Munich - more than beer
Munich means beer for most young travellers and the first 15 days before the first Sunday in October is a riot (in the nicest possible sense of the world). If that's what you're after, then book your accommodation well ahead, gird the loins and have a blast.
But if you'd like to experience a more sedate, yet equally enjoyable Munich, then settle in - Munich is full of surprises! A city break is an ideal way to see a great city like Munich.
Munich is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps and is the third largest city in Germany. Every traveller is catered for here - there are museums galore, trendy restaurants, an exhaustive and exhausting nightlife, beer bars, festivals, parks and shopping.
Being Bavarian, there is a palace or two to enjoy plus dozens of art galleries. If you're taking a short city break, base yourself in the middle of the city and move out from there. All the main attractions, plus fantastic restaurants, cheap and expensive, are all within shouting distance.
Eating out in Munich - cheap, expensive and everything in between
The food in Munich is of high quality and generally very fresh, masterfully cooked and delicious! Even budget meals in cheaper restaurants are of a high standard.
The budget options - your first stop might be a market! Get yourself to Viktualienmarkt and browse the stalls before enjoying fruit and vegetables, and a good range of traditional Bavarian fare. A 'leberkassemmel' (bread roll with liver sausage) is very cheap and just perfect with a beer. Straubinger Hof on Blumenstrasse 5, Altstadt, serves hearty, traditional food at a good price. Bodega Dali on Tengstrasse 6, Schwabing is a Spanish restaurant serving great food at lower-than-usual Munich prices.
Mid price options - your key to mid-price eating in Munich is lunch. Most restaurants offer the same menu at lunch time for considerably less money, so eat well during the day and subsist on sausage at night! You'll find excellent food at a decent price in the many bistros, bars and beer halls. Try the Munich specialities too; Weisswurst, Leberkaese and Schweinebraten.
Splurge - too easy! Housed in a Renaissance structure in the centre of Munich, Boettner's has a cuisine lighter than traditional Bavarian but still featuring those rich old Bavarian dishes that you must try before going home. Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom is Munich's cosiest restaurant. Here you can enjoy Bavarian cuisine so authentic that it's hardly changed since the restaurant opened in 1893.
What to wear, when to go
Munich is cold during winter, and it lasts from December through March so rug up warmly. It rains only occasionally but the temps do drop to below zero for much of the time.
Summer is warmer; getting up to the early 20s, although it's no tropical city. That said, you can walk Munich all day long without the exhaustion a hotter climate brings on.
Spring is delightful - mostly because of the huge abundance of parks in Munich. Temperatures are in the mid teens. Likewise for autumn.
Munich - that most German of cities!
Munich has plenty to see and do within a short radius so think about a walking tour. There are plenty of reputable guides to choose from. Or consider a bike tour. The city is relatively flat, and there are plenty of places to store your bike whilst enjoying a local sight.
Munich Zoo - one of the world's great zoos! This is a big place with hundreds of things to see so plan on spending the day here. Watch out or the bird house - it's special.
English Garden - for a little rural greenery in the middle of a big tour, check out this beautiful place. If you're on bikes, bring a picnic lunch and spend an hour just soaking up the peace. You might even see a couple of surfers on the river during summer!
BMW Welt - if you're a car enthusiastic, or just a enthusiastic driver take the kids out to the BMW World museum. It is well laid out, has a great range of cars and motorbikes and it's free.
Marinellite - this is a terrific to people watch as Munich goes about its business. Munich's largest square is busy and fun. Grab a coffee and sit and contemplate life. Some impressive buildings (such as the Rathaus) line the edge. And if you're lucky enough to be here during the Christmas season, it's a truly delightful place to spend a couple of hours.
Don't miss - the Nymphenburg Palace, if only to say you've seen a German palace. The impressive grounds are just the beginning of this place though. The tour is well worth it and it's easy to get to from downtown Munich.