Word of Mouth: A city guide to Munich

With our latest city guide, we invite you to explore the heart of Bavaria, introducing you to Munich, a city where tradition meets innovation. Famed for its Oktoberfest celebrations and storied past, Munich also offers a modern, vibrant lifestyle. From chic boutique hotels and considered dining spots to an up cropping of specialty coffee shops and lively cocktail bars, Munich offers an array of experiences that cater to every taste. Dive into our curated selection of the best places to sleep, dine, drink, and explore, and discover why this captivating city is a must-visit destination in Germany.

Where to stay

_HOtello Lehel
The hip, sheik place to sleep in central Munich, close to Viktualienmarkt, fabulous Jivamukti yoga, and easy access to pretty much everything.

_Cortiina
Experience understated luxury at Cortiina, a boutique hotel housed in a historic building.

_The Flushing Meadows
Minimalist rooms with a modernist edge and playful touches that pack personality. Don’t miss the roof terrace view, while savoring a flat white and freshly-baked croissant.

_Rosewood
A blend of historic grandeur and contemporary luxury, Rosewood Munich offers opulent accommodations in the heart of Old Town Munich.

Where to Dine

_Caspar Plautz
Where all dishes are served atop a delicious baked potato from its very own farm with a focus on seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation.

_Das Kulinariat
Open kitchen, limited menu, exceptional dishes, unpretentious atmosphere. A unique culinary experience.

_Keep Bañana
This vegan eatery specializes in vegan gelato made from spent bananas (yes!), raw cakes, and banana bread (gluten free + made with spent bananas!).

_June
Tucked a bit outside of Munich proper is newcomer June, near Chiemsee.

_Uncle Chen
Uncle Chen offers classic and innovative Chinese dishes, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful fast-casual meal.

_Malva
This newcomer is quickly gaining a reputation for its set 4-course menu pairing experience which is complemented by selected wines from Germany, Austria and France.

Coffee culture

_Sweet Spot Kaffee
Renowned for its meticulous brewing methods and focus on single-origin beans, Sweet Spot, with 2 locations in town, is a haven for coffee connoisseurs. 

_stray coffee roasters
This light-filled Westend neighborhood spot offers specialty coffee alongside fresh pastries and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxed start to your day.

_Suuapinga
Suuapinga focuses on ethically sourced beans and innovative brewing techniques.

_Poppi Farmer
Poppi Farmer elevates your coffee with their housemade plant-based nut milks and adaptogens, all alongside expertly crafted brews and breakfast dishes made from local and organic ingredients all day long.

_Roca Junior
A neighborhood gem with a focus on quality and consistency, offering perfectly-prepared artisan cup of coffee.

_Faber
A coffee haven with delicious treats, light bites, and thoughtfully prepared espresso-based drinks. Stop by for a cup of coffee and a light bite or take your friend for a brunch. You can’t go wrong either way.

Cocktail o’clock

_Pacific Times
Awarded as a 3rd-best bar in Germany. Says it all. We’re partial to the Yuzu Margarita, crafted with fresh yuzu juice.

_Garçon
A small, intimate bar with great ambiance, seasonal menu and creative cocktails. We love that it sources strictly from the Continent, and stirs all cocktails, minimizing extra sound and maximizing the guest experience. If cocktails aren’t your thing but you'd still like to experience the thoughtful hospitality of this address, drop in for coffee on Saturday afternoons, or order a glass (or bottle) from its minimal-intervention-influenced bottle list.

_Mr. Mumbles
Mr. Mumbles offers expert cocktails, an extensive Bourbon collection, a knowledgeable owner and great music to top it off.

All things wine

_Walter & Benjamin
If you’re on a hunt for handcrafted, pure wines with personality, look no further. Nice collection of sparkling wines, too.

_Forever Thirsty
Discerning collection of minimal-intervention wines, along with occasional wine-tasting and wine-adjacent events and classes. We appreciate its low/no-ABV selection, as well as its selection of Italian and Austrian producers. The owner has roots in Australia as well as tenure from one of our most favorite stockists across the globe—Rødder & Vin in Copenhagen.

_Zero Dosage
Zero Dosage boasts an extensive selection of natural wines from around the globe, perfect for a chill evening leisurely sipping in front of its breezy, full-front window in the warmer months of the year.

Culture

_Nir Altman Gallery
Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art, showcasing established and emerging artists.

_Galerie Renate Bender
Galerie Renate Bender is a must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts.

Leisure activities

_REIBOLDS
A modern concept store offering a wide range of well-made brands, with an emphasis on Danish and Japanese makers.

_Soda Books
Art & design devotees will delight in Soda Books, a book and tasteful magazine shop with an expertly curated selection of titles.

_Malluvia
This interior design studio offers unique home design objects and a curated selection of products that align with its vision, all housed in a beautifully restored historic building.

Active:

_Maria Einsiedel Bad
Escape the city and relax in the natural surroundings of this unique outdoor pool.

_Nordbad
Enjoy a refreshing swim at the historic Nordbad, an architectural gem featuring both indoor and outdoor pools.

_Jivamukti Yoga München
An incredible Jivamukti yoga studio. From the aesthetics, tucked away in a calm courtyard in central Glockenbach, its acoustics, and the warmth of its tenured yoga instructors, this is one of our favorite studios to practice across the globe. Our founder, Maggie, always makes space for a visit when she’s in town.

_A swim down the Eisbach
Last but far from least, a jump into and float down the crisp and brisk Eisbach is a Munich must-do in moderate to warm weather.