Lifestyle in Munich

You can expect an exciting yet balanced lifestyle in Munich. Whether you're a foodie, shopaholic or fitness fanatic, Munich has a broad range of activities to suit all tastes and preferences.

New arrivals are likely to spend a fair amount of time getting to grips with tourist attractions such as the Nymphenburg Palace, Alte Pinakothek, and Hofbrauhaus. But the fun doesn't stop there. In addition to the city's multitude of annual events, you will find countless activities to keep them busy. 

Shopping in Munich

Shopping in Munich includes trendy upmarket boutiques and antique stores, as well as high-street labels in its shopping malls. Shoppers can feast their eyes on top fashion merchandise by strolling down Maximilianstrasse and the adjoining Theatinerstrasse.

Those who enjoy finding unique items should visit one of the city's numerous markets. The Viktualienmarkt, in particular, is a colourful maze of stalls, with everything from fresh flowers to mouthwatering street food. Elisabethmarkt is another great option for those looking for fresh produce.

If you're looking for trendy and unique pieces, visit the hip Gärtnerplatz where young designers display their one of a kind furniture, jewellery, and clothing. Hohenzollernstraße and Schwabing are other places to check out for some more eclectic finds. 

Nightlife in Munich

Munich’s nightlife scene is as eclectic and diverse as everything else in the city. As a major centre for the arts in Germany, Munich hosts top quality live music and theatre performances. On any given night, residents can choose from having informal drinks in a traditional beer hall, dancing the night away at a contemporary club or spending an evening immersed in the works of great German classical composers.

Münchener Freiheit in Schwabing is Munich's most famous nightlife district. It's packed with bustling bars, quaint cafés, sophisticated jazz venues, and hip dance clubs. More nightlife options can be found in Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel. If you're interested in alternative music, you should head to Haidenhausen. If you have more cultured tastes, pay a visit to the Goethe-Institut.

Eating out in Munich

Munich has a wide variety of first-class restaurants. You may be hard-pressed to ignore the intoxicating pull of the beer gardens, but you should also sample the extensive delights of the restaurants in Munich.

The city has multiple Michelin-starred dining options, and many of its eateries are opulent and sophisticated. Connoisseurs can indulge in first-class cuisine at these international culinary hot spots, or explore the Schwabing district’s Bohemian flair.

Sampling some of Munich's specialities – like its wurst sausages, meat dishes, Knödel dumplings and pretzels – is a must. And there’s nothing like washing down these hearty Bavarian flavours with a lager in the comfortable sun of summer at one of the city's many beer gardens.

Sport and fitness in Munich

Despite Germany’s status as the second-biggest consumer of beer in the world, you will find it quite sobering that most of Munich’s population retains a healthy physique and a passion for sports and fitness.

While many people prefer to run or cycle to keep healthy, many enjoy the social atmosphere of a club or gym – and Munich has no shortage of these. At the same time, come rain or shine, outdoor sports are by far the most appealing activities for expats. 

With warm summers and freezing winters, Munich's climate affords residents the opportunity to play an array of contrasting sports, allowing them to remain active all year round. And with the Alps only a one-and-a-half hour drive away, skiing and snowboarding are, understandably, at the top of the list.

See and do in Munich

It's easy to be intoxicated by the heady beer hall scene, but you'll soon realise that there’s plenty more to see and do in Munich. The charming Bavarian capital combines old-world allure and modern flair, and its numerous attractions are enticing. Below are a few of our favourites.

Hofbräuhaus

The Hofbräuhaus has been a Bavarian institution since 1605. Its atmosphere is defined by the local brand of friendliness and joy known as gemutlichkeit. It's easy to get enthusiastic about the beer that's been brewed here for four centuries, and the food is good, too.

Marienplatz

This historic Munich square harbours some of the city's most appealing architecture. The Neo-Gothic Town Hall features a Glockenspiel that chimes three times a day, while its clockwork figures act out parts of the city’s history. Visitors can also explore the toy museum in the Old Town Hall and the Frauenkirche, Munich's cathedral, dating back to the 15th century.

Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace was initially the summer home of the Munich aristocracy. Just five miles (8km) from the city centre, you can spend the day at its sweeping grounds and take in the villas' uniquely crafted fittings and frescoes.

Alte Pinakothek

Alte Pinakothek is Munich’s premier art museum and features work by some of Europe’s greatest painters from the 14th to 18th centuries. The gallery is a stunning Neoclassical building with two floors and dozens of rooms, and expats will surely be enthralled for hours.

BMW Museum

This museum is a must for all petrol heads. Located close to Olympiapark, the museum documents the history of the famous German automobile manufacturer. The museum has been drawing crowds since it opened in 1973.

Meeting people and making friends in Munich

One of your first priorities when moving to Munich will be meeting new people and building your own little community while living in the city. The easiest way to get started on this important task is to join a local club or meet-up based on your interests. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but you may also end up making lifelong connections. 

There are plenty of fitness, arts, and professional groups that you can explore. Expat clubs are also a great choice for meeting others who have had to navigate the expat experience in Munich. 

Useful links

• Munich International Women's Club
• Munich Running Society
• Ananas Book Club