Schloss Nymphenburg

It would be a shame to visit Bavaria without seeing a castle, and the Nymphenburg palace is a particularly worthwhile—it was the summer hangout of the Wittelsbach rulers; the famous Ludwig II (who commissioned Neuschwanstein, the castle that inspired Walt Disney) was born here. Visitors can tour the castle itself (guided tours are available in English) and stroll the beautiful gardens on the grounds, or sip some tea at the rather royal Palm Cafe. If you have kids in tow, the adjoining Museum Mensch und Natur is a small but excellent interactive science museum. On your way in our out, toss some crumbs to the hungry carp in the river and you might be trailed by one of the local swans.