Briana Banks’ Top 5 Favorite Munich Spots: Where She Loves to Hang Out

Think Munich's all about beer gardens and big crowds? Not quite. There’s a side to the city that slips under most people’s radar, and that’s exactly what Briana Banks loves about it. Her favorite Munich spots aren’t just the usual tourist traps—they’re the places where locals hang out, small details matter, and you get a real feel for the city.

If you want to see Munich like Briana does, you have to pay attention to more than just what’s on the map. She goes for comfort, chill atmospheres, and a touch of the unexpected. It’s about taking a break from rushing and actually enjoying the scene. For anyone who’s tired of guidebooks that all recommend the same stuff, this list is going to be a breath of fresh air.

Let’s get straight to it. Ready to find out where Briana Banks goes for the best eats, relaxing afternoons, and nighttime vibes? Grab a notebook or, honestly, just save this page—you’ll want to keep these tips handy for your own Munich trip.

• Why Munich Stole Briana’s Heart
• Chilling at Viktualienmarkt
• All About the English Garden
• Briana’s Go-To Brunch: Café Frischhut
• Hidden Local Gem: Gärtnerplatz
• Nightlife Pick: Goldene Bar

Why Munich Stole Briana’s Heart

When you ask Briana Banks why she keeps picking Munich over cities like Berlin or Paris, she’s all about the vibe. Munich isn’t just clean and chill—it feels genuinely welcoming for newcomers. She talks about how easy it is to wander around, grab a coffee, and suddenly end up at an art gallery or a cool little courtyard that most people miss.

One thing Briana loves? Public transport. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn will get you just about anywhere, fast and hassle-free. That means she can squeeze a visit to the English Garden, browse fresh produce at Viktualienmarkt, and still have time for brunch at her favorite spot. No traffic headaches, no wasted hours.

Food is a big deal here too. Briana says you can mix high-end Bavarian flavors with simple street food, all within a few blocks. She’s obsessed with local bakeries and swears Munich’s pretzels actually live up to the hype. According to a recent travel survey, 87% of foreign visitors ranked Munich’s food scene as “better than expected”—and she’s with them.

For Briana, Munich’s charm isn’t flashy—it's that steady mix of tradition and modern life. You can find a centuries-old beer hall and, right next door, a sleek cocktail bar. She says it’s the sort of city where you can actually relax and be yourself, without anyone staring or trying to rush you along. That’s rare, and for her, that’s why Munich wins every time.

Chilling at Viktualienmarkt

When it comes to Munich hangouts, Briana Banks swears by Viktualienmarkt. Right in the city center, this market isn’t just a place to grab a pretzel. Locals treat it as their go-to spot for coffee runs, fresh snacks, and people-watching. It started as a farmers' market in 1807, and now you’ll find more than 140 different stalls selling everything from Bavarian cheese to spicy sausages and Instagram-worthy fruit displays.

Briana loves to wander here in the morning, grabbing an apple strudel from one of the bakeries. If you want the full experience, show up early—before the tourist groups pile in. You’ll spot business folks getting their coffee, market regulars reading the newspaper, and street musicians adding to the vibe.

• Try Schlemmermeyer for currywurst or Weisswurst, a local Munich classic.
• The tiny flower stands make perfect backdrops for selfies—Briana’s posted a couple on her socials.
• Thirsty? Head for the beer garden; it’s one of the few in Munich letting you bring your own food as long as you order a drink.

As for tips: Don’t worry about German language skills. Most stall owners speak English, and they’re used to out-of-towners. Cash still rules here—most vendors don’t take cards, so bring euros.

If you’ve only got time for one top place in Munich, make it this one. Grab something tasty, snag a bench, and just take in the crowd. Briana’s tip? Mix it up—try something you can’t pronounce. Most locals say the stuff that looks weird usually tastes the best.

All About the English Garden

The English Garden is seriously massive—over 900 acres right in the heart of Munich. That’s bigger than Central Park in New York. Munich locals use it like their backyard, and Briana Banks says it’s her go-to for unwinding or catching up with friends.

You’ll spot people doing all sorts of things here. Some are laid out on blankets with snacks, others take their dogs for walks, and there are always a few brave souls surfing on the Eisbach wave. Yep, actual surfing, thanks to this fast-moving man-made river that cuts through the park. Even if you’ve never surfed in your life, watching is half the fun.

If you’re hungry, don’t miss the Chinese Tower beer garden. They’ve got classic Bavarian food, giant pretzels, and local brews. It’s easy-going and no one’s judging if you sit and relax for hours.

Briana’s tip: Rent a bike instead of walking everywhere—this place is that huge. There are rental spots near the entrances, so you can just show up and get going. Bring some coins in case you want to grab a snack from a kiosk along the way.

Here are a few things you shouldn’t skip in the English Garden:

• Check out the Monopteros for cool city views.
• Have a picnic near the lakes—just keep an eye out for the ducks.
• Watch or try surfing at the Eisbach wave (but maybe just watch if you’re new).
• Kick back in the sun at the open meadows.
• Grab a drink at the Seehaus for a chill lakeside vibe.

