Many influencers visit Munich every year and capture the city through an array of videos, articles and photos. In order to gain some real insight into their creative work and to find out what they love so much about Munich, we have put together a questionnaire This time: Gerrit Elen from Antwerp, the face behind the travel blog Gerrit and the city.
How had you imagined Munich before your visit?
To be completely honest, I had no idea what Munich would be like before visiting. However, my boyfriend lived in the Bavarian capital for one year during his studies and absolutely fell in love with the city during that time, so I was eager to discover it myself.
And how did it turn out to be?
I have no trouble understanding why my boyfriend loved living in Munich. The city is safe and clean, the infrastructures are good and the architecture is beautiful. As for the people visiting, there’s a great variety of things to do and see!
What did you like the most?
What I loved about Munich is its capacity of mixing past and future. All over the city there are beautiful relics of its grand royal past, yet the city is also very contemporary, through its enthusiasm for design and young people.
What was the most interesting place?
The Lenbachhaus. The fusion of the old and the new building was done in a remarkable way and I was really inspired by the section dedicated to the Blauer Reiter artist group.
What was the tastiest food? What was the best drink?
Personally I love Italian food and the dishes I tasted at Ella were absolutely wonderful. As for the best drink, I would have to say the ‘Spatzl’ (Bavarian for ‘darling’), Pfistermühle’s version of the Apérol Spritz.
What was your nicest encounter?
For our dinner at the Pfistermühle restaurant we were welcomed in the most charming and personal way by our host. I can’t remember his name but this young man made us feel right at home!
What was your favorite moment?
On Sunday, after visiting the Schloss Nymphenburg (palace), we wandered in the vast domain behind it. I really liked discovering the four hidden palaces in the park which were mesmerizing, each in their own unique way.
What did you learn?
Obviously I learned a lot about Munich’s rich past as capital of Bavaria. The history of King Ludwig I and his legacy are real treasures.
You can give your friends three tips for a trip to Munich – where do you tell them to go?
Head to Reichenbachstrasse for some alternative shopping. Visit the Englischer Garten (park) to watch the surfers in action. And taste some delicious vegetarian food at Prinz Myshkin.
What do you want to do on your next trip?
Next time I'm in Munich I think I'd like to visit the Residenz as well as the Glyptothek.
Which photo of Munich got the best response from your followers?
The picture of me at the Nymphenburg Palace, mostly because I was wearing an eye-catching jacket with golden embroideries. I believe a visit to a royal palace was the perfect occasion to wear it!
And why photo do you personally like the most? Why?
I like the picture I took in the entrance hall of the Lenbachhaus because of the light.
What's your personal tip for the perfect holiday photo?
As for all pictures, the light is super important! Other than that, a holiday photo should showcase a place that is most unique of the destination or that had particular meaning to you.
What are your three golden tips for travelling?
What I consider the most important part is research and planning upfront. Read about the place you’re visiting to get a better understanding of its unique features, list all the spots you’d like to see and make an agenda for your trip.
And last but not least: What do you think people from Munich mean when they say Bazi* ? Any ideas?
I have no clue honestly!
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Gerrit and I’m a young man from Belgium who’s passionate about travel, fashion and deco. I work full time as brand manager for a luxury cosmetics brand and during my free time I’m active as influencer/ travel blogger under the name Gerrit and the City. The name for my blog comes from my favourite tv show Sex and the City and I mostly like to do city trips.
Where do you get inspiration for your work?
Before my trips, I consult many sources such as Culture Trip, the Condé Nast Traveller and Vogue.
What's the biggest challenge in your job?
As a travel blogger, I find it challenging to do everything I wish to do within the limited time frame I have. During my city trips, I usually have three days to do everything I planned, take notes, make photographs and hopefully enjoy myself along the way as well!
Thank you, Gerrit!
