Munich, Germany

Tantris has been a pillar of Munich's fine dining scene since 1971, earning its Michelin stars through decades of beautifully crafted, ingredient-driven cuisine. The bold 1970s interior, all orange and brown geometry, creates a theatrical atmosphere that feels genuinely unique. Tasting menus are long, leisurely, and designed to be savoured with exceptional wine pairings.

No visit to Munich is complete without an evening in this legendary beer hall, where a litre of perfectly poured Hofbräu arrives with a warm pretzel and genuine Bavarian warmth. The cavernous hall fills with laughter, accordion music, and the clinking of steins from noon until late. Order the roast pork with bread dumplings for a meal that feels like a true cultural experience.

This beloved neighbourhood restaurant in the Au district serves some of the finest traditional Bavarian cooking in the city, from delicate semolina dumplings to hearty roasted meats. The dining room is rustic and candlelit, with wooden beams and a friendly crowd that makes strangers feel like regulars. It is particularly wonderful on cold evenings when the kitchen scents drift warmly through the door.

Chef Ali Güngörmüs brings a refined Mediterranean sensibility to Munich at Pageou, crafting dishes that are visually stunning and deeply satisfying. The restaurant sits in a beautiful heritage building near the Hofgarten, adding elegance to every visit. Seasonal ingredients take centre stage here, and the menu evolves constantly to reflect the best of what the market offers.

This legendary hotel on Maximilianstrasse has hosted royalty and celebrities since 1858, offering rooms dressed in silk and antique furnishings. The spa is a sanctuary of Bavarian marble and warm light, perfect after a day of exploring. Guests wake to views of one of Munich's grandest boulevards, making every morning feel like a special occasion.

Sitting just steps from the Frauenkirche, this iconic hotel blends old-world Bavarian grandeur with genuinely modern comforts. The rooftop bar offers stunning city views that are especially magical at dusk when the cathedral towers glow. Each room is individually styled, giving the feel of a private residence rather than a large city hotel.

This design-forward boutique hotel in the Bahnhofsviertel district brings a cool, art-filled energy that sets it apart from classic Munich accommodation. The bar is a local favourite, pouring creative cocktails until late into the evening. Rooms feature bold artwork, moody lighting, and plush beds that make checking out genuinely difficult.

Overlooking the vibrant Viktualienmarkt, the Louis Hotel places you at the very heart of Munich's daily life and culinary culture. The Japanese-influenced restaurant downstairs is quietly exceptional and beloved by guests and locals alike. Rooms are bright, contemporary, and thoughtfully designed, offering a calm retreat after busy days in the city.

The Deutsches Museum is the world's largest science and technology museum, and a full day inside barely scratches its astonishing surface. Children and adults alike are captivated by full-scale aircraft, historic submarines, and interactive displays spanning centuries of human innovation. The planetarium show is a highlight that leaves visitors with a profound sense of wonder about the universe.

Larger than Central Park in New York, the Englischer Garten is Munich's beloved green lung and a place where locals truly live their leisure time. On warm days, surfers ride a standing river wave at the Eisbach, while sunbathers fill the meadows and beer garden tables fill quickly. The Chinese Tower pagoda at its heart is one of the city's most charming and photographed landmarks.

This magnificent baroque palace on the western edge of the city served as the summer residence of Bavarian royalty for centuries, and its grandeur is immediately humbling. The formal gardens stretch for kilometres and are gorgeous in every season, from spring blossoms to frost-covered winter paths. Inside, the Gallery of Beauties commissioned by King Ludwig I offers a fascinating and intimate glimpse into royal taste and history.

The historic heart of Munich, Marienplatz buzzes with energy at all hours, anchored by the striking neo-Gothic New Town Hall that dominates the square with quiet authority. At 11am and noon daily, the famous Glockenspiel carillon animates with life-size figures dancing and jousting high above the crowd below. Surrounding streets lead to bakers, cheese vendors, and coffee shops that reward those willing to wander just a little off the main path.