Munich Hotels

Munich has enough history per square block to exhaust the most dynamic tourists. As a foremost hub of culture in Europe, with more museums and festivals than most, even the most cursory of visits to Munich can load the itinerary. Set amid the beautiful confines of Upper Bavaria, the Alps, and the rivers Isar and Würm, the city is a complete destination.

Attractions

The Marienplatz has been the central square of Munich since 1158, a fine destination to glean a vivid grasp of the city and take in some fine attractions. Among the most important are the Old and New City Hall, Church of St. Peter and a popular pedestrian retail and restaurant zone.

The Frauenkirche, the principal city church, was built between 1468 and 1494, with several renovations since. The massive cathedral can hold 20,000 and contains many prominent works of art and royal tombs.

The Isartor City Gate is one of the most historic landmarks in Munich. The large stone wall dates back to the 14th century.

The Baroque and Renaissance Justice Palace is impossible to ignore. The marvellous court house dwarfs most landmarks in Munich and offers a great visitors tour.

Nymphenburg Palace, from a purely architectural standpoint, is by far the most impressive attraction in Munich. With treasures too numerous to name, from period furniture to art and sculpture, the grand palace sits on a lake and beautiful tract of parkland.

Munich is a remarkable museum city, with the Deutsches Museum at the very heart. The foremost science and technology museum in the world is on a small island on the Isar.

Events

The party in Munich begins with Oktoberfest. The celebration of German beer and folklore takes place over 16 days in September and October, with crowds in excess of 6 million for the annual event.

The Munich Carnival features weeks of parades, music and general revelry in anticipation of Ash Wednesday.

The Spring Festival is the emphatic annual break from winter, with a market and fair on the Theresienwiese.

Held every other May, the biennial Opera Festival is one of the paramount celebrations of classical music in Europe.

The Winter Tollwood Festival warms the citizenry of Munich in cold December, with a slew of festive affairs on Olympia Park.

Climate

While most guides cite spring and fall as the best seasons to visit Munich, the stark truth is that if you can take a little winter cold and summer heat, any time of year is ideal.

• Winter (November to February) -5-6°C

• Spring (March to April) 0-13°C

• Summer (May to August) 7-23°C

• Fall (September to October) 4-19°C