Munich

Where ?

Munich

When?

Who ?

The City hopper, The Beer Lover

If baroque architecture, cozy meals over candlelight, storybook city settings and a bier stein (or two!) are your thing, you won't want to miss Munich. Situated in the heart of Bavaria, this charming city is the perfect weekend escape, particularly if you're able to visit in the wintertime to enjoy the world-famous Christmas markets. Read on to discover the best spots to find the best pastries, to experience a true bierhaus setting, and to visit the castle that inspired Walt Disney, himself!

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Munich on the red-eye (if possible!) and check into Bayerischer Hof, Louis Hotel, or Roomers. These luxurious hotels are all centrally located and offer a range of amenities, including on-site restaurants, fitness centers, and spa services. To get to and from the airport, you can take the S-Bahn train or a taxi. Take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out to explore the city. If you're arriving in the morning, stop by Schmalznudel - Café Frischhut to pick up some delicious pastries for breakfast. The café is known for its freshly baked pastries, made with traditional Bavarian ingredients - don’t miss the schmalznudel - and don’t forget to bring euros as they are cash-only (as are many businesses in Munich!). In the afternoon, visit the Munich City Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of the city's history, culture, and daily life, from its founding in 1158 to the present day. The museum is located in the former salt storage facility of St. Peter's Church and features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and a collection of artifacts, such as coins, jewelry, and documents. In the evening, have dinner at Spatenhaus at the opera, which serves traditional Bavarian cuisine in a beautiful setting next to the Munich State Opera. The restaurant has a spacious outdoor terrace, perfect for enjoying a warm summer evening in Munich. The menu features a selection of Bavarian specialties, such as roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, as well as a variety of beers and wines

Day 2

Start the day with a visit to the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. The Residenz is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the Treasury and the Residenzmuseum. The museum displays a collection of priceless treasures, including jewelry, coins, and works of art, dating back to the 16th century. The Treasury is a must-see for lovers of goldsmith art and jewelry, featuring a collection of ornate gold and silver objects, such as crowns, scepters, and ceremonial swords, but the key here is to always look up, where you’ll find some of the most ornate and intricately detailed ceilings that rival that of Versailles, which are certainly worth an Instagram snap or two. After exploring the Residenz, take a stroll through the nearby Marienplatz, Munich's central square. The square is home to the New Town Hall, which is famous for its Glockenspiel, a mechanical clock that performs a charming reenactment of a 16th-century jousting tournament every day at 11 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. The New Town Hall is also home to the Town Hall Museum, which offers a glimpse into the life and work of the city's councilors and officials, past and present. For lunch, try the Augustinerkeller, a popular beer hall and restaurant serving traditional Bavarian food and beers. The restaurant has a large outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and some hearty Bavarian specialties, such as roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. The Augustinerkeller is known for its high-quality beers, brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, the German purity law, and its cozy atmosphere, with wooden tables and benches, and a lively crowd of locals and tourists. In the evening, enjoy some traditional Nuremberg bratwurst at Glöckl, a popular sausage restaurant in the heart of Munich. The restaurant serves a variety of sausages, cooked over an open fire, and accompanied by mustard, horseradish, and sauerkraut. Afterwards, head to the Hofbräuhaus, one of the city's most famous beer halls, for a night of Bavarian food and beer. The Hofbräuhaus is known for its lively atmosphere and its delicious beers, brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, the German purity law.

Day 3

For breakfast, try the Dallmayr, a famous gourmet food store and café in Munich. The deli offers a wide range of specialty foods, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and spices, as well as a selection of freshly baked pastries and sandwiches. You can also find a selection of international newspapers and magazines to enjoy with your breakfast. Ensure you have time to walk around and shop after breakfast - this is a food lover’s dream and the ultimate place to get lost. After breakfast, you have the option to take a day trip to Neuschwanstein, a beautiful castle located in the Bavarian Alps, about a two-hour drive from the city. Neuschwanstein is known for its fairytale-like appearance, with its turrets, arches, and balconies, and is often referred to as the "Disney Castle" due to its inspiration for Disney's Cinderella Castle. While there, go beyond the traditional tour and go horseback riding or hiking in the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring some of Munich's other top attractions, such as the BMW Museum, the Nymphenburg Palace, or take the afternoon to visit an art gallery, such as the Alte Pinakothek or the Brandhorst Museum. The Alte Pinakothek is one of the oldest and most prestigious art museums in Germany, displaying a collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 18th century, including works by masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Raphael. The Brandhorst Museum is a modern art museum, showcasing a collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations by artists such as Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The museum is known for its striking architecture, with a facade of brightly colored ceramic tubes, and its spacious, light-filled galleries. For dinner, consider dining at Giorgia, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Italian cuisine. This social media-famous spot is a design aficionado’s dream, and its impossible to resist a washroom selfie in their stunning WC’s. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Isar River or visit one of the city's many parks. Lovers of art, architecture, cozy food, Christmas markets and leisurely mornings people watching with coffee and pastries, there’s no better way to spend a classic Bavarian weekend.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat