Meet Your Local Friend in Munich

Tobias – Founder & Guide

Who are you?

I call myself a “Bavarian Cosmopolitan”. My deep Bavarian roots give me an immense appreciation for the beautiful landscapes, heavenly delights and genuine folks that I associate with this magical place. But I also love to travel the world and experience all the colorfulness and diversity life offers.

Like in a new age novel, a trip to India triggered a significant change in my life. A walking tour in Old Delhi with Dhruv Gupta inspired me to become a tour guide myself. Dhruv calls himself "a local friend", and because of his loveable personality and guiding skills, he became my role model. Fast forward: I abandoned my career as graphic designer that kept me unhappily tethered to an office desk. After an intensive tour guide training program, I worked for one of the city´s largest companies and as independent tour guide in Munich. Finally, with Synthia, I cofounded our own walking tour company – Your Local Friend.

Walk

I cherish a late afternoon walk along the stretch of the Isar River that runs close to the city center. This almost-absurd mix of nature and urban life that maybe only cities like Vancouver and Sydney can offer is so enjoyable. I watch children playing in the shallow water, dogs jostling for a stick and people relaxing after a day at work.

See

I will never get enough of the ceiling frescoes at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Not ever! What beauties they are, revealing their ancient stories. Sit down in a pew, lean your head back and marvel!

Taste

Guess what. I love beer! Enjoying a cold one at Orlando´s next to the Hofbräuhaus while watching the pedestrians passing by is my favorite "Feierabend movie". If you don´t know what a "Feierabend" is, you should come on a tour with me and I promise to tell you!

Synthia – Founder & Guide

Who are you?

People say I am a true European. And I must say that I like the idea. I’m a Münchnerin with Cypriot roots, and I grew up in Northern Bavaria. I have studied and worked in the United States, in Greece and Italy, and I hold a passion for traveling and meeting people from other countries.

My professional career took me to the TV and movie marketing business, with Munich being one of the biggest entertainment hubs in Germany. I am a graduate of Media and Communication, Political Science and Italian Literature.

For me, being a tour guide is the best job in the world. Showing people around my home city and taking them to my favorite places makes me happy. I enjoy long walks, and I ride my bike to manage longer distances. I look forward to getting to know you!

Walk

The Olympic Park is one of my favorite hangouts. On weekends, you will find me strolling around the Olympic lake or hiking up the hill for amazing views. Meet me at Tollwood festival or a concert. Here, a Sunday walk can turn into a big surprise.

See

I like contrasts, as you will find them in the Five Courts, our Fünf Höfe. In my opinion, this is the perfect mix of fascinating art and architecture, of shopping, tasty coffee and cuisine.

Taste

My best food moment: Packing my basket with leftovers from the fridge, meeting husband, kids and friends in the Biergarten at Chinesischer Turm to eat, drink and enjoy what Munich so much stands for: Gemütlichkeit.