Autumn comes alive in an array of cosy colours – a crunchy brown leaf, a crackling orange fire, a cold golden beer. And as home to the world-famous Oktoberfest (which – surprise! – starts in September), Munich is aglow with all these sights during this season.
But there’s more to the Bavarian capital than beer and Brezels. It’s where imposing plazas await around every street corner, where the sun sets over the Alps from rooftop restaurants, and where classical music rings out of neoclassical-style buildings. And no one knows this better than the team at Quintessentially Germany, who have spilled their secrets on how to spend a perfect day here…
Morning
…and breathe. You’ve got an exciting day ahead of you. So, ease into it gently with the aptly named Wake Up Flow at Kale & Cake’s intimate, family-run yoga studio. Afterwards, take your new sense of calm on a slow stroll along the Isar River until you stop at Rootine Wellness Club to refuel with a rich vanilla and pistachio super collagen bowl.
Isar River
Afternoon
Your thirst for knowledge quenched, it’s time to satisfy your stomach. So, hop on the S-Bahn to Augustiner Keller, where a typical Bavarian dining experience awaits – especially when you order the original Münchner Weisswurst or the Schweinshaxe. Then, continue with tradition by washing it down with a beer – either at Augustiner Keller’s own beer garden (the oldest in Munich) or at the nearby Theresienwiese, where the famous Oktoberfest will be in full swing (21st September–6th October).
(L) Augustiner Keller (R) Oktoberfest
What better way to fight that post-stein sluggish feeling than to wander from plaza to plaza, taking in the best of Bavaria? Start at Munich's central Marienplatz, before passing through the majestic Max-Joseph-Platz, and finally ending up in the Italian-inspired Odeonsplatz. From here, make your way down Maximilianstrasse, where you can pick up as many designer pieces as you can carry.
Evening
Thankfully, whilst your arms might be weighed down with shopping bags, your legs only have a short stroll back to your hotel (we recommend the Rosewood or Mandarin Oriental). So, after a quick change into one of your new pieces, pop across to the Bavarian State Opera for an unforgettable evening of anything from operas and stage dinners to ballets and classical music concerts.
(L) Bavarian State Opera (R) Mandarin Oriental Munich
After piling out onto Max-Joseph-Platz post-performance, hop in a taxi to Mural Farmhouse for fine dining that focusses on fresh flavours and few ingredients. Weather permitting, secure a seat on the rooftop terrace and watch the sun set over the Alps as you dine. Later, on the way back to your hotel, take a cross-continental detour to Polynesia by swinging into Trader's Vic for a Mai Tai or two.
