Munich is the capital and largest city in the German state of Bavaria. It’s famed for beer and sausages, as well as ornate baroque and rococo churches. But Munich’s traditions co-exist with modernity—sleek cars, designer boutiques and residents who’ve moved to Germany from more than 180 countries.
The city is Germany’s leading insurance hub and its second-biggest banking hub. Munich is home to large publicly traded corporations, major private enterprises and skilled craft firms. Information and communication technology, automotive engineering, aerospace, life sciences, finance and media are growing sectors.
Things to do and see
Ralph Winkler, vice president of Sales for BCD Travel, lives in Munich and knows the city well. Here are a few of his recommendations:
The beautiful baroque courtyard of Hofgarten dates to 1613. Today it’s a public park that’s particularly majestic and lively in summer, when musicians serenade passersby. The Nymphenburg Palace, steeped in grandeur, offers a café with a stunning view of the gardens. (The café is closed this year from Jan. 7 to Feb. 28.)
North of Hofgarten you’ll find some incredible museums with world-class collections. The Alte Pinakothek houses well-known European masterpieces from the 14th to 18th centuries. Nearby, the Neue Pinakothek features a collection of 19th century art, including pieces from Van Gogh and Cezanne, and the Moderne Pinakothek offers works from Warhol and Picasso. If you have time and stamina, grab a day pass for €12 and visit them all.
If you have time, Ralph suggests a half-day visit to the Dachau Memorial Site, built on the grounds of a former concentration camp. Here you’ll find a moving collection of historical photos, videos, relics and documents. The memorial offers guided tours.
Munich’s Olympia Park, site of the 1972 Olympics, offers guided tours and still host many sports and entertainment events. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even climb the roof and rappel back down.
A current craze in Munich is SightJogging, which mixes sightseeing and exercise. But it can be pricey; many tours cost more than €100. A walking tour will get you moving—albeit slower—for €8-20. Or stay off your feet by hiring a rickshaw in the city’s central square, Marienplatz. Your driver can point out places of interest as you ride through the city.
For a little relaxation, head for the Müller’sche Volksbad, a public swimming pool with magnificent decor, art nouveau baths and top-notch sauna facilities.
If you’re interested in shopping for luxury brands and haute-couture, head for Maximilianstrasse, one of Europe’s most expensive shopping districts. If you’re hungry, try Viktualienmarkt, the city’s largest food market with more than 140 shops and stalls.
No trip to Munich would be complete without stopping at one of the city’s more than 180 beer gardens—especially in summer. Check out the Augustiner Keller on Arnulfstrasse, which has been around since 1812. It’s been awarded for staying true to tradition—in both beer and Bavarian cuisine. Another favorite is the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) in the city’s English Garden.
Where to eat
Germany is renowned for sausages. They’re eaten at meals and as a morning snack with sweet mustard, brezn (bread) and a large glass of Weißbier (wheat beer). The classic version is the white, boiled, Münchner Weisswurst. There’s also the spicy, grilled Nürnberger Rostbratwürste or the Wollwurst. Refresh your palate with a hot Rumfordsuppe, a soup made from barley and vegetables, or white asparagus. And leave room for a Bayerische Kartoffel, a Bavarian potato dish served with crème fraîche and chives.
Hofbräuhaus is a historic brewery and restaurant that’s served up Bavarian fare for more than a century. You’ll find house speciality sausages, as well as suckling pig, Wiener Schnitzel and roast chicken. It’s at Platzl 9, 80331; Ph: +49 (0) 89 290 1361 00.
Tantris, with two Michelin stars, is considered one of the best restaurants in town. Chef Hans Haas has been honored as Germany’s top chef. The menu changes and can include Dover sole Tantriswith roast Jerusalem artichokes, scallops with cauliflower and a curry marinade, spinach-stuffed turbot or roast scallops with a mango and apple marinade. A three-course business lunch menu will set you back €80 euros (without wine). You’ll find it at Johann-Fichte-Str. 7, 80805; Ph: +49 (0) 89 361 9590.
For a meal with a view, head for the revolving Restaurant 181 in the Olympic Tower, 181 meters tall. Sample chef Otto Koch’s creative dishes like beef fillet with fried foie gras, green asparagus and truffle potato-beignets. After dinner, try the almond panna cotta with coconut milk, pineapple, pepper caramel and cranberry ice cream. You’ll find it at Spiridon-Louis-Ring 7, 80809; Ph: +49 (0) 89 350 948 181.
Going on a business trip to Munich? Book your flight and hotel at BCD Travel.
