Cities & Culture
Munich: putting the style into lifestyle
Lifestyle is a priority in Munich. It might be down to the clear blue skies or simply the city's beauty, but one thing's for certain: The people of Munich always like to show their best side, whether they're in a beer garden, on one of the exclusive shopping streets, or in Bayern Munich's stadium.
A city with a big heart, as suave as it is easygoing, buzzing and yet tranquil. Munich is Germany's lifestyle capital. And on top of all this, it boasts one of the country's most beautiful squares: Marienplatz, at the heart of the city and home to the Old and New Town Halls. The famous town hall glockenspiel is as much a part of the city's identity as the Hofbräuhaus beer hall or the iconic Church of Our Lady with its green dome-crested towers. Browsing the stalls of the Viktualienmarkt is a feast for the senses, while the luxury shopping boulevards such as Ludwigstrasse or Maximilianstrasse are designed for those with an appreciation of the finer things in life. For a far more affordable, not to mention more relaxed, shopping experience, head to Munich's trendy Glockenbachviertel district and Gärtnerplatz square.
A trip to the English Garden, Munich's very own slice of paradise wedged in between the Isar River and the city centre, doesn't cost you a penny. From the art of lazing around to surfing the Eisbach River, anything goes here. Add to this two of Munich's most beautiful beer gardens, one at the Chinese Tower, the other at a picturesque lakeside spot, and you've got the perfect recipe for a relaxing afternoon. The people of Munich are also proud of the city's museums, many of which are of international standing, such as the German Museum, the world's biggest science and technology museum, the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Lenbachhaus Museum, the Brandhorst Museum and many more. The BMW Museum has the city's automotive heritage covered, while the football stars of Bayern Munich show teams visiting the Allianz Arena what it's really like to be on top. It's well worth trying to get a ticket to see them play, as the stadium atmosphere alone is world-class.