Coffee & tea

Canapé is an odd place. Located just off the Lehel subway exit, it is surrounded by relatively upscale and fancy shops and restaurants. This tiny bistro and deli store however has remained decidedly down-to-earth and old-fashioned.

The interior is scarce, but the food is just awesome: Several types of roasted meat, salmon, antipasti of all sorts. And I’m talking antipasti that can’t be found in any supermarket, like squash or parsnip (I think that was parsnip…). You can basically make your sandwich, which is 4-5 Euro apiece. For about the same you can also order warm meals, usually involving pasta and some seasonal ingredients.

I used to work right around the corner and come here almost daily. When I came back here after being abroad for over a year, almost nothing had changed. The elderberry lemonade is dead cheap and delicious (0.90 Euro a glass) and Canapé is still flocked by the many people working in that area. So it’s not uncommon that the always friendly owner runs out of bread around two in the afternoon, meaning it’s absolutely advisable to go there early!

Tresznjewski is a bar slash cafe I’ve ignored for years. It is located next to the Pinakotheken and between two universities, so it’s always flocked with people. I’ve walked past this place where almost everyday countless people are sunbathing with a coffee or – more likely – a beer in their hands. Most of them are probably artists or students, because let’s face it, who can afford to get day-drunk at 11:00 on a weekday?

In hindsight I am wondering how I could be that ignorant not to try that one out. I’ll just blame the almost unspeakable name. Tresznjewski is a typical brasserie, serving solid and rich food (burgers, steaks, pasta), good breakfasts and one of my favorite beers from Bavaria – Ayinger (love the Bräuweisse, a fruity wheat beer).

The atmosphere inside is nice with high ceilings and lots of dark wood. However, sitting outside in a tiny chair on the sidewalk is so much better. At least when the sun is out.

One of my favourite rooftop spots in Munich, located right inside the main building of Technische Universität München. Just perfect to take a sundowner drink and watch the view over the roofs of the city. The terrace has a south/west orientation – so you can enjoy sunlight until sunset. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are served, and the barista loves to create the perfect crema on your cappuccino and is your man to mix even the most creative drinks of your delight.

PRETTY CENTRAL. Its location in the center of Maxvorstadt district is very close to the gallery/museum-area Königsplatz, Lenbachhaus and Pinakotheken, and easily to reach in a 15 minute walk from the city center.

GORGEOUS VIEW. Enjoy a great view over the nearby art temples and the city center roofs with the Bavarian Alps in the background (around 50km south of Munich). For sunny evenings before the holidays they sometimes play live music, which is announced on their Facebook page.

HOW TO GET THERE?! The cafeteria is not really easy to find, but this is how you’ll find the right way: After entering the main entrance of “Technische Universität München” –> simply walk left and follow the directory Vorhoelzer Forum, inside the huge university building. For all those without sportive ambitions > I strongly recommend you use the elevator, which ends at the 5th floor right inside the cafeteria.

OPEN TODAY? I’d recommend to check the Facebook page, as sometimes the cafeteria is closed, when the forum is booked for university events.

One of life’s simple pleasures is a beautiful pastry that is also sumptuously delicious. Maelu has an incredible array of cakes and pastries that make its small shop seem as if you’re stepping into a Parisian pâtisserie.

These little works of art are also a rare find, because it seems as though virtually every cake here is either doused with rum or rather dry. Rest assured these are not alcohol laden nor dry. They have quite a few inventive flavor combinations as well as the more traditional favorites, too. 

If you have a sweet tooth and cakes aren’t your thing you may enjoy the chocolates, pralines, or macarons.

Another option, which I want to do myself, is their macaron baking course or their torte making course.

This is the perfect place to reward yourself after a long day of walking around town and taking in the sights and best of all it’s right in the heart of the city. 

The Museum Brandhorst is a contemporary art collection that opened in 2009. It was previously privately held by patrons Udo and Anette Brandhorst who have been gracious enough to share their cultural treasures with the city of Munich and its visitors.

The building itself is covered in ceramic pieces that resemble an artist’s pastels – twenty three different colors decorate the facade, which make it appear slightly abstract. It is nice to stroll past at various points through the day to see how the light creates a distinctive, yet beautiful interactive piece of architecture. It certainly beckons people to visit the impressive collection.

Among the artists represented are: Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Damian Hirst, and Jean-Michel Basquiat to name a few. The collection boasts over 700 works, including several illustrated books.

The museum also features a café and book store, as well as tours and workshops.

Thursdays the museum is open until 20:00.

If you are short on cash or don’t mind dealing with the crowds, you can also visit on Sunday when the reduced admission is only € 1.

The current exhibition includes a room installation from Cady Nolan and British concept artist Gillian Wearing.