A Tourist’s Guide to Munich

Munich was first mentioned in historical data around 1158 and it is widely agreed that this is the year Munich was founded. The name Munich means Monks. Munich is said to be the wealthiest city in Germany and is known the world over for not only its growing economy but also its cleanliness. It is also the German city with the lowest crime rate. Munich, being such a wealthy town, is not cheap to visit so do control your budget if you are planning a visit. Best Time to Travel to Munich There is a particular phenomenon called the “Fon” caused by Munich’s proximity to the Alps. This means that the climate is mild and consistent and that the sun will shine regularly, even when it will be raining elsewhere. This means a visit to Munich can be pleasant regardless of the time of year you are visiting. However, the Fon does cause unusual air pressures and some people have been known to feel sick or dizzy and have headaches because of it. Of course, if you do want to see some true German tradition as well as enjoy a vast quantity of beer, you should not miss the yearly Oktoberfest in October. Attractions to See in Munich Munich offers a wealth of attractions and sites to visit. Some of the better known are: • The different squares and monuments such as Isartor, Konigsplatz, Marienplatz, Maximilaneum, Odeonsplatz, the Olympic Tower and Viktualienmarkt. • The different churches, such as Asamkirche, Frauenkirche, St Peter and St Ludwig. • The castles in Munich – Nymphenburg Palace, Blutenburg Palace and Residenz. • The Munich gardens and parks, including a botanical garden and an English garden. • The different museums such as Bayerisches National Museum and the BMW museum and BMW world. Restaurants and Bars in Munich Munich is in Bavaria and Bavaria is of course famous for its meaty dishes and gorgeous beers. This is reflected in its food, but it is a myth that quantity is preferred over quality, particularly in wealthy areas such as Munich. Some of the better known restaurants are Dallmayr, Brenner, Ratskeller, Tantris, Ederer, Cocoon and Pfistermuhle im Platzl Hotel Munchen. Nightlife in Munich can be somewhat subdued, although there are some areas in Munich where you will be able to find a cluster of bars, pubs and clubs, such as Schwabing and Haidhausen. Transport in Munich If you are planning a visit to Munich, hiring a car could be a great option. Most people pay passing visits to Munich, rather than staying in the city itself, or enjoy some of the many campsites in the surrounding area. By hiring a car, you allow yourself the freedom of movement to come and go as you please and enjoy many of the other sites Bavaria has to offer. Some of the companies offering car hire in Munich are Car Hire 3000, Auto Europe, Avis, Europcar, SIxt, Argus Car Hire and Adac. Munich is a clean and historically significant city in which you can enjoy seeing how the wealthy live their lives. It is an expensive city, but Munich is certainly worth a visit, particularly during the Oktoberfest.