Kempinski in the city has little guide books in the room
Surfing in the heart of the city—Something you don't see every day within the confines of an urban city?
Surfing on the Eisbach River’s standing wave. I was told that this wave is naturally created by the river's flow and the rocks in the canal, making it a prime spot for surfing since continuous waves hit one after another every few minutes
I found myself, along with countless others, spending a lazy Sunday afternoon sitting by the surfing spot, watching the newbies in training and professional surfers practice their moves. My girlfriends and I were so engrossed in watching the surfers (read: mostly athletic German men in surf gear doing acrobatic stunts) that I didn’t realize how close I was to the action—until giant splashes of water hit me square in the face
Getting too close to the wave means you get showered… or, in my case, fully drenched. It's like an accidental water park experience, minus the long lines. If you’re looking for a spot to bask in the sun, watch some live surfing along with the rest of the city, or, well, take a free shower, the Eisbach Canal is the place to be
Music Residencies, concerts and performances. Much like the rest of Germany, Munich boasts a rich and diverse music culture, blending various genres that have shaped the city's vibrant soundscape. While techno and electronic music are perhaps the most recognizable, Munich is also home to an impressive classical music scene and a thriving pop music culture.
I had the good fortune of attending Adele's residency in Munich. The open-air stadium was transformed into a festive space with German food stalls offering traditional snacks like pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzels, while beer flowed freely
The traffic was diverted, road signs set up, and help booths for visitors all pointed to how well the city plans for large events like this. I am confident this is the case for all the concerts Munich hosts—they just know how to get it right. I did not get a chance to see the Bavarian State Opera or the Gasteig Concert Hall, but perhaps next time
Caught this piece of flying confetti at the conert and it just read my mind
The Price of History – Munich Documentation Centre. Few people realize that the rise of the Nazi Party has its origins in Munich. It was here that Hitler attempted his first coup to overthrow the Weimar government, and where the Nazi Party was officially formed. The Munich Agreement marked the beginning of Hitler’s expansionist agenda in Europe, and just outside the city stood Dachau, the first concentration camp. Munich also hosted numerous rallies and erected monuments glorifying Hitler’s rise to power
The remnants of this dark chapter lingered long after the war, and the city paid a heavy price in reconciling its troubled past
Statues were dismantled, plaques removed from walls, and memorials were constructed to mourn the war's victims. You can learn all about this at the former Nazi headquarters, which has since been transformed into the Munich Documentation Centre (MDC). The museum takes visitors through the city’s history, providing not only an honest reflection of its troubling past but also cautioning viewers with warning labels on historical images and films, marking some as propaganda
Beer Garden and outdoor market (Viktualienmarkt). If you're in Munich, you’ve got to dive into the local food scene, and there's no better place to do it than at one of the city’s iconic beer gardens and outdoor markets. Whether you're grabbing a hearty pretzel, munching on bratwurst, or tucking into a classic schweinehaxe (roasted pork knuckle), it's all worth trying. And of course, the beer is top-notch—Munich is famous for its Helles lagers and Weißbier (wheat beer).
All the places I visited were in or around Marienplatz, which is the area I would recommend staying in. The architecture is stunning: centuries-old buildings, cobbled streets, and open squares, and you’re surrounded by restaurants, shopping avenues, and markets. There are other places I wanted to see but did not get a chance to, as they were a bit of a drive from the city. However, if you have a chance, I would recommend also covering the BMW Museum, Neuschwanstein Castle, or the golf course, and of course, try and be in the city during the world-famous Oktoberfest.
Note to self: Return to Germany, there is more to see outside Munich in Berlin and other parts of the country (even if Techno music is not for you)
