(20 Tengstrasse. Tel. 0172 831 1919) This newly opened spot is renowned for its cheap food with dishes coming in at between €3-€8. If you’re after a no-frills bite to eat in simple surroundings, you—and the hordes of young people who frequent the place—won’t be disappointed.

  (53 Augustenstrasse. Tel. 089 5795 4434) For a modern take on the classic Bavarian pub, try this bar at the heart of Munich’s student land. There’s a nice selection of local classics on the menu, all with a fresh twist.

  (87 Von-Kahr-Strasse. Tel. 089 81010) Set on the banks of the quaint River Wuerm in the west of the city, this former corn mill is a great place to head for a special treat. The leafy terrace is a wonderful spot to spend a balmy spring evening.

  (9 Sebastiansplatz. Tel. 089 4522 2333) This inconspicuous restaurant, just two minutes from the Viktualienmarkt, is one of the best in the city. Enjoy top-class food and exquisite service, all for extremely fair prices.

  (23 Ledererstrasse. Tel. 089 223 762) This Italian-run bar is packed around the clock. It offers a great atmosphere, wonderful coffee and a selection of drinks and delicious bar snacks.

  (4 Altenhofstrasse. Tel. 089 221 249) One of the oldest pubs in Munich, this place promises a night out with a difference. Get slapping those thighs to the live oompah music and yodelling.

  (50 Tuerkenstrasse. Tel. 089 281 594) Boasting a huge selection of tequilas, cocktails and beer from its own brewery, this party zone is a fail-safe spot to head for a buzzing night out.

For a wonderful selection of old-fashioned wooden toys and hand-made dolls and puppets, seek out Fluegels Spiel-und Holzwerkstatt in the west of the city, opposite the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace (62 Noerdliche Auffahrtsallee).

The Seehaus and Chinese Tower beer gardens in the English Garden tend to fill to overflowing at the first sign of sun. Beat the crowds by heading just a few hundred metres further north to the Hirschau beer garden, which also features regular live jazz performances (15 Gysslingstrassse. Tel. 089 322 1080).

Discover street upon street of funky little shops, cool bars, restaurants and independent art galleries in Munich’s arty boho district Glockenbach.

Munich goes music mad from 9 May-July 26. All You Need is Music is a festival hosted by the city’s rock museum, devoted to pop of all shapes and forms. The event, at the Olympic Ice Arena, features daily concerts and exhibitions (www.all-you-need-is-music.com).

 – Marvel at the biggest ice cave in the world—not to mention stunning Alpine scenery—at Werfen, a quaint little town, just across the Austrian border. The trip takes about 90 minutes from Munich, by car or train (www.eisriesenwelt.at).

During your visit to Munich you may notice the numerous May trees towering above the ground. It's traditional in the region to erect a tree on the night before 1 May—with communities competing to see whose is the highest. Locals often sit up all night guarding their trees, as it is customary to attempt to steal trees from neighbouring villages.