City breaks: the perfect tonic to reset mind, body and soul
Munich, Germany
City breaks are, for me, one of the most powerful ways to pause, reset and reconnect with yourself. A change of skyline, a different pace, new flavours and unexpected moments in between the sights can work wonders for the mind, body and soul. With more than 15 regional airports and several major hubs across the UK, plus a wealth of low-cost, charter and scheduled airlines to choose from, hopping off for a few days in a new city has never been easier. It is perfectly possible to do it in a way that feels indulgent and restorative, without needing a huge budget. Over the next 10 weeks, I will be sharing my top 10 cities that every traveller should experience at least once. To start, I am shining a spotlight on one of my absolute favourites: Munich (München).
Munich: a Bavarian classic with a modern heartbeat
For an authentic taste of Bavarian culture, a trip to Munich is a must. It is a city that delivers grand architecture, leafy green spaces, traditional beer halls and cutting-edge innovation, all wrapped up in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Easy arrivals
From Munich Airport, getting into the city is simple. The S-Bahn connects you directly to the centre, and in under an hour you can be sitting in Marienplatz, coffee in hand, watching the world go by beneath the ornate façades and church spires.
The magic of Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel
Marienplatz is the beating heart of the city, and its star attraction is the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel. This charming 15‑minute show reenacts the royal wedding of Duke Wilhelm V, complete with a jousting tournament, the traditional Schäfflertanz (coopers’ dance) celebrating the end of the plague, and a golden rooster that crows three times to signal the finale.
The Glockenspiel plays daily at 11:00 and 12:00, with an additional 17:00 performance in the summer months. In the evening there is also a special show at 21:00 featuring the night watchman and an angel, which gives the square a wonderfully atmospheric feel.
Escape into the Englischer Garten
One of the reasons I love Munich so much is the ease with which you can slip from city buzz into calming green space. The Englischer Garten is the perfect place to do just that.
One of the largest urban parks in the world, this 356‑hectare oasis stretches from the edge of the Old Town right out to the north‑eastern city limits. I love to simply wander here, soaking up the relaxed vibe and discovering new corners each time.
Make sure you stop at Kleinhesseloher See, a pretty lake where you can hire rowboats or pedal boats for a leisurely hour on the water. Afterwards, head over to the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), a 25‑metre wooden pagoda surrounded by one of Munich’s most popular and traditional beer gardens. In summer, brass bands play from the first floor, filling the air with Bavarian music and creating a lively yet laid‑back atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding with a drink in hand.
Dive into Bavarian tradition
To really immerse yourself in Bavarian culture, a visit to the world‑famous Hofbräuhaus is essential. This three‑storey beer hall offers free entry, hearty regional dishes, generous steins of beer and daily live oompah bands. It can be raucous, it can be cosy, but it is always memorable, and it gives you a genuine flavour of local life.
If time allows, I also recommend a trip out to Olympiapark, the site of the 1972 Olympic Games. A walk up Olympic Hill rewards you with panoramic views over the city and, on clear days, right out to the Alps. It is one of the best places to appreciate Munich’s skyline and its spectacular setting.
A city that keeps evolving
As Germany’s third largest city after Berlin and Hamburg, Munich is both historic and forward‑thinking. Its grand boulevards and baroque churches sit alongside cutting‑edge museums, contemporary galleries and sleek modern architecture. The city is a major hub for science, engineering and innovation, yet it never loses sight of its roots, remaining rightly proud of its world‑class culture, cuisine and traditions.
This blend of old and new is exactly why I keep returning. Munich is a city that brings me joy every time I visit. It feels familiar yet always offers something fresh to discover, and I know I will continue to explore it for many years to come.
If you would like to add Munich to your “must see” city break list, I would be delighted to help you plan it. Get in touch with me by phone or email and I can take care of the details so that all you need to do is relax, explore and fall in love with this wonderful city for yourself.
