Munich

The city derives its name from the medieval Munichen meaning “monks” who initially settled the land. The Benedectine monks were drawn by fertile farmland along the plain of the Isar River and the close proximity to Catholic Italy. From these humble roots, Munich rose to become the capital of Bavaria, a position it continues to hold today. It’s endured everything from the bubonic plague, which wiped out nearly a third of the population, to more than 70 air raids during WWII, which left countless historical buildings in crumbles, but today Munich is known as “Toytown” for its high quality of life, safety and prosperity.

Between the royal palaces and world-class museums, Munich has no shortage of lovely art on display. However, the art of beer is undoubtedly the call to fame of locals as brewing has been a staple in Bavarian culture for centuries. Besides putting forth some of the world’s most respected brews, you can experience this enthusiasm at outdoor beer gardens and beer halls, where you can enjoy hearty food, great booze and a lively atmosphere. What’s more is that Germany’s famous beer “purity” laws ensure that there’s nothing in your 1L tankard that shouldn’t be.

While Germany can get quite cold during the winter months, consider stopping by around the holiday season for a visit to Christkindlmarkt. The charming Christmas market is set up on the Marienplatz, where you can enjoy a warm glass of mulled wine and aromatic treats from local vendors. The most popular months for visitors tend to be during May to October, especially during the weeks leading up to the world-famous Oktoberfest. The largest folk event in the world draws six million people annually. A huge field is transformed into a fairground operated by brewers, while regional vendors sell typical Bavarian fare.