Welcome to Munich
World-class art and thigh-slapping tradition, bamboozling technology and Europes finest beer, head-turning architecture and high-octane affluence Munich keeps its central European promises, all infused with Bavarian Gemtlichkeit, that untranslatable feeling of cosiness and well-being. Throw into the mix a kitbag of dark history and direct transport to Alpine slopes and Munich shapes up to be one of Europes most tantalising destinations.
Munich skyline | Michael Fellner/Getty Images
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Bavarias former seat of power.
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The Worlds Greatest Beer Festival.
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Epicentre of medieval Munich.
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Munichs intriguing art quarter.
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A verdant city park.
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The history of Munich, neatly packaged.
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Bavarian royal familys summer residence.
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A sobering, thought-provoking experience.
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A high-octane experience for car lovers.
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Venue for the 1972 Olympics.
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Royal residences and aviation history.
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Southern Germanys best technical museum.
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Eating
Munich has southern Germanys most exciting restaurant scene. In Munichs kitchens the best dishes make use of fresh regional, seasonal and organic ingredients. The Bavarian capital is also the best place between Vienna and Paris for internationally flavoured dining, especially for Italian, Afghan, Vietnamese and Turkish food, and even vegetarians can look forward to something other than noodles and salads.
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Traditional Bavarian
Bavarian cuisine is hearty and filling. Menus are packed with pork, sausages, veal and river fish, and many dishes are accompanied by dumplings, thick sauces and sauerkraut. One dish you wont find anywhere else is Weisswurst, white veal sausages eaten for breakfast with a pretzel and a jug of wheat beer.
International Cuisine & Vegetarian Options
You dont have to be in the Bavaria metropolis for long to realise that the Bavarians are bonkers about Italian food, while Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Indian food is becoming increasingly popular. Several Afghan restaurants serve the local Afghani population. Vegetarians are well catered for in a few specialist restaurants.
Fine Dining
Munich is an affluent city that can easily support tens of fine dining establishments, gourmet bistros and Michelin-starred eateries. It goes perhaps without saying that prices are astronomical, standards high and portions minuscule. Theres also no chance of getting a seat in any of Munichs top-notch nosheries without booking months ahead.