THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MUNICH

Munich, the capital of Bavaria in Germany, offers a wide range of attractions that showcase its rich history, vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings. Here are my very best ten things to do in Munich and around the city.

1. Marienplatz: This central square is the heart of Munich and home to the iconic Town Hall. It's a vibrant square with shops, restaurants and lively street performances. It can get very packed during summertime, but great place to start your visit.

2. Nymphenburg Palace: A grand Baroque palace set in vast landscaped gardens is a another must-visit. Explore the stunning interiors and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque park, followed by some pastry and coffee in one of the local cafeterias.

3. English Garden (Englischer Garten): One of the largest urban parks in the world, the English Garden offers a serene retreat from the city bustle. Enjoy peaceful walks, rent a paddleboat on the lake or witness surfers riding the artificial wave at the Eisbachwelle (see bonus below;) .

4. BMW Museum and BMW Welt: Car enthusiasts will love visiting the BMW Museum, which showcases the brand's history, innovations, and iconic vehicles. Next door, BMW Welt is a futuristic exhibition center where you can see the latest car models and even take a test drive.

5. Audi Museum Mobile: This is not Munich (about 45min/1 hour away from the center), so probably shouldn't be on this list...BUT as a car aficionado, I recommend a day trip to nearby Ingolstadt, where you can visit the Audi Museum. Explore the history of Audi, view classic cars and learn about the brand's technological advancements.

6. Drive the Autobahn: Germany's famous highway system, the Autobahn, offers a unique driving experience. Rent a car and take a drive on stretches of the Autobahn where there are no speed limits (you can drive to Ingolstadt, see 5. above )

7. Deutsches Museum: Germany's largest science and technology museum, the Deutsches Museum, boasts an extensive collection of exhibits on various topics, including natural sciences, engineering, astronomy, and much more. It's a fascinating place for both kids and adults.

8. Hofbräuhaus: No visit to Munich is complete without experiencing the famous Hofbräuhaus. This historic beer hall dates back to the 16th century and offers a lively atmosphere, traditional Bavarian cuisine, and, of course, their renowned beer.

9. Viktualienmarkt: Located near Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt is a vibrant open-air market where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, flowers, and more. It's a great place to immerse yourself in Munich's culinary scene.

10. Frauenkirche: The Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady, commonly known as Frauenkirche, is Munich's iconic landmark. With its twin onion-domed towers, it offers impressive panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

BONUS:

See the surfers at 'Eisbach Wave', performing their best tricks right in the heart of Munich's city center, next to the entrance to Englischer Garten. Some are real pros!!

These are plenty more attractions in and around Munich - I personally love the local cafes, art galleries and the Oktoberfest. Or simply reading a book, sat on the bench in one of the parks. The city offers great experiences for all who love culture, hearty food and...cars! ;-0