzels to enjoy a few hours lounging in the park or stroll through the beer garden and take in the action all around.
Schwangau road trip: Not technically in Munich, but only a short drive away is the beautiful countryside of Bavaria. Small ski villages dot the route with traditional Bavarian cottages and chapels, making it so picturesque. When you arrive in the Schwangau region, you won’t want to miss the castle that inspired Disney World’s magic kingdom, Neuschwanstein Castle, or its sister hunting residence, Hohenschwangau Castle. If you’re hoping to go inside, book tickets well in advance. They do sell out, especially during high seasons in the summer and around the holidays. The small town is also brimming with quaint souvenir shops and places to grab a quick streusel. Just 15–20 minutes from the castles is the small village of Fussen, bustling with great restaurants, shopping, and beautiful pastel facades of historic buildings.
Christmas and holiday markets: The holidays really bring Munich to life. There are several large markets around the city that start just before Thanksgiving and end on Christmas Eve. Worth checking out are the markets in Marienplatz, Viktulienmarket, and Karlsplatz.
Places to eat & drink in Munich
Tasting menu at Gasthaus Waltz
Zum Franziskaner: A great option for your first taste in Munich. Traditional tavern serving hardy German dishes like schnitzel and spaetzel.
Falk’s Bar at Hotel Bayerischer Hof: Historic bar with art-Deco ambiance. Fantastic small plates to go with your martini or champagne.
Hofbrauhaus: Lean into this boisterous and proud tradition of the German Beer Hall. Grab a free seat on the floor with live music and order up your schnitzel, spaetzel, and pork knuckle to splash down with a stein of beer. For non-beer drinkers, they do have wine available.
Ludwigs Stuberl (Schwangau): A touristy spot to be sure, located in the small town just below the Neuschwanstein Castle, but I’ll be damned if it didn’t have one of the best apfel streusels (Apple Streudel) of our trip. Excellent goulash, too!
Gasthaus Waltz: Elevated dining in a cozy, modern, candlelit setting. Gasthaus Waltz is on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand listing, so a great value for high-end dining. They serve modern takes on German and Austrian fare perfectly paired with regional wines.
Zephyr Bar: Trendy bar on the city’s west side serving artisanal cocktails with unique combinations of herbs and spice.
Garcon: Community at its finest. Prepare to get there early or squeeze tight into this one room bar that serves creative cocktails with even more creative names. Sidewalk seating is your best bet if visiting in the Spring/Summer.
Need to know
Munich’s public transportation couldn’t be easier to navigate. I recommend taking it pretty much everywhere it reaches, including out to Nymphenburg Palace when visiting. The people are very warm, friendly, and willing to help if asked nicely. If visiting Schwangau and stopping in Fussen, take a left just before the main entrance to the city. You’ll skip the line of traffic and can park on side streets behind the main shopping stretch, rather than the park-and-ride option.
Travel Advisor
Kaitlyn Knause
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