Munich is often left in the shadow of Berlin when it comes to tourism, but its mix of cultural influences will make you want to spend some time exploring the city in detail. Munich underwent a period of social and political unrest in the years following World War I, so it is not surprising that it was one of the earliest strongholds of the Nazi party. Visitors interested in this side of German history can tour the site of Dachau, which is just north of Munich and the location of the first of the concentration camps.
There is much more to Munich than its part in Hitler’s Germany. As the city is famous for its culture, the first time visitor should begin by attending a play at the Residenztheater, home of the Bavarian State Theatre. Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of the Bavarian royal family is to the northeast of the city and features winter ice-skating, public parks, museums and luxuriant gardens.
When night falls over Munich, the jazz clubs and pubs are there to be enjoyed by tourists who wish to take part in celebrating the city’s cosmopolitan outlook. The decor of the jazz clubs ranges from regal to seedy, but the patrons are universally friendly and welcoming to visitors.
Every year, Munich hosts over 5 million guests during the world-famous Oktoberfest. This is the largest fair in the world, where tourists can sample a tremendous range of beers and Bavarian cuisine.
