Munich is known for

Residenzmuseum Munich's top attraction reveals the treasures of the Wittelsbach rulers in the opulent and painstakingly restored palace.

Alte Pinakothek The finest art from the Wittelsbachs' extensive collections and the high-brow highlight of Munich's Kunstareal.

Münchner Stadtmuseum An innovatively conceived overview of Munich’s past created in 2008 to mark the city's 850th birthday.

Pinakothek der Moderne Chunky retro design and artwork, plus temporary shows, pack out this minimalist, purpose-built Munich museum.

Deutsches Museum This great museum has experiments and demonstrations that bring out the boffin in everyone, especially kids.

BMW Museum This beautifully designed museum is well worth a visit for its interior, whether you're a petrol-head or not.

Bayerisches Nationalmuseum This purpose-built repository of Bavaria's past is worth half a day of any visitor's time.

Augustiner Bräustuben Traditional beer hall offering hearty Bavarian fare and an authentic atmosphere.

Hofbräuhaus The beer hall of your imagination: huge, lively and with all the oompahs you can handle.

Hofbräukeller The Hofbräuhaus' quieter cousin, but with the same unsurpassed beer and a large beer garden.

Weisses Brauhaus A winner for dinner, this hugely popular beer hall serves up excellent Weisswurst and Weissbier.

Augustiner-Grossgaststätte An authentically Bavarian venue for those who'd prefer to hoist a Mass in slightly less raucous surroundings.

Wirtshaus in der Au That time-honoured combination of beer, meat and dumplings is the speciality at this celebrated tavern.

Frauenkirche No building in the city centre may rise higher than the spires of Munich's famous church.

Asamkirche Munich's baroque masterpiece created by the Asam brothers as their private chapel.

Michaelskirche The crypt at this church is the final resting place of King Ludwig II.

Ludwigskirche Unashamedly decorative, this place of worship boasts a fresco by Nazarene painter Peter Cornelius.

St Peterskirche Climb the tower of Munich's oldest church for heavenly views of the city.

Heiliggeistkirche Beautiful frescoes by the Asam brothers are a delight to behold at this baroque church.

Holareidulijö A treasure trove of secondhand traditional clothing.

Flohmarkt Riem Rummage through the weird and wonderful items at Bavaria's biggest flea market.

Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz plays host to Munich's traditional Christmas market each year from late November, with festive gifts and Glühwein aplenty.

Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg Purveyors of fine porcelain created by the royal manufacturer.

Manufactum Classic top-notch German design in the form of homewares, retro toys and stationary.

Globetrotter One of the best outdoor shops in Europe, stocking everything you need for that Alpine expedition.

Chinesischer Turm Munich's oldest beer garden occupies a prime position at the Englischer Garten.

Hirschgarten A gargantuan beer garden near Schloss Nymphenburg, with space to quench the thirst of up to 8000 parched patrons.

Hirschau Well-shaded beer garden in the Englischer Garten, with beer, Bavarian food and an impressive kids' playground.

Biergarten Muffatwerk Munich's only real alternative beer garden offers reggae instead of oompah, tofu instead of pork knuckle.

Viktualienmarkt The only beer garden where you can taste beer from all six big-name Munich breweries.

Munich Marathon Join over 10,000 runners for a 42.2km-long tour of the city before a grandstand finish at the Olympiastadion.

FC Bayern München Take in a match involving one of Euope's most successful football teams.

Allianz Arena One of Europe's most spectacular stadia, which can change colour according to who's playing.

Olympiapark Take a saunter around the modest venue (by today's standards) for the 1972 Olympic Games.

Jochen Schweizer Arena Go skydiving or surfing at this new adventure-sports centre.

Müller'sches Volksbad Munich's art nouveau swimming baths, within walking distance of the Altstadt.

Surfing in the Eisbach Bring your board for some of the most unusual (and cold) urban surfing you are ever likely to experience.

BMW Welt If only all car showrooms were as much fun as BMW World.

Deutsches Museum – Verkehrszentrum A delight for those with a passion for anything with wheels.

BMW Museum Ultra-modern repository for the boxy BMWs of yesteryear.

Flugwerft Schleissheim The Deutsches Museum's flight exhibition in Schleissheim is a great day out for the kids.

BMW Plant Tours See how beamers are bolted together on these fascinating factory tours.

Vespa Munich Tour the Bavarian capital on an Italian scooter, guided by GPS.

Munich Airport There are some excellent plane-spotting locations at the ends of the runways at Munich's airport.