I’d wake up in…
Munich
And stay at…
With relatives, or if I can’t, at an Airbnb apartment-I love to cook and shop for local food. It gives me the freedom to do what and when I want it. But for the Munich “beginner” you should stay at the Hotel Bayrischer Hof; perfectly located for all sorts of outings.
Breakfast would be…
Great bread, butter, local cheeses and cold cuts. I don’t like a sweet breakfast-or any breakfast for that matter, but you have to try the amazing variety of sausages and other goodies…..Two cups of very strong coffee and a glass of sparkling Mineral water is a must!
I would wear…
It’s quite fun to wear the local garb, some elements of “Tracht”, although you won’t catch me dressed in it from top to toe, or in a Dirndl. A traditional jacket from the finest materials: thick linen for the summer; wool or kid leather for the winter. Can always be combined with regular wardrobe and voila, also a great souvenir. (at least that is my excuse)
And take these travel essentials…
Layers! The weather changes constantly, sunglasses are essential.
I’d listen to…
Will always bring my own music: Blues, House, Old School Rap, Classic and Latin Jazz, reggae; all on my Spotify.
And visit…
If you don’t visit one of Munich’s fantastic museums, you would be missing out. There are too many to choose from, but Neue Pinakothek might be my favourite,along with the Lenbachhaus, where you can find great insight into the Blue Rider period and other early 20th century visual artists, many not necessarily widely known, or Haus der Kunst. Afterwards you can watch the surfers on the Eiswelle…good fun.
Have lunch at…
Most Munich museums have wonderful restaurants and bars…well worth a visit!
Buy…
I’ll always return to my favourite local department store, Lodenfrey. It is incredibly well curated and has spectacular, old-school service. They have an associated store, Off&Co right next door, with fantastic designers you have never heard of-shown next to Dries and Margiela. Also, much fun to discover and re-discover those family businesses around for generations (gloves come to mind…) in the city centre and young artisans along Türkenstrasse. I bought a fantastic hat there yesterday!
Hang out with…
My son, who goes to Deutsches Fussball Internat, a boarding school for soccer-afflicted boys, and my godmother, a woman of legendary taste, whose house has wonderful paintings Iremember from when I was a teenager. She was the one who inspired me to follow my passions in interior design. Her husband was a famous German Tennis-player and they always have tons of interesting friends dropping in.
Relax at…
Englischer Garten. Rent a bike and get lost in this gigantic urban living room.
Drink…
Ein “Kleines Helles”…it isn’t always small as the name suggests, but is a light coloured beer. I’m not usually a beer drinker at all, but when in Munich….
Chat with…
I love to chat with random people, in stores, cafes….maybe that’s my American influence…you can have the most interesting experiences that way.
And wind down the evening having dinner at…
I have to get my fix of German Food: the simpler, the better. The front room at the Franziskaner might be my choice, unfortunately my most favourite place in Schwabing has since closed. If I don’t get the roast pork with crackling, I choose the steak tartare and hope that the whole table shares the must-have sides with me….krautsalat (cabbage salad), Spreewaelder (potato Salad with cucumber) and,of course,knoedel (dumplings) with sauce. Oh my!