Munich

Not so long ago I knew little about Munich. There are other cities in Germany that are more well-known and attract tourists more often. But Munich is beautiful. It has an interesting history of which remains can still be seen around it. It offers a lot to art admirers and music lovers. Munich is not only about Bayern and Oktoberfest :).

Do you know that the English Park (Englischer Garten) in Munich is the biggest city park in the world? Yes, it’s bigger than Central Park in New York! And it’s beautiful. The park is 200 years old, and it’s situated along the Isar river. You can find there a Japanese tearoom, among other things. Its history is connected with sports, because it the tearoom was established in 1972 as a result of cooperation of two Olympic cities: Sapporo and Munich. I haven’t been there yet, but I hope I will manage to do it soon. The Englisher Garten is really big, there is lots of space for running and exercising! By the way, did you know that the biggest forest area within city limits is in Poland? It’s the Łagiewnicki Forest in my home town Łódź! 😀

As in many European cities monuments of Munich are mostly churches and palaces, it’s obvious – remained only those buildings which were made of bricks. Munich churches surprise with their architecture e.g. the huge Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral has towers with cupolas. I was enchanted by Saint Peter’s Church (Peterskirche). Uncanny though a bit gloomy is the Munich Town Hall.

There are still a lot of trips and walks around Munich before me, I am still discovering this city. It’s impossible to be bored here. Every now and then World’s Fairs take place, the city is full of young people, because there are good universities in Munich. Famous music festivals are also held there, you can visit art galleries to watch very valuable collections.

Of course I am still tracking down places with healthy food in Munich. I have my own proven places where I do the food shopping such as the Viktualienmarkt. Unfortunately, prices there are very high (asparagus costs around €7), therefore I usually choose smaller market stalls with fresh products.

One of my favourite places is Marks Feinkost – a shop and eatery. Italians who sell there are wonderful. They are honest about what’s fresh and what’s worth waiting for. They import goods directly from the countries of their origin, mainly from Italy and Spain. Once one of the shop assistants spotted my bruised hands, which looked strange in a neat woman. I explained that in 3 days I would be flying to take part in the world championships. When I dropped in there after my arrival (I took the third place), there was champagne waiting for me :). I felt very nice.

When you happen to be in Munich, you should visit the Turkenstrasse. It’s a street full of nice and often exotic restaurants, bars and cafes. Everybody will find something for themselves. I drop by there for smoothies from Super Danke bars. Fresh juices, fruits, grains, vegetables – you can buy a ready smoothie or design your own one :). The price of a filling smoothie is €4-6, as for an expensive Munich – not much.

Max Pett is a good vegan restaurant situated at 8 Pettenkoferstrasse. The menu includes gluten, yet vegans will be satisfied with dishes.
I like the austere décor of the Prinz Myshkin City at 2 Hackenstraße 2. The menu is vegetarian, extensive and desserts are…yummy. The name can be confusing, because the menu offers dishes from all the world. I loved Indian food.

Another restaurant – Gratitude! – is at 55 Turkenstrasse. It’s a vegan restaurant and there’s a nice chef from Poland.

If you like lamb and steaks – visit the Kuffler restaurant. Fancy looking at the entire Munich while having a meal? Tempt yourself with drinking coffee or having a full meal on the roof of the Bayerishe Hof hotel.

Do you love the Italian atmosphere and taste? You absolutely have to visit Hugo’s and Tratoria Alba which I simply loved.
And if you love Greece, you have to visit Paros. Greek taste but also Greek atmosphere as well as rituals – dancing on the table, music and throwing plates. And smiling!

Oh, I would forget about one of my favourite shops for vegans – Veganz, which is in Balderstrasse (pictures below) near a Pilates studio – strongly recommended!

Munich is worth visiting. I’m glad that I can explore this city. It’s great to see the blend of its history with modernity.

And because I’m still a child inside, I’m so pleased that there’s the castle well-known to all from openings of Disney’s movies – Neuschwanstein! I must go to see it one day! :).