Saskia Diez is a Munich-based jewelry designer who sells her eponymous line on Net-a-Porter, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, SSENSE, and many more retailers globally. Her pieces have been worn by the likes of Tilda Swinton and Kelela. Originally from Kranenburg, Germany, near the Dutch border, Diez moved to Munich 20 years ago for her work. “Munich has a great network for sourcing, crafts, materials, industry, smaller and bigger workshops,” she says. In fact, one of her jewelry series, ISAR, uses stones collected at the river that runs through Munich, and she has them cut and polished in a workshop that specializes in precious gems.
“The creative scene is not the most visible because Munich is rather expensive,” she says. Over time, however, Diez fell in love with Munich’s “great food, culture, and greenery—the city is is surrounded by clean lakes and mountains.” Here, she details her favorite spots in Bavaria’s capital—places Oktoberfest tourists might overlook.
Where do you tell people to stay when they’re visiting Munich?
When they’re friends, I invite them to my home. The Flushing Meadows is nice. If you care for a spa, the Sophitel is a good choice.
Where do you take out-of-town visitors for dinner?
Where do you go to see art in Munich?
Haus der Kunst—the contemporary art museum.
When you want to escape the city, where do you go?
To one of the lakes around or the mountains. You can reach a lot of nice places in about one hour of driving. Otherwise you can just take your bike or walk along the river.
What dishes epitomize Munich, and where are the best places to try them?
White sausages with sweet mustard and pretzels. Best is to try them in a restaurant around the meat market, where they do those freshly themselves.
Best place for a night out?
Best place for breakfast or brunch?
Where can you learn about the history of Munich?
In the Stadtmuseum. It also has a nice cafe and restaurant.
If you’re visiting Munich, don’t leave without…
Eating a pretzel at Viktualienmarkt.