Secret Tips in Munich & Surroundings - More than Hofbräuhaus & Oktoberfest

Frauenkirche, Hofbräuhaus, Marienplatz - if you're traveling to Munich, you probably have these popular sights already in mind. At Oktoberfest, folks sway to the brass band, delicious pork roast is served in cozy taverns, and for a leisurely stroll, the English Garden is the place to be. All of this is quintessentially Munich, and on your first visit, these classic spots are a great way to get to know this city with heart. However, there are also places that may not come to mind immediately and can even be quite surprising.

Julia studied in Munich and has made her former student home her new home after over ten years. In this post, she will take you to her favorite spots and share insider tips on the top attractions in Munich.

For visitors, the green Biergarten at the Chinese Tower in the middle of the English Garden is often the first stop, and the Augustiner Keller near the main train station is a great choice for a good pint of beer. I have a few alternatives that also capture the lovely Biergarten vibe. As always, drinks are purchased on-site, but feel free to bring your own snacks.

The highest Biergarten in Munich: The Olympia Alm is a Biergarten located on the Olympic Hill in Olympic Park. From here, you have a breathtaking view over the Olympic Park, the city, and the Alps. I had my fair share of beers here during my time living in the student dormitory at Olydorf. A visit can be beautifully combined with a walk through the Olympic Park and the former Olympic Village, which now houses the student dormitory.

The Hofbräukeller at Wiener Platz in Haidhausen combines two plus points: central location and cozy atmosphere. When it's hot, the chestnut trees provide pleasant shade, and in the evening, the courtyard is illuminated by fairy lights, plus the food is very good. The Biergarten at Wiener Platz is so inviting that you might completely lose track of time. Definitely a good place for thirst and a clear recommendation.

The royal Hirschgarten is a vast green space in Munich, and the dimensions of the Biergarten are royal as well: it boasts a staggering 8,000 seats, making it the world leader. While it's not exactly a secret, its size means you can usually find a spot. You can enjoy grilled fish and a liter of beer while people-watching here. Don't forget to check out the deer enclosure!

One thing is clear: You can't leave Munich without visiting a true Bavarian tavern. A hearty Bavarian meal is just part of the Munich experience. Most tourists head to the world-famous Hofbräuhaus at Platzl, but there are taverns with much more charm. Here are my suggestions:

A true traditional house is the Fraunhofer in Isarvorstadt. Here, beer has been served since the 18th century. In a historic environment, you can drink Spaten beer and fill your stomach. Besides pork roast and duck breast, there are also vegetarian and vegan options like celery schnitzel or vegan patties. Regular readings and cabaret shows also take place here, and the basement workshop cinema invites viewers to explore lesser-known films.

The Bodhi is the spot for hearty Bavarian food, with a twist: everything here is vegan. You'll find plant-based crispy steak with dark beer sauce, red cabbage, and dumplings, or schnitzel and potato-cucumber salad, along with international classics like burgers and Buffalo wings. The relaxed tavern in Schwanthalerhöhe, just a stone's throw from Theresienwiese, is the perfect place to experience Bavarian dining without meat.

Traditional and queer - how beautifully this can come together is shown at Fesch. In the colorful Glockenbachviertel of Munich, the Fesch invites you to enjoy cheese dumplings, pork roast, and venison ragout. In addition to the classic tavern area with green wooden paneling and parquet flooring, there's also a standing bar where you can leisurely savor your Augustiner beer.

When you think of Munich and coffee, the Dallmayr House immediately comes to mind. The iconic advertising from the 90s made the scent of freshly roasted coffee almost waft out of your television. A visit to the Dallmayr empire at Marienplatz is definitely a must-see. But next to Dallmayr is another store that may interest shopping and culinary fans: Manufactum offers high-quality products and special gift ideas sure to delight any gourmet. Bavarian coffeehouse culture is an important part of Bavarian lifestyle and tradition. In these cafes, coffee is not the only offering; you'll find cakes, pastries, and other delicacies as well. Sometimes traditional, sometimes classy or student-oriented - I have a few tips for you that cover the range.

