Wander With Wonder – Discovering Wow Moments Around the World or Across the Street
Discover how to embrace Bavarian culture for a day in Munich, savoring local flavors and hidden gems beyond typical tourist spots.
Traveling is somewhat akin to being an unobtrusive character in a theatre play; there are the ones who storm around with maps and guidebooks in hand, looking lost and ungainly, searching for the next key prop, and there are the ones who seem to rightfully traverse the stage and be a part of the play. If you are ever in Munich, it is best to be in the latter. Do not become a tourist always running from one attraction to another. It is not just about having breakfast, lunch, and dinner but about being a Bavarian for a day in Munich. Package yourself as if you are already in the city and know its beats here. How do you do it?
Marienplatz in Munich. Photo by RudyBalasko via iStock by Getty Images
Start the Day: A Cup of Coffee
Mornings in Munich begin slowly, and it’s all about the coffee. It is not just a quick shot of coffee. You cannot just quickly grab your to-go cup and leave. No, coffee is drunk slowly here. It is best paired with company or just in silence with an open view of the day ahead. Look for a little corner in one of the warm interiors of urban coffee houses like Café Frischhut. Famous for its Schmalznudeln—a sort of Bavarian doughnut—it is ideal for sitting and viewing the world, waking up slowly.
Start your day in Munich with a coffee, like this espresso macchiato. Photo by HanzoPhoto via iStock by Getty Images
And, as you sip your coffee, your mind might wander to practical matters—such as the journey here. After all, it is half the battle to arrive without problems or difficulties. A well-planned Munich airport transfer saves you the bother of figuring things out at the last minute, leaving you to focus on the real task at hand, allowing you to have a good time in your day in the city.
Lunch Like a Bavarian
If you are feeling peckish, it’s time to get something healthier than a snack. Sausage with mustard, pretzels, and beer—yes, these are what Bavarians cannot do without. It is customary to consume sausage before midday accompanied by sweet mustard and an alcoholic beverage—hefeweizen. People will tell you that the sausages spoil at midday, but most of them are probably just trying to make us into day drinkers.
The key to fitting in is simple: don’t oversimplify it either. Locate a place that might appeal to people. For instance, Augustiner Bräustuben is full of local tables, and beer served directly from the barrel. It does not take long to work out that in Munich, eating is not just about food; it’s about the environment, the break in the day, and the chance to sit and talk.
An Afternoon with Art and History
After waking up from the food coma, the next agenda in the lives of any local could be to sneak a little culture. In Germany, there is a renowned art museum called the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where people can see art pieces from different periods. However, people are often in a hurry, as if they are racing against the clock. Slow down and enjoy the art. That’s what a local will do.
If you aren’t an art fan, visit the Residenz München to learn more about the city. It offers a glimpse into the life of Bavarian kings and queens from years ago. Roaming its halls is like stepping into the past, each room telling a story of power, wealth, and intrigue. But, of course, it’s not about seeing every inch—it’s about experiencing it as a local would, with curiosity and a leisurely pace.
Evening in a Biergarten
By late afternoon, the city starts changing its color. In Munich, that means one thing: beer gardens or Biergarten. People spend their time in these beer gardens after the working day; nothing is as magical as being under the giant chestnut trees enjoying a beer with new and old friends in the evening.
One of the best is the Augustiner Keller, a favorite among locals. Here, conversations flow as freely as the beer, and time slips away unnoticed. Grab a Maß (a one-liter glass of beer), perhaps some Obatzda (a Bavarian cheese spread), and settle in. There’s no need for anything grand—just good company and a solid bench.
The locals enjoy a beer after work at Augustiner Keller beer garden. Photo by Tati Campelo via iStock by Getty Images
Farewell, Without the Fuss
As the day winds down and it’s time to leave Munich behind, the trick is to exit with the same grace with which you entered. There’s no panicked rush to catch a train or scramble for a taxi. If you’re wise, your departure will be as smooth as your arrival, whether in a pre-booked car or a taxi, where everything is already planned, leaving you to reflect on your day.
And just like that, the day is done. Munich is a city that rewards those who take their time. Slow down, breathe it in, and, for just a moment, live as though you’re not a visitor at all.
We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder to discover more of our favorite things to do while you’re visiting Germany.
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