MUNICH
It is relatively easy to find authentic experiences in Munich, as - apart from the Hofbräuhaus - most places and restaurants are frequented by visitors and Munich residents alike. In our travel guide, we briefly cover the classics (museums, sights), which you can find perfectly summarised in an online search or on Tripadvisor. We would like to go into more detail about the places and experiences that real Munich locals love.
Munich combines tradition and modernity in a unique way. The city is the perfect symbiosis of a dynamic and urban lifestyle, with nature experiences right on the doorstep.
Outdoor-Vibe & Natur
Hardly any other major city in Germany offers so many opportunities to be active outdoors. The Isar runs through Munich like a green lifeline - joggers, cyclists and sun worshippers meet here. The English Garden, one of the largest city parks in the world, invites you to go for a walk, have a picnic or surf the famous Eisbach wave. For those who like it more active, the Alps are only an hour's drive away. Skiing in winter, mountaineering or mountain biking in summer - Munich locals love to spend their weekends in the mountains or by the crystal-clear mountain lakes.
Beer & Bavarian way of life
Beer culture is an integral part of Munich life. Whether in the rustic beer gardens such as the Chinese Tower or at the world-famous Oktoberfest - this is where people socialise. It is part of the Bavarian way of life to take a relaxed approach to things: ‘Live and let live’ is a typical motto. Despite the high standard of living, Munich maintains a cosy flair - but always stylish and often chic.
Technology & Innovation
Munich is not only traditional, but also one of Europe's leading technology and business metropolises. Companies such as BMW, Siemens and Infineon drive innovation, while start-ups and tech companies make the city an attractive location for creatives and engineers. The combination of economic strength and high quality of life makes Munich a popular place to live and work.
Whether nature, beer culture or high-tech - Munich manages the balancing act between tradition and modernity and offers a unique lifestyle that is both down-to-earth and cosmopolitan.
Walks and discoveries, beaches
Thalkirchen - Isar - Reichenbachbrücke
Start at Tierparkstraße in Thalkirchen and walk from there along the Isar (east bank) through the park to Reichenbachbrücke. A perfect mix of nature and city. Many Munich residents and visitors go swimming on the banks (pebble beach) - a beach popular with families is around the "Flauchersteg" pedestrian bridge. This walk is particularly popular with Munich residents in fine weather and at weekends.
Start: Tierparkstraße 2, 81379 Munich
U-Bahn: Thalkirchen (U3)
Hofgarten - Surfers - Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower)
Stroll from the Hofgarten, past the Eisbach surfers (best view from the Eisbach bridge) through the English Garden to the beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm. In summer, sunbathers and bathers (for a dip in the river) cavort between the surfers and the university. Enjoy a cool beer in the shade of the Chinese Tower beer garden at the end of the walk. In good weather, the band plays traditional brass music.
Start: Hofgartenstraße, 80539 Munich
Underground: Odeonsplatz (U3, U4, U5, U6)
Bungalow village and sunset in the Olympic Park
Walk from the Olympiazentrum underground station through the former Olympic bungalow village (for the sat nav: Conollystraße 3). Stroll through the small alleyways. The facades can be painted by the residents, which means that the streetscape changes regularly (the tenants are students and usually only live there for a few years).
Walk southwards into the Olympic Park past the Olympic Stadium and up to the top of the Olympic Hill (follow the signs for "Olympiaalm"). From the summit you can enjoy a view that stretches as far as the Alps in good weather. This is where Munich locals meet to admire the sunset - bring your own drink. Alternatively, you can enjoy a cool drink in the Olympiaalm beer garden at the top of the mountain or buy one there and take it with you to the summit.
Start: Olympiazentrum underground station, 80809 Munich
Underground: Olympiazentrum (U3, U6)
Viktualienmarkt
The Viktualienmarkt is the largest delicatessen market in the city. Munich residents appreciate the quality of the goods. At lunchtime, people from the neighbouring offices flock to the market for lunch. Do as they do and enjoy an espresso in the "Kaffeerösterei", for example, or take a seat at one of the small tables and indulge yourself. Here you will find many of the European classics and also some surprises (e.g. honey wine).
Start: Viktualienmarkt
Underground: Marienplatz (U3, U6)
‘Classics’ and sights, museums, entertainment
Munich Residence
Former city palace of the Bavarian rulers with magnificent halls and treasury.
Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 Munich
U-Bahn: Odeonsplatz (U3, U4, U5, U6)
Olympiapark
Built in 1972 for the Olympic Games, with the Olympic Tower and great views over the city.
