Munich is a city of contrasts where centuries-old beer halls meet sleek boutiques, and opulent architecture pairs beautifully with modern luxury. It’s a tight and walkable city that is welcoming and filled with delicious surprises at every turn.
Food really is central here in Munich. From local specialties like sausages and pretzels to world-class dining from around the globe, Munich has it all.
Whether you’re here for the culture, cuisine, or Champagne (okay, Sekt), Munich delivers sophistication with a distinctly Bavarian charm.
Where to Stay
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
If you’re chasing peak luxury, look no further than the Mandarin Oriental. Ideally located in Munich’s historic center, it’s as walkable as it is indulgent. Every design detail is intentional, from the plush bedding to the marble bathroom, complete with a separate soaking tub and rainfall shower.
The rooftop terrace offers sweeping city views, and the gym and spa far exceed expectations. Service is flawless yet warm—exactly what you’d expect from a brand that defines modern luxury.
Pro Tip: The breakfast buffet spread is one of the best (and extensive) I have experienced. It’s not to be skipped.
Where to Eat
Matsuhisa
Inside the Mandarin Oriental, Matsuhisa is a sprawling yet inviting space that hums with understated glamour. The sushi and sashimi are pristine, the fish impossibly fresh, and each dish carries the elegant precision you expect from Chef Nobu’s global empire.
Pro Tip: Sit at the sushi bar to watch the masters at work.
Mountain Hub Gourmet
A Michelin-starred restaurant at an airport hotel? Believe it. Mountain Hub Gourmet defies expectations with Alpine-inspired décor and impeccably executed dishes that celebrate regional ingredients with finesse.
It’s a serene, sophisticated dining experience that transforms the idea of airport cuisine into something extraordinary—proof that you can savor fine dining even before takeoff.
Café Luitpold
A Munich institution, Café Luitpold is part café, part pastry heaven. It’s most famous for its delicate Prinzregententorte—the Bavarian “Princess cake,” layered with chocolate buttercream and sponge, said to honor Prince Regent Luitpold himself.
Pair it with an espresso and feel like royalty, no tiara required.
Viktualienmarkt
Munich’s outdoor food market is a sensory experience on all cylinders—vibrant stalls, sizzling bratwurst, and local cheeses as far as the eye can see.
Grab a seat, a pint, and one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches you’ll ever taste. It’s casual, local, and totally unforgettable.
Café Frischhut
This old-school bakery is beloved for its Schmalznudel—a warm, crisp pastry similar to a doughnut but flatter, with a light, chewy center and just the right amount of sugar. Best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, it’s a simple pleasure that feels downright decadent.
Pro Tip: cash only.
Where to Drink
Hofbräuhaus
Perhaps the most famous beer hall in the world, Hofbräuhaus is an experience unto itself.
With three lively floors of music, mugs, and merriment—and conveniently located across from the Mandarin Oriental—it’s both iconic and incredibly fun. Prost!
Schumann’s
Classy, understated, and timeless, Schumann’s is Munich’s most iconic cocktail bar. Expect expertly made drinks, a stylish crowd, and a touch of old-world European sophistication. The kind of place where one martini inevitably turns into two.
Pro Tip: The outdoor seating area offers endless people-watching opportunities.
Bar Montez
Hidden within the Rosewood Hotel, Bar Montez feels like a secret you’re lucky to know. You step down into the bar through velvet curtains into a chic, cocoon-like space with a cozy, speakeasy vibe. The cocktails are elegant, the snacks exceptional, and the live music completes the mood.
Pro Tip: Order the Prince of Wales (Remy Martin VSOP, Dry Curacao, Port, Kirsch, Bitters, and a Perrier Jouët float).
Frank Weinbar
This quirky, casual gem celebrates wines from Franconia—the only wine region in Bavaria. It’s approachable yet thoughtful, with friendly staff eager to share their passion for local wines.
A perfect spot to sip something new and experience Munich’s wine culture beyond the expected.
Brianne Cohen is an LA based event producer, certified sommelier, wine educator, and wine writer. During the pandemic, Brianne entertained over 7,000 people through her “Virtual Vino” online wine classes, regularly highlighting diverse (i.e. Black, BIPOC, female, and LGBT) owned wineries. She now offers both in-person (and virtual) wine tasting experiences for her corporate clients. Brianne regularly judges at international wine competitions, including the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London and holds the WSET Diploma certificate. She writes on her own blog and for outlets such as Decanter, Vintner Project, and Kiplinger. She also holds an MBA from Loyola Marymount University. Brianne Cohen Wine & Events is a certified woman-owned business with WBENC.
