CITY GUIDE MUNICH

©Vice Sports

INTRODUCTION

It may be best known for Oktoberferst, but Munich has more to offer than just beer. The Bavarian city has a grandeur and beauty to rival many European capitals. It offers more theatres and galleries than anywhere else in Germany, as well as an array of outstanding restaurants and cool bars. Munich is a metropolis rich of German heritage and tradition, but with an international flair, and a view of the Alps on the horizon.  

HOTEL

There are number of hip hotels with the Louis Hotel and Cortiina Hotel taking the lead with their minimalistic aesthetic. Both are very centrally located. Flushing Meadows is another super cool hotel with a nice rooftop and individually designed hotel rooms. 

CAFÉ

LAX Eatery and Gratitude are the go-to-spots for breakfast and coffee. LAX makes great acais, too. In addition, Super Danke offers you an additional choice of bowls and smoothies, just like Ooh Baby I Like It Raw and Occam. In line with the previous, Hoover & Floyd is yet another vegan-friendly place to check out. For a little cool down in between, stop by Verrückte Eismacher, which translates to the crazy icemaker, for some pretty crazy ice cream. Not as crazy, but just as good is the ice cream at Ballabeni. Café Cordial, Man Versus Machine Coffee Roasters and Standl 20 offer the best espressos.

RESTAURANT

If you are after some mind-blowing German bratwurst, Wiener Schnitzel or Haxe, Georgenhof or Kaisergarten are your top choices, whilst at Siggi's you will find vegan alternatives. Ola Kala is a Greek restaurant that serves the best gyros, whilst La Stella or Max Trenta are two of the better Italian places. Crossing the big pond, as the name suggests, La Taqueria is your place-to-go if you like Mexican food. Cochinchina and Anh Thun bring Vietnamese street food to Munich. Spicery completes the global food scene with its Indian cuisine. Though the Weißwurst originates from the city, Prinz Myshkin is a popular fine dining restaurant for vegans. Not all vegan, but certainly with a great selection of plates is oriental-inspired Kismet.

BAR

Once you have completed your shopping, enjoy an Aperol Spritz at Schumann’s. There are some cool bars in the bohemian neighbourhood of Schwabing. The rooftop bar on top of the Vorhoelzer Form, which is part of the Technical University of Munich, is a hidden secrete. Further Le Florida is a nice bar to grab a drink, whilst a few blocks down the road Freebird is a little more sophisticated cocktail bar. 

STORE

A Kind of Guise is a Munich-based fashion label that prides itself with the “Made in Germany” tag and produces high-quality streetwear. Also born and raised in Munich is BSTN, which designs basketball-inspired fashion and also sells sneakers. Likewise Amen, which is located near Soda Books, which is a magazine-lover’s paradise. However, talking about sneakers beforehand, when it comes to shoes Solebox is Germany’s most famous address. Furthermore, John Galliano’s Maison Margiela has an outpost in Munich, but your trip will not be complete without a visit to the infamous Lodenfrey fashion store. Last but not least, if you are looking for an eye-catcher piece for your home, have a look around at Ben’s. 

ACTIVITY

Schwabing is a lively neighbourhood and popular amongst the younger crowd. Go to Elisabethmarkt, sit in the sun and eat freshly made pasta at Casa Sarda followed by coffee and cake at Standl 20. Alternatively, Viktualienmarkt is probably Munich’s most famous market and certainly worth a visit. The Bavarian capital is home to a number of stunning museums and galleries. If you are into art make sure to pass by Lenbachhaus, Museum Brandhorst and the Pinakothek. Also, go for a stroll through Englisher Garten, watch the locals surf the famous wave at the Eisbach river (picture) and embrace a breathtaking panorama view of Munich with the Alps in the background from the top of the Monopteros monument.