Situated on the border of the Alps and world famous for the Oktoberfest, Munich has a lot more to see and experience.

Being located in the south of Germany, Munich has developed into one of the most prosperous areas of Central Europe. Since it is home to numerous global companies such as Siemens and BMW it is one of the most expensive cities in Germany. Nevertheless the “Weltstadt mit Herz” (cosmopolitan city with a heart) has kept much of his traditional character.

Starting in the heart of Munich, at the Marienplatz, you can easily find multiple landmarks. The Frauenkirche (Women’s Church), Munich’s most famous cathedral, is situated there, as well as the old and the new Town Hall. Take your time and watch the daily carillon (daily at 11am and 12pm and 5pm in summer) there. You can also climb the 306 steps of the Alter Peter (Old Peter), the tower of St. Peter’s Church, to get an awesome view over the city. On sunny days you get a nice panorama view of the Alps. The Marienplatz is also part of the pedestrian area (it is the most lucrative in Germany) making it the perfect starting point for a shopping tour.

North of the center you will find the Odeonsplatz with the Feldherrnhalle, a monument built for the Bavarian army in the middle of the 19th century. Since it was the place where Adolf Hitler tried to start a coup in 1923 it has been abused as a cult place by the Nazis. Next to the Odeonsplatz you can visit the Residenz, once home of the Wittelsbacher, a bavarian dynasty. Another castle is the one of Nymphenburg in the northwest of Munich. It was built from 1664 - 1679 for the elector Max Emanuel. Decide for yourself, but probably its garden is at least as lovely as the castle itself.

Moving up the Brienner Straße, Munich’s first boulevard, you will get to the Königsplatz. The square is edged by three neo-classical buildings inspired by the architecture of the ancient Greece. Having been claimed and rebuilt by the NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers' Party) it didn’t regain its original condition until 1988. Today it is a setting for open air concerts and other cultural events.

Oktoberfest
To experience Munich at its best, you have to visit Bavaria’s capital at the end of September or at the beginning of October. This is the time when the world’s biggest fair takes place: the Oktoberfest or “Wiesn” (as locals call it since it takes place on the Theresienwiese). With around 6 million visitors per year it is a unique experience. To find a place in one of the popular Bierzelte (tents) you have to come early in the morning, especially on weekends. Be aware that you have to pay about 10€ for one Maß (one liter of beer). Moreover it contains more alcohol than normal beer so you should drink carefully. If you are planning to visit the Oktoberfest be sure to look for accommodation at least six months in advance. Keep in mind that hotels are more expensive during that time. If your stay does not coincide with Oktoberfest you can visit the Hofbräuhaus to get some of the cheery atmosphere anyway.

Peace & quiet
There are various places in Munich that invite you to take a short breath and relax. The Englischer Garten (English Garden) is one of the biggest inner-city public parks in the world. It is likewise a meeting point for tourists and locals, especially students. The constant wave of the Eisbach (ice river), made the Englischer Garten a meeting point for surfers from all over the world. Another nice parc is the Olympiapark. You can take a tour on the roof of the Olympiastadion, visit the free BMW Welt (BMW World), go up the Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower) to have a cup of coffee while enjoying a breathtaking view over the city, or simply go for a walk around the lake.

To be continued.......