Museum Stairmaster, Munich, Germany. Although you can always take the elevator, Munich's Alte Pinakothek has one of the most intimidatingly impressive staircases I have ever seen. The artwork in the galleries is equally impressive: 800 paintings on permanent display.

German, Dutch, Italian, Flemish and French traditions are well-represented, with standouts like Dürer, Raphael, Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin and Lorrain. The museum's entrance fee includes an informative audio guide, and thoughtfully provided reference books attached to comfortable benches encourage deeper study and appreciation.

The 3-musuem day pass includes entry to the Neue Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne, and is a bargain, if you have the stamina.

Alte Pinakothek
Barer Straße 27
München - Munich

Tuesday 10.00-20.00
Wednesday-Sunday 10.00-17.00

Day pass for this museum: € 5
Day pass for all three Pinakothek Museums: € 12