Drag yourself away from the game and beer gardens to explore the famous Glockenspiel on Marienplatz, the grand Nymphenburg Palace or the Pinakothek art galleries. Special FIFA World Cup events centre on Olympic Park, with concerts, sporting events and André Heller's illuminated football globe.

Technical Treasures: Deutsches Museum
The cavernous Deutsches Museum (Museumsinsel 1) is the world's largest technical museum. From mining and musical instruments to astronomy and archaeology, a 16km path traces scientific and technological developments through the ages. Highlights include the Planetarium and Altamira cave.

English Country Garden: Englischer Garten
Kick back in this peaceful pocket of greenery north-east of Munich. The vast park houses a beer garden, the Chinese Tower and a Japanese tea house. Join the locals to sail, surf and cycle, or shed your inhibitions with a spot of nude sunbathing - weather permitting.

Terrific Towers: Frauenkirche
The mighty Frauenkirche (Frauenplatz 1) is Munich's biggest cathedral. With its two distinctive towers and onion-shaped domes, this 15th-century Gothic gem overshadows the city centre. Climb the tower (April to October) for some of the best views over the city.