skolcito

Hello!
I'm trying to make some final decisions regarding our upcoming family trip (parents and 2 teenagers) to Europe in Jan-Feb 2013. It's been really hard to decide whether we should visit Munich or Berlin, and I want to allocate 3-4 days for either one or the other. It'll be our first time in Germany -we'll be flying from Budapest- and we would really like to get to know the main sights it offers for a first-time visitor.
Considering that it's going to be winter-time, do you think that makes one of the cities a better place to visit? Our main interests include historic sites, some museums, WW II places, but we would also like to do some shopping and enjoy walking around the city center. Given our limited time, I don't think we'll have enough time for a day-trip. Maybe if we chose Berlin I could consider going to Potsdam, but is it really nice to visit when it's likely to be really cold and snowy?
On the other hand, if we chose Munich, is it possible (and recommended) to visit some of the old towns nearby?
I've done a lot of research but still can't make up my mind...any suggestions, recommendations about which of the cities we should choose would be great!
Thanks!

girlonthego

I have only been to Munich. It is a small city with lots of charm and character. You can see most of the sites in just a day or two. We were there on a saturday and sunday and on sunday most things were closed. (This was a summer trip). I really enjoyed Munich and would return again. Salzburg is a train ride away and very quaint as well. (about 70 miles apart). I loved Salzburg and it was a very charming city to visit. I would definitely return to Salzburg. We only had a couple of nights there as well. (We traveled with our teenaged girls as well. I think they were about 14/15 at the time of our trip.

nytraveler

IMHO there is more to see and do in Berlin, although Munich is also charming. Depending on the ages of the teens there is more nightlife in Berlin.

Magster2005

Both cities are well worth visiting. Munich is a fun-loving place great for drinking beer, but with two teenagers, I think Berlin is your better choice. Berlin has some incredible museums both for history (Checkpoint Charlie Museum in a must) and for art (don't miss Nefertiti at the Neues Museum). Also take a look at Berlin Walks for excellent historic walking tours. (Note that they only do their Postdam tours April thru October.) www.berlinwalks.com

skolcito

Thanks a lot for your replies!
I think I'm leaning toward Berlin now...there are a lot of museums I'd like to visit! Another thing: I've heard that Berlin is kinda spread out, is this really so? Can I walk between the major sights or is it better to use the public transport (is there a good metro)? What would be the best area to stay in my 4-day visit?
Regarding shopping and dining: would you say Berlin is cheaper than Italy, UK, Austria, Hungary? Many friends told me I should search for bargains in Germany, lol
Thanks again!

danon

Berlin hotels are much cheaper than comparable accommodation inParis , London , Rome etc...
It is a great city with so much to see you will not have time for side trips.
Stay in Mitte area .Berlin has a fantastic public transit .
I have visited Berlin four times and Munich once.
Both cities are interesting, but I find Berlin more of a draw.

longhorn55

I'm glad you have pretty much decided on visiting Berlin as that is what I would have recommended. I lived in Berlin for several years and would just like to warn you that it will likely be very cold in Jan/Feb. You don't have to worry so much about snow or ice, but the cold can be bone-chilling. Bring appropriate clothing and plan on lots of indoor activities.

Pegontheroad

I think Berlin is a good choice, too. Numerous excellent museums and lots of WWII and Cold War sites, though of course the city was destroyed in WWII. You can still see places like the Bebelplatz, where the Nazi bookburning took place, the Bendler Block, where many of those involved in the attempt to kill Hitler were executed. Also Checkpoint Charlie.

I'd certainly get a good guidebook which would tell you of other sights.

clausar

>

Munich has 1.400.000 inhabitants and it is the 3rd largest German city, after Berlin and Hamburg

Cowboy1968

Correct. But living in Munich I must say that girlonthego's assessment is much closer to reality than the raw statistical number LOL

Ingo

I would skip Potsdam in winter except in fresh snow, crisp air and blue sky.

Munich has the advantage of the nearby mountains. Easily doable as a day trip (Garmisch) by train.

Dukey1

I disagree with Ingo about skipping Potsdam since IMO the majority of things to see are inside anyway. You are obviously going to find more museums and a lot more to see and do in Berlin than you are in Munich given the difference in city sizes; there will be more things related to WW II in Berlin.

You are flying from Budapest?

mayank_katoch1158

I guess munich is better as u will c the eagles nest(hitler's reterat) and good castles in Fussen

skolcito

Berlin it is then!
Yes Dukey1, we're flying from Budapest. Isn't that the best transportation choice? I thought of taking a night train but 13 hours seems too much and I don't know how safe/convenient it is, or how comfortable I might be there.
Thanks for all your suggestions!

am_expat

The trains are great, and very safe but a plane will be faster even if more hassle. My vote would be Berlin also, with great museums, the art/design area in the east side and a lot more to do.

Ingo

The problem is that in winter only Schloss Sanssouci and Neues Palais are open, and even there not all the rooms.

Closed are Orangery, Roman Baths, Friedenskirche, Chinese Tea house, Belvedere, Schloss Charlottenhof ...

Aramis

Berlin and Munich present two very different German faces - ask a Bavarian, he'll spend hours telling you.

Considering it is winter and you haven't expressed an interest in the Alps as a destination, but have expressed one for WWII history and museums, I think Berlin might be a better choice. Walking around and shopping you can get in both, but for museums and a glimpse into WWII and pretty much all of 20th century European history, Berlin does come out on top.

You do not want a car in either city - it is an absolute liability. Public transportation in both cities is superb. Berlin's sights are a little more spread out than Munich's as a consequence of the cold war division. Most people suggest staying in Mitte (me included) as it is close to the museums and the most historic sights. Anything within walking distance of the Friedrichstrasse station, which is both a U-Bahn and train station, puts you within quick reach of anywhere.

skolcito

Thanks Aramis!
Would you please suggest a nice hotel located in Mitte which is close to the main attractions (and any U-Bahn)?
Our budget is $150-$200 per room.
I checked Tripadvisor but there are so many hotels with good comments and I'd like to know what your personal recommendations are.

Aramis

Are you looking for 2 rooms for the 4 of you? At up to $200 per room, or $400 per night?

What about an apartment? Berlin has a good selection of nice apartments.

Do you know your dates yet? If not can you narrow it down to a week or so?

The Melia on Friedrichstrasse is a great choice - it looks to be available in your price range in late January and early February - but there are cheaper choices, especially apartments.