If there's one thing they take seriously in Munich - apart from having perfected the ultimate pretzel and their world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations, of course - it's their Christmas markets, which fill the city's historical squares with striped awnings and twinkling fairy lights every year from December 1 until Christmas Eve.
And if you're looking for some festive fun, where towering gothic cathedrals loom over ancient squares, there's plenty of ice-skating to be done, and you'll find some of the heartiest and filling eats in the world to treat yourself to, then Bavaria's capital is a great place to jet away to with the family.
As Germany's second most popular tourist destination after Berlin, Munich's position at the base of the German Alps makes for some excellent skiing and tobogganing options, as well as magnificent views across the region.
Dubbed ‘The city with a heart', Munich has long enticed visitors back time and time again, thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere and ‘village' vibe, which manages to complement its position as a cosmopolitan capital that's home to a plethora of historic buildings - which have seen Munich take its place at number 30 in National Geographic Traveller's list of the top 100 historic places around the globe.
Start at Marienplatz
A great place to start exploring Munich is in the heart of the city - Marienplatz (St Mary's Square) - a stunning and sprawling area that traces its history back to the Middle Ages, where tournaments and, chillingly, executions used to take place! And ghoul-hunters can learn more about the city's gruesome side with a ghost tour, which you'll find at munichwalktours.de.
The column of St Mary dominates the centre along with the New Town Hall, a Flemish-gothic style building, whose basement is home to the must-try restaurant, Ratskeller.
And make sure you stick around the square to catch the Carillon, the glockenspiel clock that chimes at 11am, noon and 5pm each day, and whose figures perform the Schäfferltanz, which dates back to 1517; as well as the Old Town Hall, now in its third incarnation after having been destroyed once by fire and again in the Second World War.
Palaces, Platz and Pretzels
A stroll through the four grand royal avenues, which are lined with impressive buildings, is a must when getting to know your way around this very walkable city. From the neoclassicism of the Briennerstrasse, which opens out onto the incredible Königsplatz, you'll find yourself in the art centre of the city, which boasts many museums and galleries.
Check out the exhibitions at the State Museum of Classical Art as well as the beautiful St Boniface's Abbey, which dates back to 1835. Onto the Ludwigstrasse, the route will take you past many palaces as well as the Bavarian State Library and St Louis Church, with numerous Italian renaissance and Romanesque-influenced places to gawp at along the way.
At the Prinzregentenstrasse you'll find the mansion Prinz-Carl-Palais, the Bavarian National Museum and masterpieces aplenty in the Schack-Galerie. And what with all that walking, you're going to need something to munch on as you walk, and you're in good hands in a city that's elevated hearty comfort fare to an art form.
With most bakeries creating their own versions of the doughy snack, pick up a great pretzel at Rischart in Marienplatz or opt for an organic version from Hofpfisterei at the U-Bahn station, also in Marienplatz. Finally, Die Backstube at the U-Bahn station Sendlinger Tor Platz boasts salted snacks that'll work perfectly as a stomach stop-gap for elevenses.
Christmas Markets
With some of its Christmas markets dating back to the 14th century, expect to find traditional gifts nestling among more modern offerings, along with plenty of food on offer, including gingerbread, stollen and weiner. At the Marienplatz market you can pick up wood carvings for the mantle or tree, or some of the hand-crafted glassware the nearby Black Forest region is famous for.
And expect to browse to the strains of classical music in the air, as each day sees live performances take place on the balcony of the Town Hall, whilst kids can enjoy the free areas hosted by the Children's Museum, where they can dress up and have their faces painted.
The Kripperlmarkt is another popular attraction on nearby Rindermarkt. Dating back to middle of the 18th century, here you'll find gorgeous wooden gifts, from traditional children's toys to sturdy homewares, before moving onto the buzzing Tollwood Christmas Market on the Theresienwiese.
At Tollwood, Munich celebrates its multiculturalism with an array of tented stalls as well as live musical performances, both of which showcase different global gifts and tunes, as well as a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. And with over 20 more markets to visit, make sure the medieval market at the Wittelsbacher Platz is on your list - if only for the amazing gospel singers!
Trip notes
Feringasee
Spend a morning indulging in all things icy at this lake in northern Munich, which freezes over in the winter, making for some perfect skating and sledging opportunities. And if it all gets a bit too chilly, you can always retire to the Gasthof pub on its shores.
A taste of Tantris
Located on Johann-Fichte-Str, you'll find one of the best restaurants in Germany in Tantris. Journey past the concrete animals at the entrance and you'll find traditional German dishes with a modern Euro twist, including lamb chops, heavy dumplings and curd cheese ice cream.
tantris.de
Historical Hof
Head to the famous Hofbräuhaus Am Platzl where you can enjoy your Weisswurst and pints to the strains of traditional Bavarian music in surroundings that date back to 1598.
hofbraeuhaus.de
Filmed there
Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Cabaret, The Three Musketeers, Alexander
Fly there
Etihad flies directly to Munich from Abu Dhabi. Visit etihadairways.com for flight details.
Stay here
Luxury: Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
For a luxe stay in the heart of the historic city, check into the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, which is super-close to the main train station and a short walk to all the big attractions. With its avant-garde design, this five-star hotel in a listed building is home to the Isarbar, where cocktails are the speciality of the house, as well as two in-house restaurants, featuring traditional Bavarian dishes and French casual cuisine. And with 396 rooms and the acclaimed So SPA, you'll be spoilt for accommodation and pampering choice.
sofitel.com/munich
Mid-range: Superior Hotel PrÄsident
Centrally located just 300 metres from Munich Central Station - with the airport just a short train journey away - the Präsident's rooms are well proportioned, with family rooms available, all with large windows looking out over the city. Breakfast is a hearty pretzel-filled affair, and the hotel will put together packed lunches for you upon request.
hotel-praesident.de
Budget: Motel One
Clean, brilliantly situated and the hip travellers' hangout of choice, Motel One is a fantastic budget option for your stay in Munich. With its 24-hour lounge, serving up hot chocolate for night owls, the rooms are petite but functional and well-designed, each with a flatscreen TV and en suite, decked out in the hotel's signature turquoise. Breakfast is included, with underground parking available at an additional charge.
motel-one.com
