Fodor's To Europe!
Munich is the center of archetypal Germany: oompah bands, liters of beer, flashy cars, and scads of museums. It's not subtle, but it's an extremely entertaining city to visit nonetheless. Between the museums and the city's ample parkland, it's also a very kid-friendly destination.
Learn more about Munich »
- Art and Culture
- Food and Wine
Experiences
- Even if it's not Oktoberfest, head to the Hofbräuhaus for a pint (or a liter) of fine German suds. Try one of the seasonal beers in summer.
- The German Museum on an island in the Isar River, boasts all manner of planes, trains, and automobiles from Germany's past. One wing of the museum is for kids.
- Germany's largest city park, the Englischer Garten, has a boating lake, four beer gardens, and a series of themed temples. Note that certain parts of the park are popular for nude sunbathing (unrelated to the four beer gardens, promise).
Festivals
- Oktoberfest is the world's foremost beer festival. It starts in late September and runs through early October.
- German Mardi Gras, called Fasching, is a spectacle just as wild as its cousins in Brazil and Louisiana.
Side Trips
- The lakeside retreat of Starnberg is a popular destination in the summertime for locals.
Learn More
Free Fodor's Newsletter
Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.
Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas
- Great American Vacation: Find Your Next U.S. Trip with Fodor's
- 80 Degrees: Fodor's Helps You Find Your Best Beach Vacation Spots
- Go List: Fodor's Top 25 Places to Go in 2013
- Hotel Awards 2012: Fodor's 100 Top Hotels
- Weekend Getaways: Fodor's Recommends the Best Weekend Escapes in the US
- Best of Europe: Fodor's Picks the Best Places to Visit in Europe

