{"id":38044,"date":"2015-02-09T16:24:05","date_gmt":"2015-02-09T06:24:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/blog\/?p=38044"},"modified":"2015-02-09T17:12:38","modified_gmt":"2015-02-09T07:12:38","slug":"munich-with-my-friend-the-countess","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/munich-with-my-friend-the-countess\/","title":{"rendered":"MUNICH with my friend, the Countess"},"content":{"rendered":"

My friend Kate recently married a German Count.\u00a0 No biggie.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Well, OK. \u00a0So she is<\/em> technically a COUNTESS now – but she\u2019s still a cheeky, down to earth, Aussie chick at heart.<\/p>\n

\"My<\/a>

My friend the countess<\/p><\/div>\n

Case in point: when I visited Kate recently in Munich<\/a>, she asked me to bring two things from home: a jar of Vegemite and some Glad Wrap (apparently the German cling wrap is so terrible, it gives Kate high blood pressure whenever she tries to use it).<\/p>\n

One of the things Kate loves about her adopted hometown of Munich, other than the ability to travel quickly and easily to a whole range of fabulous European cities (Florence<\/a> one weekend, Paris<\/a> the next\u2026) <\/em>is the fact that Muenchens are really proud of their culture and traditions.\u00a0 The largest and most famous tradition is of course Oktoberfest \u2013 when more than 16 million people visit the city to drink beer and party.\u00a0 But there\u2019s more to this city than just dirty big beer halls and men in lederhosen. \u00a0I got to see the \u201creal\u201d Munich through (Countess) Kate\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\"When<\/a>

When in Munich<\/p><\/div>\n

Where to STAY:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

ADAGIO APARTHOTEL MUNCHEN<\/a> \u2013 The location is absolutely perfect \u2013 it\u2019s just a five minute walk to the central train station and an easy 10 minute stroll into the centre of Munich and all the main attractions, shopping etc.<\/p>\n

\"Adagio<\/a>

Adagio Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n

The hotel provides large, clean rooms \u2013 more like small apartments than hotel rooms. The rooms are equipped with a small kitchen, if you can be bothered cooking.\u00a0 The staff are polite and incredibly helpful with really good English.\u00a0 Nothing was too much trouble- I asked for a quiet room and I was given a room at the back of the hotel, where I slept like a baby.\u00a0 I forgot my European power adaptor but luckily, they were able to sell me one right there at reception.<\/p>\n

\"Apart<\/a>

Apart Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n

The three things I really loved about this hotel \u2026<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The d\u00e9cor is modern and simple \u2013 no clutter (love!)<\/li>\n
  2. The Wi-Fi is free and works well throughout the hotel (bonus!)<\/li>\n
  3. The water pressure in the shower is amazing and they have REAL hairdryers \u2013 not those ridiculous little hang on the wall ones that feel like they couldn\u2019t even blow out a candle (made this girl very happy!)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Where to EAT:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    CAF\u00c9 REITSCHULE<\/a> \u2013 The name literally translates to the \u201cRiding School caf\u00e9\u201d and as it suggests is located in an Equestrian centre, so you can peer through large windows over the arena and watch people riding horses while you eat.<\/p>\n

    \"Horses<\/a>

    Horses at the window<\/p><\/div>\n

    The food is fabulous for brunch or lunch \u2013 with a hearty vegan menu also available.\u00a0 There is a faint whiff of hay when you visit the toilets, but otherwise, it\u2019s a unique and pleasant experience.\u00a0 It\u2019s very much a local haunt \u2013 the waiter\u2019s English is limited and the menu will require translation.<\/p>\n

    \"Riding<\/a>

    Riding School Exterior<\/p><\/div>\n

    CAF\u00c9 LUITPOLD<\/a> \u2013 It\u2019s common for Muenchens to meet with friends for a short break of coffee and cake between 3-5pm.<\/p>\n

    \"Cakes<\/a>

    Cakes at Caf\u00e9 Luitpold<\/p><\/div>\n

    This is one of Kate\u2019s favourite spots for \u201cKaffen & Kuchen\u201d and I have to say, the Apple Strudel is food-gasmic.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s not a tourist trap and I get the feeling that my waiter is less than impressed when he discovers I\u2019m not a local.<\/p>\n

    \"World\u2019s<\/a>

    World\u2019s best Apple Strudel<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"Caf\u00e9<\/a>

    Caf\u00e9 Luitpold<\/p><\/div>\n

    BEIM SEDLMAYR<\/a> \u2013 You won\u2019t find many tourists here- this place is loved by locals for it\u2019s honest German food. \u00a0This is THE<\/em> spot in Munich if you want to try Sausages and Sauerkraut and Spatzle (noodles) and a whole host of other typical Bavarian home-style specialties.<\/p>\n

