The capital city of Bavaria, Munich is famous for the annual events which mark its calendar – notably Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets.
This is the third – largest city in Germany and there is so much to discover here, which makes it the ideal destination for a short break. Tankard in hand, Camille Allcroft shares more
Where to stay
The NH Collection München Bavaria opened in August 2019 following an extensive refurbishment – and the results are wow-worthy. The perfect base for exploring the city, the attractions of the old town just a short walk away from this stylish hotel.
Originally built in 1920, the building was extended to 16 floors in the 1960s and for a while it was the tallest building in southern Germany.
Today, as part of the NH Hotel Group’s premium NH Collection brand, it is a haven of calm in the bustling city with 219 spacious rooms and suites which offer sweeping views of the Munich skyline.
The hotel’s design is contemporary, with a neutral colour scheme warmed by splashes of colour and bronze accents throughout which give a nod to the colossal bronze statue of Bavaria which presides over the city.
Guests can enjoy a well-equipped gym and a convention centre with 12 meeting rooms, while on the 16th floor the ‘Alpenblick’ boardroom can be hired for private events overlooking stunning views of the city and the Alps.
The lobby bar is an appealing place to unwind and there is a varied cocktail menu available, alongside German and international wines and a menu of sharing dishes and tapas. Two words – foodie heaven.
Where to dine
Arnulf’s
The NH Collection Munich’s restaurant Arnulf’s makes a chic setting for lunch or dinner, serving traditional Bavarian recipes and dishes which showcase global influences made with local and seasonal produce.
An indulgent breakfast is also served at Arnulf’s, where guests can feast on a vast buffet of hot and cold dishes accompanied by free flowing prosecco and there is even an omelette station where your eggs are cooked to order.
Ayinger am Platzl
A lively German dining experience, a meal at this traditional ‘Wirtshaus’ is unmissable if you want to sample Bavarian delicacies. Feast upon Munich Weisswurst, roasted meat and fish caught in local lakes, all washed down with draft beer made by the restaurant’s own brewery. ayinger-am-platzl.de
Bäckerei Neulinger
For a light lunch, head to this family-owned organic bakery and café where seasonal soups, sandwiches and salads can be followed by a slice of their signature Apfelstrudel with cream. The choice of bread, pastries and cakes here is astounding and it is practically impossible to leave without buying something else to take away.
baeckerei-neulinger.de
Viktualienmarkt
No food lover should leave Munich without a visit to the city’s famous food market, where a diverse array of shops and stalls sell everything from local meat and cheese to gin cocktails and Currywurst to enjoy as you browse. muenchen.de
Alte Utting
A boat on a bridge makes a pretty unique setting for evening drinks and when it opened, Alte Utting was the subject of a New York Times article which asked, ‘is Munich Getting Cool?’ The decommissioned passenger boat sits atop one of the city’s many bridges and serves as a nightclub, bar and music venue for those seeking something a little different.
alte-utting.de
Munich’s Must-Visits
1 Maximilianstrasse
For a spot of designer shopping – or perhaps window shopping, head to the world-famous Maximilianstrasse which is lined with every designer store you can think of, as well as cute coffee shops for when you need a break.
2 Frauenkirche
Recognisable for its distinctive onion-shaped bell towers, construction of this historic church began in 1468 and it was restored to its former glory after being damaged during World War II. Today, visitors can appreciate stunning panoramic city views by climbing the south tower of the Cathedral Church of Our Lady.
3 Münchner Manufaktur
If you feel like trying on an exquisite handmade Dirdl or a pair of Lederhosen, take a trip to this charming boutique which also stocks contemporary fashion and shoes from their seasonal collections.
4 Oktoberfest
If you happen to visit in October the largest beer festival in the world takes place on the Theresienwiese meadow, which springs to life with tents and attractions devoted to celebrating beer.
5 Munich Christmas Markets
From late November until Christmas Eve, Munich’s oldest and most renowned Christmas market is held on Marienplatz, where a huge Christmas tree festooned with lights marks the occasion. The market is hard to beat for that festive feeling, and the stalls of handicrafts, culinary treats and mulled wine attract hordes of visitors annually.
6 Hi-Sky
Step aboard for a thirty-minute ride on Munich’s version of the London Eye, which secured a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s biggest mobile giant wheel. The Hi-Sky wheel’s 27 gondolas each hold 16 passengers and the views of the city during the ride are nothing short of spectacular.
Getting there
Many premium and budget airlines operate regular direct flights from UK airports to Munich including Lufthansa, British Airways and EasyJet.
Words by Camille Allcroft, writer.
