Any mention of Germany's southern city evokes images of Bavarian leather-trouser-wearing jolly Germans, drinking beer during Oktoberfest in cavernous beer halls down streets lined with grandiose architecture.

Mostly, these images are right, although the one-time capital city of Germany offers much more than beer and lederhosen.

Munich is the trendsetter of German cities, carrying itself as a metropolis of culture, sophistication, education and fashion, as well as proudly displaying its economic post-war successes.

The city was founded in 1158 as part of the Bavarian empire, but it was not until 1503 that it became the capital of a united Bavaria.

During the Second World War Munich was extensively bombed, then comprehensively rebuilt in the years following the end of the conflict, with modern buildings fitting in neatly with the historical masterpieces.

Most of Munich's buildings are fairly low – built in keeping with the reach of a fireman's ladder at the time – so the city's skyline is dominated with beautiful church spires.

However, on a clear day, the mountains of the surrounding region can be seen between the steeples.

Munich is now a haven for hi-tech multinationals such as BMW and high-flying businessman and celebrities, with a substantial population of students adding to the interesting populace mix.

Musicians and artists, writers and painters make up much of the cultural visitors to historic Munich, although they are also joined by film-makers, foreigners, footballers and beer-fans in search of Oktoberfest.

The internationally-renowned annual festival is famous for its astonishing collection of beers and eccentric locals, who are joined by travellers from the world over eager to oompah along with each other in the spacious beer halls and gardens of the city.

Oktoberfest runs for round three weeks at the end of September each year, and is one of the world's largest public festival.

Aside from this period, Munich's busiest tourist season runs from May until September, when the weather is at its finest.

Although Munich is a compact city, it is one with many treasures squeezed in. An intrepid culture-fan could spend weeks exploring the vast number of churches, architectural gems and museums, as well as the many tranquil surroundings the city can count among its assets.

The Altstadt or Old Town, is a real highlight, with beautiful squares and grandiose avenues making for an easy and pleasant walk around the city.

Just 90 kilometres from the centre of Munich lies the outrageously beautiful fairy-tale castle of Schloss Neuschwanstein – as seen in various Disney movies.

The multi-turreted castle was built by "Mad" King Ludwig II, who was determined not to disturb the beauty of the castle's natural surroundings when building it.

Munich also offers a busy and bustling nightlife, with beer drinkers obviously in their element, and fine continental cuisine to be found in the multitude of restaurants scattered through the city.

Often described as feeling like a village, but looking like a city, Munich is second only to Berlin as Germany's most popular tourist destination.

Munich may well live up to its Bavarian beer-drinking musical image, but a visitor to the grand city will be able to indulge in some of the best culture and sights in Europe – the best place to wake up to with an Oktoberfest-style hangover.