anya87

Hello everyone,

This March I'm flying home to India via Munich, so decided to give myself a few days to see what I can in the surrounding areas. I've been to Paris before and loved it, but that is my sole experience on the continent.

The two immutable bookends are Munich (flying into Munich, afternoon of the first day) and Geneva on the 5th day (meeting a friend, then flying out from Zurich the next morning).

I would be grateful for any tips or ideas:

My original plan was

1st day - see a tiny bit of Munich, stay the night
2nd day - catch the 4.55am train to Prague, spend whole day and stay the night there
3rd day - spend this day too in Prague, catch the night sleeper to Budapest
4th day - spend in Budapest, stay the night
5th day - spend a little more time in Budapest, catch the 4 pm flight to Geneva which lands at 5.40 pm so I can have dinner and catch up with my friend
Leave that night to Zurich since my flight is very early in the morning, I'd have to reach the airport at 3 am.

The alternative is to spend the 2nd day seeing Neuschwanstein (probably not actually entering the castle but Lake Alpsee and the surrounding areas look absolutely gorgeous) or a day trip to Hallstatt, then go to Prague that night, spending day 3 and and 4 in Prague, and cutting out Budapest/get an extra day in Geneva. Not sure about transport from Hallstatt or Fussen to Prague, though.

I will have some hefty luggage and need to factor that in when getting around.

I'm 30, like adventures and unique experiences, and like taking things a little slow to soak in the atmosphere as opposed to seeing a million tourist attractions.
Things that excite me when travelling:talking to locals if they are amenable, cafes and book shops, architecture and bridges, forests, quirky corners, history that feels personal.

Thank you in advance for any input!

Edward2005

Munich and the immediate surroundings have plenty to see and do, so you should just stay in Munich until it is time to depart for Geneva. It would be difficult enough to do your outlined itinerary when traveling light, but since you have a lot of luggage it would be a nightmare. Save Prague and Budapest for another time.

If you want to do your outlined itinerary anyway, consider shipping your bulky luggage home ahead of time so you travel light during your 5-day whirlwind. It will make it a lot easier.

anya87

Thank you, appreciate your thoughts. It's just that I don't know when I'll have the opportunity again so I wanted to cover what I could.

I'm not a big fan of the snow, so perhaps save the castles and lakes for a warmer time? March is still winter in Bavaria, is it not?

Also, I'll be checking into hotels at each of these places, so was planning to leave my luggage there before setting out to explore.

I guess that way I could do the two days each in Prague and Budapest? I believe there is Uber in Prague and Taxify in Budapest, so getting to and from airports/stations will also be covered.

Edward2005

I certainly understand the urge to visit as many places as possible, but experience has taught me that a quality visit to one place is better than a superficial dash through four.

Each time you change your city, you will spend half a day in transit. Checking out of your hotel, getting to the train station, getting to your new hotel and then checking in. That's a half day at least assuming no unexpected delays. If you're using an airport then there will be security lines and customs lines. And trust me, you will be walking with your luggage more than you expect.

Your proposed itinerary has you spending anywhere from 1.5 to 2 days in transit assuming no delays. I just don't know how you will be able to soak up any European atmosphere by in 3 days.

FuryFluffy

I understand your urge to cover as much as you could, but do you consider that a city may leave a bad impression on you if you give it too little time? It may ruin your experience. The area around the train station/airport is often ugly, the farther you walk from it, the more you enjoy the scenery. And if you only see 1 "must" attraction in a city, it will not give satisfaction at all, you'll feel like the city lacks something. IMO the most important part is to get the best out of your time, not to cover the largest area possible. You said yourself that you like "taking things a little slow to soak in the atmosphere, talking to locals". With that, you should stay in Munich, probably do day trips somewhere, then go to Geneva.

FuryFluffy

lol I posted at the same time as Edward and even used the same words

anya87

Got it - much appreciate your advice! I'll start research on areas surrounding Munich, then. Any offbeat/insider suggestions are welcome.

thestoryofangelina

Agree with Edward, especially if you are relying on train travel in a city you haven't been to. And keep in mind the airport is quite outside of Munich. If you are really keen on visiting another city, I would chose one or the other. Trying to squeeze it in will leave you barely being able to scratch the surface of the city. And this is from someone who squeezes in travelling!

Edward2005

I'm glad you're going to focus on just one place with your limited time! I've only visited Munich once and that was many years ago, so I will leave it to others to round out up-to-date suggestions. However, I recall I enjoyed their science museum, beer gardens, and the BMW factor tour. There's a large pedestrian-only zone which was enjoyable to loiter in. Dachau is nearby and it is a somber experience.

PalenQ

For lots of info on trains check www.bahn.de/en -the German Railways official site -book any trains there yourself involving Germany -early bird gets the discounted ticket worm.

For Prague to Budapest check Czech railways site.

For travels in Bavaria check out the Bavarian Lander Ticket -unlimited regional trains (only regional not express)-about 30 euros or less for all day including transports in Munich-valid to Salzburg, Austria in case you want to visit that gem! (Maybe rather than Prague and Budapest- and do Hallstatt or even take train to Zurich.

For lots on European trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

You are not nearly traveling enough on trains to even consider any railpasses (besides the Bavarian Lander Pass -sold in stations locally.

Buses Munich to Prague are faster than trains but may not leave early enough.

PalenQ

the direct 7:15 am Munich to Prague bus gets in about an hour later than the 4:55 am train and fares start at 19 euro vs lowest 39 euro usually on the train. Comfy buses.

Just a thought.

anya87

Thank you very much for the suggestions!

ndnwill83

With that many days, I've gotta agree with the other heads. Explore and get to know Munich. Go on the MANY free tours that start Marienplatz, visit the awesome market stands at Viktualienmarkt, wander around Hofgarten and the Englischer Garten, grab a meal at one of the 5 sister breweries' underground eateries (schnitzel!!!), and downtown Munich is very very much little Turkey/Syria so you can get some of the best Kebabs/Shawarmas.

If you like football Cafe Schiller is a legendary sports spot.

All of those spots are within walking distance so happy hunting!

anya87

Appreciate the suggestions, ndnwill83!

Masterphil

If you are going to remain in the Munich area, Salzburg makes a wonderful day trip! I think Prague is worth making the effort! (Budapest might be pushing it a little bit) Enjoy!

PalenQ

or a day trip to Hallstatt>

Way too long from Munich - for Alps at their glory closer in train to the Zugspitze near Garmisch and take the mountain train up. Plus Hallstatt to be appreciated needs a full day or more -otherwise on train going and coming all day.