Every time I travel to Munich I find new or revisit best-loved places like these 9 Notable Munich Mainstays below. I lived in Munich for several years. Furthermore, it’s no secret among my friends and family I would move back there in a heartbeat.
This beautiful Bavarian city holds wonderful memories and deep friendships for me. The quality of life there is unparalleled in my opinion.
On my yearly jaunts back to Munich I frequent my old favorites and bring a list of new places to investigate. Here are my favorite stops from my most recent trip back to the city of my heart.
9 Notable Munich Mainstays
- Alois Dallmayr
- St. Theatine Church
- Rakete
- Haus der Kunst
- Golden Bar
- Surfer Spying
- Shubeck Spice Store
- Caspar Plautz
- House of Cacao
#1 Alois Dallmayr
There is never enough room in my suitcase to take home all I would love to buy here. It’s my favorite place to pick up treats like chocolates, coffee, cheeses, pastries, and specialty items. Dalmayer also is a stellar place to pick up lovely gifts. Everything is so gorgeously packaged, that I am always sad to open things.
I always feel like a kid in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory (which was filmed in Munich, by the way) the minute I step inside.
One of the largest delicatessens in Europe with a tradition that goes back 300 years, it is one of the best-known German brands of coffee. Was once the purveyor of the royal court of Bavaria. The staff wear elegant uniforms and are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the stock.
The attached Alois restaurant has two Michelin stars. There is a champagne bar and grill downstairs. Upstairs, you find a lovely cafe that also has a bar. Often they are serving cocktails with whatever specialty liqueur is on promotion at the time.
Dine In:
In addition to all the food sections which also include breads, sausages, pasta, etc. There is a high-end selection of cigars in a separate section. As well as an impressive array of expensive wines, liquors, liqueurs, and schnapps. Although I was tempted during the last few visits, I could not bring myself to buy the artichoke schnapps.
Do not miss this stop when you are in Munich. Make sure you give yourself time to wander the rooms to check out the impressive array of goods.
Tip #1: Dallmayr has an array of beautifully prepared foods. Pick up meals to go for an impromptu picnic on the Isar.
Tip#2: Go upstairs and have a coffee or a cocktail. The room has a lovely ambiance and is a nice relaxing place to take a break.
What I missed/Next Time: Still thinking about the artichoke schnapps.
#2 Theatine Church
There are many beautiful churches in Munich I could have included in these 9 Notable Munich Mainstays. I had not been in this one in years which inspired me to include it here. This distinctive yellow church located at the Odeonslplatz is a stunning Munich landmark. The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan was built in the 1600s as a gesture of thanks for the birth of a Bavarian royal heir. Designed and built by Italians the stunning carvings inside are worth a peek in.
When I lived in Munich full-time, I would periodically pop into this church just to gawk at the carving. Simply exquisite.
What I missed/Next Time: It’s been a wish for a while to attend a concert at this church.
#3 Goldene Rakete
Lucky am I to have restaurant-loving girlfriends in Munich who introduce me to new delicious eateries on my visits. We do have a few places that are old favorites but that’s a completely separate post.
Nestled in the heart of my old neighborhood in fashionable Schwabing. Rakete has a creative and tasty menu with both vegetarian and vegan options.
My Truffle Queen Vegetarian Burger was a green lentil parmesan patty decked out with truffle cream. The sweet potato fries were divinely crunchy.
The staff and service were both lovely.
Tip: This restaurant also has another location in the Glockenbachviertel, a trendy Gay Munich neighborhood.
What I Missed/Next Time: I did not indulge in a cocktail but I have my eye on them for my next visit.
#4 Haus der Kunst
#5 Die Goldene Bar
Die Goldene Bar at the Haus der Kunst. Delicious cocktails and snacks before and after visiting the exhibits are possible here. The bar space is stunning. However, we opted to sit outside because the weather was glorious.
The cocktails are creative and scrumptious.
Tip: This is the perfect place to have happy hour after marching through the museum exhibits. Time your visit accordingly.
What I missed/Next Time: I would definitely order a meal instead of a snack. Also would try more than one cocktail.
#6 Surfer Spying
It’s a little-known fact you can surf in Munich. As a matter of fact, Munich is the world capital of River Surfing.
The Eisbackh runs next to the Haus der Kunst is the largest wave in Munich. It is man-made and formed by the construction of a dam. Where the waves are, the surfers follow. Even if you are not into surfing, it’s fun to watch.
The location always gathers a crowd.
Tip: To take the best photos and video of the surfers, position yourself on the bridge over the Eisbach instead of along the banks of the river.
Keep Reading for the last three of my 9 Notable Munich Mainstays. All Are Delicious:
# 7 Schubeck’s Spice Store
The store is a literal manifestation of Aladdin’s Cave. The Aladdin’s Cave of Spices. The store is huge and covers a few levels. There is so much to explore. spices, teas, salts, sugars, and a lovely selection of wines.
I found myself focused on the flavored salts. Raspberry, Lemon, and orange-flavored jars found their way into my bag.
Tip #1: Give yourself at least a half hour to one hour to explore this stop. Especially if you are into food and cooking.
Tip #2: Check out the extensive collection of interesting and creative spice blends.
#8 Caspar Plautz
Finally got to Caspar Plautz at the Viktualienmarkt. The stand sells about 100 varieties of potatoes over the year.
Through a tiny kitchen at the back of the stand, tricked-out potato dishes are on offer from 12-3 PM. The dishes consist of a tasty baked potato topped with different combinations like ox, or stracciatella with a tasty side slaw. The menu is small but creative with vegan and vegetarian options
There is a cookbook on offer at the stand featuring creative potato recipes. The food is creative, fresh and delicious. Lovely service.
Tip #1: Get there early to ensure your place on the line. There will be a line before the open.
Tip #2: Take some time to peruse the potatoes for sale before or after your meal.
#9 House of Cacao
Also known as Chocolate & More, this delightful jewel box of a shop is tucked around the corner of the Viktualienmarkt. This woman-owned store has the largest praline counter in Munich and carries a120 varieties of the Lauenstein brand of chocolates which was started in 1964 as a result of a love story. 
They also carry several fair trade brands. I bought several bars to take home. Hause of Cacao is a sweet oasis in the city’s center.
Tip: The shop also serves non-alcoholic cocktails. It’s a lovely spot to take a break.
What I missed/Next Time: The store is famous for its hot chocolate. A cup is definitely on my list for my next Munich Visit.
Like these 9 Notable Munich Mainstays? Check out some of my other Germany Travel Posts:
8 BEAUTIFUL BODENSEE STOPS
TRAVELING GERMANY’S MECKLENBURG LAKELAND BY HOUSEBOAT
THE SEXIEST CHRISTMAS MARKET IS IN HAMBURG, GERMANY
