Munich is traditional and serene in many ways, modern and cosmopolitan in many others

Munich – One city, two faces

  • ILLUSTRATION CRISTÓBAL SCHMAL

What’s your preference: a stroll through the English Garden, a skiing trip to the mountains or dancing the night away to techno beats? Munich is a village of 1.4 million – traditional and serene in many ways, and modern and cosmopolitan in many others. We take a look at both sides.

Munich has two faces: An old school and a new school one
The Wolpertinger is a mythical creature

Bavarian beast

Wolpertinger – a winged rabbit with horns – is a mythical creature but can be seen in real life at the German Hunting and ­Fishing Museum.

The Bavarian State Opera

Winning strategy

Munich is a Champions League player on several fronts: The Bavarian State Opera invites visitors to tour its mammoth backstage area.

"Ausgezogene" are donut-like pastries

Traditional snack

Café Frischhut at the Viktualienmarkt food market is known for its donut-like pastries that are stretched before they’re fried. You can even watch the bakers at work!

The Untergiesing neighborhood has been nicknamed Little Venice

Down by the waterside

There’s a street in the city’s Untergiesing neighborhood lined with pretty, gabled houses beside a rushing stream. It’s been nicknamed ­Little Venice.

The restored Monopterus in the English Garden

Panoramic view

The restored Monopteros in the English Garden is a great place to meet, watch the sunset or take pictures of the city skyline.

Burger and fries in the München '72 café

Sporting look

Enjoy a burger in a retro environment: The interior of the München ’72 café recalls the Olympic Games that took place in Munich 45 years ago.

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The New School side of Munich
A Bavarian Dirndl designed by the label Noh Nee

National mix

he founders of the Noh Nee fashion label combine the best of two worlds and make Bavarian dirndl dresses out of tradi­tional African fabrics.

Jewelry created by Patrik Muff

Unconventional design

The jewelry created by Patrik Muff on Lederer­strasse in downtown ­Munich features heraldic motifs, mythical creatures and animal skulls.

Light designer Ingo Maurer illuminated the subway stations Münchner Freiheit und Marienplatz

Luminary figure

Light designer Ingo ­Maurer illuminated the subway ­stations Münchner Freiheit and Marienplatz. Check out his showroom on Kaiserstrasse, too.

BMW Welt is a mecca for auto fans

Horse-power heaven

BMW Welt is a mecca for auto fans: After admiring the legendary models, new owners can drive off into the sunset in their brand-new, pre-ordered car.

Goldene Bar at the back of the museum Haus der Kunst

Artful location

A visit to Munich’s Haus der Kunst should definitely include a stop at the award-winning Goldene Bar at the back of the museum.

The Harry Klein club on Stachus Square

Sound of the city

The Harry Klein club on Stachus square has almost become an institution, but it’s still popular with big-name DJs and techno fans.

Getting there from Germany

Find out all about affordable fares to Munich and other selected Lufthansa destinations at miles-and-more.com/mileagebargain.