Munich

Munich, Germany's most costly city, is also quite attractive — and it's possible that it's because of this dual nature that visitors find it so appealing. Although Munich is home to the country's 200-year-old bacchanalia, Oktoberfest, it is also a contemporary city, serving as the unofficial European capital of publishing and technology. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, nestled between the Bavarian Alps and the River Isar, but its streets are also dotted with man-made marvels, such as designer boutiques and flashy BMWs. In a nutshell, you should go for provincialism as well as progressiveness.

The greatest time to visit Munich is from March to May when the throngs of the fall have long ago dispersed and the peak season of the summer has yet to arrive. However, if you're one of the millions planning to attend Oktoberfest, you'll need to bring a coat. The average temperature is between the 40s and the 50s Fahrenheit. In the summer, a light sweater is appropriate for Munich's slightly cold nights. Temperatures remain in the 70s, making it excellent biergarten weather. Except for the holiday months of December and January, winter is primarily a low season in this city.