Food Lover's Guide to Munich

Host of the world’s largest beer festival, Munich has long been a mecca for beer lovers. But it isn't only Oktoberfest that scores fans—Bavarian food is some of Germany's most renowned. Here are some can't-miss dishes and food tours in Munich.

Must-Try Dishes

Nothing says Bavaria quite like a giant saltedpretzel, brown and crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. These treats are often served with a white sausage known asweisswurstand a cold beer. Meat lovers will drool overschweinshaxe, a roasted fall-off-the-bone-tender pig knuckle, typically served with a potato dumpling, red cabbage, or another must-try side dish,sauerkraut.Spaetzle, Germany's answer to pasta, are chewy dumplings tossed with cheese and fried shallots. No meal would be complete without dessert, and in Munich, that's oftenapfelstrudel, a traditional strudel made with apples and apple mousse.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a day or nighttime food tour to sample some of Bavaria's best bites.

• Go behind the scenes at a Munich brewery to learn how the iconic German brew is made.

• Join in the festivities during Oktoberfest in autumn.

• Cycle the city in the morning and sip a cold beer in the evening with a combo tour.