My Munich City Guide
A Love Letter to the City I Called Home
I love tracking down cool places and passing them on. So here you go... my go-tos, my routines, my not-so-secret secrets. Munich, through my eyes.
I just got back from a Munich visit. A city where I lived for two years, softened, learned and developed precious connections. And like any place where you leave a piece of your heart, a sparkle is felt the moment you return. I have changed so much since I last stepped foot in this town, but the energy has remained the same and this brought back great memories.
This guide is for anyone living in Munich who has not yet discovered these places and for anyone visiting who wants to know where I like to spend my time.
1. The Rootine Wellness Club – My Munich Home Base
My number one spot will not come as a surprise: Rootine. A family business, founded by brothers André and Patrick. Supported in various aspects by their kind-hearted mom and dad.
I walked into this store on my very first day in Munich. I spotted the store on Instagram. Before I finished placing my first order, I had become friends with AndrĂ©. Up to this day, he is one of my closest friends.Â
Rootine is a café, a wellness club, a workspace, a concept store as well as a beautiful cocoon to connect with like-minded people. Rootine is a feeling: clean food, cool crowd and calm energy. All fresh things in the fridge: nourishing and made with intention. All creations are based on recipes put together by André’s mom. You can taste their care and dedication to an overall state of well-being.
The Secret Drink: Annie’s Matcha
Fun fact: Rootine is the place where I learned to drink matcha. Curious for my go-to order? Ask for Annie’s Matcha. Think: homemade coconut milk, ayurvedic spices, adaptogenics and ceremonial style matcha. The drink is not on the menu, but if you are lucky, they will prepare it for you. Make sure to register as a new customer at the counter to receive 15% off your first visit.
2. Kräuterparadies and St. Michaelshof – A Cosmo-Biodynamic Heaven
Two sacred places where I love to discover herbs, oils and gem stones. Two places where I continue to learn a lot and love to spend my time.
Kräuterparadies
This is where I buy my teas, oils and tinctures. The people working here are both knowledgeable and warm. You step inside a store that feels like a mystical, herbal apothecary. A pharmacy and old-world alchemist shop in one.
St. Michaëlshof
You will find them at their Viktualienmarkt stand, inside their own Sölln shop, or at the Thursday market in Pullach. They carry a great range of seasonal produce as well as cosmo-biodynamic sprays, oils and rollers. All made with intention. I love to gift their products to people I love.
I had the honour to visit their farm, one of the largest biodynamic gardens in Europe. A hidden place where crystals lie between the vegetables. If you are interested in purchasing their crystals, message me. I have a discount code for you…
3. A walk along the Isar river – Ice Bathing and Fresh Mountain Air
Nothing feels more Munich to me than a walk along the Isar with a warm matcha in hand. No matter the season, you will spot people ice bathing in the river.
Another great way to explore the city is by bike: rent one from Mike’s Bike Tours near the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and take a ride along the Isar, through the Englisher Garten and past the river surfers. I feel like these sports people embody the Munich spirit.
4. My Favorite Food Spots
Dallmayr Oyster Bar — A classic. Perfect for oysters in the centre of the city.
Wirtshaus in der Au — For a classic Bayern schnitzel, this is the place. Spatenhaus an der Oper is another good option, slightly more touristy but a great location.
Wagner’s Juicery — Located by the river. Warm atmosphere and very good banana bread.
Café Roma — An easy lunch spot located on Munich’s most beautiful shopping street.
Käfer — I love to come here to soak up Bayern vibes and local culture.
Matsuhisa at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel — For sushi lovers. Refined, elegant and serving amazing torro.
5. Move and Feel
Bikram im Tal — Hot Yoga and Hot Pilates classes that leave you feeling strong and reborn. Book a class with Özgan.
Massage with Ricarda — An amazing massage therapist and such a precious soul. My dear friend blends a variety of techniques to gently release tension and help you reconnect with your body. Every session with her feels like a gift to self. Feel free to reach out to her for more info: +491777000858.
Shiatsu with Peter — Peter’s work is a blend of therapy, grounding and energetic reset. All based on a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique called Shiatsu. I feel reset after seeing him. Make sure to send me an email, in order for me to provide you with a discount code off your first treatment!
6. For the Soul
Akasha — A place where I love to spend my time. And not just any book store... Go visit and you will experience what I mean!
Viktualienmarkt — Munich’s iconic open-air food market. Here you will find stalls overflowing with fresh produce and regional specialties.
Gärtnerplatz — You will probably pass by this square on your way to the Isar. The square itself feels cozy and intimate; it makes the perfect place to sit down and soak up sunshine.
The MyTheresa Boutique — A curated space with an incredible selection of pieces.
Why you should visitÂ
Munich is a place that feels grounded and warm, even when the air feels cold and crispy. When I think of this place, I see the sun shining and visualise mountain weather and smiling faces. The city feels large yet intimate, urban though natural and chique with a casual touch. The city still calls me back every time.
Writing this column felt like writing a love letter. I hope this guide inspires you. I loved putting this together for you.
