Munich

Munich's nightlife is characterised by beer halls, pubs, chic clubs and more beer halls. Altstadt, G_rtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel in Isarvorstadt are some of the best neighborhoods with vibrant after dark scenes. Munich arguably has the most famous breweries, beer halls and beer gardens, all this aside of the most indulgent beer festival. Beer gardens stay open until 1 am and atleast 3 am on weekends, irrespective of establishment size. You will be spoilt for choice between the huge lively gardens which could seat hundreds and the mellow small terraces tucked in narrow lanes, each one a particular favourite of the locals. These places allow you to carry your own food to munch on while you soak in the varied brews. Some gardens arrange live jazz nights occasionally. Augustine Keller, the oldest beer garden is a must visit, more so for its traditional charm. Dance clubs are comparatively fewer, cause when in Munich, who don't beer and dance! Disclaimer: Germans don't produce one beverage called 'beer', instead there are some over 5000 varieties! Just remember 'Bier bitte' (beer please).

Munich offers haute couture in Maximilianstrasse, Theatinerstrasse, Residenzstrasse and Brienner Strasse, department and chain stores in the pedestrian enclosure, trendy and flamboyant clothes in town districts, G_rtnerplatz and Glockenbach area, Haidhausen or Schwabing, Bavarian local costumes, handicrafts and souvenirs in specialist shops, delicacies from all over the world at the ViktualienMarket in the heart of the city. Another feature typical of Munich is a large number of small shops concentrating on few articles, like felt, candles or wood carvings, in the centre of the town. Perusastrasse, Residenzstrasse, Brienner Strasse and Odeonsplatz are second names for ultra chic shopping. The shop of the Nymphenburg Porcelain Factory is a must visit for its spectacular collection of porcelain for home decor as well as gifts. Munich being a city of beer, items relating to its consumption are great souveniors and available in great variety. The flea market, Auer Dult (May & July/August & October), is a bargainers delight with an array of crockery, junk and antiques on sale.

The Euro has replaced the Deutsche Mark in Germany.

Reisebank at Hauptbahnhof (Central Exchange), however it charges a massive fee for the same. There are few other institutions for currency exchange which again charge a commission. Hence it is advisable to withdraw Euros using an international credit card or exchange your currency beforehand.

Germany is relatively cheaper than other European countries like UK or France. However if you visit during the Oktoberfest expect higher costs. Owing to the well connected public trains, transportation within Munich is cheap. Food and beverages tend be expensive unless you are eating the wursts at the sausage carts. Entry for places of interest range from moderate to expensive, with a lot of places having free entry. On an average a daily budget of approximately Eur — 65 - 80 should keep you covered for food, beverages, transportation, communication, entertainment.

Christianity, with traces of Islam

Germans prefer using a very formal form of address - use Herr(Mr) or Frau(Mrs) and their surname. Greet people before making any conversation. Maintaining eye contact is important to gain trust and not come off as rude.Switch your moblie phones to silent mode while aboard the S-Bahn and U-Bahn. In Munich it is polite to tip anybody who renders a service to you, in restaurants round off to the nearest Euro always.

German Hi - Hello Danke - Thank You Bitte - Please Ich spreche kein Deutsch - I don't speak German

Munich or Munchen (Home of the Monks), traces its origin to the Benedictine monastery at Tegernsee. Henry the Lion, duke of Bavaria, permitted the monks to establish a market, later which was fortified. Subsequently Munich was home to generations of the Wittelsbach family. Under their rule the city prospered and expanded territorially as well. Roman Emperor Louis IV and Bavarian Elector Maximilian were known to have contributed significantly to the welfare of the Bavarian city. The 18th and 19th century saw the maximum growth and development of modern Munich, in terms of architecture, population and culture. The Wittelsbach reign came to an end after the abdication of Lous III in 1918, following which Munich became the centre of right wing politics. Hitler assumed leadership of the Nazi Party here. The beer cellar where he colluded the Putsch(uprising) against the Bavarian authorities can be seen even today (Beer Hall Putsch). Munich suffered severe devastation because of the Allied bombings during the Second World War, much of which has been restored by now. Over the years, Munich has grown economically by way of emphasis on manufacturing and trade. The advent of the Oktoberfest, enriched the economy with an inflow of tourists and since then the city has become one of Europe's largest tourist magnet city.

Bavarian cuisine is characterized by its hearty and rustic nature. Traditionally made with wurst (sausage), knodel (potato or bread dumplings), different kinds of meat, bread and potatoes, Munich serves some of the best Bavarian. A typical local favourite is the Weissewurst (white sausage) served with sweet mustard and breze (pretzel), which is meant to be eaten only with hands! The wurst is served in various other forms, be it Currywurst, grilled or seved in salad. While the Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Riderwurst, Leberwurst are also widely served, the Weissewurst is the Munchners very own. Meat enthusiasts will also appreciate Schweinshaxe, pork knuckle roasted in beer; Kalbshax'n, roasted calf knuckle and the Leberk_se, which is a regional pate made from pork, beef, bacon, and onion and served with a Bavarian potato salad. One of the pure vegetarian treats is the beer soup, made with light beer, butter, lemon and seasoned with cumin and nutmeg. End on a sweet note with Apfelkiuchen, sliced sour apples dipped in rum and beer dough, served with ice cream. Pretzels are a popular favourite in itself, served plain or with butter. There are ofcourse several restaurants serving other international cuisine, be it French, Italian or Asian fare. A visit to any of the Biergartens is a must, even if you are visiting during the Oktoberfest. These are ideal places to unwind, while you sit in the shade of trees and sample the many kinds of Bavarian brews. Breweries here are known to not add preservatives to the beer because of the rapid consumption rates prevalent among the Munchners! Lest you have the taste, opt for the ein Helles, which is light beer and a tad bit less potent from its darker counterparts! These beer gardens let you carry your own
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