City guide Anton Figl used to cycle through the Westend district every day. Today, he enjoys coming to the area for a meal and guiding visitors through the vibrant streets around Schwanthalerhöhe. In our 5x5, he shares his tips for restaurants, shops and cultural attractions in the Westend district.
“Westend reflects an important part of Munich's economic history: It evolved with the construction of the railway lines around Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest fairground). In contrast to other districts, the Westend does not have a city centre, but over the course of time more and more craft businesses and beer cellars have settled here.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the largest beer hall in Germany from Hacker-Pschorr was still located in Westend! Today, brewery owner Josef Pschorr is the only brewer to be honoured with a bust in the Ruhmeshalle (Hall of Fame) behind the Bavaria (statue). The Augustiner Brewery is also located in the neighbourhood, with many great pubs around Schwanthalerhöhe. And of course, once a year, there is the Oktoberfest on Theresienwiese right next door!
I used to cycle through this charming district every day on my way to work and have grown to love it. I like the beautiful square in front of the Kongresshalle (congress hall) and the beer garden at Bavariapark. The Ca Go, a Vietnamese restaurant, is one of my favourite dining spots and the charming Marais is perfect for a coffee outing. I'm also fascinated by Westend's unique intersections: Several houses have cut-off corners, creating little squares where people like to linger.”
The theme of beer runs like a red thread through the district: The Oktoberfest, the largest public festival in the world, is held every year on the Theresienwiese, where the six major breweries present their festival beers. Just a stone's throw away lies Munich's oldest private brewery: Augustiner beer has delighted the people from Munich for almost 700 years. When the locals gather for after-work sundowner beers, they often head to Hackerbrücke (bridge) or the cosy Bavariapark.
Although Westend is not particularly large, it boasts a remarkably high density of great culinary spots. Some have been around for decades, while new additions are constantly popping up. Café Marais, which opened in 2006, is a well-known and popular institution throughout Munich. Ca Va has been around even longer, since 1985, and is still a meeting hub with regular’s tables in the neighbourhood. Mona John's small French bistro is brand new: If you want to experience a touch of Paris in the Westend, treat yourself to lunch at Coup de Coeur!
The cultural scene in the Westend is as diverse as the district itself: Families love visiting the Verkehrszentrum (transport museum) of the Deutsches Museum, where young and old can discover historic cars, trams and even carriages. The place to go for the younger generation is the Kösk, with its changing exhibitions and workshops. Theatre fans can experience a very special evening at Mathilde Westend, the smallest theatre in Munich at just 15 square meters.
As a former working-class district, Westend has retained small craft businesses tucked away in some of the backyards. Many of the original shops have been preserved, adapting to changing times and needs: Instead of colonial goods and kitchen utensils, you will now find a variety of home accessories and vintner's champagne.
There is hardly another place in Munich with so many great pubs in such a small area! Schwanthalerhöhe is home to several Bavarian addresses, catering to every taste: If you are in the mood for a cosy beer garden, head to Schwalbe. For a hip and modern atmosphere, check out Servus Heidi. Locals often gather at Wirtshaus Eder or Schwanthaler. Even cabaret artist and actress Luise Kinseher occasionally drops by for a meal.
