{"id":5925,"date":"2026-09-28T13:46:41","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T18:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=5925"},"modified":"2026-09-28T13:46:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T18:46:41","slug":"48-hours-being-young-and-vegan-and-exploring-the-best-of-munich-germany","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=5925","title":{"rendered":"48 hours: Being young and vegan and exploring the best of Munich, Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Posted September 28, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By EDEN MCCLAVE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MUNICH, Germany — At 2 a.m., Munich looks nothing like the city of beer halls and Bavarian history that first-time visitors might expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside Lucky Who, a nightclub housed in a building resembling a miniature city hall, a crowd of Germans and international visitors stretches around the corner. The air is crisp. The streets are quiet; the club is anything but. The bouncer has stopped letting people inside, it hasn\u2019t made a difference to those waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, a yellow Lamborghini pulls to the curb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young footballer, newly signed to Germany\u2019s premier league, steps out wearing sunglasses despite the hour. A woman in a skirt as tiny as it is glittery follows. They bypass the line and disappear through the entrance without hesitation. They are on the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For everyone else, the night continues outside. Nearby, a conversation between a tourist and a local sparks about where to find a good caf\u00e9 in Munich leads to Wagner\u2019s Juicery, a vegan spot. The tourist marvels at the coincidence of meeting another vegan. It becomes an enthusiastic exchange about veganism, empathy and the changing values of a younger generation. The local listener seems to agree with everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until it becomes clear that he is not vegan at all. He had simply gone along with it because the enthusiasm was convincing. He goes back inside, leaving the tourist dumbfounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The moment captures something unexpectedly characteristic of modern Munich: beneath the city\u2019s polished, traditional exterior is a youthful culture that is international, fashionable, experimental and occasionally impossible to take at face value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A cinnamon bun, rice milk bowl, and breakfast bagel sandwich from Emmi\u2019s Kitchen (Photos by Eden McClave).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 48 hours, Munich can offer vegan caf\u00e9s in the afternoon, football stars in Lamborghinis at night and a lesson in German humor somewhere in between. For a young traveler looking beyond the World War II history and beer halls, the city has plenty to discover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SATURDAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breakfast at Emmi\u2019s Kitchen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Munich\u2019s active community of cyclists and pedestrians has folded in cuisine beyond the average bratwurst and pretzels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Emmi\u2019s Kitchen, enjoy a completely vegan and gluten free menu. Choose between a sweet or salty signature: bagel sandwich with mushrooms and avocado or their filling cinnamon bun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoothies and lattes are equally delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The secluded patio seating and small cafe create a homey atmosphere. Servers head to the river after their shifts where most of the city\u2019s population spend their weekend afternoons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Bathing in the mid-day sun on the rocky banks of the Isar River.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

River Bathing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With an Emmy\u2019s kitchen veggie burger to go, it’s time to find a suitable spot along the Isar river which runs through the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are no truly secluded spots on a summer day but there are plenty of breaks in the crowd of families and young couples on the pebble shore. Under the bridge, a young woman calls to her boyfriend from the top of the bridge, who flips his shoes off for her to collect before he flips into the water himself. A train of ambitious young men began to gather, putting on a free afternoon show of mid-air tricks and high-octane splashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: bring water shoes or let the rocky river floor give you a free reflexology session and leave tender-footed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon Tea (Beer)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the blissful combination of cold water and hot sun gives way to an afternoon slump, take a walk to Hofbraukeller, an outdoor patio in the heart of the French quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On your way, see the lifestyles of the Munich elite, the townhomes of quiet luxury, the outfits of loud luxury, and the simple luxuries: a tall glass of cold beer under the shade of an umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biergarten\u2019s tables offer space for large parties or use the lawn chairs for a close conversation. On your way back, stop into True & 12 for truly refreshing vegan sorbet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zen Vibes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dine at the entirely vegan Secret Garden restaurant in the heart of old town for Asian dishes as creative and flavorful as they are pleasing to the eye. Tasting portions offer room to explore the extensive menu. The veggie dumplings were a table favorite. Within walking distance to Gartnerplatz, this is the perfect way to digest and set out for a night on the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Night life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gartnerplatz is the meeting place of the young and willing. Bottles line the curb and the tops of trashcans inside of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s not like a German to miss the obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of throwing them away, they leave them to be collected by the homeless population to turn a profit of 25 cents each. The steps of the opera is where the pregame takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partygoers sit like pigeons on a line, swapping stories and bottles before fishing for action. The biggest catches of the night: Lucky Who<\/em> and Don\u2019t Tell<\/em>. If those are too full, try Milch and bar for a Foosball corner, strobe lights, and an American hip hop mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUNDAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure enough, no bottles remain on the curbs or trashcans.