Address: Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 Munich
U-Bahn: Olympiazentrum (U3)
BMW Welt & BMW Museum
Futuristic exhibition centre and museum dedicated to the BMW brand. If you like this, you should also visit Motorworld in the north of Munich.
Address: Am Olympiapark 1, 80809 Munich
U-Bahn: Olympiazentrum (U3)
Marienplatz & Neues Rathaus
City centre with famous Glockenspiel (melodic bells).
Address: Marienplatz, 80331 Munich
Underground: Marienplatz (U3, U6)
English Garden & Chinese Tower
One of the largest city parks in the world with a beer garden at the Chinese Tower.
Address: Englischer Garten 3, 80538 Munich
U-Bahn: Universität (U3, U6)
Nymphenburg Palace
Magnificent summer residence of the Wittelsbach dynasty with a large park.
Address: Schloss Nymphenburg 1, 80638 Munich
Tram: Schloss Nymphenburg (line 17)
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
Memorial to the country's darkest period and the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime
Pater-Roth-Straße 2A, 85221 Dachau
S-Bahn, bus: S-Bahn to Dachau, bus to KZ-Gedenkstätte
Museums
Art: Lehnbachhaus, Glyptothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Alte Pinakothek, Museum Brandhorst (selection of the most famous)
Technology: Deutsches Museum and its Flugwerft (aircraft hangars), BMW Museum
Tradition, sport: Alpine Museum, Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, FC Bayern Erlebniswelt
Music, film
Music: Bavarian State Opera, Deutsches Theater, Philharmonie, Volkstheater (selection of the largest and most famous theatres)
Film: We recommend the following cinemas: Astor Cinema Lounge in the Bayerischer Hof, Museum Lichtspiele, Astor Film Lounge in the Arri
Food, dining, beverages
Bavarian cuisine is very hearty. If you like stews and roasts, you should try a pork roast - it's a real classic. The ‘Schweinshaxe’ (pork knuckle) is a dish that is advertised in many guidebooks and is popular with visitors, but we recommend you choose the roast pork when choosing between the two options (it is significantly more tender and flavourful).
Another dish we recommend is Käsespätzle. This is a very hearty, vegetarian dish. Order a salad to go with it. Spätzle is also often served as a side dish with other meat dishes.
Be sure to try the ‘Obatzda’ snack. This is a savoury cream cheese and Camembert preparation that goes very well with a pretzel (known as ‘Brenzn’ in Munich) and a cold beer.
A classic (late) breakfast dish is veal sausage. It is traditionally eaten with sweet mustard. Obatzda and pretzels as well as wheat beer complete the perfect Weißwurst breakfast. Among the snacks you should also try Leberkäse (in a roll).
If you fancy something special, we can recommend ordering game dishes in good restaurants. For example, venison and saddle of venison prepared in the Alpine style are a real feast.
Fish is the rather secondary source of protein in Bavarian cuisine, but there are many dishes that should not be ignored. A lot of fish is caught and farmed in the rivers, lakes and streams. A traditional classic is carp (now rarely on the menu), or whitefish in summer. You will also find trout dishes on many menus. A very tasty fish is the char.
Many Italians live in the city of Munich due to its geographical proximity and historical connections. You can therefore enjoy excellent Italian cuisine in the city and the quality of Italian offerings and restaurants is very high outside of pizza fast food chains.
In general, Munich has a very high density of restaurants and can be described as the culinary capital of Germany. Munich residents love going out to eat - restaurants and bars are the social meeting places par excellence. Thanks to immigrants from all over the world, you can enjoy excellent Austrian, French and Spanish cuisine and Italian specialities. There is also plenty of choice for Asian cuisine, although we recommend high-priced restaurants here, as the cheaper options often serve very ‘Europeanised’ versions of Asian cuisine.
Anyone looking for fine dining experiences is spoilt for choice in Munich. The Michelin Guide 2024 has awarded a total of 26 stars to restaurants in Munich - and an additional 71 to restaurants in Bavaria.
It is best to book a table early on the website of your chosen restaurant.
Drinks
Beer is definitely the most popular alcoholic drink in Munich. On the long drink menus you will find the ‘Munich Mule’ - a variation of the ‘Moskow Mule’. If you stroll past street cafés and bars, you won't be able to avoid the bright orange colour of the glasses filled with Aperol Spritz. Of course, many restaurants and bars offer an excellent selection of wines.
