The city of Munich has much to offer for all ages and tastes.

Germany’s second most popular destination after Berlin, is famous for its history, architecture and art – and home to the world’s largest Oktoberfest, mouthwatering bratwurst, sausage, pretzels and sauerkraut.

Munich is considered the capital of Bavaria and its churches define the city’s silhouettes.

The Cathedral Church of Our Lady is a city landmark and for 500 plus years. The Royal Residenz was home to the Bavarian dukes, kings and emperors, while the Nymphenburg Palace served as the summer residence of the monarchs.

A vibrant, diverse and fun-loving city, it’s hard to imagine that Munich was once known as the capital of the Nazi movement.

Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Munich:

1. If you only have a day in Munich, head to the popular Marienplatz Square, smack in the heart of the city.  Filled with locals and tourists eating bratwursts, drinking beer and enjoying life, cobblestone Marienplatz Square has it all.  Stroll through the Alstadt (Old Town Square), check out Old and New Town Hall and, at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. (and 5 p.m. in the summer), follow the crowds to the Glockenspiel Chime and watch the 32 full-life figures reenact a Bavarian dance to loud ringing bells.  The Viktualienmarkt – the citys oldest farmers market – is also worth a visit.
2. Larger than Central Park, The English Garden (Englisher Garten) is an enormous public park that will remind you of a never-ending English style garden complete with rolling hills. You really will think you’re in the countryside. Rent bikes or boats or walk along the many wooded paths until you stumble upon one of the beer gardens or beer halls. Spend time in the famous Biergarten – near the Chinese Tower – for great beer, authentic Bavarian food and oompah musicians. 
3. If you enjoy touring churches, Munich’s Cathedral Church of Our Lady is the one and if you are able to walk several stairs – go to the observation platform on top for fantastic city views.  If you like smaller, older, and less crowds head to St. Peter’s church (circa 1180). 
4. Take a walking tour of Third Reich sites. Munich was the birthplace of the Nazi party and home of it’s headquarters. Our 2-hour tour highlighted Nazi monuments, squares and buildings tracing the history of the Third Reich. We learned that only recently  Germany tourism has  became more open about these types of tours, many Germans are still in pain about this part of their history.
5. If it’s museums you’re after – the Alte Pinakothek Museum (Old Picture Gallery) is filled with the “old masters.” If you want to immerse yourself in science and technology with hands-on experiences you’ll love the Deutsches museum.
6. Old world charm can be found inside the lobby of the grande dame Bayerischer Hof hotel in Old Town.  Order a coffee and local pastry and take it all in. 
7. If you’re a fan of the popular BMW, spend some time at BMW World and the BMW museum – it’s all about the famous German automobile. I had to literally drag my husband out.
8. You could spend a whole day wondering about the Residenzmuseum – home to Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers from 1508 to World War I. It’s amazing.
9. Christkindlmarkt: From late November thru December 24th, Christmas dreams come true at the Marienplatz Square where you’ll find every decoration imaginable, plus an enormous twinkling fir tree at one of Germany’s oldest and largest Christmas Markets. The sights, sounds and smells celebrate the holiday season, and handcrafted ornaments and wooden toys make wonderful (and authentic) gifts to bring home. We loved our Advent dinner at the Restaurant Pfistermuhle (circa 1573) where you have your choice of two Bavarian holiday menus.
10. I loved the location of The Charles Hotel, in an upscale, quiet neighborhood near the Old Botanical Garden with easy walking to city center. During the summer months dine al fresco on the summer terrace overlooking the gardens – a great way to unwind after a day of touring Munich.

Sandy Fenton is a travel expert and host of “Let’s Talk Travel with AAA,” which airs every Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon on WHP 580 AM. For more information and to listen live go to whp580.com and click on “Let’s Talk Travel.”