Munich, the capital and largest city of Bavaria, is a fascinating destination with a long and storied history. Founded in 1158, Munich has been shaped over the centuries by art, architecture, culture and tradition. Visitors will discover a city filled with stunning Gothic buildings, world-class museums, lively beer gardens and quaint plazas.

One of the top attractions is Marienplatz, the historic central square, dominated by the Gothic New Town Hall. This ornate building has a famous glockenspiel which performs its animated show three times per day, re-enacting stories from Munich’s past with 43 bells and 32 life-size moving figures. Marienplatz is also home to the Old Town Hall and St Peter’s Church, the oldest parish church in Munich dating back to the 12th century.

Art lovers will appreciate the impressive collections found at the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne. Spanning 700 years of European art history, these galleries showcase works by old masters like Rubens, Rembrandt and da Vinci as well as modern greats such as Picasso, Kandinsky and Klee. A key cultural institution is the Deutsches Museum, widely regarded as the world’s largest museum of science and technology.

Beer is a way of life in Munich, which boasts a brewing tradition tracing back to 1158. To immerse in Bavarian beer culture, head to the Hofbräuhaus, a legendary beer hall founded in 1589. This cavernous space packs in locals and tourists to dine on traditional fare and liter-sized beers. Throughout the city are inviting Biergartens, outdoor spaces to enjoy a cool, shady beer garden amidst chestnut trees. Try the Chinese Tower Beer Garden in the English Garden, one of Munich’s most famous green spaces.

Many visitors flock to Munich during Oktoberfest, perhaps the world’s most famous beer festival. For two weeks in late September and early October, millions gather in giant tents to revel in Bavarian music, food and especially beer. People don traditional dirndl dresses and lederhosen while swaying to oompah bands and drinking beer by the liter. Even outside of Oktoberfest, beer halls like Augustiner Keller and Hofbräuhaus keep the festive spirit going year-round.

Beyond beer, Munich has a thriving food scene ranging from hearty Bavarian classics to diverse international cuisine. Traditional dishes include schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), weisswurst (white sausage) and spätzle (soft egg noodles). For authentic fare, dine at places like Zum Augustiner, Donisl and Weisses Bräuhaus. Trendy eateries offer everything from ramen to tacos to gourmet burgers. The Viktualienmarkt is a legendary open-air market selling fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, spices and baked goods.

Munich is also an excellent base for day trips to fairy-tale castles. The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, built by “mad” King Ludwig II, looks straight out of a storybook perched atop a rugged hill. Tour the lavish interior and stroll its bridge overlooking the Pöllat Gorge. Other royal retreats nearby include Linderhof Palace and Herrenchiemsee Palace. The charming town of Füssen makes a relaxing home base for castle explorations.

For shopping, head to Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauser Strasse, pedestrian streets packed with major international chains, chic boutiques and classic department stores. Find an endless array of souvenirs at the Viktualienmarkt as well. High-end shops selling designer fashion, jewelry and accessories abound around Maximilianstrasse and Residenzstrasse. For something unique, browse Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory for hand-painted, handcrafted porcelain masterpieces.

Munich provides an abundance of green spaces for relaxing or exercising. The English Garden is one of the world's largest urban parks, with 78 kilometers of paths, a Japanese tea house and even river surfing on the Eisbach. Olympiapark, site of the 1972 Olympic Games, features acres of parkland, sports fields, lake pedal boating and an observation tower. The Old Botanical Garden, nestled against the Residenz Palace, encompasses a conservatory, outdoor gardens and Europe’s oldest botany museum.

Whether admiring Baroque palaces, raising a stein at a beer hall or strolling through sprawling gardens, visitors will discover Munich’s inimitable blend of traditional Bavarian culture and cosmopolitan energy.