Munich is Bavaria's capital, a city built around a medieval core of onion-domed church towers, beer hall tradition, and one of Europe's grandest former royal palaces, the Residenz, tucked just behind Marienplatz.
Late May through September, when beer garden season is in full swing and outdoor seating stays open into the evening.
Weisswurst, the white veal sausage traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard and a pretzel, and Schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle) with a liter of Helles at a beer hall or beer garden.
Base yourself in the Altstadt-Lehel district just north or east of Marienplatz, within walking distance of the Residenz, the Frauenkirche, and the beer halls.
Climb Alter Peter (St. Peter's Church), not the Frauenkirche, for the classic rooftop view straight across Marienplatz to the Neues Rathaus and the Frauenkirche's domes.
Read more in Munich Travel Guide: Marienplatz Spires and the Royal Residenz.