Munich
Munich is the capital and most populous city of Bavaria, and the second most populous German federal state with a population of around 1.5 million. There's always something going on in Munich and plenty of local, famous, and 5 Star experiences to be had in this quintessential German city. Yes, beer and pretzels and brats are a part of it, but there is no shortage of shopping, architecture and history.
Venture out and see these iconic Munich spots:
Nymphenburg Palace: The Nymphenburg Palace, or "Castle of the Nymph", is a Baroque palace in Munich, Bavaria, southern Germany. The palace was the main summer residence of the former rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach.
Marienhof & Neues Rathaus: This is a must see if you are in Munich! Marienplatz is the center of Munich and holds a ton of delicious food and shops to see. Make sure you are in the square at either 11am 12pm or 5pm to watch the clock tower ring and see the figures dance. It’s once if a lifetime opportunity and 10 minutes of your life will be gone, but then you can say you saw it!
Munich Residenz: The Residenz in central Munich is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. The Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany and is today open to visitors for its architecture, room decorations, and displays from the former royal collections.
Frauenkirche: The Frauenkirche is a church in the Bavarian city of Münich that serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising and seat of its Archbishop. It is a landmark and is considered a symbol of the Bavarian capital city.
Viktualienmarkt (Victual Market Beergarden): This sprawling 200-year-old market with over 100 stalls sells goods from fruit to meat to flowers.
Asamkirche: Clap your eyes on Asamkirche! This ultra-compact 1700's church is known for its lavish, baroque interior swathed in gold leaf, frescoes & stucco. When in Munich, it's worth a look. If you have time, grab a brochure and look at some of the extraordinary symbolism in the elaborate decor.
BMW Welt: This is the headquarters of Bavarian Motor Works and hosts a great museum and a stellar place to take delivery on your new car, be it a BMW or Mini. The museum is a cathedral dedicated to the history of the company, and if you are an automobile or motorcycle (or jet engine) aficionado, this is as good as it gets. We've had many friends begin their European travels here in their new car, driving around the EU and shipping their new ride home at the end of their 5 Star adventure.
Germany is the home of beer, sausage, sauerkraut, and potatoes. It's simply what they make, and the portions are huge! Share one dish with friends. If you're still hungry, they'll bring more at your request. Many restaurants have several floors, the lowest being the most casual and the upper floors being a little more formal. Brewhouses boast their own beer like Spaten, Paulaner, and Straubinger.
Hofbräuhaus München: This 3-floor beer hall dating back to the 16th century, with a Bavarian restaurant, shows & upbeat vibe. More formal dining can be found on higher floors, but stick to the ground floor for rowdy singing and pretzels the size of your head.
Spatenhaus and der Oper: Across the square from the opera house, this rustic restaurant is a standard for Bavarian dishes & Spaten beer, plus, like many beer halls/restaurants, they have a more formal dining room upstairs.
Wirtshaus Zum Straubinger: This traditional Bavarian tavern & beer garden has a cozy and stylish wooden decor, serving regional dishes. It is located very close to the Viktualienmarkt, so go have a look at the market and the May Pole and then stop here for a beer.
Paulaner im Tal: This brewery-owned restaurant has traditional Bavarian decor & food, plus beer from wooden barrels. Paulaner is a great beer. Stop in and have a half liter.
Il Tenore: When you need a break from all of that Bavarian food, go for Italian at this great spot. It is casual and cosy with great customer service.
If you are in the mood to shop, head over to Maximilianstrasse for high-end shopping or over to Kaufingerstrasse, a walking street that caters to all budget sizes. When we landed in Munich, it was 20 degrees hotter than we anticipated, so we were on the hunt for short-sleeved shirts. Our options were not limited. From Ralph Lauren to Gucci to Versace, we had the shopping world within arm's reach.
Munich hotels are really wonderful.
You check in and glide immediately into the centrally-located salon, have a coffee or a cocktail, then log on or read the newspaper. It is seriously civilized. Here are three 5 Star hotels worthy of your attention...
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München
You'll be centrally located in Munich, just a 3-minute walk from Hofbrauhaus and 7 minutes by foot from Residenz. This 5-star hotel is 0.4 mi from Rathaus-Glockenspiel and 0.4 mi from Marienplatz. Make yourself at home in one of the 305 individually decorated guestrooms or relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. If you're looking for recreational opportunities, you'll find an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center.
https://5startravelguru.trvl.com/hotel/vier-jahreszeiten-kempinski-muenchen
Louis Hotel
Steps from Viktualienmarkt and 3 minutes by foot from Marienplatz, this 4.5-star hotel is 0.2 mi from Rathaus-Glockenspiel and 0.3 mi from Hofbrauhaus. Make yourself at home in one of the 72 air-conditioned rooms, enjoy recreation amenities such as a 24-hour health club or take in the view from a rooftop terrace. Enjoy Japanese cuisine at EMIKO, a restaurant which features a bar, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service.
https://5startravelguru.trvl.com/hotel/louis-hotel
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Boasting five restaurants, six bars and a spa with a rooftop pool, the luxurious Bayerischer Hof Hotel is located in central Munich, within a short walk of Marienplatz Square, the Bavarian State Opera and Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall. First opened in 1841, the hotel spans seven stories and 340 rooms. Explore the glass-domed Atrium before dining in its five restaurants or relaxing in its six bars, including a piano bar and night club bar. Pamper yourself with a treatment at the spa or glide into the rooftop pool. Work up a sweat in the fitness center or saunas or get ready for a night out at the salon.
Where will you go next?
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