Travel: How to spend 48 hours in Munich

Stay

You can’t really get more central than in front of a city’s town hall – and the BEYOND by Geisel hotel is located right across from the rather jawdropping building in the city’s Marienplatz. It’s a boutique location with rather funky furnishings overlooking the historic Rindrmarkt.

Slightly cheaper but equally stylish is the Meridien Munich, a midsized hotel balancing innovative design and quality.

Eat

Do you love giant belly-busting meals? Munich is the capital of the German region of Bavaria, home of enormous plates of bratwurst sausages, cuts of meat, bread and potatoes.

Spezlwirtschaft is located in a building which dates back to the 13th Century, and they specialise in schnitzels – pork fillets coated in breadcrumbs – and cheesy noodles. Very indulgent.

If you’re not into traditional German food, The Burger & Lobster Bank is located in the city’s old financial district. An enormous steak is a must.

Drink

As well as oompah music and lederhosen, Munich is home to thunderously large steins of delicious beer. Locals guzzle the lagers, white beers and dark ales by the litre, only pausing to belt out a classic drinking song or cram a freshly baked pretzel into their mouth.

The world’s largest beerhall, the Hofbrauhaus, is a must visit. Despite the size, it is usually packed with tourists – but ordinary Germans seem to love it too, which must be a good sign. You may not think you can drink a two-litre stein of beer – prepare to surprise yourself.

See

Munich is steeped in history, although the first half of the last century is largely sidestepped.

Instead, focus on places like the stunning Marienplatz, the medieval square which is often home to sprawling markets. Daily at 11am and noon, and at 5pm from March through October, everyone stops to watch the famous Glockenspiel as its mechanical figures dine, joust and dance.

Munich’s English Garden covers 910 acres and is a beautiful wander – its endless paths are perfect for walking off the enormous bratwurst you’ve just eaten…