Inside ROOD, a small cafe, find an oasis of organic, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free treats. The smoothies are nutrition-forward and tasty.  The matcha loaf is hearty and delicious. The seating is limited. The atmosphere is conscious and eclectic with moon phase calendars, coffee table books, tarot cards, and skincare products to look through while waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

German engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the Rood fuel, made to last, walk across the bridge to the Deutsches Museum. The interactive and interesting exhibits intrigue the scientific and creative mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From breakthroughs in physics and medicine to the history of bridge construction to the large model train installation, the levels have something for everyone, except air conditioning, they don\u2019t have that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afternoon Tea (for real)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After hitting the gift shop for quirky finds like glowing dice, boxed science experiments, and crystal key chains, keep it local with a trip to Tushita Teehaus, the most authentic matcha shop in the city.  They offer lunch, vegan bowls and bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, vegan and refined sugar free, the treats are a must try. The matcha ice cream with strawberry drizzle is a perfectly not-too-sweet and the matcha latte\u2019s are strong, offering three different matcha origins and qualities for the discerning matcha enjoyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy a decadent slice of Apfel Struedel in the shop whose shelves are lined with matcha cylinders, antique tea sets and unusual finds like Japanese parchment and pots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Sunset starts to color the sky overlooking the Isar River in Munich.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sunset in Old Town<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy the warm light as it descends on Marienplatz, the heart of old town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The famous Glockenspiel\u2019s original figurines can be seen from below in the square of the Rathaus (town hall) with its gothic architecture and various signage that give you an insight into the colorful history of the city, and there\u2019s always time to shop in the European boutiques and shops only available online in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditional Values<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soak up the final moments of Bavarian tradition at Bodhi, where you\u2019ll find vegan versions of the classic Schnitzel, with other takes on traditional dishes. Order dessert to celebrate the small things, living clean and conscious, and the big things, like 48 hours in a city rich with history, beauty, and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You Go<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmi\u2019s Kitchen<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buttermelcherstra\u00dfe 11-15, 80469 M\u00fcnchen-Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Germany. Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hofbraukeller<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innere Wiener Stra\u00dfe 19, 81667 M\u00fcnchen-Au-Haidhausen, Germany. Open daily from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secret Garden<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heiliggeiststra\u00dfe 2 A, 80331 M\u00fcnchen, Germany. Open daily from 12 p.m.-11 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gartnerplatz<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G\u00e4rtnerpl., 80469 M\u00fcnchen, Germany<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lucky Who<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almeida Palais, Innenhof Almeida Palais, Brienner Str. 14, 80333 M\u00fcnchen-Maxvorstadt, Germany. Doors open at 10 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Tell<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

M\u00fcllerstra\u00dfe 54, 80469 M\u00fcnchen, Germany. Doors open at 10 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milch and bar<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonnenstra\u00dfe 27, 80331 M\u00fcnchen, Germany. Doors open at 10 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rood<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fraunhoferstra\u00dfe 36, 80469 M\u00fcnchen-Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Germany . Open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deutsches Museum<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museumsinsel 1, 80538 Munich, Germany. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tushita Teehaus<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Klenzestra\u00dfe 53, 80469 M\u00fcnchen-Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Germany. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marienplatz<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marienplatz, 80331 M\u00fcnchen, Germany<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neues Rathaus<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marienplatz 8, 80331 M\u00fcnchen-Altstadt-Lehel, Germany. Open daily from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bodhi<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ligsalzstra\u00dfe 23, 80339 M\u00fcnchen-Schwanthalerh\u00f6he, Germany. Open daily from 5 p.m.-11 p.m.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Posted September 28, 2026 By EDEN MCCLAVE MUNICH, Germany — At 2 a.m., Munich looks nothing like the city of beer halls and Bavarian history that first-time visitors might expect. Outside Lucky Who, a nightclub housed in a building resembling … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1797,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"sidebar-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5925","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5925","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5925"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5936,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5925\/revisions\/5936"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}