The weather in Munich is influenced by a continental climate, strongly modified by the proximity of the Alps. In general summers are fairly warm and very wet, prone to thunderstorms, while winters are cold with light snowfalls. The Alps cause two unique aberrations in Munich weather. South westerly winds crossing the Alps can bring warm Föhnconditions, during any season but only on a few days a year, pushing up temperatures markedly even in winter. When north-westerly winds blow from the mountains, however, weather conditions known as Alpenstauoccur, most often in spring and summer, which bring unseasonably low temperatures, rain and even snow on odd days.

Munich's city centre is a pedestrian zone, so many of its attractions can be reached on foot. The city's efficient and integrated public transport system is excellent for getting around beyond the centre; it consists of buses, trams, the U-bahn (subway) and the S-bahn (suburban train) that operate from about 5am to 1am, with hourly buses and trams servicing main routes throughout the night. Tickets must be validated on entering stations or on boarding, and are transferable between all forms of transport, and valid for two hours after being stamped as long as one travels in the same direction. Fares are zone based. There are various day passes available as well as the München Welcome Card, which covers all transport within the city and includes discounts to the main attractions. Taxis are safe and convenient, but expensive.

German is the official language. English is also widely spoken and understood.

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs and exchange bureaux are widely available. The major credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in many large shops, hotels and restaurants, although Germans themselves prefer to carry cash. Travellers cheques are best cashed at exchange bureaux, as banks often won't change them. The quickest and most convenient way to change money is to obtain cash from one of the ATM machines that are ubiquitous features on all German streets. Banks are closed on weekends, but exchange bureaux at airports and main railway stations are open daily from 6am to 10pm.

From bustling traditional beer halls to pumping dance clubs, the nightlife in Munich has it all; and the mix of foreigners and locals gives this city a welcome cosmopolitan feel to it. The two main areas for a pumping nightlife scene in Munich are Schwabing, where much of the city's most popular live music venues abound with a variety of Latin, jazz and rock, while dance clubs, bars and restaurants are tucked in every other corner; and Kunstpark Ost (around Grafinger Strasse) where restaurants, clubs and bars line the street and party-goers can be found on every street corner plotting their next move. Haidhausen and Schwabing vie are where all the trendoids can be found in the stylish nightclubs, while Hans-Sachs-Strasse is the place to head for Munich's gay scene. Schumann's American Bar at Odeonsplatz features a trendy beer garden and is considered one of the most fashionable clubs in Munich, but for a taste of something familiar, head to Shamrock Irish Pub for some entertaining theme nights and a whole lot of craic! Max-Emanuel-Brauerei in Schwabing is frequented by young locals and university students which features a jamming dancefloor and occasional live music, while P1 on Prinzregentenstrasse 1 is about as chic as they come where choosy bouncers and high prices ensure the who's who of Munich rub shoulders with each other while sipping champagne and cocktails.

From international designer brands and to work from local designers to traditional Bavarian handicrafts and wares, shopaholics can enjoy plenty of variety in Munich. Typical Bavarian gifts include Trachten(traditional clothing) such asLederhose, while the most popular souvenirs are stillBierkrug(beer steins) and pewter-ware. The two main shopping districts are Neuhauserstrasse and Kaufingerstrasse in Munich's historic city centre. Department and chain stores abound in this pedestrian-only shopping area where everything from clothing and accessories to electrical goods and sports equipment can be found. Head to Maximilianstrasse, Theatinerstrasse, or Leopoldstrasse in Schwabing for independent shops and trendy boutiques selling all the latest local designer clothing. Second-hand stores can also be found in Schwabing and some real gems can be found if you look hard enough. The modern Fünf Höfe shopping mall is a great place to find everything under one roof, while the Sunday flea market at Kunstpark Ost provides more alternative buys with second-hand goods, antiques and old bric-a-brac lining the stall fronts. For great food markets, the vibrant Viktualienmarkt behind the Marienplatz sells everything from cheese and spices to poultry and game. Browse through the stalls and let your senses come alive to the fragrances of spices and aromas of delicious fresh foods. The market is open Monday to Friday and even features a Biergarten where weary shoppers can take a load off, rest their legs and enjoy an ice cold refreshment. Most stores are open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and on Saturday until 4pm. VAT is 19% and included in the price of good. Non-EU visitors can claim this back by shopping in stores displaying the Tax free Shopping logo.

This charming Bavarian city is a popular tourist destination, not only for its famed Oktoberfest Festival, but also because it's nothing like the rest of Germany really.

A charming combination of old world allure and modern flair, the city boasts numerous attractions, including numerous Munich museums such as the BMW Museum, Deutsches Museum, Museum Brandhorst, the City Museum of Munich and the National Bavarian Museum, to name a few. Head to the Marienplatz to see some historic buildings and marvel at the uniquely German architecture, visit Olympia Park and eat lunch in the revolving restaurant from the adjacent observation tower to enjoy breathtaking views over the city.

Looking for a bit of fresh air and respite from the rat race? Head to the Englischer Garten in Schwabing to relax and unwind in the picturesque gardens, and while you there, you can pay Munich's second biggest beer garden. For travellers looking for a bit more adventure, Munich is also the gateway to the Bavarian Alps and sport enthusiasts from near and far flock here each winter.

Visitors planning on doing lots of sightseeing should purchase the Munich CityTourCard which entitles the bearer to free public transport in Munich and a discount card for many tourist attractions and is available for either one or three days.

GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).