Are you excited to experience an exciting journey through the most happening city in Germany? Munich, this city, has the history, culture, and of course beer. Endless opportunities for sightseeing are offered from visiting ancient sites like Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace to sampling wonderful local food at traditional beer halls.
Let us all clink our glasses, raise our arms in unison, and say, “Cheers to Munich” as we prepare to explore all the other features of this wonderful city. If you love history, and food or enjoy being in the middle of the action, you would enjoy Munich. It’s time to get into the ski lodge and put on your cute little lederhosen.
The Best Beer Gardens in Munich
Munich’s beer gardens are the focal point of the city’s social life; they stand for the perfect mixture of the past, the present, and the enjoyment of the beer culture. Wherever you are, whether on your first or last visit, these famous places are equally beloved for their diversity and for the experience they offer – standing at the crux of the Bavarian capital’s beer culture with the natives and the curious alike.
Hofbräuhaus: A Historic Icon
The Hofbräuhaus is the focal point of the beer garden culture in Munich. It was established in the year 1589 and is one of the oldest and most well-known beer halls on the planet. It is located in the center of the city and offers the true sensation of being within Bavarian culture thanks to its atmosphere, bands playing typical oompah music, and the food served. Make sure you do not forget to try their famous Hofbräu Original which has all the certifications as per the Bavarian Reinheitsgebote of 1516.
Seehaus in the English Garden: A Serene Retreat
For the perfect detached beer garden atmosphere, the Seehaus is quite simply an oasis in the English Garden. This garden, with a neighboring idyllic lake, presents the spectacular scenic beauty of green trees as well as the blue waters that make it conducive for a peaceful afternoon. Shield yourself from the sun as you enjoy a chilled glass of beer under a chestnut tree watching the residents meandering in boats in one of the largest metropolitan parks in the world.
Augustiner-Keller: Munich’s Oldest Brewery Garden
The clientele at Augustiner-Keller’s beer garden frequently returns to this beer garden in pursuit of the gnarled tree’s hinterland Mother Earth herself. The Winds of Munich Beer Garden bears its age quite elegantly today as it was established as such as early as 1328. This venue is cozy and serves delicious beer and tummy-filling Bavarian food. The crackers contained in the beer are excellent and ingested without shock due to this crudeness. Black Septembericciones Cerveza, a product of Munich’s oldest independent brewery, is available on draught in a cask and is more than fresh. Still, this kind of scrimshaw feels ages old where conservationism is a full-time occupation and one ma In front of the main building, several street vendors sell food to visitors to the beer garden.
Chinesischer Turm: A Unique Cultural Blend
In what is quite an interesting variant of the classic beer garden, located in still inside the English Garden, the ‘Chinesischer Turm’ is dominated by a Chinese pagoda. The pagoda, which has been in place toward Munich’s beer garden culture since the year 1790, adds a foreign flavor to the city. Just like the Augustiner am alten Postplatz, New York is also a place that caters to hundreds of patrons at one time in terms of space. There is nothing scarier than this place on weekends when the live performance of the brass band is the greatest surprise one can expect at a beer garden.
Augustiner Bräustuben: Rustic and Authentic
Murky since it is off the beaten track for the locals, Augustiner Bräustuben has the ready-made constraints and joys of a beer culture in Munich. It is located in an interior cabaña of the Augustiner-Braeu brewery and therefore resembles a beer garden with wooden benches and a cabin-like warmth. Combine it with the evergreen sounds of Bavarian bands and delightful Augustiner ales and one cannot get a better place to start with Munich in a completely different way.
Munich’s beer gardens serve more than the purpose of just drinking beer — rather they serve much deeper in unity within an elaborate drinking culture. If you need a vibrant history treasury, a calm water atmosphere, or locals friendly neighborhood you will find it at one of Munich’s beer gardens. Before this hearty hospitality gets the better of you, pick up a stein and raise it high for the good life.
Exploring Historic Landmarks like Marienplatz
For a Munich visitor who wanders too far into the East of the Marienplatz (which is not quite possible), there is the danger of getting lost forever, as the lower East Side of Manhattan is often referred to. Marienplatz is situated at the heart of Munich and every visitor has to pass through it. Marienplatz is composed of the New Town Hall (or X, as it is known in German New City Hall) which forms its central section. An exquisite view of the cat is an overwhelming highlight that is certain for clock enthusiasts. Enclosed within the clock tower, there is the glockenspiel which is a historical play that is about Bavarian events presented by animated dolls. The fascinating show despite it all plays at least three times daily and is back up with bells.
