Top Tourist Places To Visit in Munich

• Overview Located to the north of the Bavarian Alps, on the River Isar, MUNICH is the capital city of Bavaria, the largest federal state of Germany and one of Europe's most prosperous and expensive cities unich itself was founded in 1158 on the River Isar, and acquired its name, Munchen (home of the monks) from its first monastery. It was the monks that started the beer brewing tradition for which the city is now world famous, particularly since it started celebrating an annual beer festival in 1810. Today close on six million people visit the Oktoberfest every year, and consume more than five and a half million litres of beer during its two-week run. Munich is noted for its architecture and culture, and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration is world famous. Munich's cultural scene is second to none in Germany, with the museums even considered by some to outrank Berlin in quality. Many travelers to Munich are absolutely stunned by the quality of the architecture. Although it was heavily damaged by allied bombing during World War II, many of its historic buildings have been rebuilt and the city center appears mostly as it did in the late 1800. Founded by Duke Henry the Lion, in 1158, within a century, the city had become the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled the duchy, electorate and kingdom of Bavaria until the end of World War I. Their influence is evident in the concentration of grand Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical architecture adorning Munich's streets. Possibly most significantly, the Wittelsbach's patronage of the arts and extensive collections provided the basis for Munich's world-class museums and galleries. The city was the cradle of the Nazi movement after World War I and was the scene of Hitler's first attempt to seize power on 8 November 1923. Furthermore, in 1938, the treaty that surrendered a large portion of Czechoslovakia to the Nazis was signed by Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy in Munich, an act of conciliation that started the slide towards World War II. The city was severe bombarded at the end of the war, but in the post-war years the city was rebuilding with an intensive restoration program, and since then Munich is become in one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. Munich is one of Germany's cultural centers, with an amazing array of museums, a vibrant art scene and the world-famous Oktoberfest. Despite its name, events begins in late September and spills into the first week of October, dancing oompah bands and food dominate. With a strong cultural scene, abundantly endowed art collections and excellent shopping, Munich certainly has more to offer than just light entertainment.
• Temperature Temperatures in Munich range from -4.95 to 21.55 (Celcius).
• Eating out If you connect Munich with beer-drinking and original German or better Bavarian food, you are right. Traditional Bavarian breakfasts include weisswurst (a white bratwurst in a thick skin) and weissbier (white beer made of wheat) with plenty of traditional bavarian mustard. Not for the faint of heart, Munich is famous for its "mass" (one liter beers in large mugs) that are served in popular biergartens and bars across the city. As in almost all cities in Germany, Munich's menus are dominated with wurst and sausages. Other local specialties are Munchner Wurstsalat made up of thinly sliced sausages, oil and vinegar, lettuce and sliced Swiss cheese, and Leberkas with sausages served alongside potato salad.
• Getting Around BY Public Transport Munich has an efficient public transport formed by fast underground trains U-Bahn, many suburban trains S-Bahn, trams and busses. Many trains run from early in the morning to 1 or 2a.m. There are also night buses and night trams which run all night on weekends, except Sundays. Many people prefer to take trains or buses when the weather is too cold or excessively hot, while trams are popular for tourists because of the wonderful view of many attractions on route. By Taxi There are many taxis in Munich, but they can be expensive. This service is really good during off peak times, but in rush hours it could be a little bit slow By Foot Munich is favorable for walking; most of the city centre is pedestrian. Besides that, if you take a long walk, you will know better the city and its spirit
• Attraction Hofbrauhaus ---- Beer has been swilled at this world-famous tavern site in the centre of Munich since it became a royal brewery in 1605. Equally famous is the Bavarian jollity and conviviality, known as 'gemuchtlikheid. Marienplatz --- The Marienplatz is the heart of Munich and the site of its most important historic buildings. The square is dominated by the Neo-Gothic Town Hall featuring its famous Glockenspiel, both built in the 19th century. Olympia Park --- Munich's massive Olympic park complex was constructed for the 20th Olympic Games in 1972, but remains a marvel of modern engineering. Nymphenburg Palace --- About five miles (8km) from the city centre, accessible by tram and bus, is the interesting Schloss Nymphenburg, originally a summer home for the Munich aristocracy. Alte Pinakothek ---- Munich's art museum houses one of the most important collections in Europe on two floors of a large neo-classical building. Nearly 1,000 paintings are on display featuring the work of the greatest European artists from the 14th to the 18th centuries
• Climate Munich has a continental climate, strongly modified by the proximity of the Alps. In general summers are fairly warm and very wet, prone to thunderstorms, while winters are cold with light snowfalls. The Alps cause two unique aberrations in the weather in Munich. South westerly winds crossing the Alps can bring warm Fhn conditions, during any season but only on a few days a year, pushing up temperatures markedly even in winter.
• Nightlife Munich has a quite varied nightlife, from clubs and bars to the traditional beer halls, many places are packed with a surprising mix of locals and tourists. The area around Münchener Freiheit in Schwabing is the best known nightlife district; there are a number of bars, cafes, jazz venues, dance clubs where thousands of students have a good time.
• Festival As we mention before, the most famous festival of Munich is the Oktoberfest, but this is not the only one. There are many other big festivals and events all year around. The carnival season or Fasching is between January and February; this is time of parades, fancy dress balls and street parties with the participation of a number of civic organizations. In March the most popular festival is the "Time of strong beer" or Starkbierzeit, this is other giant beer party with many traditional dancing events. The Munich Film Festival is other important event, famous directors present their films and members of the public can attend to the forum for film screenings and discussions. There is an event that takes place twice a year: The Tollwood Festival. In summer, the festival lasts 24 days, with much variety of free shows. In winter, the festival offers a unique program full of cultural performances. In the end of the year, the Christkindlmarkt is the most famous event. It takes place in Marienplatz, there you can acquire beautiful Christmas presents.
• Area 310.43 km2 (119.86 sq mi)