The Bavarian city of Munich, centre of southern Germany, is one of the country's favourite tourist destinations, offering a unique combination of modern flair and traditional charm, all mixed together with a heavy helping of 'Gemutlichkeit', the special German term for hearty, happy, healthy togetherness.

Traditionally the city, famous for its breweries and beer halls, conjures up images of jolly red-cheeked, portly men in lederhosen, downing steins of beer. There is plenty of this fun to be had, but Munich and the Bavarian region has plenty more to recommend it to visitors. The city has numerous great museums, art treasures, hi-tech industries and gems of Gothic and Baroque architecture. It is also the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, drawing winter sports enthusiasts from near and far.

Munich itself was founded in 1158 on the River Isar, and acquired its name, Munchen (home of the monks) from its first monastery. It was the monks that started the beer brewing tradition for which the city is now world famous, particularly since it started celebrating an annual beer festival in 1810. Today close on six million people visit the Oktoberfest every year, and consume more than five and a half million litres of beer during its two-week run.

Marienplatz, dedicated to the patron of the city, whose golden statue atop a huge column (the Mariensäule) stands in the center of the square, is the heart of the Altstadt, or Old Town. On its north side is the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), built in 19th-century Gothic style. Each day at 11am, and also at noon and 5pm in the summer, the Glockenspiel on the facade stages an elaborate performance, including a miniature tournament, with enameled copper figures moving in and out of the archways. Because you're already at the Rathaus, you may wish to climb the 55 steps to the top of its tower (an elevator is available) for a good overall view of the city center. Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), with its plain Gothic tower, is to the right. It was reconstructed in the 15th century, after being destroyed by fire.

South of the square you can see the oldest church in Munich, Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church). The Viktualienmarkt, just off Marienplatz and around the corner from St. Peter's Church, has been a gathering place since 1807. Here, people gossip, browse, snack, and buy fresh country produce, wines, meats, and cheese.

To the north lies Odeonsplatz, Munich's most beautiful square. The Residenz (Royal Palace) is just to the east, and the Theatinerkirche is to the south. Adjoining the Residenz is the restored Nationaltheater, home of the acclaimed Bavarian State Opera and Bavarian National Ballet.

Running west from Odeonsplatz is the wide shopping avenue, Briennerstrasse, leading to Königsplatz. Flanking this large Grecian square are three classical buildings constructed by Ludwig I -- the Propyläen, the Glyptothek, and the Antikensammlungen. The busy Ludwigstrasse runs north from Odeonsplatz to the section of Munich known as Schwabing. This is the Greenwich Village or Latin Quarter of Munich, proud of its artistic and literary heritage. Ibsen and Rilke lived here, as well as members of the Blue Rider group, which influenced abstract art in the early 20th century. Today, Schwabing's sidewalk tables are filled with young people from all over the world.

Isartor (Isar Gate) is one of the most-photographed Munich landmarks. It's located east of Marienplatz at Isartorplatz. Take the S-Bahn to Isartor. This is the only tower left from the wall that once encircled Munich, forming part of the city's fortifications against invaders.

The other major gate of Munich is the Karlstor, once known as Neuhauser Tor, lying northeast of Karlsplatz (nicknamed Stachus). Take Tram 18 to Karlsplatz. Karlstor lies at the end of Neuhauser Strasse, which formed part of the town's second circuit of walls, dating from the 1500s. The Karlstor takes its official name from Elector of Bavaria Karl Theodor, who had the Karlsplatz laid out and also commissioned to alter the gate. The Karlstor, built in 1302, lost its main tower in an 1857 explosion.