Sophia's Platzl tip: Take a stroll through the city centre and enjoy the sights

A young woman with a bouquet of flowers at the Viktualienmarkt

To experience Munich, you must immerse yourself in tradition, enjoyment and lively markets. Sophia, a dual student at Platzl Hotels, reveals her favourite places around the Platzl Hotel and the Viktualienmarkt.

Where would you go if you had a few hours to spare in Munich?

I love everything around Platzl and the old town, especially the Viktualienmarkt. It's not only a wonderful place to stroll around, but you can always find something to eat there, too. I love strolling between the stalls and discovering new things.

If you were to visit the Viktualienmarkt for the first time, what advice would you give?

Make sure you have enough time to explore all the stalls. Although the Viktualienmarkt may not seem that big, there is something to discover around every corner. Bring your appetite – many stalls offer samples, and that's an experience not to be missed.

My perfect stroll through the Viktualienmarkt looks like this:

My walk begins with a hearty cheese sandwich from Münchner Käsemanufaktur – a classic that never fails to delight me. After that, a little snack to eat on the go is a must: the famous gherkin from the Saure Gurke stall, which for me is a real must-have and a charming tradition at the same time.

Feeling refreshed, I continue through the market, passing colourful stalls and little items that would make wonderful gifts. After browsing for a while, I stop for a coffee at the Kaffeerösterei am Viktualienmarkt, which serves excellent coffee. If you're in the mood for something sweet, head to Patisserie Lea Zapf, where you'll find small tarts and cakes.

To finish off, I enjoy a glass of wine at Max & Moritz. From here, you can watch the market go by – relaxed, enjoyable and right in the heart of Munich.

Where should you go afterwards?

If I want to take in another highlight from the Viktualienmarkt, I go up the St. Peter's Tower, which the people of Munich affectionately call ‘Old Peter’. From up there, you have a wonderful view over the Viktualienmarkt, the Marienplatz and the roofs of the old town.

Where do you like to go when you get really hungry?

I like to walk a few meters further to Ayinger am Platzl. They serve my favourite dish there: beef tartare with roasted farmhouse bread. The portion is large and really filling, and it tastes fantastic. If I'm feeling lucky, I'll eat a Kaiserschmarrn. For me, that's the perfect end to a day of enjoyment.