Bavaria is such a country within a country, with its own laws, language and even taxes. And the capital of this state is Munich. It is a classic of Bavaria, a cozy, quiet, noble town. But at the same time on the streets here will walk the pathos burghers, and drive expensive cars. This is where the richest Germans live. Let’s dive into the colorful city of Munich in Bavaria and learn more about it.
This is a city of pedants, where no one would dare to throw a plastic cup on the sidewalk, and everyone on the road will wait until even a single elderly lady crosses. It’s a city where tea is replaced by beer and meat steaks by sausages.
Dirndl and lederhosen – Colorful Munich in Bavaria.
In this city, even to take out the trash, people might wear traditional clothing. But it’s so beautiful! Men in shirts and leather pants with suspenders—lederhosen, and women in colorful dresses with aprons—dirndl. No, people don’t dress like this out of a lack of attention. They’ve just lived this way for centuries.
The local flavor is revealed primarily in the people, in how they, for example, sell berries or how men drink frothy beverages. Street musicians play guitars, young women offer pretzels. These people see themselves as Bavarians and dislike being called Germans. Although all our stereotypes about Germans are actually stereotypes about Bavarians.
Hofbräuhaus – The Holy Shrine for Bavarians.
For Bavarians, the most important place here is the Hofbräuhaus, a temple, a holy shrine where every evening, in large, noisy companies, they down mugs of beer. Hofbräuhaus is not just a huge beer hall with a beautiful ceiling; it’s a true historical monument where the smell of beer and pork knuckles has long permeated the walls. It’s one of Munich’s oldest beer halls, operating since 1589.
Initially, it was a brewery for the old Royal Residence. But later, people like Vladimir Lenin and Adolf Hitler raised their glasses here. Today, it’s the largest beer hall in the world, where 50 liters of beer are drunk every minute. Here, mega-liters of beer flow, mega-tons of sausages are consumed – everything that Bavaria breathes. And for regular customers, there are their own mugs and safes for their storage, which, for a minute, are handed down from generation to generation.
Hofbräuhaus is like a music box, where everything sings, plays, and has fun. People come here to let loose and indulge, especially during Oktoberfest. You don’t need to reserve a table; just find an empty spot and blend in with the cheerful crowd of beer lovers.
Order Hofbräu beer, pork knuckle with potato dumplings, and Munich sausages. This is authentic Bavarian cuisine—simple, rustic, homemade food.
Looking for more ideas to visit in Bavaria? Then read my post about the magnificent Neuschweinstein Castle. It looks like it came straight out of fairy tales. When I was there, I felt pure delight and cannot recommend enough that you include it in your itinerary.
You can also check out my post about the atypical beauty of Berlin. This city has a lot to amaze.
Old town in colorful Munich in Bavaria.
After beer and pork knuckles, your gaze will be drawn to the city hall, specifically the clock on its tower. Every day at 11 a.m. (from May to October, this show repeats at 12 and 5 p.m.), giant figures emerge under the chimes and depict a scene of medieval life. Bavarians have a passion for clocks, especially cuckoo clocks. This bird makes for the best souvenir from this city.
On Marienplatz, where knights once held tournaments, there are now performances, crowds of tourists, and street musicians. It’s always bustling with people, locals mingling with tourists, chatting, singing, living. Locals come to see and be seen—it gives them undeniable pleasure. After all, they don’t particularly enjoy working. They’d rather sing a yodel or play the guitar.
Bavarians constantly remind everyone that there’s nothing better than Bavaria. The tastiest cuisine is Bavarian, the best cars are from the Bavarian auto industry, and the best artists—guess whose? To be the best of the best, they put in all their effort. The renowned German strictness is evident in every aspect of this city. Streets are clean, houses are neat, windows are perfectly aligned, precisely drawn quarters, spotless cars, not a cigarette butt or a piece of paper on the ground. It’s surprising how Bavarians can combine such paradoxical concepts as fun and meticulousness.
Bavarians are truly remarkable, slightly pedantic, slightly crazy people who know how to enjoy life.
Other colorful places in Munich.
Englischer Garten: One of the largest urban parks in the world, the Englischer Garten is a serene oasis in the middle of the city. Stroll along its winding paths, relax by the lake, and visit the Chinese Tower beer garden for a refreshing drink. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even watch surfers ride the Eisbach wave!
Nymphenburg Palace: A visit to Munich wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Nymphenburg Palace. This Baroque masterpiece was the summer residence of the Bavarian kings. Wander through the opulent rooms, stroll in the beautiful gardens, and don’t forget to visit the Amalienburg hunting lodge, a Rococo gem.
Viktualienmarkt: For a taste of local life, head to Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s famous food market. Here, you’ll find a vibrant array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, sausages, and flowers. It’s the perfect spot to grab a snack and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Munich Residenz: Step into the opulent world of Bavarian royalty at the Munich Residenz. This former royal palace is now a museum showcasing lavish rooms, stunning art collections, and historical treasures. The beautiful courtyard gardens are a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
St. Peter’s Church: For the best panoramic view of Munich, climb the tower of St. Peter’s Church. The 299 steps to the top are worth it for the breathtaking vista that awaits you. On a clear day, you can even see the Alps in the distance.
How to get to.
By Air: Flying into colorful Munich in Bavaria is the most convenient option for international travelers. Munich Airport (Franz Josef Strauss International Airport) is one of the busiest in Europe and offers excellent connectivity. From the airport, you can take the S-Bahn (S1 or S8) to reach the city center in about 40 minutes. Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Munich if you’re traveling from another country.
By Train: If you’re coming from within Europe, the train is a fantastic option. Munich’s central train station, München Hauptbahnhof, is well-connected to major cities like Vienna, Zurich, and Paris. The journey by train is scenic and comfortable, offering a glimpse of the beautiful European countryside.
But I highly recommend traveling by car. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
Colorful hotels in Munich.
I was absolutely delighted when I discovered some of the most colorful and vibrant hotels in Munich. These places not only provide a comfortable stay but also immerse you in a world of hues and patterns that make your visit even more memorable. Let me share with you the three most colorful hotels I found in Munich.
Hotel Laimer Hof: Nestled in the charming Nymphenburg district, this hotel feels like a cozy, colorful dream. The exterior is painted a lively yellow, instantly lifting your spirits as you approach. Inside, each room is uniquely decorated with a blend of classic and modern styles, featuring bold patterns and vibrant colors. The warm and welcoming atmosphere here makes it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Munich.
Hotel The Royal Bavarian: Located in the heart of Munich, right by the central station, this hotel is a feast for the eyes. The eclectic design draws inspiration from Bavarian culture with a modern twist, incorporating rich colors, quirky decor, and whimsical details. From the royal blue walls to the bright red accents, every corner of this hotel bursts with character. The playful yet sophisticated vibe makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience Munich in a unique way.
Hotel Olympic caught my eye with its artistic flair. Situated in the trendy Glockenbachviertel district, this boutique hotel boasts an array of colors and artistic touches that make it truly stand out. Each room is a canvas of creativity, adorned with vibrant artworks and eclectic furnishings. The blend of bright colors and thoughtful design elements creates a joyful and inspiring atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for art lovers and anyone who appreciates a burst of color in their surroundings.
I was thrilled to discover these gems and couldn’t wait to share them with you. Whether you’re a lover of bold design, an art enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a splash of color, these hotels offer an unforgettable stay in Munich.
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