Munich

Munich is the third largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg and it is known as a city of revelers. But there is much more to Munich than Oktoberfest and the city's reputation as the beer-brewing capital of the world.

Munich is many things to Germany. It's the country's high-tech hub (Silicon Bavaria), one of its film and publishing centers, the historical residence of Bavarian royalty, the headquarters of such corporations as BMW and EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co.) and the city in which most German professionals routinely say they would like to live. And with beautiful gardens like those at Nymphenburg Palace, the Englischer Garten and Botanischer Garten, it's even easier to understand why.

Munich throbs with trendy shopping, grand churches, opulent palaces, vibrant music and art scenes. The Neue Pinakothek is home to paintings from some of the most famous impressionist painters like Goya and Van Gogh. The Alte Pinakothek houses old master paintintgs. There are many other opportunities in Munich to experience the rich arts scene in the many other museums there.

Outdoor recreation is abundant in Munich. Of course the famous Oktoberfest beer festival is outside, lasting three weeks in the early fall. The Oktoberfest season can be kind of hectic, but Munich in summer is much more relaxed. The city's zoo, Muncher Tierpark, is the first geo-zoo in the world, meaning the animals live in species-appropriate natural habitats and can be easily seen by visitors as there are no bars or fences in the way. Many parks, gardens, castles and palaces offer travelers even more opportunities to get out and experience the city on foot.