No visit to Munich would be complete without a visit to one of its legendary beer halls. This one overlooking the charming Viktualienmarkt, or main food market, is our favorite for its goulash soup and homemade bratwurst seasoned with beer and served with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut.
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Munich
Overview
From Andrew Harper
The capital of Bavaria is well-known as the host of Oktoberfest, the fall celebration that attracts millions for beer tasting, fairground attractions and horse races. While the lager-and-lederhosen image of old Bavaria conveyed by Oktoberfest (and its worldwide imitators) is partly historical, partly nostalgic and partly a marketing juggernaut, there is another, more modern side of Munich that gets less publicity. Germany's third-largest city is also a hip and high-tech hub with a lively arts scene, dazzling architecture and all of the amenities of 21st-century metropolitan living.
Marienplatz is the central and scenic square of Munich's Old Town; a 43-bell Glockenspiel rings out daily from the New Town Hall, accompanying a cast of mechanical figures playing out scenes from the city's history. Munich's museums are said to rival Berlin's; highlights include the Deutsches Museum, a massive display of science and technology, and Pinakotheken, with Renaissance religious paintings next door to a massive modern art collection. The BMW Museum showcases Bavaria's most famous automobile.
When the spring sun arrives, residents and visitors alike head for the city's numerous Biergartens, several of which are located in the Englischer Garten, a sprawling and resplendent park that epitomizes the allure and conviviality of Munich.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Munich
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Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski MunichLandmark hotel of 298 rooms along the fashionable Maximilianstrasse near many exclusive shops, the Bavarian State Opera House and other attractions. |
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Louis HotelStylish boutique hotel just off the Marienplatz, with 72 rooms featuring dark oak floors, retro armchairs, handcrafted furnishings and leather-topped teak desks. |
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Mandarin Oriental, MunichRenowned 73-room luxury hotel in the historic district, a short walk from the Hofbrauhaus, Marienplatz and chic shops of Maximilianstrasse. |
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Rocco Forte The Charles HotelContemporary hotel with exceptionally attentive service in a serene garden setting at the heart of the city, near Königsplatz square, the Old Town and upscale shopping areas. |
Dining
All recommended restaurants in Munich
EDERER
Chef Karl Ederer is a leading proponent of new German cooking, which looks around the world for inspiration and ingredients. The handsome, high-ceilinged dining room has several woodburning fireplaces and is decorated with modern art. Ederer’s menu evolves constantly, but dishes such as zucchini flowers stuffed with polenta, mushrooms, eggplant and mint; anglerfish with olive oil, lemongrass and thyme; and roast duckling breasts with goose-liver sauce and garnishes of white cabbage and potatoes exemplify his style.
Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse 10
Munich
80333
Germany
See map: Google Maps
US$90
KAFER-SCHANKE
Elegant surroundings on the second floor of the leading Käfer delicatessen enhance a menu of traditional regional cooking. Expect dishes such as bouillon of crayfish with thyme and dill, and braised lamb chops in an herb broth. Closed Sundays.
Prinzregentenstrasse 73
Munich
81675
Germany
See map: Google Maps
US$75
SCHUHBECKS IN DEN SUDTIROLER STUBEN
Regional Bavarian cookery is enlivened by international fusion techniques at celebrity chef Alfons Schuhbeck’s remarkable restaurant. Innovative dishes run the gamut from marinated tuna fish with caviar and vegetable jelly to saddle of veal with asparagus and celery purée. Attentive service and a distinguished wine list help justify the lofty price tag.
Platzl 6
Munich
80331
Germany
See map: Google Maps
US$135
SPATENHAUS AN DER OPER
This very popular place with a rustic décor of arched paneled walls and wooden tables overlooks the opera house on Max Joseph Platz and serves delicious Bavarian comfort food. Try dishes such as sausage salad with red cabbage, crispy suckling pig in beer sauce, and kaiserschmarrn, a sugar-dusted pancake with almonds, raisins and fruit compote. Closed for renovation until September 2013.
Residenzstrasse12
Munich
80333
Germany
See map: Google Maps
US$60
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My huband, daughter, son-in-law and myself are traveling to Munich for business/pleasure in September. Yes, Octoberfest for son-in-law! Flying into Frankfurt and driving to Munich. Would love to find a wonderful hotel to spend a couple of days on way to Munich. Around or in Rothenburg would be nice.. maybe country estate/manor. Thanks!
Hello,
That sounds like a delightful trip! Be sure to book your Munich accommodations as soon as possible, because the best hotels go quickly for Oktoberfest.
There are two Harper-recommended hotels which could suit you admirably. Consider first the Wald & Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe, a wonderful country estate in the Swabian Forest about an hour from Heidelberg and Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber. If you wish to be right in Rothenburg, consider instead the charming and ideally located Hotel Eisenhut.
For more information and assistance with travel arrangements, feel free to contact the Travel Office at (800) 375-4685, (630) 734-4610 or reservations@andrewharper.com.
Best Regards,
The Travel Office