Farther to the south lies another Munich attraction – the Viktualienmarkt. It is an open market where you can buy food and drinks from the locals. For the sweeping skyline of the city and the hours distant Alps climb to the top of St. Peter’s Church – the oldest church in Munich. Just beyond the previous building, the Frauenkirche with two characteristic flying saucer-shaped dome towers only invites with its magnificent external Gothic style and peaceful internal space.
After you’ve done your language nerd, you might want to go to any of the famous Munich beer gardens. While dining on pretzels and cool Bavarian beer, one can appreciate the ‘Gemütlichkeit’ of the place. As evening approaches, the activities at Marienplatz become more colorful with entertaining performers and jingles. This is the best time to relax and appreciate the amazing things that the city has to offer.
Simply put, Marienplatz is a must-see place for all those coming to Munich. The combination of the historical heritage, cultural expression, and vibrant atmosphere embodies the city within its lift for all who step into this iconic square.
Indulging in Delicious Bavarian Cuisine
Bavarian food is one of the highlights of visiting Munich, and that is an understatement. The dishes are straight out of food heaven, from wonderfully spiced-candied sausages to soft and luscious pretzels; the food of the city engages the tongue to lust for more.
In the morning, settle for a Bavarian breakfast in any of the local cafes. This usually consists, of butter and jam spread on freshly baked bread or a regular pretzel, washing it down with a bouquet of Bavarian coffee to kick start your day.
During lunch, you cannot miss the famous beer garden in Munich. Order a pint of beer such as Augustiner or Hofbräu with a schnitzel or bratwurst with potatoes and sauerkraut. And the best part is, you are sitting or more like drinking in a beer garden which is fun in itself.
By the night time, get to enjoy some of their local cuisines like the weißwurst, a white sausage served with sweet mustard, or some pig knuckles that are roasted as a rarity. And for dessert, some apple strudel or Bavarian cream rounds off the meal perfectly.
I suggest you try one of the cooking classes to be able to recreate these dishes at home. Every single meal in Munich comes with adventure courtesy of the great flavors, history, and culture of its people. Cheers!
Shopping for Unique Souvenirs at Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt was a place I visited in Munich and I think it is a really interesting zone to find some interesting souvenirs and local products. Located at the center of the City, this bustling open-air market offers a range of items from fruits and vegetables to mouth-watering Bavarian crafts.
As one strolls inside, the aroma of bread, spices, and all manner of fruits hits your senses. We found that the vast majority of locals don’t leave this market without taking local delicacies with them – sweet honey and handmade sweets, artisanal chees, and even beer prepared in small quantities at the very market, which excite any traveler.
The market also has an assortment of artisan stalls with handcrafted ceramics, jewelry and wooden carvings, Bavarian dresses, and especially dirndls and lederhosen. Good for presents especially for those who are about to proceed to Oktoberfest.
Be sure to try some of the Bavarian food such as sausages, pretzels, pork knuckles, or schnitzel served at the food stalls. It is also an essential part of the holiday experience and goes especially well with a cool beer or hot wine as one is swept away by the buzz of the market.
Constructed over one century ago, Einkaufen Viktualien for its grandeur and facilities has not lost its relevance amongst the people. The place however remains a fun-filled shopping place if one is into food, crafts or just enjoying the ambiance. Prost and satisfying shopping!
Taking a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Last September, I performed a day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle and I have to say it review is something if you are in the area. It’s a few hours’ drive from the city, this dining castle rises on a hillside looking down to Hohenschwangau, and it is as if it was taken from a fairy tale.
The route goes through and passes by impression pine tree shades, rolling hills, and pretty Bavarian towns. When one makes the trip to the castle, it is easy to see why King Ludwig II referred to himself as the sun king because of the needle-like towers and gothic architecture that dominates the castle. The professional photos are complemented by exquisite room decorations and breathtaking views of the timber Fujiyama from the windows.
Do not forget to go to the Marienbrücke bridge to get the proper framing of the castle. Thereafter, you can go to see Hohenschwangau, have a Bavarian meal, and share in the shopping for local handicraft artifacts. If windsurfing is your thing, there are many places where one can go hiking and biking.
This magic visit to Neuschwanstein balanced well with my trip to Munich and left me with sweet memories of the beauty of Bavaria. Prost to a wonderful trip!
