Munich Introduction

Munich, the capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third largest city, lies on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Although it is a large city, it lacks the noise and bustle that is associated with urban life. The streets are spacious with wide boulevards, large squares and many green spaces. It has stunning architecture, great shopping and a vibrant nightlife.

Why Go To Munich

Munich has much to offer holidaymakers with its wonderful churches, museums and galleries. It is the second most visited city in Germany after Berlin. Its wide streets and squares, its parks and its gardens all add to the attraction of the city.

Who Is Munich Popular With

A Munich city break has something for everyone. It provides a wealth of culture, great architecture, shopping, parks and gardens, restaurants and beer gardens and a lively nightlife. It is also close to winter skiing resorts and there are facilities for sailing close by.

When To Go To Munich

Winters last from December to March and they can be cold, often below zero. Summer begins in May and continues until September. The temperatures can reach the mid seventies. Being close to the Alps precipitation can be fairly high.

Munich - The Place

Munich suffered badly from damage during the Second World War and was carefully rebuilt following the American post-war occupation. Munich is an attractive city with a spacious layout having wide boulevards, large squares and plenty of open green space. There is an efficient transport system with trams and an underground system making it easy for tourists to explore the city. At the heart of the city, which was originally a fortified medieval settlement, is the Marienplatz with a column in its centre. Three gates of the old city have survived although one had to be rebuilt after war damage. The oldest church, Peterskirche, was built even before the town was officially founded in 1158. The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the most famous buildings in the city. The Residenz Palace was begun in 1385 and is now a museum of interior decoration. It is home to the treasury and the rococo Cuvillies Theatre. Four Royal Avenues join the centre of the city to the suburbs. Constructed in the nineteenth century and lined by magnificent public buildings, they are a reminder of the grandeur of times past. Munich has very many more grand and gracious edifices worthy of mention, but space prevents it.

There are many parks and gardens in and around the city where visitors can relax in tranquil surroundings. An animal park, home to European animals is situated just outside the city and there is also a zoo, Hellabrunn, on the plains beside the River Isar.

A Munich city break has much to offer visitors, filling their days with sightseeing and shopping, and evenings with food, drink and lively entertainment.

Munich Nightlife

Munich, as befits a large city, provides a wide range of evening entertainment. There are theatres, opera houses and concert halls, beer cellars, bars and discos, nightclubs and restaurants, surely enough to encompass most tastes.

Munich Shopping

Munich has an amazing array of shops from department stores and international chains to boutiques and small specialist shops. There are also a number of flea markets and in late November and December there is also the popular Christmas market. Those looking for typical souvenirs will find Stein type beer mugs, lederhosen, pewter ware, wooden carvings and porcelain. There are many old book shops in the area around the university.

Munich Eating

There are many restaurants in Munich serving a wide range of food including international cuisine. Bavarian food is mainly meat based with sausages playing a dominant role. Weisswurst is a white sausage made from veal and eaten with bread and mustard washed down by Weissbier. Pork is a popular meat usually served with dumplings. Meat dishes are often accompanied by potatoes and sauerkraut.