A woman in a yellow dress in a restaurant in Munich

Munich Guides

Exclusive tips to enjoy Munich!

There is always something to discover in Munich, whether you have 4 or 24 hours, a long weekend or a whole week. Here are just a few suggestions.

Experience Munich exclusively

Where to go for an exclusive meal in Munich:

- Exclusive restaurants in Munich

Where to shop exclusively in Munich:

- Exclusive shops in Munich

- Second-hand designer fashion

Where to enjoy Munich exclusively:

- Exclusive hotels, restaurants, court suppliers and cultural experiences in Munich

 

Stopover: 4 hours

For anyone who is pressed for time, the best way to get to know the city centre is on a guided tour which takes about 90 minutes. Your official guide will show you the following sights, amongst others:

- Marienplatz (square)
- Frauenkirche (church)
- Odeonsplatz (square)
- Viktualienmarkt (market)
- Residenz (palace)

Afterwards, why not take a stroll along Maximilianstraße, the most exclusive shopping street in Munich – higly recommendable.

Short trip: 1 day

During the morning you will discover the finest shops the city has to offer: former purveyors to the Bavarian Royal Court. Shops like Ludwig Beck, Eilles, Ed Meier or Radspieler were the considered favourites of the Wittelsbacher Royal household. They were and are a key part of Munich's rich history.

Thereafter you can enjoy the beautiful view from the Blue Spa Terrace at Hotel Bayerischer Hof.

In the afternoon you will travel to Schloss Nymphenburg. The palace complex with its majestic park is one of the largest Baroque buildings in Europe.

Around the main palace there are several other attractions which are well worth a visit, such as:

- the Amalienburg, Pagodenburg and Badenburg garden pavilions
- Marstallmuseum (carriage museum)
- Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory
- Botanical Garden

Tip: If the weather is fine, a trip in an authentic Venetian gondola along the Palace Canal is an unforgettable experience!

 

Weekend trip: 2 days

Today, GenussKulTour will take you to various delicatessen experts situated in the heart of Munich. The tour can also be booked as a private tour. Depending on your wishes and the season, why not visit a vinotheque, a coffee roasting house, a cheese stand on the Viktualienmarkt (market), Schuhbeck's spice shop, or even a chocolaterie with your guide? You will take a look behind the scenes and learn more about the philosophy of their owners. Of course, you can also taste selected goodies. For those who develop a real taste for such treats, you can still take a proper supply home with you, because these items may also be purchased during the tour. Afterwards, you will experience Mario Gamba's award-winning culinary art. As a guest at Acquarello in Bogenhausen, you will enjoy a journey into Italian gourmet cuisine. In the afternoon we recommend a walk in the Englischer Garten where you can watch the river surfers on the Eisbachwelle (river wave). In the evening, why not take in a performance by the Bavarian State Opera at the National Theatre (duration of about three hours) as a potential contender for your entertainment programme. Afterwards, there will be the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of the State Opera on an exclusive night tour (duration of about 45 minutes).

On the second day you will visit the Kunstareal (art district) and one the three Pinakotheks or art galleries:

The Alte Pinakothek is located in a building created by Leo von Klenze. The Classicist building from 1836 was considered ground-breaking in terms of European museum architecture. This museum contains a collection of landmarks in the history of European painting from the Middle Ages, through the Renaissance and up to the Baroque period.

The Neue Pinakothek is closed to the public for structural reasons and in preparation for a comprehensive renovation scheme from 31 December 2018 until 2025. A selection of masterpieces of 19th-century art will be shown from the summer of 2019 onwards on the groundfloor of the Alte Pinakothek (East Wing) and in the Sammlung Schack.

The Pinakothek der Moderne houses a collection of modern art – Design museum, Modern art collection, the Architecture Museum and the graphic art collection.

In the afternoon, take a trip to the BMW Welt and book an individual adventure tour through Munich and the surrounding countryside. You can choose between numerous BMW models, from sporty to luxurious. With BMW on Demand, pure driving pleasure is at your fingertips! After returning the car, you can sock up the culinary delights at the gourmet restaurant EssZimmer located in the BMW Welt.

Video: simply Munich

Experience Munich: 4 days

Day 1: During the morning, a taxi guide will reveal to you the city's highlights. Afterwards, you will visit the traditional costume emporium of "Tracht und Heimat" where you will design your own costume, which will be sure to make a real impression at the Oktoberfest – or anywhere else for that matter. For lunch, why not visit the fine dining restaurant Alois in Dallmayr. The interior promises to take you on a journey into the colonial era, paired with a light, contemporary cuisine extravaganza. In the afternoon, paying a visit to the Residenz (palace) in the company of a private guide is well worth it. The city palace was, for many centuries, the seat of the Wittelsbach rulers, and is considered today to be one of the most important art museums in Europe. In the evening you can experience that “Broadway feeling” by going to a musical at the Deutsches Theater.

Day 2: Today, you will discover Munich's surroundings in a very special vehicle. Whether in an Austin Healey Sprite, a Jaguar E-Type or a rare Porsche 356 – every ride will be an experience! You can explore the surrounding area with your favourite vintage car, taking in the sights just as you want to. Alternatively, allow yourself to be guided along elaborate routes that take you through the beautiful Upper Bavaria region. In the evening you can enjoy a breathtaking view over Munich with a sunset menu at the Olympic Tower 181.

Day 3: In the afternoon we recommend a little shopping, far from the large department stores and big chains of shops, in the Gärtner- und Glockenbach district. You will also find some small craft workshops hidden away in the rear courtyards where visitors can watch craftspeople and artists at work. Unique items made of metal, ceramics, felt and leather are all made here with great attention to detail. In the afternoon a tasting tour on the Viktualienmarkt (food market) could feature in your programme. A real favourite among locals and tourists alike, it has plenty to offer when it comes to culinary experiences. Delve in and see for yourself! In the evening, experience a sensual connection between music and gastronomy at Nymphenburg Palace: "Concert & Dinner" offers an unforgettable evening with musical and culinary highlights, all set against an extraordinary backdrop.

