Munich, Bavarian state capital and "Music Metropolis," is nestled in one of the most beautiful parts of Germany. The city may be famous for beer and cars (namely the Oktoberfest beer festival and the BMW), but there are few European cities that rival Munich when it comes to music, art, museums, antiquities, palaces and gardens. Clean and efficient, with a wonderful transport network of trams and trains, Munich is an accessible and comfortable city to live in and around.

What is special or unique about your city?
Munich and its "Zuagroasten" - as the locals call newcomers - simply belong together. One reason the city attracts so many new people is because it has so many great amenities and attractions. In addition to the city's openness, there are many other reasons, ranging from the city's famous beer gardens to the flair that being a cultural capital brings.

If you live in Munich, you do not necessarily have to leave the city to see nature. Water, forests, and public parks take up a total 19.8% of the municipal area, offering many possibilities for recuperation, relaxation, games and sports. The huge English Garden, the Olympic Park, the Hellabrunn Zoo, the Nymphenburger Schlosspark, numerous swimming lakes, as well as the relaxation areas and kilometre-long bicycling and strolling paths along the river Isar make Munich a true leisure time.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?
The city of Munich has lots of attractions to offer for all ages and tastes. Whether you are interested in history, architecture or art; whether you enjoy strolling through parks, fancy a trip to the Bavaria film studios or long for a visit to one of Munich's famous traditional beer gardens, you'll always find something exciting in this multifaceted city. Bavaria is different. Even people who come here from other parts of Germany have to get used to a few peculiarities. Here they call a shandy (a beer-and-lemonade drink) a Radler. In northern Germany, it's known as Alsterwasser. People say "Grüß Gott" instead of "Guten Tag."

Munich is comfortable and manageable despite the size. Most of the people here are looking forward to the beer garden season. The many old buildings and the well-functioning public transportation system are also very impressive.

Are these impressions likely to change?
Munich attracts more than 100,000 newcomers from all over the world and pumps out an equal number. The city is a boomtown. Many international companies are based in Munich, attracted by the city´s prime location and its wealth.

What is the local language?
German and Bavarian dialect.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?
Around 22% of the 1.3 million citizens in Munich come from abroad. Munich's biggest ethnic minority is the community of Turkish nationals. No wonder there are so many language schools in town. One thing applies to everyone learning a new language: if you really want to understand a culture, you need to learn the local language. However, most Germans have at least basic English skills.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?
It´s recommended to keep the rest periods before 7.00 a.m., from 12.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m, and after 7.00 p.m. and additional time on Sundays. Please do not make any noise during this time and, if necessary, ask your neighbours if noise is okay.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?
Bavaria has a different climate and landscape to other parts of Germany. When you've experienced your first headache caused by the "Föhn," you'll realise that even the wind whispers in the Bavarian dialect.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?
Munich is advertised as a cosmopolitan city with heart.