Munich, beer and bakeries oh my…

My final day in Germany brought me to Munich, and I decided to focus on two things I particularly enjoy when traveling through Europe: bakeries and history. Fortunately, Munich delivered plenty of both.

We arrived using public transportation, which continues to impress me.

Navigating the vibrant subway system: even with local expertise, unexpected hurdles abound.

The trains have been efficient, timely, and an excellent way to travel. Would I have attempted all of this public transportation without my friend and guide? Absolutely not. I am fairly certain that somewhere along the way I would have boarded the wrong train and ended up in Austria.

As we exited the station and walked into Munich’s Old Town, we were immediately surrounded by history—and the smell of freshly baked goods.

Travelers pause to indulge in freshly baked treats at a bustling subway bakery, a hidden gem amid the daily commute.

The historic center was packed on this beautiful Saturday. Churches, towers, and centuries-old buildings surrounded the squares, while the impressive New Town Hall dominated one side with its ornate façade, towers, spires, and flower-filled balconies.

At street level, however, another side of Munich was competing for my attention: the food. Fresh fruit,

A vibrant street fruit stall offers a fresh selection of strawberries, nectarines, figs, and more, perfect for a healthy snack on the go.

cheese, bread, pastries, sausages, and meats seemed to be everywhere. Traditional butcher shops are still very much alive in this part of Europe.

A welcoming butcher stands proudly in a well-stocked European shop, showcasing a variety of fresh meats and traditional sausages, highlighting the enduring craft and trade of butchery across Europe.

The craft doesn’t appear to be disappearing the way it sometimes seems to be in the United States. Small shops displayed incredible selections of sausages and meats, while nearby cheese shops offered equally impressive choices.

One thing that particularly stood out was that Munich’s Old Town didn’t feel as though it existed solely for tourists. Yes, there were plenty of visitors, but there were also local people shopping, eating, meeting friends, and going about their Saturday routines. That gives the area an authenticity I really enjoyed.

Even the statues tell stories. In the center of the Viktualienmarkt stands a fountain honoring Karl Valentin, a famous Munich comedian and performer whose unconventional humor was well ahead of his time.

Fountain, art, and history all combined in one to memorialize a local comedian.

Of course, you really can’t visit Munich without talking about beer.

We stopped at the famous Hofbräuhaus München, whose brewing history dates to the late 16th century. Today, servers in traditional clothing carry enormous mugs of beer through crowded rooms while musicians and guests create the atmosphere most people probably imagine when they think about Bavaria.

Visitors gather in a historic beer house with vibrant restored murals, enjoying drinks and meals in a venue brought back to life after WWII destruction.

The building also has a darker political history. Adolf Hitler spoke here during the early years of the Nazi movement, and the Hofbräuhaus became associated with some early Nazi political gatherings. Much of the building was destroyed during Allied bombing in World War II and later reconstructed.

Oktoberfest begins soon, but being in Munich the week before already feels a little like being at a fall festival. Temperatures have been in the mid-60s, the sun has been shining, and people are gathering outdoors throughout the city.

A beautifully adorned team of horses stands ready to pull local dignitaries at the vibrant opening of Oktoberfest in Munich, as onlookers admire the festive preparations.

Walking through the Isartor provided another reminder of just how old Munich is. The medieval gate was completed in 1337 as part of the city’s expanded fortifications. It once formed part of a wall protecting Munich from rival armies, regional conflicts, and raids. Today, you simply walk through it into another part of the city.

Majestic gates of Munich stand adorned with intricate historical artwork, a testament to the city's vibrant past and its role as a crossroads for visitors and conquerors alike.

That may be what I enjoy most about traveling through Europe. History isn’t confined to museums. You walk through it, eat beside it, ride trains underneath it, and sometimes find it while searching for your next pastry.

And after two weeks of nearly perfect weather, I have only one additional observation for Europe:Air conditioning works. You should really consider it.