We arrived in Munich on a rainy evening, yet one thing was clear: hospitality is this city’s specialty. We received a warm welcome from hotel attendants, tour guides, and restaurant staff.

With only four days in the city, we picked a few guided excursions as well as self-guided tours to squeeze in as much as possible. Food and wine are also a big part of our trips, so we were eager to explore the restaurant scene.

Sights

Marienplatz

Marienplatz is the historic city center, with the town hall and cultural buildings with beautiful architecture. You will want to start here. There is an information office if you need assistance, and it is a meeting location for many tours. Marienplatz is also home to the famous Glockenspiel, the mechanical clock with life-sized characters demonstrating historical re-enactments of Munich’s history at specified times of the day.

Viktualienmarkt

Viktualienmarkt, established in the early 19th century, is a vibrant open-air market in the heart of Munich, known for its culinary offerings and lively atmosphere. The market is a feast for the senses with abundant colorful displays of fruits and vegetables and enticing aromas of baked goods. There are numerous Cafes where you can find everything from traditional Bavarian delicacies, like pretzels and sausages, to gourmet items and international cuisine. It must get cold for these vendors in the winter months as the market is set outdoors with limited cover — however, I bet it is a spectacular wonderland during the holidays.

English Garden

A stroll through the English Garden is invigorating even on a rainy day. We walked for miles with our umbrellas, enjoying views of the Eisbach River, passing joggers, horse carriage rides, and parents on bicycles riding children zipped in buggies to stay dry. The green space is a lush, open place for great photography, events, meditation, and surfers on the Eisbach Wave.

 

Guided Day Trip to Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau, and Neuschwanstein Castle

We arranged a full-day trip to these three destinations, which was totally worth the long day. Gray Line Munich Day Tours does a wonderful job, and if you are lucky enough to get Alberto as your guide, you are in for a treat. He is a wealth of information and keeps things entertaining.

The day was a tribute to the introverted yet eccentric King Ludwig II and his architectural endeavors. Linderhof Palace was the smallest of the palaces, showcasing Ludwig’s love for the Rococo style and gardens. Nearby, Oberammergau is a quaint town close to King Ludwig II’s heart, as he enjoyed attending the city’s world-famous Passion Play. Finally, we visited his medieval architectural creation, Neuschwanstein Castle, which dubbed the king the title of the fairy tale king.

Isar River

The scenic Isar River Park recreational area is excellent for swimming, picnicking, jogging, cycling, and enjoying the water. We had a rainy day, but we walked the path along the river, watching the crashing waves. As a geography lover, I make it my mission to view natural landmarks in a city; it’s like putting a face with a name.

Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus München is one of the most famous beer halls in the world and is in the heart of Munich. I am not a beer drinker, but the energy I felt in the hall was an experience. We did not come to Munich for Oktoberfest as we are not fans of large crowds – but at Hofbräuhaus, we still felt the spirit of the season.

The beer hall features community wooden tables, traditional Bavarian décor, costumes and food. We enjoyed live folk music, which added to the festive atmosphere.

Dachau Memorial Concentration Camp

Dachau was the first Nazi Concentration Camp, opening in 1933. The memorial and museum honor the victims and educate visitors about the Holocaust and the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. While this is a very somber place, it was important to us to attend and show our respect.

Restaurants & Cafes

Best Dining Experiences

Guido Al Duomo

There is a strong Italian influence in the area’s cuisine; Guido Al Duomo is one of our three favorite Italian restaurants in Munich. There is patio seating, but if it is raining, grab the two barstool window seats for a romantic yet amusing experience. I ordered Turbot, a thin fish with a delightful butter herb sauce and a side of pasta. My husband ordered the fillet with roasted baby potatoes, and we split a bottle of Le Bateleur, a Grenache blend from Rasteau.

Vino e Gusto

Vino e Gusto has impeccable service, and the Italian cuisine is terrific. Again, we scored window seats, then ordered a bottle of Collezione Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo and an appetizer of salmon tartare. Our server prepared our spaghetti from the parmesan loaf in front of our eyes, then topped it with shaved black truffles.

If you are a dog lover, the owner’s two English Bulldogs hang out in the restaurant—they are adorable and fit in with the family-like ambiance.

