"The Heart of Munich I would compare Marienplatz to the Grand Place in Brussels , but with a Bavarian twist. The square in Munich is almost as large, and its town hall just as impressive. A beautiful destination for lovers of architecture. While the square itself is a beautiful and lively hub, be sure to checkout the market nearby for authentic goods!"

"The Mad King Sleeps Here This 16th century church is in downtown Munich , and, other than its amazing architecture and ceiling paintings, it is also where King Ludwig II of Bavaria rests. The mad king drowned in 1886, close to his fairy tale castle Neuschwanstein. The interior is breathtaking, as you can see! The crypt also holds six other local royals."

"Crusing Germany's Autobahn in a MINI Roadster The next time you visit Europe, don’t opt for the train. Instead, cruise Germany’s Autobahn at speeds up to 100 mph (or the speed of your choice!), with the top down in a MINI Roadster. Driving through the curvy, emerald-green fields and mountainous valleys with the music blaring and wind in your face gives you the ultimate sense of adventure. Then, drive down to Italy and have your own Italian Job experience: whip in and out of the narrow, cobblestone streets and bring exploration to an entirely new level. You can have your own custom MINI built, awaiting your pickup at BMW Welt (World), BMW and MINI’s headquarters in Munich , Germany . Design your own style icon on wheels with custom paint and interior, and drive it from Germany to Italy or the European destination of your choice, feeling only air and freedom."

"Prettiest Neighborhood in Munich Glockenbachviertel, one of Munich 's prettiest neighborhoods, is located south of the city center and next to the Isar River. Formerly home to the city's Jewish community and millworkers, Glockenbachviertel was the center of Munich's gay and lesbian community in the 1980s. In recent years, rapid gentrification has morphed this area into Munich's most luxurious neighborhood. Quiet streets are lined with beautiful residential buildings and there are plenty of beautiful bars, restaurants, and shops. Take a stroll in the evening or do some shopping before dinner. Don't miss Hans-Sachs-Straße and its fun boutiques, cafes, and bistros with outdoor seating. One of my favorite meals during my trip was at Das Kranz, a stylish restaurant that focuses on organic produce. The menu changes weekly to take advantage of seasonal, local ingredients. The flavors are fresh and the presentation is beautiful. The fun, relaxed atmosphere (with outdoor seating in summer) further adds to an enjoyable meal."

"Create Your Dream Picnic Spread Munich's Farmers' Market, or "Viktualientmarkt," is sure to please everybody. Located in Munich 's old town, the open-air market is an overflowing abundance of fresh produce, cheese, appetizers, desserts, breads, honey, fresh-pressed juices, Bavarian specialties, spices, flowers, and more. It's no wonder that the bustling, vibrant market attracts locals, tourists, and chefs shopping for the freshest ingredients. If you have been traveling through Germany eating bratwurst and potatoes daily, a farmers' market picnic may be just what the doctor ordered. There are over 140 enticing stalls and shops, so the hardest part is deciding what to eat! Grab some crusty bread, stinky cheese, briny olives, and fresh strawberries and call it a day. If making decisions tires you out, you can relax with a Bavarian brew in the shaded beer garden next to the market. Open Monday-Saturday from 8am to 6pm."

"Meet the Lemurs at Hellabrunn Zoo This zoo, founded in 1911, functions more as a nature preserve. The animals can roam in their large enclosures (many of which are cageless, allowing for great views of the animals). Don't miss "Dracula's Villa," where the bats will fly around you. And for 99 euros, small groups (up to four people, at least two adults) can organize a visit with a specific type of animal—lemurs, elephants, rhinos, etc.—and have some one-one-one time with the animal, with the chance to ask questions of a keeper. By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

"Munich’s Best Views On a clear day, head to St. Peter’s in the heart of Munich’s Old Town and get ready to climb. Visitors can ascend 306 stairs to a lookout that wraps around the church’s clocktower. After braving the narrow staircase, you’re rewarded with bird’s-eye views of the neo-gothic New Town Hall towering over Marienplatz, the city's central square (pictured); the Church of Our Lady with its domed towers; and brightly colored historic buildings. If you’re there in December, descend to wander through the surrounding Christmas markets and warm up with mulled wine and a grilled sausage. Tip: Arrive by 11 a.m. or noon to catch the chiming of the Glockenspiel clock, which reenacts a Bavarian wedding story with bells and life-size figures. While most crane their necks for a glimpse from Marienplatz, you can watch the tradition unfold from your perch. (It also chimes at 5 p.m. from March to October.)"

"Munich Residenz: See How Bavarian Royalty Lived The Munich Residenz was the seat of government and residence of Bavarian royalty for over 400 years. It's also home to the Treasury which showcases the jewel collections of former Bavarian rulers. A self-guided audio tour of the Residenz and Treasury is the best way to experience this former royal home located in the heart of Munich."

"English Garden One of the largest urban parks in the world, Munich’s English Garden was founded in 1789, when Elector Carl Theodor ordered a public park to be built along the Isar River. Having undergone many alterations over the centuries, it now offers a slew of contemporary leisure activities. Cyclists, joggers, and rollerbladers make use of almost 50 miles of pathways, while less-active visitors head to the Japanese teahouse (opened in 1972) or one of several beer gardens (the one next to the Chinese Tower is Munich’s second largest, with seating for 7,000). Additionally, there’s a man-made lake, soccer fields, a small amphitheater, a carousel, a Greek temple, and even a popular surfing wave on the river. The park’s large meadows are ideal for picnicking, barbecuing, and sunbathing, making the English Garden one of Munich’s most popular hangouts in summer. That said, autumn is also a spectacular time to stroll the grounds and peep all the changing leaves."

"Built in the 17th century, Nymphenburg Palace is one of the largest royal castles in Europe. Planned as a summer residence for the Bavarian monarchy, it was expanded over time and now features additional pavilions and gallery wings, plus a French Baroque façade by Joseph Effner. The palace exterior and expansive, English-style gardens—complete with lakes, geysers, and waterfalls—are the real highlights here, but the interior, with its Baroque, Neoclassical, and Rococo era rooms, is also worth seeing. Be sure to check out the Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall) with its striking ceiling frescoes, the Schönheitengalerie (Gallery of Beauties) with works by court painter Joseph Karl Stieler, and the palace chapel of St. Magdalena. There are also a few interesting museums on site, including ones dedicated to royal coaches, porcelain, and natural history."