Germans are crazy about sweet soft drinks. A classic is the apple spritzer, or - very popular in southern Germany - the Sepzi (coke mixed with orange lemonade). Germany also has excellent mineral water, which many people prefer to drink carbonated.
We would like to explicitly recommend the following restaurants, cafés and bars:
Viktualienmarkt
As described above. Try the food at the stalls or treat yourself at the tables and bar tables. Closes at 17:00.
Hofbräuhaus
A beer pub that is particularly popular with visitors. Locals are rarely seen here. If you are looking for an experience similar to the Oktoberfest, this is the place for you: the beer flows, the inhibitions drop late at night and on some evenings the band heats up the atmosphere - just like in a marquee, people dance on the benches.
Liebighof
Genuine Bavarian and German cuisine, traditional pub décor.
Max Emanuel Brauerei
A traditional pub rethought - high-quality, fresh design and good German and Bavarian cuisine. With beer garden in summer.
Mezza Via
Excellent Italian cuisine. Quite atmospheric at weekends (music sometimes loud in the evening) - dance next to the tables. In summer with outside tables on the pavement.
Riva Bar - just a few metres from our old town residence
Very good Italian cuisine - also great for a snack or a small lunch. Quite atmospheric at weekends in the evening (music sometimes loud).
Bar Centrale - just a few metres from our Old Town residence
A classic that mainly attracts people under 40. Quite atmospheric at weekends (music sometimes loud in the evening). Perfect breakfast cornetti, great wine, great drinks, solid pasta.
Da Fausto
Excellent Italian cuisine. Rather a seated audience. Nice big tables - and you can have a good chat.
Pepe e Sale
Excellent Italian cuisine at fair prices - with a nice outdoor area (tables on the pavement).
Kreta Grill
Very good Greek cuisine, very nice waiters. In summer with tables on the pavement.
Teatro Tapas
An immense selection of tapas from the bar, good wine, good atmosphere. With a terrace in summer.
Le Stollberg - opposite our old town residence
Excellent French cuisine, good wine, lovely ambience.
Käfer Restaurant
The history of Käfer began in the wild days of Munich as a "posh caterer" and continues to this day. In summer, the terrace of the Käfer main building is a fantastic address.
Brenner Operngrill (close to our Old Town residence)
Great steaks and fish dishes, good vegetarian and Mediterranean food. Sophisticated, chic but informal ambience. Also worth an aperitif, café, snack or nightcap in the bar.
Buffet Kull - just a few metres from our Old Town residence
French-inspired meat and fish dishes, a New York-style French restaurant. Contrary to what the name suggests, the dishes are served (no buffet).
Beer gardens
All beer gardens are characterised by their outdoor area on nice days. Food is usually self-service - but the quality focus is on the beer. In real beer gardens, you can bring your own food, which many Munich residents take advantage of to have more variety. Our favourite beer gardens are the Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm, Biergarten Max Emanuel (intimate atmosphere) or the Augustinerkeller because of its immense size.
Fine dining
If you are looking for fine dining addresses, we can recommend taking a look at the current Michelin Guide or Gault Millau. Regardless of the stars and toques awarded, we would particularly like to highlight the Tantris (a classic and founding place of fine dining in Germany), the Matshuhisa (just a few metres from the Altstadt-Residenz), the Esszimmer in the BMW Welt and the Atelier in the Bayerischer Hof.
Cafés and day bars
Café Franka because of the great garden and the great cakes (in good weather), Bar in the Hotel Schapeau (near our Altstadt-Residenz, lots of space), Bar Milano Torino Munich (near our Altstadt-Residenz), Berta Café and Bar, M:uniquo (rooftop bar in the Andaz Hotel)
Shopping
The big fashion chains can be found between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz (Stachus) in Kaufinger Straße. The selection is somewhat more upmarket between Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz. You can also visit the Fünf Höfe shopping arcade, the Bräuninger department stores', the Ludwig Beck department stores' or the Oberpollinger department stores', all of which have a higher-quality range.
If you are looking for top international designers, you should make an appointment in the boutiques on Maximilianstraße.
Excursions in the (wider) surrounding area, hikes
For all hikes, we recommend that you check the information online in advance and follow the described routes. Please observe general mountaineering safety rules.
Lake Starnberg
Just 30 minutes south of Munich lies Lake Starnberg - a real jewel with a view of the Alps. The lakeside promenade in Starnberg invites you to take a stroll, while numerous bathing spots such as the Percha lido or Feldafing lido offer refreshment in summer. A boat trip is worthwhile, as is a visit to the votive chapel in Berg - historic, impressive, with a view over the water.
