By the early 1500''s the population of Munich has risen to 14,000 and was no longer just a religious settlement but a city with a mix of culture. The Wittelsbach family ruled the city and decided that they wanted a city similar to Paris. To achieve this parks, libraries, museums and universities were erected. In 1514 the Bavarian Beer Purity law was passed and was the first food regulation law in history. During this time the Frauenkirche was being built. This church with its domed towers survived WWII and has thus become a symbol of Munich.

By the 1800''s the population of Munich had increase to 18,000. A marriage was planned for the Crown Price Ludwig, a member of the Wittlesbach family. A lavish wedding reception lasted for two weeks and the citizens of the city enjoyed the festivities so much that they made it a local tradition and called it Oktoberfest. This 2 week long festival has been a German tradition ever since and continues to bring millions of travellers to Munich every year.

Due to public scandal Ludwig I handed over the throne to his son Maximilian II who commissioned many of the streets and Museums treasured today. In 1864 he passed away leaving his 18 year old son, Ludwig II to take the throne. Ludwig II did not like Munich but he greatly enjoyed the countryside of Bavaria. He spent his time and money building numerous castles until his money ran out, he had almost bankrupted the city while building Neuschwanstein Castle and so the citizens stripped him of his title. He was found drowned only a few days later.

In 1871 Bavaria was united with 38 other states to make up Germany. By 1918 the citizens of Munich were so poor that they revolted and staged a demonstration in from of the Wittelsbach home. This demonstration was so large that the Wittelsbach family ended the longest rule in Europe and left Munich for good.

Old Town - The Medieval Alt Stadt of Munich is full of Theatres, Churches, museums, shops and beer gardens all within one square kilometer.

Bogenhausen - This district includes one of Munich''s most beautiful neighborhoods along with galleries, and restaurants.

Haidhausen - Here you will find, cobble stoned streets filled with delicatessens, creperies and fashion boutiques.

Maxvorstadt - This district was built as a city planned expansion in the early 19th century. It is now filled with galleries, world-class museums and pubs.

Schwabing - This is the Artists quarter of Munich. On Leopoldstrasse you will find outdoor café''s, boutiques, and nightclubs.

Munich International Airport (MUC)

Distance from city: 28km(18mi)

Terminals: 2

Flight Info: (0)89 9755 7906 or (0) 89 9755 7906
Lost Property: (0) 89 9752 1370
E-mail: info@munich-airport.de
Website: www.munich-airport.de

Most shopping in Munich takes place on Kaufingerstrasse. The major international chain stores will all be found on this street. If you are looking for smaller boutiques any side street will offer a wide selection of interesting shops.

Rosenthal - The maker of beautiful china, cutlery and crystal.

Dallmayr - A gourmet food shop selling fine coffee, tea and chocolates.

Viktualienmarkt - Offers fruits, veggies, cheeses, meats and sausages all arranged like a small village of food stands.

Department Stores - Kaufhof and Haus Oberpollinger

Maximillian Strasse - The city''s most elegant shopping is found along this city street. Travelers in Munich should be sure not to miss it!

Friedensengal - The angel of peace stands high above the neighborhood of Bogenhausen, and stands a testament to the victorious celebration following the Treaty of Versailles in 1871.

Frauenkirche - ''Domkirche zu unserer lieben Frau'' directly translates to the ''Church of our Lady''. The church remains the most celebrated of Munich''s landmarks today. The duel towers were built during the 16th century in the early Renaissance style, but the interior offers primarily Gothic design while the altars are an exceptional example of 18th century baroque restoration.

Mullershes Volksbad - This art nouveau swimming pool is over 100 years old and has recently been renovated and offers travelers a most welcome bit of relaxation, Roman style.

Schloss Nymphenburg - The impressive summer residence of the Wittelsbach family offers travelers a chance to experience some of Europe''s most fascinating architecture. The Stone Hall is particularly intriguing with its Schnheitengalerie or ''Gallery of the Beauties'' which hosts 36 portraits of local women. The gardens are also a treat with their fusion of French and English horticulture and design.

Residenz - This 14th century palace was created to host the Wittelsbach family, but was very early on deemed to small to suffice. Today travelers can tour the impressive state collection of Egyptian art, the crown jewels and the Residenz Theater. Also particularly delightful are the numerous fountains, courtyards and grottoes throughout.

Luxury Restaurants

Tantris - One of Munich''s luxury restaurants that has been given several awards for culinary excellence from the Michelin Guide critics.

Boettner - Another of Munich''s luxury restaurants with an intimate atmosphere and a loyal customer base.

Kleinschmidtz - Started as a wine merchant and is now a popular place for fine cuisine.

Bavarian Restaurants
Bavaria is famous for their white sausages, cabbage, dumplings and roast pork. You can find traditional Bavarian food at the following restaurants.

Hofbrauhaus - Restaurant in Munich famous for it''s beer hall.

Andeschser an Dom - Bavarian restaurant that serves beer brewed at the Andechs Monastery by the Monks.

Weisses Brauhaus - Serves traditional dishes from Upper Bavaria.

International Restaurants

Hunsinger Pacific - offers ''Fusion Cooking'' with a great ambience.

Italian Restaurants
Italian restaurants are great in number

Pizza at Bei Mario - Serves traditional Italian food

French Restaurants

Chez Philippe - Serves French delicacies in the intimacy of a living room

La Bretagne - Serves fresh fish dishes from both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Spanish Restaurants

Spado''s - Serves fish in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.