Things to see in Munich

This recently opened museum, near the Stadtmuseum, is dedicated to the long history of Jewish culture in the Bavarian capital, and is located on the site of a pre-war synagogue. It succeeds a much smaller attraction on Maximilianstrasse, and offers three floors of exhibitions, including a special section explaining general Jewish history and religious topics. There are various temporary exhibitions, often relating to topics such as exile to persecution, and each floor also has a dedicated study area for those undertaking serious research.

The Residenz in Munich dates from 1385, when it originated as a small castle. Successive members of the Wittelsbach dynasty expanded the original 14th-century castle to create a complex of palaces around seven courtyards. The elaborate rooms contain antiques, sculptures, paintings and tapestries amassed by the Wittelsbachs between the 16th and 19th centuries. There are no regular guided tours, although a free audio guide is available in five languages, including English. Other royal treasures are on show in the Schatzkammer (Treasury). The entire Residenz complex, including the rococo Cuvilliés-Theater, was rebuilt and restored after being reduced to rubble during WWII.

The tour of Germany's ‘Film City', where around 150 hours of cinema and TV films are produced every year, reveals the tricks of the film industry, including the making of films such as Das Boot (1981), Cabaret (1972), Die Unendliche Geschichte, better known as The NeverEnding Story (1984), and Perfume - The Story of a Murderer (2006), with Dustin Hoffman, as well as many German TV series. Included in the full-price ticket is entry to a 4D motion simulation cinema as well as a humorous interactive attraction known as Bullyversum. In peak season, English tours are available at 1300 daily.

The English Garden is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, and even bigger than New York’s Central Park, and provides an oasis in the heart of busy Munich. Locals and tourists come to stroll, cycle, sunbathe, picnic and even swim in the river. Other attractions include the Seehaus restaurant and the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), both with great beer gardens, the Japanisches Teehaus (Japanese Teahouse) and the Monopteros, a Greek-style temple. During summer months, there is boating on the Kleinhesseloher (a lake in the centre of the park) and open-air concerts and theatre at the scenic Amphitheater.

For a true taste of Munich’s eclectic personality, head to the City Museum. The diverse collections, which include musical instruments, marionettes, weaponry, photography and fairground rides, give a considered overview of the city’s different cultural and social strands. Local history is thoroughly documented, with special focus on periods such as the National Socialism era and the Cold War years in which Munich acted as West Germany’s “secret capital”. A permanent collection entitled ‘Typisch München!’ (‘Typically Munich!'), showcases a 400-strong assortment of items that leads visitors through the various periods of the city’s story.