Spring in Munich: The Best Tips for a Weekend

Munich often proudly calls itself the northernmost city in Italy—and frankly, it’s not far off. The city on the Isar is already enjoying warm spring temperatures, a relaxed dolce vita vibe, and plenty of must-see sights that definitely belong on your bucket list.

If you're looking for a luxury hotel in Munich that impresses on multiple levels, you’ll quickly come across The Charles. A member of the prestigious Rocco Forte Hotels, it offers the best of both worlds: it’s within walking distance of Munich’s historic Old Town, yet perfectly situated for those seeking peace and a touch of nature. Nestled between Karlsplatz and Königsplatz and right next to the Old Botanical Garden, many of its 160 rooms and suites offer beautiful views of lush greenery.

Just recently, 61 of the rooms and suites were refreshed—and of course, the legendary Olga Polizzi once again led the interior design. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding area, she created serene retreats that are truly one of a kind. Elegant, thoughtfully designed, and supremely cozy, the updated spaces offer a modern take on royal living right on Königsplatz. Last fall, the hotel also welcomed a new addition: Restaurant Florio, an in-house dining spot that stands out for its inviting atmosphere and exceptional dinner concept. None other than culinary icon Fulvio Pierangelini is responisble for it. A wonderful spa and incredibly warm staff complete every stay to perfection.

The Charles, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Sophienstraße 28, 80333 Munich, Germany
+49 89 5445550 - roccofortehotels.com
Doubles from € 490

April may be known for its unpredictable weather, but both it and its successor, May, often show Munich at its very best. Now is the perfect time to enjoy not only the city's iconic sights in mild temperatures but also to witness nature as it awakens. And what better place to do that than at the English Garden? It’s one of the largest urban parks in the world—at 375 hectares, it’s even bigger than New York’s Central Park. Expansive meadows invite visitors to sunbathe, read, or picnic, while at the park’s southern entrance, thrill-seekers can be spotted surfing the legendary Eisbach wave.

If you want to get active yourself, you can hire rowing boats or pedal boats at Kleinhesseloher See, or use the park for yoga, volleyball, jogging or cycling. If you want to get a taste of beer culture at the same time, you can either visit the beer garden Am Chinesischen Turm or Das Seehaus. The latter invites you to enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the water or home-made cakes, for example.

The English Garden might be the obvious choice, but it’s far from the only place to experience spring in Munich at its finest. The Olympiapark and the Isar River also beckon with scenic walking paths, jogging trails, and vibrant blooms. Why not head up to the Olympiapark for sunset, take a pedal boat out on the lake, and unwind on the grassy meadows? It’s the perfect way to do as the locals do. Especially during the warmer months, the Olympiapark and the Isar—particularly the stretch between Reichenbachkiosk and Wittelsbacher Bridge—become lively and much-loved hangouts.

If the weather doesn't play ball, there're still numerous special museums in Munich that are well worth a visit. These include, for example:

• Alte Pinakothek with masterpieces by Dürer, Rubens, Rembrandt and da Vinci
• Deutsches Museum is the largest technology and science museum in the world
• the new FC Bayern Museum in the Allianz Arena, which is the largest club museum in Germany dedicated to the soccer club

On Museum Day, which traditionally takes place in May, there's free admission, guided tours and special exhibitions. In 2025, Museum Day will be celebrated on May 18.

A stroll through Munich’s Old Town will sooner or later take you past Marienplatz with its iconic New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche. Both are not only fantastic photo ops but also ideal starting points for shopping sprees and guided city tours—after all, Munich’s main shopping street stretches from Stachus to Marienplatz. Along the way, you’ll come across the Asam Church, one of the most beautiful Rococo churches in Germany, as well as the Munich Residenz, a former royal palace located right in the heart of the city. Conveniently, it borders the Hofgarten, a peaceful park that’s perfect for a quick break.

If you want to cross the classic Augustinerbräu or Hofbräuhaus breweries off your bucket list, it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists. If you're looking for good beer, you can find it almost anywhere else in the city - after all, hopped beer is part of Munich's culture. Speaking of being "part of it": The Viktualienmarkt has retained its flair and still offers fresh fruit, vegetables, honey and handicrafts. A special tip are the pickled gherkins, which are well worth queuing for. And of course the ox cheek rolls from the "Kleiner Ochsenbrater"! Not far from the Viktualienmarkt, the Eataly awaits shopping enthusiasts with its wide range of the finest Italian delicacies.

The fact that you can not only celebrate spring with culinary delights in Munich, but that first-class cuisine is on offer all year round, is proven by many award-winning and well-known institutions. Well-known institutions such as the Alois Dallmayr Fine Dining restaurant, Tantris and Schumann's Bar. But Munich's foodie and gastronomy scene is creative, new concepts are emerging and you can also enjoy excellent food off the beaten track:

• Izakaya: True to its name, the restaurant offers modern Japanese cuisine with South American influences in a sharing style. Creative techniques, a contemporary setting and insanely good margaritas definitely make the evening worthwhile. Be sure to order several dishes per person! Reservation required. Landsberger Str. 68, 80339 Munich
• Shandiz: Here, you can enjoy the finest Persian cuisine in the immediate vicinity of The Charles Hotel. The service is just as friendly and unagitated as the interior design, the restaurant is well frequented and almost always full. Reservation is also necessary here. Dachauer Str. 50, 80335 Munich
• Ralph's Coffee: If you're in Munich, you have to visit the legendary Lodenfrey department store. And if you're already there, you should definitely treat yourself to a coffee in the Munich outlet of Ralph Lauren's coffee house chain. So stylish! And on the way out, it's best to take a few macarons from the Laduree stand... Maffeistraße 9, 80333 Munich