Tegernsee
Lake Tegernsee is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria. Picturesque villages such as Rottach-Egern and Bad Wiessee offer Bavarian flair, good food and plenty of nature. The hike to the Neureuth Alm (easy-medium, approx. 1.5 hours one way) is particularly popular - Bavarian delicacies and a fantastic view await at the top. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, take a boat across the lake or visit the famous Tegernsee brewery. The best bathing beach is the Kaltenbrunn lido in Gmund - but you will also find bathing spots around the lakeside promenade in the other towns.
Ammersee & Kloster Andechs
The tranquil Ammersee lies around 40 kilometres west of Munich. In Herrsching, you can enjoy a wonderful walk along the shore, go for a swim or take a boat trip. A highlight is the hiking trail (easy, approx. 1.5 hours) to Andechs Monastery - at the top you can enjoy hearty monastery cuisine, home-brewed beer and a panoramic view of the Alps.
Wörthsee
An insider tip among the Bavarian lakes! Wörthsee is smaller, quieter and, with its turquoise-green water, perfect for swimming, SUPing or relaxing on the sunbathing lawns. Easily accessible by S-Bahn - ideal for a half day in the countryside.
Eibsee
Caution: For two years now, it has only been flooded with crowds.
At the foot of the Zugspitze lies the Eibsee - a postcard motif par excellence. Turquoise-blue water, small islands and a circular trail (easy, approx. 1.5 hours) directly on the shore make the Eibsee one of the most spectacular excursion to the mountains.
Tip: Start early, especially in summer! From Lake Eibsee, you can take the spectacular Zugspitzbahn cable car to Germany's highest mountain peak.
Schliersee & Spitzingsee
Two lakes, two characters: Schliersee scores with its charming village and the Vitalwelt pool for bad weather days. The hike to the Schlieralm (easy) starts from the railway station. The higher Spitzingsee offers an alpine atmosphere, hikes such as to the Albert-Link-Hütte (easy) or the Taubenstein (medium) and quiet bathing bays.
Walchensee & Herzogstand
Walchensee is one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in Germany - Caribbean blue, surrounded by mountains. The circular trail (easy, approx. 15 km) offers wonderful views. From the nearby Herzogstand (cable car or medium-difficulty hike) you can see far across the Alps. Ideal for ambitious hiking fans.
Blomberg
An easier mountain near Bad Tölz with hiking trails (easy-medium), alpine pastures and a summer toboggan run - perfect for families and anyone who wants to combine action and nature.
Jochberg
The Jochberg is one of the most popular mountains for excursions from Munich. The hike is moderately difficult and takes about 2 hours (one way). It is varied and rewards you with spectacular views over the Walchensee. Directions for satnav: Kesselbergstraße 7, 82431 Kochel
Königssee & Berchtesgaden
One of the most impressive lakes in Europe - deep green, fjord-like, framed by steep mountains. Take the boat to the pilgrimage church of St Bartholomä and hike on to the ice chapel (easy). Can be combined with a visit to the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest) or the Berchtesgaden salt mine.
Castles & Culture
Neuschwanstein Castle & Hohenschwangau
Germany's most famous castle is approx. 1.5 hours from Munich. Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II's ‘fairytale castle’, is a must-see - early online booking recommended! Right next door: Hohenschwangau Castle and the picturesque Alpsee lake.
Herrenchiemsee Castle & Chiemsee
The magnificent Herrenchiemsee Castle, also built by Ludwig II, sits enthroned on the Herreninsel in Lake Chiemsee. You can reach the island by boat from the town of Prien, and it's also worth making a detour to the Fraueninsel with its monastery and cafés. The beaches are well worth a swim in summer.
Linderhof & Ettal Castle
A smaller but magnificent castle in the Ammergau Alps, surrounded by marvellous gardens. Can be combined with a visit to Ettal Abbey or the Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bars and Nightlife
Stylish bars & rooftop-locations
Schumann's Bar (Altstadt, Hofgarten)
A Munich institution: for decades, Schumann's has been an address for classic cocktails at the highest level. The ambience: elegant, urban, with an international flair. Ideal for stylish drinks in a sophisticated atmosphere - this is where the big names meet.
Ory Bar (just a few metres from our Old Town residence)
Modern, creative, exclusive: the Ory Bar in the Mandarin Oriental impresses with its innovative drinks, designer interior and excellent service. Perfect for special evenings or to round off a stylish dinner.
