Munich is buzzing with energy right now, especially with Oktoberfest in full swing, bringing visitors from all over the world. But there’s so much more to this city than just beer and pretzels! This weekend, my mom, our little one, and I are heading out to explore lively Munich while visiting my eldest son. We’ll be discovering some of my favorite spots on foot. Get yourself a beer and a pretzel as I will show you My Must-Visit Places in Munich from the historic Marienplatz and the peaceful English Garden to the vibrant Viktualienmarkt, Hackenviertel, and Glockenbachviertel, there’s so much to see. We’ll also stop by the charming Praterinsel for a little break by the river. Can’t wait to share it all with you!
TOWN HALL MUNICH
We’re kicking off our day right in the heart of Munich at the Fish Fountain by the New Town Hall. The Town Hall’s tower houses the famous Glockenspiel, which comes to life every day at 12 noon and 6 p.m. with 43 bells and 32 colorful figures performing the Schäffler dance. Sure, it’s a bit touristy and can get crowded, but I’ve got a soft spot for these main attractions, just as much as the hidden gems. Plus, let’s be honest—who can resist watching those little figures dance? It’s classic Munich magic!
DALLMAYR DELICACIES
We stroll through the state courtyard, and as soon as we pass through the gate, we spot it: the yellow Dallmayr flagship store, Germany’s famous delicatessen. My mom has been a die-hard Dallmayr coffee fan for over 40 years, but getting her favorite brew in Tehran? Not so easy! Whenever I or friends fly to Tehran, at least five packs of Dallmayr Prodomo are always in our luggage. So naturally, I decide to make her day by heading to the store.
Inside, we’re blown away by the different gourmet sections – it’s a dream for any foodie! We settle down at the café-bistro, order some delicious coffee, and soak in the view of the Frauenkirche. It’s the perfect way to feel right at home in Munich.
VIKTUALIENMARKT – BEST FOODIE ATTRACTION
Next, we head to the foodie heaven that is Viktualienmarkt. As someone who loves to cook, I’m always drawn to markets in different cities. You can learn so much about a country’s food culture just by wandering through its stalls. The vibe at Viktualienmarkt is fantastic! You’ll find everything here—fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, spices, flowers, and more. It’s a treasure trove of Bavarian and international treats. After soaking in all the sights (and smells), our stomachs start growling. Time to find a cozy spot to sit and eat—it’s impossible to leave this place without feeling hungry!
By chance, we come across Munich’s smallest restaurant and fuel up on tasty Weißwurst – veal sausages, sweet mustard, and pretzels. The waiters are super quick, and the prices? Not bad at all for Munich! We settle in for a while, right in the middle of the lively Viktualienmarkt, watching the world go by and sipping our beer under the chestnut trees. We strike up easy conversations with locals and tourists alike. Then, out of the blue, who do we see strolling by? None other than TV chef Stefan Marquard! It’s one of those unexpected moments that makes the day even more fun.
We take a stroll to check out the beautiful fountains, each dedicated to one of Munich’s six famous personalities. My favorite is the Ida Schumacher fountain—she was a well-known Bavarian comedian. We continue our relaxed walk toward the southern end of the market, passing by Eataly, a fantastic Italian delicatessen and restaurant located in the Schrannenhallen. It’s hard not to stop in, but we keep moving—still, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re craving Italian treats!
GLOCKENBACHVIERTEL
From here, we take a stroll down a side street onto Reichenbachstrasse, heading toward Gärtnerplatz in the trendy Glockenbachviertel—currently Munich’s hipster hotspot. I absolutely love unique shops, and this area is full of them. One of my all-time favorites is “Delikatessen” on Reichenbachstrasse. It’s like stepping into a design time capsule, filled with 50s and 60s classics—lamps, chairs, tables, and all sorts of cool furniture.
Another gem is “Milk,” which has amazing boho fashion, jewelry, porcelain, and even vintage furniture. The best part? You can buy almost everything in the store, including the displays, so it’s constantly changing and always has a fresh look.
At the “Capricorn Store,” a quirky second-hand shop, I nearly lost my cool when I spotted the luxurious roundie beach towel from “The Beach People.” This towel, straight from Australia, is the ultimate must-have for the beach and vacation right now—massive, soft, and totally cuddle-worthy. I didn’t hesitate for a second before snatching up the “Tulum” roundie and practically skipped out of the store, grinning like a kid with candy.
Gärtnerplatz is packed with cool cafés and restaurants. When a sudden downpour hit, we barely made it to the trendy café “Cotidiano – The Bakery Restaurant.” It’s so popular, you might even spot a Bayern München Foodball player hanging out! As soon as we walk in, we’re greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread, muffins, croissants, Belgian waffles, and tartines—it’s heaven for the nose and the stomach! We grab a seat and dive into a delicious tabouleh salad, tarte flambée, and some homemade muffins. Gärtnerplatz itself is beautifully designed, shaped like a star with streets that lead out in every direction—towards the Isar, Isartor, and Sendlinger Tor. Perfect for exploring!
