Beyond Munich’s overly commercial historic center the city’s charming neighborhoods are filled with delightful cafés and shops. At the southern edge of the old town lies the Viktualienmarkt. One of Europe’s best outdoor markets, it’s open every day but Sunday, and features an assortment of wonderful goods like honey, spices, fresh pastas, meats, and of course loads of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The small beer garden at the market’s center is the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sun after a morning of shopping.
It is best to see the major sites like the enormous Frauenkirche, and Marienplatz, Munich’s central square, first. Then set off on foot and explore quaint surrounding streets.
Here is a list of spots I discovered on a recent visit.
Hotel
Mariandl, Goethestrasse 51
An exceptionally elegant hotel with vintage furnishings in every room. It lies above the wonderful Café am Beethoven, which features live music every night. Walls are thin, and the hotel can be noisy.
www.hotelmariandl.de
Cafes
Des Fleurs, Westermühlstrasse 10 (pictured)
A gorgeous flower shop with French treats.
www.desfleurs.de
Götterspeise, Jahnstrasse 30
Beautiful café, specializes in chocolate.
goetterspeise-muenchen.de
Hoover & Flloyd, Ickstattstr. 2
Nice café with an old-fashioned diner type counter and whimsical decor. (pictured)
Restaurants
Marktwirt, Heiliggeiststr. 2
Delicious Bavarian food with lots of vegetarian options.
www.marktwirt.com
Hackerhaus, Sendlinger Str. 14
Traditional Bavarian restaurant with a large, wood panelled interior, and nice outdoor seating.
www.hackerhaus.de
Shops
Mädel, Jahnstrasse 20
Vintage clothing and houseware shop decked out in a 1960s theme.
www.maedel-objekte.de
Lebenswerte, Josephspitalstrasse 6
Lovely Buddhas, bedspreads, jewelry and other Asian goods for the home.
www.lebens-werte.com
Bottles & Glashaus, Josephspitalstrasse 1
An exquisite array of drinking glasses, from stemware to tumblers with cute embellishments like crowns to bumblebees.
www.bottles.de
