Bonjour, munich

Way back in the 8th century, what is now the capital of the Free State of Bavaria was a friar settlement, known as 'zu den Munichen' — to the monks! The city's roots date back to the establishment of a monastery in 1158. Later, in 1506, the oldest German food law was enacted here, which is still valid today — the Bavarian Purity Law. Schwabing is a good starting point for a tour of the city, traditionally well-known for its many pubs and nightspots. Many students also live here, as the university is just a stone's throw away. When thinking of Nymphenburg, the palace and surrounding villas come to mind, while Haidhausen, which is becoming increasingly popular as a residential area, is more of a cultural and art district. In the city centre, many churches (including the cathedral) and small palaces are open for visitors. The Englischer Garten, Munich's green lung, is a 3.7 square kilometre park in the middle of the city. It borders the Isar river and is popular with joggers, sun worshippers, and anyone who just wants to stroll around or have a picnic.