Munich

Known as the city of "laptops and lederhosen," Munich traces its history back to the 12th century, when it began as a market town on the "salt road" between mighty Salzburg and Augsburg. For all its business drive and the cosmopolitan style of its millionaires, Munich represents what the rest of the world sees as "typical Germany," embodied in the world-famous Oktoberfest, traditional lederhosen (leather pants), busty Bavarian waitresses in dirndls (traditional dresses), beer steins, and sausages. There are myriad local brews to say Prost (cheers) with, either in one of the cavernous beer halls or a smaller Kneipe, a bar where all types of people get together for meals and some drinks. When the first rays of spring sun begin warming the air, follow the locals to their beloved beer gardens, shaded by massive chestnut trees. Those around you might work at one of Germany's prestigious publishing houses, a top-notch digital postproduction company, or a world-class film studio. The concentration of electronics and computer firms—Siemens, Microsoft, and SAP, for example—makes the area a sort of Silicon Valley of Europe.

Respect for the fine arts is another Munich hallmark. "All-nighter" events throughout the year celebrate museum-going, literature, and musical performances. The city's appreciation of the arts began under the kings and dukes of the Wittelsbach Dynasty, which ruled Bavaria for more than 750 years until 1918. The Wittelsbach legacy is alive and well in the city's fabulous museums, the Opera House, the Philharmonic, and of course, the Residenz, the city's royal palace. Any walk in the city center will take you past ravishing baroque styling and grand 19th-century architecture.

Munich's cleanliness, safety, and Mediterranean pace give it an ever so slightly rustic feeling. The broad sidewalks, endless fashionable boutiques and eateries, views of the Alps, a sizeable river running through town, and a huge green park that easily gives Central Park a run for its money make Munich one of Germany's most enjoyable cities.

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