Munich in the Rain: Between Splendor and Puddles
Servus!
Munich is often called the “northernmost city in Italy.” Well, unfortunately, the weather sometimes forgets that. When the foehn wind isn't blowing and the sky over the Alps closes in, things can get pretty unpleasant in the Bavarian capital. We've been coming back here for years. Munich in the rain seems almost more authentic. The fashionable crowd stays away, the beer gardens are empty, and the city belongs to the locals again. That's when the pubs become truly cozy. Here are our 12 favorite things to do on rainy days along the Isar.
Deutsches Museum
The Deutsches Museum on Museum Island is simply enormous. When it's pouring outside, we usually plan to spend an entire day there. You can walk for miles through mining tunnels deep underground and stand in front of enormous airplanes. Our tip: Just let yourself wander. Last time, we completely lost ourselves in the musical instruments section. It's tiring, but you immediately forget about the weather inside.
Café Frischhut
If you're at Viktualienmarkt and it starts to drizzle, go to Café Frischhut. Order a Schmalznudel and a mug of coffee. The pastry is freshly fried in fat and arrives at the table still warm. It takes less than 20 minutes, but afterward your mood will be restored.
Munich Residenz
From the outside, the palace in the middle of the city center looks almost a little inconspicuous. Inside, the splendor is overwhelming. We especially like the Antiquarium, that enormous Renaissance hall filled with busts. Since you're indoors the whole time, it's the perfect walk without an umbrella.
Eisbach Wave
The surfers in the English Garden are world-famous. Most people stand on the bridge in the rain. Just stand under the trees at the side or directly beneath the bridge arch. The surfers don't care about the weather because they're already wet anyway. Watching the water rush by while rain patters on the leaves is incredibly soothing.
Augustiner Bräustuben
If you're looking for no-frills pub culture, head to Landsberger Straße and the Augustiner Bräustuben. The restaurant is located in the brewery's former stables. It's loud, rustic, and the beer seems to arrive seconds after you order it. You sit at long wooden tables next to Munich originals and students. There are roast pork and dumplings. When there's a storm outside, there are few warmer places.
Kunstareal
The practical thing about Munich is that many museums are close to one another. Alongside the famous Pinakotheken, the Museum Brandhorst is well worth a visit. Among other works, it houses Cy Twombly's enormous rose paintings. Sitting in this gallery is incredibly relaxing. Afterward, make a quick dash to the Egyptian Museum, which is entirely underground.
Valentin-Karlstadt Museum
This museum dedicated to Karl Valentin and Liesl Karlstadt is hidden inside Isartor. It's cramped, winding, and full of absurd exhibits such as the fur-covered winter toothpick. You simply have to appreciate this particular Bavarian humor. For a quick 45-minute visit, it's great fun.
Dallmayr Delicatessen House
When the rain catches us in the city center, we take a detour to Dallmayr. Stroll past chocolates, oysters, and cheese counters and enjoy the aromas. You don't have to buy much. A small bag of coffee is enough, and the short walk in the dry simply feels luxurious.
Müller's Volksbad
An Art Nouveau building right on the Isar. Here, you swim as if in a historic hall. The Roman-Irish steam bath is especially worthwhile in cold, wet weather. When you're sitting in the warm-air rooms and looking at the old decorations, you forget about the rain outside. It's usually quietest in the morning or late in the evening.
Museum Lichtspiele
This small cinema near the Deutsches Museum has shown The Rocky Horror Picture Show every week for more than 40 years. We saw it during a torrential downpour. People sing along, and the atmosphere is fantastic. A true institution for rainy evenings.
BMW Welt
You don't have to be a huge car fan, but the building at Olympiapark is architecturally fascinating. The glass-and-steel double cone is completely covered. Admission is free, and you can walk across the bridges through the hall while staying dry.
Tram Line 19
When your feet are tired and the weather isn't cooperating, simply hop on Tram 19. The line starts at the main train station and passes Stachus, the Nationaltheater, and Maximilianstraße before continuing to Max-Weber-Platz. Sit by the window and let the city pass by. It only costs a regular ticket and saves your energy.
Conclusion!
Munich doesn't need bright sunshine to show its character. The mix of culture and pub atmosphere works almost even better in rainy weather.
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Do you have a personal favorite place in Munich or a special tip for when the weather doesn't cooperate? Simply share your personal tips in the comments.👇
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