    BURGER & LOBSTER BANK<\/a> \u2013 This is a hot new restaurant and the place for locals to see and be seen.\u00a0 It sounds like a casual burger joint but it\u2019s actually an upmarket, stylish restaurant hidden away in a laneway off the main drag of Munich.\u00a0 It\u2019s all men in business suits and ladies in fur and the food is 5 star.\u00a0 I\u2019m still dreaming about my Ramen Vegetarian Burger.<\/p>\n

    \"Ramen<\/a>

    Ramen Burger<\/p><\/div>\n

    The Peppers with Parmesan were \u201cmore-ish\u201d and you\u2019d be silly to go anywhere else in Munich for Lobster.<\/p>\n

    Where to DRINK:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    SCHUMANN\u2019S BAR<\/a> \u2013 A Munich institution, this cocktail bar is a popular late night venue.\u00a0 Uber cool and a well heeled crowd, the bartenders actually wear what look like lab coats and take their cocktail making very seriously.\u00a0 Again \u2013 this is strictly a local crowd.<\/p>\n

    BLUE BAR, BAYRISHER HOF<\/a> \u2013 A chic rooftop bar at the Hayerischer Hof, with panoramic views over Munich.\u00a0 The perfect sunset spot.<\/p>\n

    Where to SEE SOMETHING SPECIAL:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    MARIENPLATZ: The Munich \u201cmust do\u201d, this large plaza in the centre of the city, is surrounded by stunning historic buildings, including the Old City Hall, the New City Hall (it\u2019s only<\/em> 100 years old!), the Church of St Peter and it\u2019s old clock tower, where you must<\/em> climb the 206 steps to the top for panoramic views of the city.<\/p>\n

    \"The<\/a>

    The New Town Hall<\/p><\/div>\n

    \"The<\/a>

    The Old Town hall<\/p><\/div>\n

    The Marienplatz is also home to the Vikualienmarkt, a daily outdoor farmers market in the centre of the city, with more than 100 stalls offering fresh food, fruit, flowers, exotic game, cheeses, spices etc.<\/p>\n

    \"View<\/a>

    View from the clock tower<\/p><\/div>\n

    Where to SHOP:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The city centre will keep even the most energetic shopaholic busy for days.\u00a0 Stroll along Kaufingerstrasse, Neuhauserstrasse, Sendlingerstrasse,\u00a0 Theatinerstrasse and the Funf Hofe arcade – and you\u2019ll find all the big European retailers (Zara, H&M, Mango etc) and plenty of local brands. \u00a0I was pleasantly surprised to find one of my favourite Italian brands, Stefanel (with a 50% off sale \u2026 kaching!!)<\/p>\n

    Munich boasts some pretty fab department stores as well. The most famous is the \u201cstore of the senses\u201d \u2018ludwig Beck\u2019<\/a> but one of Countess Kate\u2019s favourites is \u2018Lodenfrey<\/a>\u2019 \u2013 it\u2019s like David Jones on steroids .<\/p>\n

    For the really expensive boutiques, head to the more exclusive Maximillianstrasse and you\u2019ll see why Munich is also known as \u201cItaly\u2019s most northern city\u201d.\u00a0 \u00a0The Bavarian Parliament, the National Theater and the Bavarian State Opera are all nearby, with plenty of classic architecture to admire as well.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong>Where to BE A TOURIST:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    SEGWAY TOUR<\/a>: Kate says this is a must for anyone visiting Munich in the Summer months.\u00a0 You\u2019ll see the best of the best sightseeing hotspots in a small group with some funny, interesting and well informed tour guides.<\/p>\n

    THE HOFBRAUHAUS <\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Ok if you have to do it, visit the Hofbrauhaus for a bucket of beer, oversized pretzels and the Oompa band.\u00a0 They call themselves the most famous pub in the world, but be warned: the only locals here are the staff.<\/p>\n

    \"Tourist\"<\/a>

    Tourist<\/p><\/div>\n

    HOP ON HOP OFF BUS<\/a> \u2013 A great way to see all the city\u2019s major sights in half a day \u2013 including Olympic Park, the BMW museum, the Palace of Nymphenburg with the Royal Gardens, the Max-Joseph-Platz and the Opera House.<\/p>\n

    \"Munich<\/a>

    Munich from the Clock Tower<\/p><\/div>\n

    There you have it- Munich like a local. Got any more tips to share? <\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n