place to unwind and fuel up for the day ahead.
After brunch, I headed to the Christmas market at the
Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) in Munich’s famous
Englischer Garten (English Garden), which was bigger than
Manhattan’s Central Park. Arriving at the Chinesischer Turm
felt magical: a brass brand played festive pieces with triumph
and vigor, the stall sellers welcomed shoppers to their stands
in a cheery manner, and strings of fairy lights led up to the top
of a gigantic Christmas tree. All around me people were talking
excitedly over Glühwein whilst others purchased traditional,
handmade Christmas gifts such as Bavarian woodcarvings and
glasswork, toys, gingerbread, and decorations. If you plan a
trip to this market, be sure to leave plenty of time to enjoy the
atmosphere and shopping; it’s great to make the most of the
relatively long walk through to the park, too.
After two days of festive jollity and Christmas shopping, I was
ready to rest my feet over dinner at Theresa, an atmospheric
and unashamedly urban restaurant that was one of the city’s
most stylish and sought after restaurants—so be sure to
book ahead! Inside, open kitchens showed the organic meat
dishes being prepared against a dark yet romantic backdrop
of exposed bulbs and weathered furniture. It was the ideal
place after a frenzied weekend in the city—lively and chic yet
welcoming and relaxing at the same time. In fact, it was the
perfect place to reflect on the trip. Observing the animated
chatter of my fellow diners, I was thrilled to have experienced
Munich’s approach to Christmas—an approach full of heart,
tradition, and cheer.
Three stylish eateries
Theresa Grill, Restaurant, and Bar,
Theresienstraße 29 80333
Distinctly urban, this Munich hot spot is popular with the city’s
stylish crowd. Light and airy by day, cozy and atmospheric by
night, the restaurant offers a menu of rich meat and fresh fish
dishes. Try to arrive early so you can enjoy a cocktail in the
stylish waiting area, a perfect spot to people watch and soak up
the buzz from your fellow diners.
Café Fraulein, Frauenstraße 11 80469
As you walk down the street you can’t miss the charming yellow
and white–striped awning of this café. The café is ideal for
brunch and allows diners to choose different breads, jams, and
condiments from their vintage trolley. Café Fraulein is small and
quaint with incredibly friendly owners and very popular with
local residents (which is always a good sign).
Schrannenhalle, Viktualienmarkt 15 80331
This is not technically a restaurant but more a stylish market
hall that offers a variety of culinary offerings from the Alpine
region with little eateries mixed in amongst the stalls. Centrally
located, this is the perfect spot to pick up foodie pieces to take
home and enjoy a quick, light lunch with champagne before
heading back out into the city.
Stylish sleep
The Cortiina, Ledererstrasse 8 80331, rates from
€165 per night
If you’re looking for a stylish and friendly place to base yourself
in the heart of the city then this is the hotel for you. A fine
example of refined design, the Cortiina offers unmatched
access to the city’s creative scene thanks to its well-connected
owners, food connoisseur Rudi Kull and architect Albert
Weinzierl, who have a great relationship with the surrounding
community. In warmer months guests can enjoy scenic views
of the city’s historic rooftops and in winter the Cortiina Bar is a
vibrant, cozy, and atmospheric place to be seen.
Munich home design stores directory
Abovo, Rumfordstrasse 8, 80469
Butlers, Theatinerstr 14, 80333
Delikatessen, Reichenbachstr 24, 80469
Koton, Barer Straße 38, 80333
Ladoug, Müllerstraße 30, 80469
Sinneswahn, Hohenzollernstr 37, 80801
Thiersch 15, Thierschstr 15, 80538
1260grad, Sedanstraße 27, 81667
Munich Christmas markets directory
Chinesischer Turm– Christmas market deep inside the
English Garden
Kripperlmarkt– great for cribs and other nativity accessories
Marienplatz– market stalls and a free daily music performance
Sendlinger Tor– perfect for craft lovers, with unique spices
and tea sellers in the mix
Stephansplatz– the city’s gay pink Christmas market
Viktualienmarkt– this year-round market gets a festive
makeover in December
Wittelsbacher Platz– Medieval Christmas market with great
food stalls and music
How to get to Munich
You can fly into Munich International Airport, which
has two terminals. The airport connects to central
Munich by (suburban train) on the S1 and S8 line.
The journey in 2012 costs € 10 for a single ticket (or
€ 11.00 for a day pass) or € 19. 80 for a partner ticket,
which is valid for up to five people. Trains run every 5
to 20 minutes and takes no more than 40 minutes to
reach the central station. Car hire and taxis are also
available at the airport.