HACKENVIERTEL
The next day, we start at Sendlinger Tor and stroll over to the Hackenviertel. I absolutely love the old-school charm here—it feels like stepping back in time on every corner. The Hackenviertel is a dream for interior design lovers, so it’s perfect for me! One of the highlights is “Radspieler,” a traditional Munich furniture store inside a gorgeous old yellow palace. I can’t stop marveling at how beautifully everything is arranged—stunning furniture, fabrics, and home accessories, all perfectly displayed. The mix of traditional and modern stores here is just perfect.
If you’re into antiques, here are my secret spots: “Die Alte Zeit” and “Gerdismänner Interieurs & Accessoires,” where I’ve found some amazing treasures from the past. I could easily lose track of time in “Bottles & Glashaus,” which is packed with cool finds like apothecary bottles, jars, and swing-top bottles. If you’re into preserving or fermenting, this place is a paradise for beautiful jars! And if you love homemade lemonade or Sharbat , there’s a massive selection of swing-top bottles and other stylish containers.
Bonus tip: “Ida’s Milchladen” is the perfect spot to grab a bite! They’ve got tasty sandwiches, salads, quiches, and soups, all for super affordable prices.
PRATERINSEL
You can walk from the Hackenviertel to the Isar River in about 20 minutes. A few years ago, the Isar was renaturalized, and now it looks so wild and natural, like it’s always been this way. We stroll along the river, passing by St. Lukas Church, heading toward Praterinsel. The alpine vibe along the Isar makes it hard to believe we’re still in a big city!
We find a sunny spot on Praterinsel, lie down, and relax to the soothing sound of the water. Our tired feet get a cool dip in the river. It’s such a cool experience to be chilling by waterfalls in the heart of a big city, just letting the river carry you along. But, as much as we wanted to stay, our peaceful break was cut short when the rain started up again. Sadly, we had to head off a little too early, making our way towards Prinzregentenstrasse and the English Garden.
ENGLISH GARDEN
When we get to the English Garden, the rain finally stops, but it’s still drizzling a bit. So, we decide to walk over to watch the Eisbach surfers. The English Garden is to Munich what Central Park is to New Yorkers—it’s where everyone goes to hang out. We could easily spend hours watching the surfers ride the waves, but we move on and head to Fräulein Grüneis. Sandra and Henning Dürr have lovingly restored this old kiosk and now serve delicious organic, local food. If you’re up for more exploring, you can even borrow one of their cute bikes and ride along the Eisbach to discover more of the English Garden.
I’m amazed at how huge the English Garden is! With its peaceful waterfalls, lakes, and bridges, it really feels like we’re in the middle of nature. The rain has cleared the air, and it smells so fresh—the scent of wet earth and plants is just magical. From the “Monopteros” hill, there’s a stunning view of the onion domes of St. Mary’s Church and the Munich skyline.
We cycle past the Chinese Tower, with its massive beer garden, and head towards the Seehaus, where you can sit right by the lake or rent a pedal boat. But we keep going, leaving the English Garden behind as we head towards Schwabing. We end our day at “Osterwaldgarten” on the Schwabing side, the perfect spot to relax after a fun day out!
BEFARMAYID!
Susan
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CITY TOURS IN MUNICH
From the sky to the streets, these tours offer the perfect way to explore Munich’s culture, history, and delicious cuisine! Discover Munich’s top attractions with a variety of fun and exciting tours! Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or traveling with kids, there’s something for everyone:
CityTour Card Munich*: Explore the city at your own pace with discounts to major attractions and free public transport.
Hop-On / Hop-Off Tour*: See Munich’s highlights from an open-top bus, hopping off at iconic spots like Marienplatz or Nymphenburg Palace whenever you want.
Culinary Tour of Viktualienmarkt*: Dive into Munich’s famous food market and taste traditional Bavarian delights.
Gourmet Tour of Viktualienmarkt*: For food lovers looking to sample some of the market’s more refined, gourmet offerings.
Old Town & Viktualienmarkt Guided Tour*: Stroll through Munich’s historic heart and visit the bustling Viktualienmarkt with a knowledgeable guide.
City Secrets – Interactive Discovery Game*: An exciting self-guided tour where you solve clues and uncover hidden gems around the city.
Private Sightseeing Flight – City & Alps*: Get a bird’s-eye view of Munich and the stunning Alps with a private flight!
Scavenger Hunt through the Old Town for Kids*: A fun, interactive way for families to explore the city and learn about its history.
Guided Walking Tour of Munich’s Beer Halls and Breweries*: Discover the rich history of Munich’s beer culture with a tour through its famous beer halls and breweries.
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