Barroom (Schwabing)
Small, charming, excellent: in this intimate bar, the quality of the cocktails takes centre stage. Personalised service, subdued lighting and a carefully curated menu make every drink an experience.
The Flushing Meadows Rooftop Bar (Glockenbachviertel)
Stylish rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the city and the Alps. A particular highlight at sunset - with unusual drinks and relaxed beats.
The High (Isartor, just a few metres from our Altstadt residence)
One of Munich's newest rooftop bars: elegant interior, panoramic views and high-quality cocktails meet a modern crowd - for a stylish start to the night.
Goldene Bar (Englischer Garten, Haus der Kunst)
Historic flair meets design: the Goldene Bar offers drinks in stylish surroundings and a wonderful terrace - ideal for summer evenings.
M:uniquo (Schwabing)
Rooftop bar in the Andaz Hotel with good cocktails and a view.
Wallace Bar (Schwabing)
Dark, wood-panelled old-school bar with a mixed crowd (young/old). Good drinks.
Clubs
P1 Club (Englischer Garten)
Probably the most famous club in Munich - exclusive, elegant, legendary. People party to electronic beats here, often until the early hours of the morning. Guests can expect a stylish ambience and a high-calibre audience.
Rote Sonne (city centre, Sonnenstraße)
Techno and electro in its purest form: Rote Sonne is an urban hotspot for electronic music lovers - internationally renowned DJs, minimalist design, excellent sound.
Nachtgalerie (Laim)
Large, versatile, party-ready: the ‘Nachtgalerie’ offers several floors, different styles of music and a relaxed crowd. Ideal for an exuberant evening without a dress code.
Live musik & Alternative locations
Backstage (Neuhausen)
Concert venue, club, beer garden - the Backstage is an institution of the alternative scene. Indie bands play here, there is open-air cinema and relaxed summer parties. Authentic and diverse.
Milla Club (Glockenbachviertel)
Small live music club with a great atmosphere: from funk to soul to rock - the programme is varied, the audience relaxed. Insider tip for music lovers.
Jazzbar Vogler (Gärtnerplatzviertel)
A must for jazz fans: live music at the highest level in stylish surroundings - ideal for a quiet, enjoyable evening with good music and drinks.
Import Export (Schlachthofviertel)
Creative, alternative, lively: Import Export offers concerts, open mics, DJ evenings and an urban beer garden. A place for anyone looking for the unconventional.
If you don't want to go directly to an address, you will find a collection of several bars and clubs
- around Wedekinplatz
- around Gärtnerplatz
- around Müllerstraße
Practical tips, Public transport, Airport
In general, public transport in Munich is relatively safe and reliable. It is best to get the app "MVV-App" and navigate via the search function and buy tickets via the app. If you make more than 3 journeys a day, day tickets are worthwhile. If you make fewer than 3 journeys, it's better to use a season ticket (10 journeys) or single tickets.
Munich is very easy to explore on foot or by bike. There are many pedestrian zones and footpaths on almost all streets. The network of cycle paths is well developed and cycling in the city is relatively safe.
Taking a taxi is very safe but expensive in Munich. Use the Free2Move app to order a taxi or contact a provider by phone, e.g. Isar Funk on +49 (0) 89 450 540.
Uber works very well in Munich. In general, apart from the Old Town, Munich is a rather car-friendly city and you will often find parking spaces directly at your destination, although the car is not the fastest means of transport for getting around the city. Car sharing providers with a wide range of offers are Free2move or SixtShare.
There is a wide range of electric scooters and e-bikes and the journeys are inexpensive. Examples: Dott, Lime, Uber. Check parking restrictions in advance (e.g. our Old Town residence is located in a no-parking zone for e-scooters).
If you want to store your luggage, we recommend booking a locker on LuggageHero. You have storage options very close to our Old Town Residence.
Allow plenty of time for the journey to the airport. We recommend checking the traffic situation on Google Maps before you set off. Allow at least one hour, and considerably more during rush hour and traffic jams. If you decide to take the S-Bahn, check the journey times in advance using the MVV app.
Munich Airport is largely well organised, but the management has been struggling with an acute shortage of staff since 2024. Sometimes the queues at the security checkpoint are very long or you wait a long time for your luggage on arrival. Terminal 1 has average catering facilities. In Terminal 2 (Lufthansa, Star Alliance) you will find good restaurants and bars that make waiting at the gate more pleasant.