Rick Steves For a while now, I’ve marveled at how Berlin has eclipsed Munich in urban energy. Bavaria's capital seems to be comfortable just being itself rather than trying to keep up with Berlin or Hamburg, its big sisters to the north. It’s a city that celebrates its past while looking energetically into the future.
People are also reading… The oldest church in town, St. Peter’s, is a few steps from Marienplatz. Along with much of Munich, it was badly damaged in World War II. As part of the soul of the city , the church was lovingly rebuilt – half with Augustiner beer money – and the altar and ceiling frescoes were marvelously restored.
Just behind the rebuilt St. Peter’s, you can experience small-town Munich at the Viktualienmarkt, long a favorite with locals for fresh produce and friendly service. While this most expensive real estate in town could have been overrun by fast-food places, Munich keeps the rent low so these old-time shops can carry on.
Besides salt, Munich gained a reputation for beer. By the 15th century, more than 30 breweries pumped out the golden liquid, brewed by monks, who were licensed to sell it. They stored their beer in cellars under courtyards kept cool by the shade of bushy chestnut trees – a tradition Munich’s breweries still stick to.