Your essential guide to Munich

SHOP

Meander along the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town and you’ll soon find yourself on Munich’s most exclusive shopping street – Maximilianstraße. Home to the top names in designer fashion and luxury jewellery, hop from Chanel to Celine and Marni to Montblanc as you traverse this kilometre-long shoppers’ paradise.

DRINK

For a regional tipple, few wine lists surpass that of the illustrious Weinhaus Neuner. A short walk from the hotel through Marienplatz, Munich’s oldest wine tavern has been serving up Teutonic tipples from Bavaria and beyond since 1892. Head to the vaulted Weinstube (or wine bar, if you will) and opt for a Franconia Riesling in a cosy corner.

DINE

Serving up standout Japanese cuisine with a Peruvian twist, world renowned chef Nobu brings his signature seafood specialities to Matsuhisa Munich. Snag one of eight exclusive seats at the live cooking counter for a feast with additional wow factor, as you watch a team of skilled chefs prepare a selection of outstanding dishes.

SEE

Theatre lovers will be thrilled to learn that one of the world’s largest opera stages is just a stone’s throw from Mandarin Oriental, Munich. It’s home to the Bavarian State Opera, Ballet and Orchestra, and you can book a seat in the National Theatre’s aptly named Royal Box to experience the performance of a lifetime in impeccable style.

EXPLORE

The optimum speed to cruise the city? Find your bearings at a pleasurable 30km per hour with an ebike tour courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Munich. Roll along the lively river Isar, weave through the charming Haidhausen district, then speed around the verdant English Garden on this whistlestop excursion.

TRY

Having worked up an appetite, sample the local fare at the famed Viktualienmarkt. An age-old market once occupying Marienplatz, this booming foodie utopia has expanded to cater for its growing popularity. Choose from bounteous Bavarian bites, from Schweinebraten to Spätzle (that’s traditional roast pork and egg-based noodle – often served together), then pull up a pew in the bustling beer garden.

DISCOVER

For a splash of culture, the Haus der Kunst lays claim to the city’s largest collection of contemporary art with a bounteous programme of experimental exhibitions and performances. Make a day (or night) of it at the gallery’s glitzy Goldene Bar with tempting small plates and a Champagne cocktail.

CLIMB

A half-century on from its inauguration, Munich’s Olympiapark is sure to keep little ones entertained for hours. Explore the former Olympic grounds by miniature railway, then try your hand at a game of mini golf or take a rowing boat out on the tranquil lake.

LEARN

For a spot of culture, make a beeline for the Kunstareal – Munich’s dedicated arts quarter. With its countless museums and galleries, a whirl around the neighbouring Pinakothek Museum will take you on a time-travelling tour from 14th-century masters right through to present-day virtuosos.

HIKE

Casting a glorious cityscape on a clear day, the Bavarian Alps are just an hour or so away by train or car. Escape into nature with a hiking excursion – there are so many to choose for all levels, including the infamous Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. You can also take a cable car directly to its sky-high beer garden.

VISIT

The summer residence of 18th-century Bavarian royalty, Nymphenburg Palace is set across 180 hectares of sculpted gardens, carp-dwelling canals and pavilions. Marvel at the majestic carriages at the Marstallmuseum, then admire the delicate royal crockery at the Porcelain Manufactory as part of the guided excursion.

CRUISE

Take to the water on a flat-bottomed Zille boat as part of Mandarin Oriental’s exclusive tour of Lower Bavaria. From hop farms to historic towns to the unique Weltenburg Monastery at the mouth of the Danube Gorge, this day trip will sate appetites seeking a full taste of Bavaria.

Munich is a true hub for classical music, being home to some of Europe’s most famous opera houses. Thanks to our close relationship with the State Opera, we have access to some of the best seats in the house and are more than happy to help arrange ‘meet and greets’ with opera stars, such as the world-renowned tenor Jonas Kaufmann.

- The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental, Munich.