Going to Munich
 

My husband and I are going to Munich next week and I would love any suggestions from travelers that have recently been there. Thanks!

Munich Marriott is nice hotel to use if you don't have one yet. One block to U-bahn stop for direct access to Marianplatz, and right by ring road for easy access if you have a car and are going to explore down towards Fussen and Neuschwanstein. Very nice hotel with parking, nice rooms, and usually reasonable rates.

Lisa... will it be your first trip there? Or to Germany? You should plan on using the subways (U-bahn and S-bahn) to get around; they're clean, everywhere you want to be, and of course, perfectly punctual. You can pick up maps, etc. at any stop (well-marked with the U or S symbol by the escalators street-level) or check the Munich websites for info and rates, depending on how long you'll be there. You should plan on seeing Nymphenburg, spectacular even in winter, and the Residenz (that will take a full day in itself). Check the Munich website or with your hotel as soon as you arrive to see if there are any concerts anywhere in town. Go to see the glockenspiel on the Marienplatz in the morning; buy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at one of the sidewalk cafes across from it and relax, or go upstairs to the cafe across from it for breakfast and get a window seat to be at eye-level. Make sure you wait for the rooster... don't be like all the other tourists who think the show's over before the rooster crows. Stroll around the Viktualienmarkt and buy a picnic lunch if the weather's decent. If you must go to a beer hall, try the Hackerbrau Haus, also within walking distance of the Marienplatz, but less touristy than the Hofbrauhaus. Or go to the Hofbrauhaus and just have a blast and put up with the millions of other tourists mingled in with the German truck drivers and locals, but definitely eat at the Hackerhaus. Be sure to see the Asam Kirche just off the Marienplatz (do you notice how lots of things are right in the middle of town?). Let me know if you need specifics or have other questions. Have a wonderful time... <BR>

Lisa - Have a great time. Take fleece and long underwear.Carol

Bleah...I thought the Hofbrauhaus was smoky and overrated! Yes, do go to a less touristy venue. The Virtualienmarkt was incredible, you could probably eat your way through there. Also, there are many interesting museums right in the middle of town. AND, with the dollar so strong and German prices so good, you can't afford not to go shopping! My niece and I have declared H+M our favorite department store.

<BR>I stayed at the Raphael Hotel and it was one of the nicest hotels there. However, I cojuldn't get used to the fact that you needed you leave your key in the door when you were in your room, in order to double lock our door at night. That took some getting used to. <BR> We took a tour to the Dakau Prison Camps. It met from the train staion and then we went on the train and bus with a tour guide. It was a great way to go. Ask your hotel. There are also some great antique stores walking distance from my hotel. any questions, email

Are you on a budget? What kind of hotel are you looking for? I would agree that the Viktualienmarkt is a lot of fun. Be sure to take a day trip to Fussen to see King Ludwig's castle (why hasn't anyone made a movie about this guy?) Dachau is worth a day trip, too, as is Rothenberg. All are easily accessible by train. I like the Hofbrauhaus for an hour or two. It is the most famous beer hall in the world. The Augustiner is nice, too, and the food, on a good day, is very nice. The Olympic Village was a waste of time, IMHO. I love Munich. Let us know how your trip goes.