Sunday New York Times travel section article claims Munich is the current "hot spot" of Germany (as opposed to Berlin).
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/04/13...tml?ref=travel

Yes this is my first time to Germany. Looking for a place with one or two great museums (any kind will do) and a sense of real "German life" if I dare say haha. Just your average German town but still has a lot to people.

I would definently recommend Munich. This city is beautiful and very interesting. everything is within a few miles and is accesible by foot. Marienplatz is a pedestrian zone, then there is Maximillian platz where you have very nice premier designer shops and wonderful restaurants.
i recommend one restaurant in particular on Schelling Str. it is n Osteria that was frequently visited by Hitler everytime he was in Munich. Then there is the famous HOFBRAUHAUS.

If you have time and you want to see historical sites go to Dachau, a Jewish prison camp. It is about 30min by car from Munich.

If you are 30 or younger, Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne are your best bet (among the bigger cities).

Berlin is the closest thing Germany has to offer as a metropolis. I know that every analogy is always incorrect, but think of New York City minus half of the people, minus skyscrapers, and add a hang loose or West Coast attitude. Most people don't have real jobs, but have breakfast from 11-1 at one of the zillion street cafes. Clubs/bars are open all night/day, and cops are cool with small amounts of almost anything.

Cologne is not a beauty, and probably not for love at first sight. But clubs, bars, etc. are really cool. A lively young city -- but maybe not a success on a first visit.

Hamburg is the 2nd largest city in the country, and has a huge port, and more a "cool", almost Scandinavian attitude. Also a quite "young" city with regard to night life. No tourist from North America has yet seen Hamburg, as every rental car they pick up in Frankfurt has its GPS automatically set for Munich via Romantic Road and Neuschwanstein castle.

Frankfurt has the country's biggest airport, and an historic old town the size of one football field. Even in Germany that is considered small. South of the river, you will find lots of pubs selling fermented apple juice which will save you the costs for a trip to Morocco and enhances knowledge of how to find a public restroom really quickly. To compensate for lack of history and digestable drinks they added a few skyscrapers to make the skyline look cool. Usually just freaks out incoming airline passengers from the States who - during approach - think that the plane went back home and is ready to dump them in Spokane.

Heidelberg & Munich come closest to Disney's impression of Germany. Add enough beer, and you'll like them.

By the way: That article on Munich in the NY Times is not totally incorrect, but you could have said what is in the article 10 years ago and I would have already been true. But I have not heard that "new hot spot" myth yet -- even though I live here.

Cowboy--I lived near Munich about 25 years ago and have visited several times since. I also had the impression the New York Times wasn't really reporting on any major new changes.

Vtt .. far more than by the NY Times' article, I find myself a bit irritated by that restaurant recommendation in the posting above mine. But maybe I'm just a bit touchy tonight.

I'd go to Koln, just for the beer. I have no quarrel w/the smaller towns mentioned, but I want to hit the ground running, not get off an airplane & straight to a few hours on the train. Guess it depends on how much time the OP really has.

Cowboy, I was actually going to suggest Hamburg if JameJamerz wanted a big city, so this is one North American tourist wha HAS been there. ;-) I am personally not a big-city person and never got to Berlin even after living in Germany for 2.5 years, but Hamburg is indeed very cool. It's light years away from Munich (and also a heck of a lot closer to Amsterdam). I guess it just depends on what you're looking for in a "city."

Definitely Bamberg for me. A beautiful Altstadt divided by the river. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lots of history--it was once an imperial city--both a Pope and Emporer are buried there. Great beer, too!

Munich is the best one!!!!!!!!!

no stuttgart? no cat lovers here?!

that cat should be a car

Aloha,
If I could be anyplace other than were I am sitting right now in my home in Kailua, Hawaii it would be in the town of Fuessen (Bavaria). It is one of the most charming places I have ever been. It looks like you opened the pages of a story book.
Mahalo,
Jeanne