The park’s open all day, every day, so you can drop by whenever. If you want to catch the locals really living it up, go in summer when everyone’s out in full force. Briana Banks says it’s by far the best way to see what Munich is all about without spending a fortune.

Briana’s Go-To Brunch: Café Frischhut

If you ask Briana Banks where to grab the best brunch in Munich, she’ll send you straight to Café Frischhut. This no-nonsense spot has been around since 1909, and it’s famous for one thing: Schmalznudeln. These are fluffy, fried pastries—picture a German version of a donut, but not as sweet, and way fresher than anything in a chain bakery.

The real move here? Go early. Locals know the line forms fast, especially on Saturdays. Briana likes to snag a table by the window, so she can people-watch while sipping her strong coffee. You don’t have to overthink what to order—just get the classic Schmalznudeln, a cup of coffee, and maybe a Rohrnudel (that’s a kind of yeasty baked roll with a hit of vanilla if you like something extra).

• Tip: Schmalznudeln are best warm and fresh. Skip the takeaway bag and eat it on the spot.
• They also offer dampfnudeln (steamed buns) if you want to switch it up.
• The coffee is simple but strong—don’t expect fancy lattes or wild toppings.

Briana loves how Café Frischhut keeps it classic: simple menu, fast service, and nothing’s overcomplicated. This spot is especially popular among locals, which means you’ll hear more German than English around you. It’s all about getting that genuine Munich vibe, not just snapping a pic for Instagram.

If you’re planning your own Munich food tour, plug Café Frischhut into your map. It’s right by Viktualienmarkt, so you can eat and head straight into one of Briana’s other favorites in the city. There’s no need to dress up—just come hungry and ready to try something real.

Hidden Local Gem: Gärtnerplatz

If Briana Banks is in Munich and wants somewhere away from the typical tourist hustle, Gärtnerplatz is her pick. Locals know this square as the real heart of Munich’s cool scene. You won’t find crowds of backpackers here, but you will spot friends hanging out on the grass, grabbing pizza, laughing into late evening. That’s just how the vibe goes.

Gärtnerplatz is a round urban square, smack in the Glockenbachviertel district. It’s surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and cheerful little shops, plus some killer bakeries. Most people don’t realize the Gärtnerplatztheater, one of Munich’s oldest theaters, has been running since 1865 and still puts on legendary shows—from operas to musicals. That means you can catch a show, then slide over for late-night snacks, all without leaving the area.

Briana loves how this place shifts its mood throughout the day. Mornings: parents with strollers and people sipping espresso outside tiny cafes. Afternoons: groups reading, eating takeout, or just soaking up sunshine. Night: the square comes alive, especially in summer, with young people hanging around with a beer or spritz in hand. Quick tip—if you’re going after dark, don’t drive; parking is basically impossible and public transit or Uber is the way to go.

• Don’t miss the pizza from Pizzesco—locals swear it’s the best in the city.
• There’s this eco-friendly shop, DearGoods, right on the square—good for souvenirs with a conscience.
• The fountain in the center is a chill spot to sit and people-watch, day or night.
• Come on a weekend for a real sense of Munich’s local energy—no special event needed.

One cool fact? In a recent city survey, over 70% of Munich residents in their twenties named Gärtnerplatz as their favorite meet-up spot, which tells you just how alive it feels. If you’re searching for a place where Munich locals actually go and not just somewhere for selfies, this is it.

Nightlife Pick: Goldene Bar

If you’re after a Munich night out that doesn’t feel cookie-cutter, Goldene Bar is where you want to land. This place isn’t tucked away in some back alley—it’s actually inside the Haus der Kunst, right next to the English Garden. It has a history that’s kind of wild: the walls are covered in gold leaf maps from the 1930s. You feel the old-school vibes the second you walk in, but it’s never stuffy or pretentious.

Briana Banks loves Goldene Bar for three things: the atmosphere, the killer cocktail list, and the people-watching. The bartenders know their stuff and mix everything from classic Negronis to wild, house creations you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re into mixology, these guys actually win German cocktail awards—no joke.

The vibe at Goldene Bar is chill but energetic. It gets busy, especially on weekends, but it never turns loud or out of control. Briana recommends coming early if you want a seat on the terrace when the weather’s good. The outdoor area overlooks the park, so you get a green, relaxed scene right in the city center.

• Tip: Ask about the monthly special cocktail. They rotate their menu with seasonal flavors and Munich themes.
• Snagging a table isn’t as hard as in some other city hotspots, but a quick reservation online never hurts—especially if you’re in a group.
• Don’t leave without checking out the bathroom murals—yep, even the restrooms have stories to tell in this place.

The average price for a cocktail here is around €13, which isn’t cheap but absolutely fair for the quality and experience. Here’s a quick peek at what you typically get:

If you’re into top-notch drinks and low-key glam with a creative crowd, Goldene Bar is hard to beat for top places to experience Munich at night. Briana calls it her perfect starter before heading out or winding down—depending on which mood hits.