Munich is easily as enthralling as its big sister Berlin. Museums, galleries and music mean its cultural activities are world class, it mixes reserved yet chic urban living with historic and traditional architecture, then every October the city is transformed beyond belief for the Munich Beer Festival, Oktoberfest.
The city shows off its beauty at the Residenz right through to the tranquil Schloss Nymphenburg Gardens. Shopping from lowly flea-markets to high-end designer boutiques is fantastic and there are more beer gardens here than anywhere else on earth. Add to this the fact that you''re only two hour''s drive away from the Alps and it''s not hard to see why Munich frequently tops the list of the city most Germans want to live in.
When it comes to technology and engineering, Germany sets a very high standard. The Deutsches Museum, located in Hairhausen is one of the best museums in the world showcasing hands-on exhibits that are equally enthralling for kids and adults.
Art also has a glorious history in Germany. The country has produced some of the world''s greatest artists and the Lenbach House, which comes highly decorated by art scholars, hosts spectacular works by Kandinsky, Macke and Mark.
There are numerous parks in Munich, and many double as giant beer gardens. With a capacity of over 8,000 the Hirschgarten located in Neuhausen is the largest. Here you can sip some Wiessbier watching semi-wild deer roaming around. The second largest is the Englischer Garten in Schwabing, which is a beautiful open expanse of space perfect for escaping the heat of the city in the summer.
Schloss Nymphenburg, a huge baroque Bavarian castle, which was the summer residence of early rulers of the region is located just round the corner from the Hirschgarten. Originally a moated castle, the Residenz has been expanded by the Wittelsbach rulers to be transformed to its current dominance in the centre of the city.
From Bach to Beethoven, Germany has produced some outstanding composers in its time, so make sure you experience this music in its homeland. The Bavarian National Opera Company is among the best in the world and they showcase their stuff at the Nationaltheatre. The Residenztheatre also shows a variety of classical and modern plays and music.
Like all things in Munich, hotels cover the entire spectrum of bank balances. Hostels abound as do luxury 5-stars that are either uber modern minimalism or opulent and traditional. Beware that the summer months and the two weeks of Oktoberfest see hotels get booked out months in advance and rates are also significantly higher. However, for Christmas markets and pleasant spring time breaks, Munich and its hotels are accessible, affordable and attractive.
Zenobia Vuturo is a professional writer providing information on travel and lodgings, at Octopustravel.com you can book into Munich hotels.
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