Munich, which means "Home of the Monks," was originally established as a village near a Benedictine Monastery. Today, it's the flourishing capital of Bavaria, known worldwide for its dining, culture and entertainment. A cosmopolitan city with a thriving economy, Munich is home to major corporations and is the site of the BMW headquarters. But Munich may be best known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, a 16-day festival attracting some six million people. Visitors should check out Residenz, a 14th-century royal palace; Frauenkirche, a 15th- century church sporting onion-domed towers; Alte Pinakothek, one of the world's finest art galleries; and Schloss Nymphenburg, a Bavarian palace that houses Munich's Botanical Gardens. Be sure to visit some of Munich's many beer halls, especially Hofbräuhaus, which is arguably the most famous pub in the world.