Casa Italia Feinkost

The third Italian stop, Casa Italia Feinkost, is a small restaurant and delicatessen, and it is fabulous! Again, we sat in the window and admired the people popping in and out to grab a slice of salami, cheese, or bag of pasta to take away. We had an Aperol Spritz, then a lovely glass of Barbera to go with our authentic and perfectly superb entrees of Lasagna and Ravioli.

Seehaus in the English Garden

While walking through the English Garden, our end goal was to dine at Seehaus, located within the park. A traditional Bavarian-style wedding was going on in one room, and a private party was in another, yet there was plenty of fun space for us to enjoy an entertaining lunch. We were amused by the centerpieces made of homemade German Pretzels. The exquisite menu is full of seafood choices as well as delicious salads, schnitzels, and desserts.

We ordered the Truffled Potato Soup, the Vitello Tonato, and a bottle of Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva and watched the festivities unfold around us.

Fabulous Spots for Wine & Bites

Grapes Weinbar

Grapes Weinbar in the Cortiina Hotel is a happening place, so make reservations. We are generally not fans of crowds, but the staff was so nice we couldn’t leave. The wine list has a wonderful selection from every region around the world. The bottle of Chateau Paloumey from Bordeaux tasted even better in their Zalto glasses. And the bread, while the first of many portions on this trip, was the best and warmest of all.

Bar ElF

Even though we only stopped in for a quick glass of wine while admiring Munich Soccer fans walk to the train in song, Bar ElF is worth a mention. It is in a great location; the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere had a comfortable vibe that wanted you to stay. With more time we would have eaten here; everything coming out of the kitchen looked divine.

 

Schwarzreiter Tagesbar

Schwarzreiter Tagesbar on Maximilanstraße (the prestigious avenue known for its luxury labels) was the perfect stop for a glass of wine in between our city tours. We imbibed in a glass of 2011 Chateau Rolland-Maillet from Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, chatting with our lively bartender and watching the big spenders walk by with their packages.

Les Deux Restaurant & Brasserie by Kieffer

Les Deux in Schäfflerhof, a shopping mall on Maffeistraße, is a chic restaurant with a café bistro on the ground floor and a Michelin star on the first floor. We opted for the bistro, which has elegant silver light fixtures and a casual yet upscale bar, that serves a German and French-influenced menu. We ordered the Pinot Noir’ Vielles Vignes’ Domaine Henri Kieffer Fils from Alsace. The bartender picked an appetizer for us, and, sticking with the Alsace theme, he brought us the Homemade Alsatian Tart Flambée.

 

Great Quick Stops for Food

Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein

If you plan on touring Neuschwanstein Castle, Schlossrestaurant is the most convenient stop for lunch, as it is only a 5-minute walk to make your tour time. While the food is comfort-style and mostly fried, it is a pleasant break for tourists to enjoy a quick schnitzel on the patio.

 

Fisch Witte

At the fish bistro, Fisch Witte, at the Viktualienmarkt, you can purchase fresh seafood delights like river crab sandwiches on roasted baguettes, mussels, or fish soup. We stopped here for a quick bite and sat under the large umbrellas on the patio to escape the rain.

 

Favorite Coffee & Breakfast Spots

Sweet Spot

The tiny Sweet Spot on a hidden side street is ideal for a cappuccino or Americano. Owned by sweet people who care about service, it is always busy and makes excellent coffee.

 

Brenner Munchen

Brenner is a fabulous jewel on Maximilianstraße, where we had breakfast, coffee, a mimosa, and a Bloody Mary. My husband had a made to order omelet and still can’t stop talking about the perfect cup of coffee. I was more than content with a sampling of cheeses, dips, and a variety of breads.

 

Where to Stay

Maximillian Munich Apartments & Hotel

Coming and going was easy at Maximillian Munich Apartments & Hotel. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, as we were within walking distance of most of the above. The concierge team took great care of our every need. We stayed in the Garden Suite, which overlooks the Rose Garden at the back of the property. It has a kitchenette, a small living area, a private bed, and a bathroom.

The hotel offers shared space with a washer and dryer so you can do your laundry. The restaurant serves coffee and breakfast in the mornings in a glass-enclosed private room, where we also sat at the end of each night to toast our day with a nightcap.