With independent boutiques, hip hangouts for cocktails, and dreamy waterside cafés, Glockenbachviertel is one of Munich’s prettiest districts
GLOCKENBACHVIERTEL, MUNICH
The Glockenbachviertel district shows a different side to a city known for beer halls and BMW. Once the place where Freddie Mercury loved to party, this easygoing Munich neighborhood still has buzzing bars – both long-standing institutions and new openings – but is also where you’ll find exciting restaurants, cool cafés, and boutique stores stocked with independent labels. The attractive streets, nearby river, and open-minded community only add to its appeal.
TRISOUX
Trisoux is a top address for martinis and daiquiris, as well as natural wines. The cocktail menu gets a regular overhaul, but look for Los Altos with tequila, hibiscus, Szechuan pepper, blood orange, and grapefruit. Grab a stool at the bar to watch the masters at work, and take in the fun interior – there’s moss on the walls and a wave of wooden rods hanging from the ceiling. trisoux.com
STAATSTHEATER AM GÄRTNERPLATZ
First opened in 1865, this magnificent building overlooking Gärtnerplatz is one of several theaters in this culture-rich city. The stage hosts everything from opera to musicals, like The Magic Flute and Les Misérables, so check in advance. Munich’s nearby outdoor food market, Viktualienmarkt, has regional produce and a beer garden for a pre-show drink. gaertnerplatztheater.de
BRASSERIE COLETTE
Run by renowned German chef Tim Raue, of Netflix’s Chef’s Table fame, Brasserie Colette offers upscale French cuisine and impeccable service. Start with a glass of champagne and the Gillardeau oysters before ordering classics such as bouillabaisse and steak-frites. Alternatively, for something more local, try Bavarian restaurant Spatenhaus an der Oper in the old town for a crispy schnitzel and potato salad. brasseriecolette.de; kuffler.de/de/spatenhaus
HEISSELIEBE STORE
At concept store heißeliebe, you’ll find a colorful mix of clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and housewares – including Munich-made ceramics from Annika Schüler, statement socks from MSTRY Berlin, and handmade jewelry from Düsseldorf-based Oh Luna. Stay in the hood for more local names or walk over to the city center for high street favorites. For designer labels, look no further than the exclusive avenue Maximilianstraße. heisseliebe.store
THE ISAR
Glockenbachviertel runs along a section of Munich’s much-loved river. Take a break on the grassy banks and stony beaches, or go for a walk along the river. For more open space, allow ample time to explore the city’s green lung, the Englischen Garten (English Garden). Bigger than New York’s Central Park, it’s a place where people come to exercise, meet friends, or find a quiet corner. Others simply pass through on their daily commute. And, of course, if it’s fresh air you want, the Alps and Bavarian lakes such as Tegernsee are temptingly close.