Munich

Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. In the Altstadt (Old Town), central Marienplatz square contains landmarks such as Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century.

Other notable sites include the 12th-century St. Peter’s Church and iconic 15th-century Frauenkirche
cathedral, with its twin bell towers. The neoclassical National Theater and the rococo Cuvilliés Theater
(in the opulent Residenz palace and museum) host performances by the State Opera and the State
Ballet. Highlights of the Museum Quarter include Pinakothek museums exhibiting everything from Old
Masters to modern art. Maximilianstrasse offers fashion boutiques and restaurants, and the bustling
Viktualienmarkt sells produce, cheese and sausages. The Englischer Garten is a large park popular for
sunbathing.