DK Travel : Munich

Of the city he lived in for many years, 20th-century writer Thomas Mann said that “Munich glows”. And indeed, the sky is often a brilliant blue dotted with puffy white clouds in “Italy’s northernmost city”, where the relaxed, often Baroque lifestyle gives it a southern flair. Englischer Garten and the Isar meadows are right in the middle of the city; Starnberger See and the mountains are virtually on the doorstep. But Munich is also a city of art and culture with an abundance of historic buildings, museum treasures, and a lively cultural scene. Fine art, leisure, and la dolce vita make this a unique city.

For Munich on the Internet, visit www.muenchen.de With 1.3 million inhabitants, Munich is Germany’s third-largest city.

Burghausen

Burghausen experienced its heyday in the Middle Ages when it was a centre of the salt trade and, occasionally, the Wittelsbachs’ second seat of government. The enormous castle, one of Germany’s largest, is fascinating. Built in 1255, it was added to and became a fortress at the end of the 15th century. Other highlights include the Gothic Jakobskirche, the 16th-century town hall, and the 18th-century Schutzengelskirche, all on the market square.
Café Altschwabing

Stucco and fin-de-siècle atmosphere. Breakfast served until 5pm.
Café am Beethovenplatz

Classic jazz brunch on Sundays. Patio.
Café am Beethovenplatz

Munich’s oldest café; genteel atmosphere, live classical music.
Café an der Uni

Attractive small café hidden behind a wall on Ludwigsstraße. Excellent for a coffee break during a stroll through this area of the university district.
Café Florian

Espresso bar with a small restaurant featuring Italian cuisine. In the evening, you can wander downstairs to the Coccodrillo cocktail bar, located in the basement. Pretty terrace.
Café Fortuna

Intimate, Italian-style neigh-bourhood café with a few outdoor tables. Delicious hot chocolate.
Café Freiheit

Café, bar, and restaurant with a 25-year history at this location on Leonrodplatz. Patio.
Café Frischhut

A favourite with hungover night owls, this café opens at 5am and serves fresh, deep-fried baked goods, doughnuts, and other goodies.
Café Glockenspiel

An evening meeting place for the 30- to 40-year-old crowd. Heated patio.