48 hours in ... Munich

Munich, the heart and soul of Bavaria, is the most beautiful city in Germany. Despite the fact that it has become a grand metropolis, it still retains the feel and warmth of a small town.

Day 1 — City Tour & Altstadt

The one-hour long Grey Line bus city tour will give a good overview of the city's major attractions. The double-decker bus leaves every 30 minutes from Bahnhofplatz, in front of the Hertie department store. Information: 0700 28786877.

Once you complete the city tour, walk east on Bayerstrasse to the gate of Altstadt, Munich's historical centre. Heading towards Marienplatz, you will see the 16th century Michaelskirche (Church of St Michael) and the strange Deutsches Jagd-und Fischereimuseum, which is a hunting and fishing museum housed in an ancient church.

Turn left on Augustinerstrass to Frauenkirche, Munich's most famous landmark, with its twin copper domes. The next stop is the impressive neo-gothic Neues Rathaus, the new town hall (1867-1908), on Marienplatz. Do not miss details of the façade, with its gargoyles, statues and brass dragon climbing on the left.

For euro 2 (Dh10) you can climb to the top of the tower and get an amazing view of the city with the Bavarian mountains as a backdrop. You will see the original town hall, Altes Rathaus (1474), to your right. Rebuilt after the Second World War, it is now home to a toy museum. Walk to Sendlingerstrasse to admire Asamkirche (1733-46) — the smallest church in Munich.

Stop for lunch in between sights at a traditional Bavarian restaurant. The best choices are Hundskugel, Hotterstrasse 18, the oldest restaurant in the city, founded in 1440; or Hofbräuhaus, Am Platzl, 9, which is the most celebrated refreshment hall in Bavaria.

Spend the rest of the day visiting the Residenzmuseum, a maze of 130 rooms displaying the incomparable treasures of Bavarian rulers. At the end of the day, you will be ready for Schumman's Bar, Odeonsplatz 6, a fabulous dinner at Brenner, Maximilianstrasse 15, and a night out at one of Munich's most happening night clubs: P1, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, Pacha, Maximilliansplatz 5, or 8 Seasons, Maximillianstrasse 2. Nightclubs are open from Thursday to Sunday.

Day 2 — Alte Pinakothek, Englischer Garten, Schwabing

Whether you are an art connoisseur or an amateur, you will be delighted by the grand collection of Old European masterpieces from the 14th to the 18th centuries. They are on display at Munich's Museum of Fine Arts, the Alte Pinakothek, BarerStrasse 27.

From ancient classic to nouveau chic, take a stroll on Maximillianstrasse, a street brimming with designer shops, to fulfil your wildest shopping dreams.

Have a light lunch at Café Roma and head to the world's largest city park for a relaxing afternoon. From strolling, paddle boating, sunbathing and even surfing — everything is possible at the Englischer Garten. To find the famous Chinesischer Turm garden, look for the Chinese pagoda south of the lake.

Munich is also an excellent place for cycling and you can rent bikes easily. www.mikesbiketours.com

You can also enjoy a five-course gourmet dinner at the Mandarin Oriental's signature restaurant, Mark's. If you still have energy to go on a final escapade after all these outings, head for Leopoldstrasse, in the hip Schwabing district, where you will find a variety of cool and funky bars.

Hotels
Hotel Mandarin Oriental Munich, Neuturmstrasse 1,
www.mandarinoriental.com

Bayerischer Hof, Promenadeplatz 2-6,
www.bayerischerhof.de

Cortiina, Ledererstrasse, 8,
www.cortiina.com