To be honest: In the Café am Beethovenplatz, you might feel as if you're in Vienna. In this Belle Époque building, not only is a proper coffee served, you can also enjoy cake or the Vivaldi breakfast with Parma ham while listening to piano melodies. Here, the coffeehouse culture is celebrated with flair. On beautiful days, there's a large terrace just a short distance from the Theresienwiese. Wonderful!

The Café Jasmin in Maxvorstadt is a real eye-catcher. Almost the entire decor comes from the 1950s. Early on, the café made a name for itself as a meeting place for artists and intellectuals. Here, you can enjoy a nostalgic breakfast or relish coffee and cake while admiring the interior. The café is always bustling, so since reservations are not possible, you should arrive early or be prepared to wait.

The Trachtenvogl in Glockenbachviertel is a dining café. Here, you'll find delicious dishes featuring daily specials, as well as classic coffee and cake. The interior features a mix of cozy sofas and proper dining tables, creating a homey feel. Trachtenvogl is an institution! It used to be more about beer than coffee, and folks often partied late into the night. Due to complaints from residents, things were toned down, making it a quieter, more relaxed place now.

The museums in Munich are much more than just a rainy-day suggestion! The largest and most famous museum in Munich is the Deutsches Museum. This museum is definitely worth a visit! Just don't underestimate its size, as you'll need plenty of time and a bit of patience, especially on weekends when it can get really crowded. The same goes for the Pinakotheken, which are the temples of art in Munich. Fortunately, there are still some insider tips for visiting museums in Munich.

If you'd prefer to visit the Deutsches Museum but don't have much time, you can check out its branch, the Transportation Center. In the enormous exhibition halls at Schwanthalerhöhe, you can admire everything related to transportation. Old locomotives, trains, trams, carriages, cars, and much more showcase the history of mobility.

The Museum Villa Stuck is located in the former residence of the painter prince Franz von Stuck. The museum's collection includes his art, as well as works by other artists from Art Nouveau and Expressionism. The impressive rooms of the historic villa, where Franz von Stuck painted and lived, are particularly captivating. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and events.

The entrance of the SMÄK is modeled after the entrance to a burial chamber, and as soon as you step inside, you're immersed in the world of ancient Egypt. The collection includes Egyptian art and culture from various eras, including sculptures, reliefs, jewelry, and burial goods. The museum emphasizes interactive experiences, allowing you to digitally translate the texts of the Book of the Dead on site or learn more about the backgrounds of individual objects at media stations.

Gucci, Dior, Chanel: Maximilianstraße is a favorite spot for the upscale crowd and well-heeled visitors, but for the everyday person, it's more of a window shopping area. In Kaufingerstraße, you'll find everything you need between H&M, TK-Maxx, and C&A. However, there are really nice little shops with special products in other areas.

You'll find particularly wonderful little shops in Glockenbachviertel. The Alva Morgaine claims to be a wonder chamber for vintage goods, unique pieces, and treasures, and that describes it well. Here you'll find real little gems. At DearGoods, you can buy sustainable, vegan, and fair fashion, and at 7. Himmel, everything revolves around second-hand shopping. If you need a short break from shopping, stop at the colorful A Small Café for a Happy Chai.

In Westend, you can find little oases like the Heißeliebe Store. This store features products from designers and brands personally known to the owner. It results in a wonderful mix of cosmetics, clothing, decor, and much more. At Parke6, you can find designer fashion and brands from Munich and Sweden.

Well, it's no secret that Munich is not exactly cheap. However, not everywhere do you have to pay more than 4 euros for a cappuccino or expensive admission fees. With a few tips, you can also experience Munich on a smaller budget. Here are some recommendations:

The Kosmos is a trendy place near the main train station. It has been a fixture in the area for many years and is particularly popular among students. The decor has a flea market style reminiscent of Berlin cafés. In the evening, it always gets packed. However, if you come in the afternoon or early evening, you can quietly enjoy a coffee or your first beer - or more. Prices are incredibly cheap: a small 0.25 l beer costs only 1.30 €.

