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How to Spend an Extra Day in Munich

There’s plenty of fun to be had in the Bavarian capital if you know where to look

by Sahar Khan

October 4, 2024

Munich / Photo: Shuraveyart/Adobe Stock

Rooted in tradition and with a penchant for luxury, Munich straddles the line between corporate and cutting-edge. The Bavarian capital hosts hundreds of annual business conferences, and travelers can take a break at one of its world-class museums, stroll through one of the many palaces and public parks, indulge in a tall tankard at a beer hall, or test-drive the latest BMW on the Autobahn. While Munich’s buttoned-up image prevails, there’s plenty of fun to be had if you know where to look.

Noh Nee

Noh Nee / Photo: Courtesy of Noh Nee

The brainchild of two Cameroonian sisters, this dirndl shop comes with a twist—the fabrics are all from Africa. Noh Nee’s fusion of German and African designs results in wearable works of art. The shop also sells cinched-waist dresses, A-line skirts and men’s Hawaiian shirts, all made with African textiles.
nohnee.com

Museum Brandhorst

Museum Brandhorst / Photo: Courtesy of Elisabeth Greil/Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen

Established in 2009, this is one of the biggest art museums in the country. It houses pieces by Cy Twombly, Jeff Koons and contemporary German master Gerhard Richter. Its exhibit “Andy Warhol & Keith Haring: Party of Life” examines the two artists, their collaborations and New York’s art, fashion and music scenes in the 1980s.
museum-brandhorst.de

Die Goldene Bar

Die Golden Bar / Photo: Courtesy of Die Golden Bar

Located in the Haus der Kunst museum, this spot featured on The World’s 50 Best Bars list is a cocktail haven. A chandelier illuminates maps depicting the origin of various wines, spirits and tobaccos. The extensive cocktail menu delights with combinations such as the Ostap Bender, which mixes sherry with coffee and bitters. The column-lined terrace attracts a cool crowd in search of an upscale spot to let loose.
goldenebar.de

Dallmayr

Dallmayr / Photo: Courtesy of Annette Sandner

This iconic delicatessen also excels in fine dining, as evidenced by its two Michelin stars. A staircase brings patrons to dining rooms where wallpaper is anchored by art deco-inspired jewel tones and geometric shapes. It serves as a whimsical background for chef Rosina Ostler’s contemporary take on German fare infused with international flavors—think blood sausage with bergamot and passion fruit.
dallmayr.com

Rosewood Munich

Rosewood / Photo: Courtesy of David Lovatti

This centrally located property is housed in an 18th-century palace and bank connected by a sleek new structure. Rooms and suites offer a home-away-from-home vibe with muted tones and locally inspired artwork by Olaf Hajek. A soak in the marble bathroom is what it must feel like to bathe among the clouds. The menu at Brasserie Cuvilliés offers Bavarian dishes such as crispy Wiener schnitzel. Bar Montez, named for the mistress of King Ludwig I, is a moody spot with live jazz.
rosewoodhotels.com