24 Hours in Munich, Germany

Often referred to as “a big village” by locals, Munich, Germany is nestled between the Alps and crystal-clear lakes, combining the best of both city life and a relaxed, countryside vibe. Nature plays a big role in this Bavarian capital as the city breathes an Alpine breeze and its inhabitants relax in lush parks and on the shores of the Isar river — which is exactly what caused today’s city guide writer, Igor Josifovic, to fall in love with the area so quickly. A few months ago, we were invited into his plant-filled apartment, and today, Igor’s taking us beyond his walls to virtually guide us through his ideal 24 hours in the great city he calls home.

“Munich is more than just nature, though,” he explains, “it is a cool and relaxed city with an urban lifestyle and an awesome quality of life. Munich combines nature with art, culture, culinary delights, history, great shopping and one of the biggest festivals in the world — the famous Oktoberfest.” –Sabrina

Photography by Lina Skukauske

MORNING VISITS

Rise and shine with the best coffee and cinnamon-marzipan roll in town at the über-cool Man versus Machine coffee roasters.

Located in the buzzing Glockenbach district, you can not only enjoy a scrumptious brew, but also observe Munich’s hipsters and LGBT crowd in their favorite district. For more delicious coffee, I recommend Standl20 on the Elisabethmarkt in Schwabing and Mahlefitz in Neuhausen.

Just around the corner from the café you’ll find the hip SODA Books store with the best special-interest magazines and the finest design and art publications to satisfy your design-loving heart.

After a little stroll and shopping spree in the Glockenbach district, head out to the west of Munich to visit the charming Nymphenburg castle and the adjacent botanical garden, one of my favorite spots in town. A lush, outdoor garden is topped by dreamlike greenhouses with the most beautiful plants. It’s the wilderness inside the city! Take your time and while you’re there, why not read that great magazine you just bought in the center?

Lunch time! The next stop is in the famous student area called Maxvorstadt. The fairly new Gratitude Eatery is a fantastic option for delicious vegan and organic meals. Fine and fresh dishes will boost you with enough energy to spend a packed afternoon in town without the feeling of being too stuffed. Opt for the yummy grilled avocado. A real treat!

AFTERNOON VISITS

A short walk from the restaurant is one of the latest museums in town, the fabulous Brandhorst Museum. It is my favorite museum in Munich and features a refined selection of contemporary art and art installations and an ever-changing program of excellent special exhibitions.

Before you go on discovering Munich, I recommend to stop by at Super Danke Organic Liquids for an invigorating green smoothie — fresh fruit and veggies are blended upon your order and the small to-go shop is an epitome of an urban lifestyle. My favorite smoothie is the namesake Super Danke!

Let’s shop! Tucked in a side alley in downtown Munich is Room to Dream, my favorite shop for Nordic interior design and home accessories. The most famous Scandinavian brands are beautifully curated and styled by the charming owner Sabine, who might invite you for a cup of tea while you’re browsing — the kind of shopping experience you will love! And you will not leave empty-handed.

Now it’s time to walk around Munich’s old town in the very center. The best option for getting a better understanding of Munich’s size and layout is to climb the tower named Old Peter — you will have to tackle a great flight of stairs before arriving on the tower’s top, but you will be rewarded with a wonderful 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Munich overlooking the central square Marienplatz, the famous farmers’ market Viktualienmarkt, and the picturesque medieval rooftops of old Munich.

Round-up your afternoon with a good coffee and delicious cakes at the new Stereo Café opposite of the old and beautiful Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. The café is on the first floor of a building facing the charming facade of the Residenz, and you will have to pass through a great fashion store to reach the café. You might end up doing some more last-minute shopping, I am afraid!

EVENING VISITS

Head back to the super fancy and new Flushing Meadows Hotel, a fantastic design hotel with an urban vibe in the city center. But before you check-in to your sublimely designed room, go up to the hotel bar on the rooftop and enjoy the crackling fireplace and a good cocktail. On warmer days, grab a seat on the rooftop terrace overlooking the rooftops and sip on a fine cocktail. That’s Munich in a nutshell!