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Guide to Munich, Germany
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MunichA treasure chest of Gothic architecture and giddy Germans, Munich is one of the biggest attractions in the nation, where youre sure to get lost in the oddities and quirks that make it tick. Sliced by the Isar River, Munich is a fairly-average German city at face value, that is. The vibrant street life and the classic traditions that take over its many squares throughout the year give the city a sort of fantastical aura. Costumes are out in full force on holidays, and during Oktoberfest, well, lets just say youre not going to be able to pass through the city without slugging a few pints at one of the citys bursting bars.
When to go:
From late-spring to early-autumn, Munich receives quite a bit of visitors. In fact, we think its safe to say that the number rivals that of Germanys capital. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city (it is after all a city), it is still alluring.
The landscape of Munich can be quite picturesque in the winter, but chances are that you wont be spending much time outdoors sloshing through the mix of dirt and snow. With that in mind, youll probably enjoy visiting in spring or autumn. Spring brings the blooming flowers of course, and in autumn the city lights up in full color. Youll get fewer visitors during either period, everything is still open, and you might catch a few discounts while youre here.
Getting there and around:
Franz-Josef-Strauss Flughafen is Munichs one and only airport, but it is a large one at that. Its multi-level structure accommodates a number of flights that runs a close second to Frankfurts. Its welcoming, user-friendly much of the service is automated and youll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly youre out the door after you arrive (or depart). Airport buses transport you to the city.
Many of the citys sights lie in a small area where pedestrian travel is not uncommon. If youre interested in branching out, use the citys public transport network. It is color-coded for your benefit, and you can get a great variety of tickets, good for those staying for short or long periods of time. We dont recommend renting a car, as there is rarely a parking spot available, and taxis are just too costly.
Attractions:
Munichs English Garden is one of its biggest attractions, and justifiably so. It is the largest city park in Europe, and has a great number of green expanses where locals and foreigners take part in every kind of activity imaginable, including nude sunbathing. You can take a stroll through the countless paths, take a boat on a lake, or even enjoy some down time at one of the beer gardens here. One of the beer gardens is outfitted with quite beautiful architecture in the form of a Chinese Tower. The English Garden has quite an interesting history, and its founding was as a gift to the city by a highly-disliked ruler who wanted to prevent a revolutionary uprising.
Konigsplatz, one of the most famous squares in Munich is where the art museums live. Many youngsters live in the area for the cultural diversity, and it doesnt hurt that outdoor films are shown and concerts are performed here as well. The Glyptothek is a structure to the north where sculptures from Greek and Roman periods stand most were stolen by Ludwig I; The State Antiquities Collection is somewhat of a disappointment, not in the collection of ancient ornaments, jewelry, or vases, but in how displays are organized and shown; Lenbach House is where youll find the most stunning collection of 19^th -century German paintings anywhere; Alte Pinakothek is where youll find works by the likes of Durer and Rubens; Neue Pinakothek is home to more recently done pieces Van Gogh, Manet, and Goya.
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