A Romantic Couple's Guide To Munich

With its old school charm, beautiful neoclassical architecture, and pretty parks, Munich is the perfect place for a romantic break. From cocktails and dancing to naked sunbathing, step off the tourist track, put down the beer and do something a bit different with our suggestions to make your time together in Munich extra special.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Picnic in West Park

Smaller than its famous cousin the English Garden, you’ll find this park in the southwest of the city, about 10 minutes on the U-Bahn from Marienplatz. Often overlooked by tourists, it’s the perfect spot for strolling hand-in-hand around the lake. Tucked away in this picturesque park you’ll find a Japanese garden, a Thai temple, and even an outdoor cinema in summer. Pop to a local bakery then buy some steckerlfisch from the little stall near the beer garden to create a delicious impromptu picnic.

Think you have the same taste? You’re spoilt for choice with the many different museums in Munich, particularly for modern art. To see contemporary classics by Damien Hirst, Joseph Beuys, and Andy Warhol, including his “Marilyn” portrait, head to Museum Brandhorst. This distinctive building opened its doors in 2009. Rather than packing the hyper modern gallery full of exhibits, the museum has wide open rooms with vast white walls. Make the most of €1 entry on Sundays, and avoid Mondays when the Brandhorst is closed.

Sunbathe naked

Germans are not afraid to bare all. In fact, Munich has six “designated urban naked zones”! You might think these would be tucked away somewhere or fenced off, but no – take the wrong turn in the English garden and you’ll find yourself seeing a whole lot more of Germany. If you can’t beat them… join them! There aren’t many cities in the world where you can go au naturel. You’ll find the other naked zones along the Isar River.

Go for cocktails

Like the thought of being serenaded by a world-class pianist while sipping cocktails? Head to Pusser’s which claims to have introduced Munich to classic American cocktail bar culture when it opened in 1974. Downstairs you’ll find gifted pianists tickling the ivories every Thursday to Saturday from 9pm – you’ll need a reservation! The best part? These guys are so passionate about cocktails that they trademarked their own PUSSER’S PAINKILLER™. As tasty as it is strong, you might not remember the evening, but you’ll have a great time.

Dance the night away

See how in sync you are with a night on the dancefloor! In the creative quarter around Ostbahnhof you’ll find live-music-lovers’ haven, Nachtkantine. Formerly the staff cantine for Pfanni — a major Munich manufacturer of all manner of potato-related product, they now host several dance-themed nights such as salsa and swing with live music to match. Even if you don’t want to get up on the dancefloor yourself, watching others Charleston, Lindy Hop, or tango the night away is great entertainment.

Escape to a Lake

If you have more than a couple of days in the city, make like a Münchner and spend the afternoon relaxing together by a lake. Just 36 minutes on the S-Bahn from Marienplatz will take you to Lake Starnberg – Germany’s fifth largest freshwater lake! Only 25 km from the centre, it feels like another world. Starnberg even gets a mention in T. S. Elliot’s poem, The Waste Land. If you’re not inspired to pen a poem, stroll around the lakeside, sunbathe and admire the view.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.