Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, effortlessly blends centuries of history with vibrant modern culture, making it a must-visit destination in Germany.

Legend has it that the Schäfflertanz was first performed in 1517 as a way to lift peoples’ spirits after a devastating plague scared them into their houses. Now, there are no records of any plague in Bavaria during this time and the legend has since been discredited but the Schäfflertanz has nonetheless become a part of their culture and its supposed 500th anniversary was celebrated in 2017. This same Schäfflertanz would end up making up the bottom half of the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, Munich’s city center. The top half commemorates the marriage between Duke Wilhelm V and the noblewoman Renata of Lorraine. This same Wilhelm V would be the one that founded the Hofbräuhaus, a growing brewery and restaurant chain that began as a royal brewery for the Kingdom of Bavaria. Tourists can visit the original brewery and discover Bavarian cuisine at its source.

It is that very Hofbrauhaus where we celebrated with our Contiki tour group during our honeymoon, drinking liters of Alt beer and encouraging our tour friends to do the same. The Hofbrahaus, just around the corner from the Glockenspiel, is a worthy spot to stop for lunch. Expect manic crowds most times of the year, and definitely have a pretzel while you’re waiting. The video below is from 1999 when we were there on our honeymoon. It’s not the greatest quality video, but it gives you an idea of the atmosphere. 

We returned to Munich in 2024 for our 25th annivarsary and revisited the Hofbrauhaus, which, other than being even busier, had not changed at all. Of course, technology has changed! The video from 1999 was recorded with a VHS-C camcorder, converted to CD-ROM, and then digitized to MP4. The video from 2024 was recorded on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+. 

More than Just Beer Halls

There are more than just beer halls in Munich. The city is rich with history and architecture.

Begin your journey in the heart of the city at Marienplatz, where the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) dominates the skyline with its striking neo-Gothic architecture and daily Glockenspiel show. Just a short stroll away, the Frauenkirche, with its iconic twin domes, offers panoramic views of the city from its south tower and a glimpse into Munich’s spiritual and architectural past.

Art and history lovers should head to the Kunstareal district, a museum hub home to the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne, showcasing masterpieces from the old masters to contemporary art. Nearby, the Residenz, the former royal palace of Bavarian monarchs, is a sprawling complex filled with opulent rooms, treasures, and chapels that provide a deep dive into the city’s aristocratic heritage. Don’t miss the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to science and technology—fascinating for adults and kids alike.

For a more leisurely side of Munich, explore the lush expanse of the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world. From shady paths and serene lakes to the surprising sight of river surfers riding the Eisbach wave, it’s a perfect escape within the city. Munich’s beer culture comes alive in places like the legendary Hofbräuhaus, where you can enjoy a stein of local brew alongside traditional Bavarian fare and live music. Nearby, the Viktualienmarkt offers an authentic taste of Munich’s culinary culture, with open-air food stalls and a charming beer garden atmosphere.

Don’t miss a visit to the Nymphenburg Palace, a Baroque masterpiece with lavish interiors, peaceful gardens, and a museum of royal carriages. For modern flair, check out BMW Welt and the BMW Museum, where engineering meets design, or catch a football match or tour at the impressive Allianz Arena, home to FC Bayern Munich. Whether you’re visiting during Oktoberfest or simply exploring the city’s parks, museums, and markets, Munich offers an unforgettable mix of old-world charm and contemporary flair.

Don’t forget to rub Sitzender Keiler’s snout for luck! Tucked away near Munich’s Bavarian National Museum, Sitzender Keiler (translated as Seated Wild Boar) is a bronze sculpture that has become an unexpected favorite among locals and visitors alike. Created by Italian sculptor Cristoforo Stati in the early 17th century and later cast in bronze as a copy, the sculpture captures a lifelike wild boar in a moment of calm repose. With its polished snout gleaming from years of curious touches — it’s said that rubbing it brings good luck — the Keiler offers both a charming photo opportunity and a quiet connection to classical art traditions. Whether you see it as a symbol of strength or simply enjoy its expressive realism, the Sitzender Keiler is a small but memorable stop on any Munich itinerary.

Germany, and perhaps especially Munich, loves a good reason to celebrate. We happened to be in town for St. Patrick’s Day and what a party it was!