Allianz Arena

Soccer and architecture fans alike should take a side trip to the northern Munich suburb of Fröttmaning to see Munich's showpiece football stadium - already an historic site after hosting the opening game of the World Cup 2006. Nicknamed the 'life belt' and 'rubber boat' (Schlauchboot), the state-of-the-art, €340 million Allianz Arena (off Map p000) has walls made of inflatable cushions that can be individually lit to match the jerseys of the host team - be it local sides FC Bayern München and TSV 1860 München (who share the stadium) or the national team. Take a tour of the stadium but expect to queue in summer. To get there take the U6 to Fröttmaning.