William V, Duke of Bavaria (1579 – 1597) loved beer but hated the options in Munich. So, he commissioned a royal brewery in 1589. This was the founding of Hofbräu München. HB is now a state-owned brewery. The former brewery site is Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, the city’s most popular beer hall. This is an iconic German experience. The food is great, the beer is cold and the oompah band playing Bavarian tunes will keep your toes tapping and hands clapping.