Munich is shaped by fascinating personalities. In our questionnaire we would like to introduce a few of them. This time: Peter Ambacher, former travesty artist, now city guide on the traces of the rock star Freddie Mercury.
Were you born in Munich or did you move here?
I grew up in Tübingen. But it was always my dream to move to Munich, it was in my head from an early age. And then one day in the spring of 1970, my dream came true.
In which district are you at home?
Bogenhausen.
What does Munich taste like?
Hearty, substantial, perhaps like roast pork with dumplings.
What does Munich sound like?
Like a wonderful Puccini opera.
What does Munich smell like?
Like lust for life and nature.
Munich is the only city which you ...
... can live. I have tried a lot of cities: Berlin, Freiburg, Hamburg. But they didn't suit me. I always came back.
Which Munich lady should everyone know?
The folk actress Erni Singerl, who has sadly now passed away.
Your favourite Bavarian word?
"An guadn!", the Bavarian version of "bon appétit!".
The most attractive building in the city?
I am big fan of the opera, so obviously: the Nationaltheater (opera house).
Isar or Eisbach?
The Isar, because it stretches out so wonderfully. Perfect for walks or a bike ride.
Beer garden or bar?
I like beer gardens and preferably the terraces in restaurants – the main thing, outside and light.
Philharmonic orchestra or brass band music?
I prefer classical music.
On a walk through the old town, you will get to know the musical side of Munich. Together with your official guide you will discover stations of famous composers. Read more
A weekend in the mountains or by the lake?
On the Zugspitze or to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
The best place in Munich to impress visitors?
I take my visitors through the city and show them all the famous sights: the Frauenkirche (cathedral), Kaufinger Strasse, the Englischer Garten (park) and the grave of fairy-tale King Ludwig II. in the crypt of St. Michael's Church.
The best place in Munich for an after-work beer?
The roof terrace at the Deutsche Eiche hotel.
The best place in Munich for a romantic date?
A wonderful restaurant: the Austernkeller for example, with its magnificent vaulted ceiling.
The best place in Munich to think?
The Englischer Garten.
The best place in Munich for music lovers?
As a lover of classical music, I again have to say: the Staatsoper.
The best place in Munich to experience culture?
Apart from the Staatsoper? The Gasteig.
The best place in Munich if you are longing for Italy?
There are so many Italian places in Munich. I like my regular Italian, the Osteria Il Ritrovo. There's gentle Italian music playing in the background, the owner is a real strong Italian, the entire family scurries around, and the food is exquisite!
Also interesting: Peter Ambacher in an interview about his time as a travesty artist, excessive parties and his friendship with rock star Freddie Mercury: Munich was a real paradise for Freddie
