From the cosy beer halls and magnificent palaces to the tranquil parks and fascinating museums, the capital of Bavaria is a modern city that preserves traditional charm. Munich is one of the most liveable cities in the world, with a strong economy that attracts large businesses and millions of tourists to visit the city each year for its beautiful architecture, ancient traditions and the nearby Bavarian Alps.
Talk a walk through the centre and you will find a wide range of architectural styles, from the Gothic St. Peter's Church to the Baroque charm of the Asam Church (Asamkirche). Munich was severely damaged during World War II, but much of it has been reconstructed, as far as possible, according to the original style. Modern Munich is visible in buildings such as the Olympic Tower and the Museum of Modern Art Pinakothek der Moderne.
Famous for its Oktoberfest, the biggest beer festival in the world, Munich brews some of the world's most popular beers. It’s not surprising that the city also has a passionate beer culture. Beer drinkers come from all over the world to visit the six local breweries, which includes the HofbräuhausOpens in a new window, established in the court of Duke William V, and the world famous Löwenbräu. Visit in th summer and take advantage of one of the world famous Biergarten (beer gardens) and do what the local inhabitants of Munich have been doing for centuries - drink a beer in the shade of the chestnut trees.
The city houses a number of major multinational companies too, which makes it a popular place for business trips. The German BMW is headquartered in Munich near BMW World, a fascinating complex that offers insight into past, present and future of German engineering.
A visit to Munich is complete without a stroll through the English Garden. This oasis near the city centre, with its wooded areas and vast meadows, is located in the basin of the river Isar.
Jump on one of the tourist buses from München Hauptbahnhof and get a good view of the city, or rent a bicycle to explore the city and the parks. Most of Munich is also accessible via the efficient public transport system. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you will certainly come under the spell the city’s charms with its proud local traditions.
