What Munich lacks in edge or excitement it more than makes up for by being a stronghold of beauty and refined Bavarian tradition. Elegantly turned-out locals, pristine streets, and a just-formal-enough vibe give the city a grown-up feel that’s not stuffy but always civilized. With deep roots here, our five contributors share their favorite schnitzel spots, walks through the English Garden—with stops for beer beneath a pagoda or to watch the river surfers on the Eisbach—old-world shops selling traditional Tracht (loden jackets and lederhosen), art-filled museums and galleries, leafy biergartens, and other go-tos that make this polished, well-located city one they don’t want to leave.
Dylan Don, photographer
Born in Munich, Dylan left the city for boarding school at 11, went on to study photography, film and media at Cambridge, and remained in London for nearly 8 years. He only returned to Munich a handful of years ago to care for his ailing father, and surprised himself by deciding to stay. “I like Munich because it’s beautiful, safe, clean, and very well located for traveling in and out, especially for people who like to drive across the mountains to Italy, Austria and Switzerland,” he says. “Plus I had all my childhood friends here.” He also likes that it hasn’t changed much in all that time: “It’s a little more international, with lots of trade fairs and concerts and a good airport hub—a little like Milan, perhaps. But essentially unchanged.” He lives in the Borgenhausen neighborhood, in the green and peaceful center of the city.
EAT/DRINK
Breakfast
I don’t eat breakfast, but there’s a good place next to my house that has become very cool called Marks Feinkost. It’s like a little grocery store with a café and restaurant, both indoor and outdoor seating, opened by interesting people. I love to keep it clean with their scrambled eggs with bacon, avocado, olive oil, pepperoncino and lime. And really nice coffee. They just opened a little back room for fine dining as well.
Lunch
Schumann’s Tagesbar. This is the day/café location of Schumann’s, Munich’s legendary bar. It’s in the center of town and they only have four or five things on the menu, always very good, a bit like home cooking—a pasta, sandwich, curry, nice sausage or steak. And they have amazing drinks, if you feel like a little sneaky lunch cocktail or glass of wine. The vibe is super straightforward.
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