Munich Flights And Sights

City slickers speeding down the autobahn in top-of-the-range BMWs, endless wheat beer and oompah-pah in the Hofbräuhaus and 20-somethings shopping for trendy Oktoberfest dirndl dresses -- you'll find it all in progressive, festive and downright traditional Munich. Some visitors come for the world-class Pinakothek galleries, some for boutique shopping on Maximilianstrasse, others for outdoor activities with views of the not-so-distant Alps. But for most Münchners, there's no place like the vast English Garden, where they can shrug off that self-consciously cool image and (quite literally) let it all hang out.

Things to Do

Marienplatz beckons with street entertainers, pavement cafés and the Gothic Neues Rathaus. Arrive at noon when the glockenspiel chimes. A short stroll away is the opulent Residenz palace evoking the 700-year Wittelsbach dynasty, and the twin-domed Frauenkirche church. Contemplate Picassos and Warhols at the Pinakothek galleries and motoring legends at the space-age BMW World. Outdoorsy Münchners enjoy the lake-dotted English Garden, where they cycle, row and sunbathe in the buff during their lunch hour.

Shopping

Join the morning throngs shopping for fresh produce in the Viktualienmarkt before quaffing Frühschoppen (pre-lunch beers) under the maypole. Designer is the word on stately Maximilianstrasse boulevard and the nearby Funf Höfe courtyards. For more idiosyncratic tastes, dip into the galleries and boutiques in Gärtnerplatz and Schwabing. The Bayerischer-Kunstgewerbe-Verein showcases every form of local creativity. Oysters and champagne in Munich's centuries-old Dallmyr deli is very Munich, as is a tight-fitting dirndl or pair of strapping lederhosen from Loden-Frey.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Oktoberfest's stein-swinging infuses Munich's jovial beer halls year-round. The Hofbräuhaus draws tourists and locals with oompah bands and dirndl-clad waitresses juggling liters of foaming Weizen (wheat beer), while the chestnut-shaded Hirschgarten and cavernous Augustiner Bräu are less crowded. Socialites hobnob over expertly mixed cocktails in Schumann's American Bar before hitting the upbeat jazz clubs in party-loving Schwabing or the dance floor in the ultra-exclusive P1 Club. Book tickets to see the acclaimed Bavarian State Opera perform at the National Theatre.

Restaurants and Dining

Münchners are never merrier than when eating and drinking. For a traditional Bavarian feel, choose a wood-paneled tavern in the Altstadt serving herby Weisswurst veal sausage (don't forget to peel it) with sweet mustard or glistening pork knuckles with sauerkraut. Chefs get creative in minimalist-chic restaurants in Haidhausen and Maxvorstadt. Schwabing's old artists' quarter is the place for late-night Chinese, Italian, Mexican and Greek food. See Munich's skyline glitter from the Olympic Tower's revolving Restaurant 181.

Let American Airlines help you find flights to Munich for a worry-free trip to the Bavarian capital. From its 12th century origins to its mix today of modern and Gothic architecture, this is one city that offers a compelling view almost everywhere you turn. It's easy to plan a relaxing, fun-filled visit with our picks for the best things to do in Munich.

One of the most well-known activities in Munich, and arguably one of the most fun, is taking the time to patronize a few of the city's beer gardens. After all, Munich is where Oktoberfest was born and where you'll find one of the world's most famous beer halls, Hofbrauhaus. The Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich is a good way to get an insider's perspective since it's a fully narrated tour led by a local expert. You'll learn about the history of brewing (which dates back thousands of years), visit the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum (located in a building dating back to 1347) and see a picturesque, traditional beer garden.

After learning about the heritage of German brewing, it's time to move on to one of our other favorite things to do in Munich: Visiting Marienplatz square. Located in the heart of the city, this square is brimming with cultural and historical significance. Here you'll find St. Peter's Church, the first parish church in the city. The high altar is breathtaking in its gloriousness, and is alone worth the visit, although the ceiling frescoes, paintings and architecture are also incredible. For magnificent views of the entire city and the Alps, climb the tower. It's generally open until 6 p.m. daily. Marienplatz is also home to the Frauenkirche (also known as the Church of Our Lady). This landmark of Munich is immediately recognizable for its green domes, but it is also known for its distinctively melodious bells. If you go inside (which we recommend, for it is impressive in its graceful simplicity), look for the Devil's Footstep. This dark mark resembling a foot has many legends behind it, one of which has the devil furiously stomping his foot in that very spot.

You'll also want to make time to visit the city's many museum and theaters, another one of our recommended activities in Munich. The Bavarian National Museum, State Collection of Antiques and the Deutsches Museum (or German Museum) are some of our absolute favorites, and worth a trip to Munich by themselves. In particular, the Deutsches Museum is one of the most visited in Europe, with an immense science and technology permanent exhibit. We also recommend seeing if there is a perfomance at the Bavarian State Opera while you're in town. The interior, the acoustics and the performances themselves are something you'll remember forever.

If a trip to the epicenter of Bavaria sounds appealing, we can help you fly to Munich so you can explore to your heart's content. Book your trip today!