City Guide: Munich

Although lesser known than Berlin, Munich, or München, has become a popular destination for expats, with nearly 40% of its residents foreign born. Located in south west Germany, Munich is extremely well connected to the rest of Europe, making weekend getaways to other countries by plane or train astonishingly quick and cheap.

4B student Antonia Stanev has spent one year living and working in Munich, and has fallen in love with the city. For her 8 month co-op, Antonia was interested in living in Europe to discover new experiences and architectural practices. After sending out many applications, she was hired to work for Henning Larsen and booked a plane ticket to Munich.

Henning Larsen is a Danish firm with its headquarters in Copenhagen, but it also has a location in Munich. The office in Munich was intriguing, as it had a Danish perspective of architectural philosophy but adapted it within the German context. The primary language spoken at the office was English because many of the employees were from all over Europe. International interns also flowed through the office every couple months or so. The office culture was informal, relaxed, and incredibly social; themed parties are always planned, and everyone enjoyed a drink – or lots.

Like many European countries, the language barrier proved difficult at times. Antonia recommends learning some basic German phrases to make ordering food and getting directions easier. The demand for housing also greatly outnumbered the supply, so she also advises that students interested in working in Munich look for accommodations ahead of time and further out into the outskirts of the city.

Baywatch themed party at Henning Larsen.

Places to eat and drink

: This open market is located in Marienplatz, which is open everyday. A great place to get fresh produce, meats, or antipasto!

: Biergartens are very popular in Germany. Antonia prefers the biergartens near the English Garden as they tend to have better crowds.

: Backerei Wimmer is german for bake shop. There is one located on just about every block in Munich. They have affordable lunch options, and smell amazing.

: Trisoux is a bar located in Sendlinger Tor. This district is known for its nightlife and plenty of bar options. Trisoux has classy cocktails, lavish interior decor, and an overall great vibe.

: Couch Club is also located in Sendlinger Tor, and has more grunge atmosphere and generous gin options.

: Mixed Munich Arts located in Koningsplatz. Munich has a great techno scene, one of Antonia’s favourite venues is MMA. Located inside an old power plant, all the dance floors are below ground. As one approaches the entrance, you can feel the vibration coming from below.

Places to see

: The River Isar runs through the entire city. Public space is amazing along the water, and there are numerous parks that run parallel to the river, including the sprawling English Gardens.

: Marienplatz located in the centre of the city. The square has numerous historic institutions adjacent to it. In the winter, the square transforms into a Christmas market.

: Surrounding Marienplatz is the bustling retail district. Hidden away is a tranquil garden designed for stressed shoppers to relax.

: Glyptothek, a grand museum that displays romanesque sculptures and a miniature replication of the Pantheon.

: Neue Pinakothek is also a museum not far from Glyptothek. It exhibits paintings from the renaissance to contemporary period. If you are more into architecture than art, the museum is a stunning postmodern building.