In Germany tourists must carry their passports with them all the time as the German police have the right to see identification.

History

Munich is the third largest city in Germany and the capital of Bavaria. The city is situated on the River Isar. Today Munich is a financial, publishing and electronic center. The city is home to Siemens, Microsoft and SAP. Munich is well known for its Oktoberfest, when for two weeks tourists flock to the city, to visit the beer tents and generally have a rollicking time.

What to see

There is so much to see in Munich that you can’t really do justice in one visit. It’s not just the beer that brings visitors to Munich; it is the museums, the music and the art galleries. Don’t forget that this is the city which hosted musicians, artists, writers and film makers.

One of the oldest science museums in the world, the Deutsches Museum is in Munich. Don’t miss the art galleries such as the Neue Pinakothek der Moderne, the Alte Pinakothek and so on. The Alte Pinakothek houses some of the masterpieces of Europeans artists. The must sees at this gallery are Raphael’s The Canigiani Holy Family and the Madonna Tempi and Rubens’ Judgment Day. You can also see one of the most extensive collections of Rubens’ work.

Admission to most state owned gardens are free on Sundays.

The former concentration camp at Dachau is about 16 kms from Munich.

When to visit

You can visit Munich at any time of the year. From June to August, are good months for walking around and sitting under the lovely chestnut trees to enjoy your beer. The museums, the opera and the art galleries will keep you entertained in winter. You can catch the Fasching – Germany’s Mardi Gras just before Easter. The Oktoberfest is on from the end of September to the beginning of October.

Where to stay

Though Munich has a large number of rooms in many categories, it is difficult to get a room here. So make sure you book well in advance as most of the trade show visitors fill up the hotels.

Where to shop

Munich is a shopper’s delight. The busiest shopping locality is near the Kaufingrestrasse and the Neuhauserstrasse, where you would find the international chains and big department stores. The more exclusive shopping will be found near the Maximilianstrasse and the Theatinerstrasse. What you can take back home from Munich are the Stein beer mugs, Holzchnitzereien wood carvings, pewter ware and the Nymphenburg porcelain. Also, don’t forget the marzipan, the Lebkuchen and the Stollen.

What to eat and drink

When in Munich you must try out all the different kinds of beer, the Weissbier or wheat beer, the Helles, the Munich dark beer and the Starkbier, to name a few. There are 20 beer gardens which you can also visit to taste the beer.

Munich is a foodie paradise. So make sure you try as many of its delicacies as possible. Don’t miss the white sausage which is not eaten before noon. This is often served with pretzels and sweet mustard. Then, there is the Leberkas which is a baked sausage loaf. There is also the Leberknodel, a bread dumpling soup, the pot roasted pork with potatoes dumpling and white bread. And of course, the Apfelstrudel often served with vanilla sauce would also be awesome with vanilla ice-cream.

What to wear

Being close to the Alps, Munich has continental weather which means, it is very cold in winter and hot in summer with a rainy spring. So, depending on when you are visiting – pack your woolens, covered shoes and an umbrella. Layering is important if you are visiting in winter.

Don’t wear white gym shoes as they stand out. Many restaurants and music clubs have dress restrictions, so check before you land up there in your jeans.

Local transport

Munich International Airport is connected to all major airports in the world. There are very good train connections to the city center. You can get a Tageskrate or a card for the day for just Eur. 10. Bus and taxi services are also available to the city from the airport. But bus services are slower and more expensive. If you are driving from the airport to the city center, just follow the signs ‘Munchn Stadmitte’ (downtown) and if you are driving from the city center to the airport follow the sign ‘Flughafen’, which means airport.

Munich also has an excellent public transport system which consists of the subway, the suburban railway, the streetcars and the buses. The Marienplatz is the hub for the subway and the suburban railway. You can buy tickets there. Information in English is also available. If you have a Eurail Pass, an Inter Rail card or a Youth Pass, you can travel free on all suburban railways.

Money changing

The legislation on cash controls states that a person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare cash if they are carrying 10,000 Euros or more. This includes checks, traveler’s checks and money orders.

You can find ATMs in Munich, but please remember to let your bank know that you are travelling overseas. You might also be charged for withdrawals. It’s best you change your money before arrival.

A word of warning: please exchange currency only at banks or authorized Bureaux de Change as many unwary people have been arrested for the possession of counterfeit currency.

Pharmacy and Hospitals

There are pharmacies in the airport. As a tourist, you will have to pay in cash to settle the doctor’s and hospital bills. In most cases, credit cards are not accepted. You should also make sure that you always carry the prescription along with the medicine that you will use.

Tourist office contact

You can contact the Munich Tourist office for further information at tourismus@muenchen.de or check the site at www.muenchen.de/tam

Visa

You will need a Schengen visa to enter Germany. US citizens can enter Germany for business or tourism purposes for 90 days without a visa. Please contact the German Embassy for further details.

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