A Weekend Break in Munich

A flying visit (literally) to beautiful Munich has left me happy, exhausted, and keen to return for longer!

My Top Tips for a Weekend in Munich

Where to stay?

I was lucky enough to be on a work visit, so I stayed at the stunning Charles Hotel, A Rocco Forte Hotel, in the heart of the city. It was truly stunning, and, as we visited during Oktoberfest, all of the staff were dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits, and the foyer was decorated to match. After checking in with a glass of champagne, I was shown to my Park View Room which overlooked the Botanical Gardens with rooftop views of the museum district.

We dined at the iconic Sophia's Restaurant, and I took advantage of the largest hotel pool in the city to have a little dip before relaxing on one of the heated stone beds in the spa.

What to do?

There's so much to do in Munich! We were taken on a wonderful little city tour by one of the local guides, who was brim-full of knowledge and interesting insights, and took us through the Church of Saint Peter to see the holy relics on display there, to the food markets, and into the famous Hoffbrauhause Beer Hall. I think my favourite part was Marienplatz, the City Hall, and the gorgeous Rathaus-Glockenspiel clock with life-sized characters that dance at 11am every morning.

The weather was a little overcast but, I don't know about you - I feel like it's the best weather for exploring a city. My advice? Wear comfortable shoes!

What to eat?

So I've become literally obsessed with Obatzda. It's a creamy cheese dip made with multiple different cheeses and Bavarian Beer. It's served either in little scoops like ice-cream, or bowls topped with onion and chive, and is eaten with a huge pretzel fresh from the oven. It's divine, and one of the best places for this is the Augustiner-Keller, a landmark traditional Bavarian tavern, tucked away in a little side-street next to the Beer Museum. Accompanied by a flagon of Augustiner Lagerbier, it was so simple and delicious I've been craving it ever since!

As a side note, Augustiner brewery is Munich's oldest independent brewery, and has one of the largest 'Festhalles' at Oktoberfest.

Speaking of Oktoberfest...

Well, when in Munich!

This original Oktoberfest is a huge celebration of Bavarian culture, and began in 1810 to mark the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. It has since evolved into the largest Volksfest in the world, and attracts aroun 6 million people each year to drink over 5 million litres of beer!

Dressed in traditional Bavarian dirndl and lederhosen, we sat in a booth on the terrace level of the beautiful Schützen-Festzelt tent - though 'tent' is very misleading, it's immense! - looking out over the thousands of people dancing, singing, and drinking. The food was plentiful and delicious, and the atmosphere was like nothing else I've ever experienced.

The events finish, on the dot, at 10pm, which is perfect for strolling back through the Munich streets, popping into a bar for a nightcap, or, as in my case, simply staggering back to the hotel for a sleep.

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As Munich is situated in such an easy-to-access, and beautiful region, I'm really hoping to return one day to explore the city in depth, visit some of the beautiful castles and sites around the city, and eat some more Obatzda!