How to Enjoy Munich, Germany

Munich is a sprawling city with beautiful old buildings.

Munich is arguably Germany's most enticing city, rich in arts and culture, sightseeing options and sophisticated dining. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, the city is as scenically appealing as it is active and entertaining. Here's how to get the most out of a visit there.

Instructions

1. Even if you're not an engineer, the Deutches Museum will happily engage your mind and imagination for hours on end. Located on an island in the Isar River near the center of town, this science and technology museum boasts groundbreaking vehicles, dynamos and much more, including more hands-on exhibits than you can imagine.

2. One of Europe's loveliest city parks is Englishcher Garten, a delightful haven designed by Englishman Benjamin Thompson in the 1700s. Picturesque picnicking possibilities and a pretty Chinese Pagoda are just a tip of the iceberg and occasional naked sun-worshippers are occasionally seen sprawled on the lawns as well.

3. Savor an unforgettable shopping spree in the city's historic center, where pedestrian-only streets purvey a plethora of Bavarian wonders, from fashion to watches to chocolate. Kaufingerstrasse is one of the best avenues in this shoppers' paradise.

4. For some of the finest gourmet offerings in all of Germany, visit Tantris on Johann-Fichte-Strasse. The creative fare ranges from mouthwatering lobster slices on a bed of noodles to the best roast duck imaginable; an attractive interior with superb service belies a rather off-putting exterior.

5. For a boisterous night out, hop some beer halls in Schwabing, a colorful district popular with college students and aspiring artists. If you don't mind a crowd, head to Hofbräuhaus in the city center, a brewery quite popular with Yanks and other tourists.

6. A staggering collection of amazing art can be found at Alte Pinakothek on the Barerstrasse. This exceptional art museum includes creations by Albrecht Dürer, van Dyke, Rembrandt and Rubens. Its home base--a gigantic neoclassical structure--is a work of art itself.

7. Schedule allowing, try to get to a football (soccer) match at Olympic Stadium in Olympiapark. One of Europe's finest clubs, Bayern München, plays here, but even lesser local teams will often have the stadium rollicking.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan well ahead if you're considering a visit to Munich during the ultra-popular Oktoberfest.

• Try to learn at least a few conversational German phrases before your visit or at least, bring an English-to-German phrase book.