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1. Munich, Germany

We begin with what may, at least by reputation and name recognition, be the beer capital of the world. What could be more beery than a German beer hall? Munich is ground zero for the annual Oktoberfest, a drinking festival that originated as a wedding party in the early 19th century. Six million attendees raise their steins over two-and-a-half weeks.

Munich is also home to Hofbräuhaus, a state-owned brewery’s beer garden, founded in 1589 by the Duke of Bavaria. Expect to find plenty of Helles, a pale malty lager, and Dunkel, the darker and more traditional Munich brew. Famous brands that originate here include Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Erdinger and Löwenbräu.