Where to live: Munich’s desirability is reflected in its housing costs – it is the most expensive city in the country to rent. Cheap student housing can be found at the Olympiapark. Schwabing, just north of the city centre, is the place to find grand 19th Century apartments, while Haidhausen and Ludwigsvorstadt are cheaper alternatives.

Shopping: Munich’s main shopping street, the aptly named Kaufinger Straße runs west from the central square, Marienplatz, to Karlsplatz. It is home to the high street brands. Those with cash to burn need to head to Maximilianstraße. The area around Viktualienmarkt has plenty of smaller and independent shops. 

Culture: The city’s culture centres on museums, music, beer and football. For those looking for high culture, the Bavarian State Opera on Max-Joseph-Platz next to the Royal Residence is a must. The city’s three famous Pinakothek art museums, the Neue, Alte and Moderne also have to be visited. Munich has 61 theatres and 36 museums.

Nightlife: If Bavaria was an independent country, it would have the highest beer per head consumption in the world. Munich itself has six major breweries and dozens of beer gardens and beer halls. The tourists’ favourite is the Hofbräuhaus so head to the Augustiner Bräu on Landsberger Straße to see some actual Bavarians. The city has gathered many of its tackiest clubs around the Ostbahnhof, but you will find better bars around Sendlinger Tor.

Education: Munich is home to two of Germany’s leading universities, the LMU and the TU. It also has two international schools, the MIS, south of the city and the BIS.

Interesting Fact: The local name for Munich is “Minga”. Its name is derived from old German meaning “the monks’ place”.