There's no denying that the museums in Munich are worth seeing. However, with admission prices over ten euros, you might reconsider whether to go inside. If you're in the mood for culture but want to save on the expensive entry fee, many of Munich's museums are open for just one euro on Sundays. This includes the Pinakotheken, Museum Brandhorst, State Museum of Egyptian Art, and Museum of Five Continents. On certain days, some museums also offer free admission in the evenings, like every last Friday of the month at Haus der Kunst or every first Thursday of the month at Lenbachhaus.

In Glockenbachviertel, the Glockenbach Werkstatt is a good spot to enjoy cultural events at a budget-friendly price. For example, every first Monday of the month, the poetry slam 'Bless the Mic' takes place for just 4 €.

The main building of Ludwig Maximilian University at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz is worth a visit. Not only because the architecture in the courtyard is impressive but also because this is where the Scholl siblings dropped their flyers over the walls. Information about this is available at the small information center.

Where Berlin stands for wild clubs and subculture, Munich has more of the vibe of a large village. Yet, alongside cozy taverns, charming Biergartens, and grand castles, Munich can also be quite trendy!

Take a decommissioned passenger ship, relocate it from Ammersee to Munich-Sendling, and place it right on a bridge. Sounds crazy, but that's exactly what the operators of the Alte Utting have done, creating one of the coolest spots in Munich complete with a bar and small performances. Inside and on the outdoor deck, you can relax with a drink, while poetry readings and concerts take place in the engine room. There's also a Biergarten and vendors offer delicious treats.

Right next to the Alte Utting - and I mean literally just a few hundred meters away - the crew and Daniel Hahn also run the Techno Club Bahnwärter Thiel at the Viehhof. It's not only great for dancing; Bahnwärter Thiel also serves as a cultural project, providing a vibrant venue for alternative art and culture.

On the former site of the Pfanni factory, a lot is currently under construction. A new cultural center, offices, and much more are being built. In the summer, you can wonderfully sit outside, eat, drink, or take a ride on the Umadum Ferris wheel.

A really beautiful and particularly easy hike without having to climb any peaks can be taken from Kloster Reutberg to Kirchsee. Along well-maintained flat paths, you walk from the monastery in Sachsenkam past moors and meadows directly to the Kirchsee. Perfect for family outings. The return journey can be topped off with a visit to the Klosterbräustüberl, where house-made beer and delicious Bavarian cuisine await. The Biergarten offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The best way to reach Sachsenkam is by car, but it's also accessible by train and bus. From Munich's main station, you can take a train to Schaftlach and then continue by bus to Sachsenkam or directly take a leisurely bus ride from Munich to Kloster Reutberg, enjoying the scenic views along the way.

Somehow the name sounds a bit ominous, but the castle complex, incidentally one of only two preserved medieval fortifications in and around Munich along with the Burg Grünwald, is a true idyll. The water castle in the Munich district of Obermenzing once served as a hunting lodge, and today you can admire the late Gothic chapel and visit the International Youth Library. Additionally, the Michael Ende Museum is located here, offering quite a bit to see. If you just want to enjoy the picturesque surroundings, take a stroll along the Würm River. You can reach it by S-Bahn to either Pasing or Obermenzing, and from there take a bus to Blutenburg.

If the weather is uncooperative, a visit to the sauna is a remedy for all things. The Phönix-Bad in Ottobrunn is a true wellness world with nine saunas and two steam baths and is a real hidden gem compared to the more frequented lakeside sauna at Tegernsee - plus it's a bit cheaper as well. Take the subway to Neuperlach Süd, and from there, a few more stops by bus will take you directly to the bath's entrance. And if the sun has come out after your sauna session, it's worthwhile to take a stroll through charming Ottobrunn.

The City High-Rise Paternoster: Have you ever ridden a Paternoster? In the oldest high-rise building in the city, the City High-Rise at Sendlinger Tor, you can try it out. This high-rise is the last building with a publicly accessible Paternoster lift. Due to a new government safety regulation in May 2015, it was initially not allowed for visitors to use it, but following protests and a major renovation, it is now publicly accessible again.