Work TODAY, FLY TOMORROW • July 2016
Six reasons to stay on in Munich
There’s so much more to the Bavarian city than world-famous beer gardens, says local Tom Dedek, owner of Diversity Tourism, but they’re still a great place to start your adventure
Soak up the culture
Munich is great for art lovers. The Pinakothek der Moderne is part of Munich’s art district, and one of the world’s largest museums of modern and contemporary art. It usually costs €10 (£7.50) but on Sundays this is reduced to €1 (75p). For something different, visit the Munich Fire Museum. Documents, models and original exhibits all illustrate the fire department’s work over the centuries.
People-watching in the park
During summertime there’s nowhere nicer to be than the English Garden, a large public park in the centre of Munich. There’s plenty to see, including a Japanese teahouse, a Chinese tower and a beer garden. With 7,000 seats, it’s the ideal place to people-watch and listen to traditional music performed at weekends. To witness a Munich tradition, visit the area on 17 July for the annual Kocherlball (Cooks’ ball) dance event. It starts at 6am, so get there early.
Dinner is served
Run by a husband and wife team, Gesellschaftsraum is a lovely, casual restaurant tucked away near the Hofbräuhaus brewery. You won’t need a reservation for lunch, but book ahead for dinner. Dishes include venison with tuna sashimi and papaya, and apple-and-olive herb sorbet. There’s a good-value tasting menu for €85 (£65) and the Giesinger Bräu house beer is worth trying.
Shop Munich-style
Visit the trendy area of Gärtnerplatz for retail therapy. Seba’s Fashion is the place for bright T-shirts, swimming trunks and trainers. For gifts with a German flavour, head to the Stadtmuseum. Pick up lebkuchenherz cookies, candles that look like mugs of beer and edelweiss candy.
Discover a new neighbourhood
Traditionally the city’s gay quarter, Glockenbach has undergone rapid change in recent years as bars, independent shops, cafés, furniture stores and nightclubs have taken over. For a drink, try Auroom. The name (the Latin word for ‘gold’) is reflected in the gilt décor and glitzy cocktails.
Don’t miss…
Don’t leave Munich without visiting one of the famous beer gardens. The 5,000-seat Augustiner Keller presents Bavarian beer culture at its finest. Try Edelstoff, freshly tapped from the barrel all year round. Whenever the bartender rings the bell, a new barrel has been opened. Look out for the Stammtische (regulars’ tables), decorated by people who have drunk here for decades.
This article has been tagged Destination, Travel Tips