Munich

Munich (München) The capital of the German State of Bavaria (Bayern) is a lovely city to visit. Set in the south of Germany close to the mountains of the Alps the atmosphere is friendly and convivial.

Lots of people visit in december, attracted by the lovely Christmas Market (Weinachtsmarkt) but Munich is wonderful at all other times of the year too. In fact summer is an excellent time to visit Munich when the beauty of the Englisher Garten attracts visitors and locals alike.

In the evening local specialities can be eaten, but the serious business revolves around singing and drinking beer. The beer halls such as the Spaten Hof, Bayerischer Donisl, the massive Hofbräuhaus and my favourite, the Ayingers Speis und Trank. They serve amazing beers and food designed to go with the beer. Often as not a traditional oompah band will be playing at the Hofbräuhaus and the locals will teach you the drinking songs so you can join in yourself.

The Germans are friendly and cosmopolitan, although they do expect you to behave yourelf, even when drunk and the police don't take kindly to loutish behaviour. Wandering around with half a dozen beers inside you is totally acceptable, relieving yourself of them up the side of a Munich church will see you locked up in jail for the weekend.