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Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, the largest federal state of Germany. There are over 1.3 million people living in the city. This city is best known for its museums, galleries, and memorials. Many consider Munich to have a better quality of museums then even Berlin. The architecture here is also stunning. Although during WWII some of the buildings were damaged, they have been fully restored and look better then ever. Many college students think of Oktoberfest when they think of Munich. This annual festival is synonymous with crazy drunken fun. If you are studying abroad during the fall semester, this is a great weekend trip with your roommates or buddies. But don’t think there isn’t much more to do in the spring and summer. No matter what time of year you come, really, there will be plenty of exciting things to see and do. Entertaining people and great beer wherever you turn.

Munich Pictures

Things to do in Munich

Museums and galleries will take up a big chunk of your time in Munich. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a major stop for any visitor here. You take a tour around the facility with audio accompany. Deutsches Museum is the largest technical museum in the world with hands on interactive models. Natural science meets the technical side here. The Pinakotheken holds 15-18th century religious paintings, the Neue Pinakothek 19-20th century Impressionist and Expressionist art and the Pinakothek der Moderne has 20th century paintings, modern art, design, and architecture sections. National Bavarian Museum is an important cultural history museum. Works from the middle ages to the 20th century can be found here. The Jewish Museum showcases the history, art, and culture of the Jewish people in Munich Germany throughout history, and more importantly during the holocaust. Schloss Nymphenburg is an incredibly large castle that was the summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria. Hirschgarten beer garden is just around the corner from the castle. Oktoberfest is of course the main event and spectacle in the city. Every October this festival takes over. Although the summer has the best weather, this is the most exciting time to come. Enjoy fine beers and traditional German snacks, like bratwurst.

Nightlife in Munich

Beer is the drink of drinks in Munich. What else would you expect from the host of Oktoberfest? Beer Gardens and Beer Halls are what they’re called here. The Hofbräuhaus may be the most famous beer hall. Make sure you get a chance to stop in and grab some brew on tap. Snacks like Riesenbrezn (big pretzels) and Steckerlfisch (cured fish) will be found in most beer halls. Don’t expect to find too much else as far as food is concerned. The main focus is beer. Dark beer is more common. You can find some lighter varieties on tap though. Hirschgarten is obviously the largest with seating able to accommodate 8,000 people.

Dining in Munich

Everyone knows about the stereotypical dishes that hail from Germany. Weissbier, which is a wheat beer that is served up until noon with breakfast sausage. For dinner try either Schweinsbraten (roasted pork) or Schweinshaxe (roasted pig’s knuckle). They are both traditional dishes and will not disappoint. For a late afternoon snack there’s always Leberkässemmeln, a white roll filled with a thick warm slice of “Leberkäse”. And don’t forget about dessert. Maybe dinner meats and beer are the centerpiece for food in Munich, but the desserts are really delicious here. Cakes and tortes are popular. Hey, you can even have them with some light beer if you really want.

Shopping in Munich

The shopping in Munich is great. Maximilianstrasse is a large and familiar street in the center of the city. Everyone from here knows where it is because you can find everything here. The luxury goods are what you will find mostly here. Indulge yourself a little in some trinket. Or just go window shopping and pretend you’re one of the elite. Kaufingerstrasse is where you will want to go to for the more affordable goods. Clothing, jewelry, paintings, and souvenirs like the famous beer stein will be found here for you to shop for. There are lots of department stores, small shops, and cafes for snacking. Munich has some cool markets also. College students like meandering in Viktualienmarkt and Elisabethmarkt. Feel free to bargain down prices at either.

Munich travel tips

• Bring your photo ID with you, they card in this city. And p.s. the beer is really strong.
• Don’t walk alone in parks late at night.
• Bring a sweater, as the nights can get cold (even in the early autumn).