Pocket Munich : Lonely Planet

World-class art and thigh-slapping tradition, bamboozling high-tech and Europe's finest beer, head-turning architecture and high-octane affluence - Munich keeps its central European promises, all infused with Bavarian Gemutlichkeit, that untranslatable feeling of cosiness and well-being.

Throw into the mix a kit bag of dark tourism and direct transport to Alpine slopes and Munich shapes up as one of Europe's most tantalising destinations.