Munich

Copyright: J. Lutz/München Tourismus

Munich

Munich is much more than just the Oktoberfest or Lederhosen. The beautiful Bavarian capital possesses a mixture of exclusive shopping, art, culture, culinary indulgence, and deep-rooted traditions. Additionally, its residents are famous for being some of Germany's most cheerful people.

The City

Way back in the 8th century, what is now the capital of the Free State of Bavaria was a friar settlement, known as 'zu den Munichen' — to the monks! The city's roots date back to the establishment of a monastery in 1158. Later, in 1506, the oldest German food law was enacted here, which is still valid today — the Bavarian Purity Law. Schwabing is a good starting point for a tour of the city, traditionally well-known for its many pubs and nightspots. Many students also live here, as the university is just a stone's throw away. When thinking of Nymphenburg, the palace and surrounding villas come to mind, while Haidhausen, which is becoming increasingly popular as a residential area, is more of a cultural and art district. In the city centre, many churches (including the cathedral) and small palaces are open for visitors. The Englischer Garten, Munich's green lung, is a 3.7 square kilometre park in the middle of the city. It borders the Isar river and is popular with joggers, sun worshippers, and anyone who just wants to stroll around or have a picnic.

Events

Munich offers a large selection of events when it comes to art, music, sports and traditional festivals. The Oktoberfest stands out as the world's largest beer festival, with a smaller-scale version held in April. Additionally, the city hosts the Munich Film Festival, showcasing international cinema, the vibrant Tollwood festival in summer, and the iconic German Christmas markets during the holiday season.

Accommodations

Do & See

Munich has come to be associated with Oktoberfest, the Hofbräuhaus, the Olympic grounds, and the Fasching carnival. However, Munich also has an international reputation as a city of both art and culture. Its music scene ranges from classical to jazz and pop. What's more, it boasts numerous museums showcasing impressive collections.

Dining

While Munich is renowned for its beer culture, Bavarian cuisine offers a diverse range of delights beyond brews. The Schwabing district and Marienplatz are two standout neighbourhoods to explore dining options. When it comes to local cuisine, one highly recommended dish is Schweinshaxe, a succulent roasted pork hock typically served with sauerkraut and Knödel, traditional boiled dumplings. For those with a sweet tooth, the German apple strudel or the iconic Lebkuchen, especially at Christmas, is a must.

Cafes

The aroma of freshly-baked pastries and strong coffee permeates the pavements of Munich, enticing pedestrians from all walks of life to come and enjoy some of the famous Bavarian delicacies in a comfortable and refreshing environment. The cafe menus in Munich range from the tried and tested classics such as the traditional fried dough of Frischhut to the more modern innovations from Maelu, where colour and taste collide to create some dazzling sweets. The juxtaposition of tradition and innovation seems to be perfectly balanced in Munich, as does the mix of ingredients which are often sustainably sourced in most of the better known cafes. Everything has a story in Munich, just ask the barista.

Bars & Nightlife

Football players, musicians, and media elite, Munich's nightlife is swarming with celebrities. The city offers a large selection of trendy bars & nightclubs, not to mention iconic beer halls and gardens, which you simply cannot leave the city without visiting.

Shopping

A visit to Munich is not complete without a good shopping spree. Maximilianstraße, Theatinerstraße, Residenzstraße, and Brienner Straße are the go-to spots, boasting popular department stores and a collection of chain outlets conveniently located in the pedestrian precinct. Additionally, the neighbourhoods of Gärtnerplatz, Glockenbach, Haidhausen, and Schwabing are dotted with boutique shops offering trendy clothing, jewellery, Bavarian traditional attire, handicrafts, and souvenirs. And of course, don't miss out on the local and international delicacies available at iconic spots like Dallmayr, Käfer, and Viktualienmarkt.

Tourist Information

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