Day 4: Munich and its surroundings have a host of excellent golf courses. Various public golf courses also allow visitors to play without membership or handicap. Afterwards we recommend a walk in the English Garden where you can watch the river surfers on the Eisbachwelle (river wave). Even a carriage ride through the English Garden is a very special experience in itself. In the evening, experience a champagne dinner or a wine seminar with the best cheese, fine chocolate or the finest sausage with "einfach geniessen".

Enjoy Munich: 1 week

Day 1: You will drive to the airfield Jesenwang near Fürstenfeldbruck situated to the west of Munich. From there, you can take a helicopter ride over the city of Munich. Why not enjoy a unique view of Marienplatz (main square), the Allianz Arena, the Olympic Park, the BMW Welt or the English Garden on this sightseeing flight (approx. 35 minutes). When making your way back to the city centre, a visit to the award-winning Tantris restaurant could be part of your programme. Then pay a visit to the Deutsches Museum along with a private guide – one of the most traditional and yet largest science and technology museums in the world. Alternatively, you will learn everything there is to know about Munich's beer during a brewery tour and subsequent beer tasting.

Day 2: Take an exclusive backstage tour (approx. 60 minutes) and sneak a peek behind the scenes of the Bavarian State Opera. Afterwards, creative international gourmet cuisine and exquisite wines await you in the star-rated restaurant Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant right next door. After lunch, a drive will take you to Munich airport. Climb aboard and experience a unique flight as a pilot in a flight simulator. The Exclusive programme offers beginners a 60-minute flight. Whether it's in an Airbus A320, a Boeing 737 or the Megaliner Airbus 380 – different aircraft models are available. In the evening you will experience the enchantment of a show brought to you at the world's first Table Magic Theatre with Alexander Krist. Alternatively, why not attend a performance at the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz.

Day 3: Today, you're off to the Chiemsee (lake). In the capable hands of an experienced skipper, you will discover the largest lake in Bavaria during a private tour. Anyone who is able to sail can also set out without a skipper by hiring a sailing yacht. A visit to the Herreninsel (island) is well worth it. Ludwig II began work on this “new Palace of Versailles” there back in 1878. The Herrenchiemsee Palace is the last and most magnificent of the palaces built by the “Fairy-tale King of Bavaria.” Alternatively, you can experience the royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof – commissioned by the fairy tale king Ludwig II – while on a day trip. In the evening, relax with a movie at a very special cinema. The Astor Cinema Lounge at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof offers first-class cinema entertainment. Cozy lounge sofas and only 38 seats make every movie an unforgettable experience.

Day 4: Today, you will visit the Lenbachhaus (art gallery) with its worldwide largest collection of the artist group Blauer Reiter. Afterwards, you will experience seasonal gourmet cuisine at the Michelin Star Atelier restaurant in the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Designed by the Belgian art dealer Axel Vervoordt, it is more like an art studio with a special intimate touch. In the afternoon, you can enjoy genuine relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of big city life! Why not drive to Bayerischzell in the village baths of Tannermühl. In its "very private spa", you can enjoy unique time together in a one-off atmosphere for two. The village baths lie at the foot of the Wendelstein mountain in the beautifully located municipality of Bayrischzell. The presence of an eight-metre high waterfall is particularly impressive. In the evening you will experience fine cuisine at its best at the GOP Variety Theatre in Munich. World-class acrobats and exceptional artists promise a spectacular evening for all.

Day 5: In the morning, an official guide from the city of Munich will take you on a private tour through the Brienner Quartier, with its exclusive and traditional shops. You will discover their passion for handmade goods, such as porcelain from Nymphenburg or paper from the house of Prantl, on which Thomas Mann once wrote his works. Afterwards, it's time for a visit to the world's largest men's fashion store in Munich's pedestrian zone. In Hirmer, you put together your own individual garment with the help of an experienced tailor team. Create a unique specimen just for you! In the afternoon we recommend a visit to one of the numerous galleries home to contemporary art in Munich. In the evening, take in a performance at the Prinzregententheater (theatre) as a fantastic way to round off your stay! Alternatively, you can experience a home game in the EXCLUSIVE VIP Lounge of the Allianz Arena on a matchday for FC Bayern. A special all-round package at Europe's most modern stadium isn't just something that leaves football fans wanting more.

Day 6: Today, you can discover the Alpine foothills during an exclusive balloon trip over the Tegernsee lake, from an altitude of 3,000 meters. During the approximately 1.5 hour flight you can even gaze as far as the Zugspitze mountain peak and Lake Constance below. Afterwards, you can enjoy typical Bavarian cuisine at Bräustüberl Tegernsee. In the afternoon, we recommend a walk along the Castle Promenade or a visit to the Olaf Gulbransson Museum of Graphic Art and Caricature. Olaf Gulbransson became famous for his caricatures while working at the legendary Munich satirical newspaper Simplicissimus. If you are in search of relaxation, visit the Monte Mare Lake Sauna.

Day 7: Finally, it's time to step on the gas once again. At the BMW Driving Academy in Maisach, which is one of the largest driving safety centres in southern Germany, you can enjoy a driving experience that is individually tailored to your wishes and your driving skills. To conclude, we recommend a walk along the Isar river.

 

 

Text: München Tourismus; Photo: Christian Kasper; Illustration: Julia Pfaller; Video: Redline Enterprises
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Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

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Book now from 20 €

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Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

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