Munich. A small town disguised as a mighty city, it’s a great place to explore for a couple of days. Historically important and aesthetically interesting, there’s a little bit for everyone, and a whole lot of fun to be had, and not just in October.
Where to stay:
Anywhere within your budget! Being the most expensive city in Germany accommodation can be pricey but also not hugely important… just don’t venture too far north. The city is incredibly well connected with public transport: for 20 euros you can buy a weekly ticket and are connected to everything… or for the authentic experience find a bike and be anywhere within 20 minutes.
Where to eat:
Munch through Munich: an important aspect of the Bavarian experience. There’s a whole bunch of Bavarian food everywhere, often consisting of lots of meat and potatoes. If you try anything Bavarian; Käsespätzle, Kaiserschmarn and Knödel have to be on your list. Bavarian restaurants are everywhere and often overpriced, so stay out of the city centre. Klinglwirt near Rosenheimer Platz is great, ethically sourced and has vegan options. Vegan Pizza in a tree house in Ganz Woanders, often with live music on the weekend, or its sister restaurant, Ganz am Wasser, both with a very relaxed atmosphere, creative flare, and cheap food. Vietnamese Vegan Restaurrant SOY is in the heart of Schwabing, a bit priceier, but 100% worth it, but id recommend booking a table beforehand.
What to do:
The long summer days call for a trip to the Englischer Garten, lazy days by the Isar and crates of Munichs finest Augustiner Beer. You’ll find the garden heaving with students playing volleyball, floating in the Eisbach and picnicking. Quieter parks for reading or running would be Westpark or the Olympic park, with the added bonus of a mountain view and stunning sunsets over the city. Sundays are for museums with a one euro entry for everyone. The Kunst Areal is a great opportunity to immerse in art of all genres, Museum Brandhorst boasts an incredible Cy Twombly Exhibiton room… Incredibly relaxing. 40 minutes south by car or 90 with the train, you’re immersed within the Bavarian mountains. A 3 hour summer hike up Brauneck, summiting at the Tolzers Huttes infamous Käsespätzle, is one of my favourite trecks outside of the city. Which in the winter transforms into a great ski resort. For sledging drive towards Schliersee and walk up to the Obere Firstalm, a winter wonderland of snowy madness, and then a 15-minute sledge down the mountain. During the summer months it is often blisteringly hot, so take a dip in the Isar, or the S-bahn to Starnberg and rent out a pedalo for a couple of hours… Nothing more idyllic.
Going out:
Munich has lots of little spots around the city great for an enjoyable night out. The Glockenbachviertel is littered with numerous bars, simply stroll around there and you’ll be sure to find a decent offering. Import Export offers not only a weekly vegan menu but an event space for DJ sets, open mic nights, table tenni tournaments and all-round wholesome times. Ström, a post-lcokdown endevauor to bring more loveliness to the munich scene, boasts some great music acts in a bit of a dungy setting. Head to Josephplatz for a 1st class jazz club experience, if that’s what you fancy, or Monday night in the Milchbar for an 80s disco vibe.
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