Munich or Berlin?
 

Will be visiting Germany (and Poland) in early October. Doing one major city in Germany--can't decide between Munich or Berlin. Like the size of Munich over Berlin, but wonder if Munich will be too crazy re: Oktoberfest.
Thoughts on Munich vs. Berlin as places to visit and, Munich during Oktoberfest-time (last weekend in October.) Thanks!

I don't think that Oktoberfest makes Munich "crazy" any more than the Ohio State Fair makes Columbus "crazy" (Guess you mean congested - - and that applies to the fair grounds and a two mile circle around, in both instances).

They are both great destinations - - I haven't been back to Berlin since 1992, and from what I hear, I might hardly recognize the city for the vibrant re-building and its very-alive 21st century culture/scene.

Perhaps tell us some big cities you HAVE liked (and some that left you unimpressed?) - - in Europe, or in the United States, and it might make it easier to offer an opinion.

Otherwise, I might simply pick the easier one to get a good routing/bargain airfare.

Best wishes,

Rex

Rex: I love London, New York, Paris, Dublin, Heidelberg, to name a few. There is really no place I have not liked in my travels!

<<There is really no place I have not liked in my travels!>>

Then I suspect that you will like either of these cities as well.

I can't recall anything "UN"likable about either.

I think Berlin is much more interesting. You can see a bit of what is left of the wall, as well as Soviet- style architecture and the Brandenburg Gate, all juxtaposed against the enormous changes the city has undergone in the last ten years, notably at Potzdammerplatz and the new Reichtstag building. You really get a feel for modern Germany in this city.

Berlin also has wonderful museums, many of them located on "museum island" which makes for easy touring.

I have to confess that I am not really a fan of Munich. The architecture is not really interesting to me, there is no old city to speak of (OK it was destroyed in the war, not really their fault) and Octoberfest has no appeal at all. . .too crowded.

Another city to consider is Hamburg, which is really a very charming port city, lots of low-rise buildings, beautiful town houses and parks.

I loved both of these cities. Berlin is amazing. Even though its a huge city with a pumping nightlife, its still very German: green, safe and relaxed. The Tiergarten is a haven and I loved Potzdammerplatz, really cool. Munich was nice as well. The English Gardens were nice, especially if you want to go naked for a couple of hours! Both are great.

tdravel chef1,

"Thoughts on Munich vs. Berlin as places to visit and, Munich during Oktoberfest-time (last weekend in October.) Thanks!"

The Octoberfest in Munich is from 9/20 - 10/5 2003.

My vote is for Munich. It's a great city.

Curious

Berlin would probably be my choice.
Lots to see and do.
Beautiful city
Lots of history.
But a very large city like London.

Munich has some advantages.
Easier to get around.
Personally I love Oktoberfest.
Not as fast pased.
People seem a bit friendlier.

Berlin would be my choice ... Lots of history and some great museums there ie spy museum - or even seeing Check Point Charlie... Defintly a great city ... As for Munich - I would make this a seperate trip which would then also include Alps Regions ...

I posted on your other thread but I will add some more.

I have been to both. Munich for Oktoberfest 2002 and Berlin in 1995 right after the wall fell.

My Impression is that Berlin is like London or New York. Very fast pace and a big city feel. Munich is like Dublin more laid back especially during the Weiss (Oktoberfest). Both cities are very easy to get around in with great public transportation

Berlin has Alexanderplatz, Zoogarten, Check Point Charlie Musuem and probably alot more than Munich

If you don't want to do the Weis there are tons of other things to do in Munich like Dachau, Mad Ludwigs Castle, the main city square and food market (forget the name). Most of the rest of Munich outside the Weis is like any other normal city crowded but not overly.

You really can't go wrong in either city but I vote for Munich. I can't wait to go back it was probably the best week of my life.

cguest88,

Not being critical, just setting history straight. The Berlin wall was opened in 1989 (November 19th), and was completely finished being torn down in 1990.

Curious

I have been to both cities within the past year. Berlin is. of course, much larger in size than Munich and much more "liberal" in attitude about many issues. Lots and lots of new steel and glass going up all over the city..the recent saying about Berlin was that it is where the "state bird" is the (construction) crane. Very dynamic with much to see and do including major and very important museums, particularly for archeology and "plunder" from Greece, great shopping including the second largest department store in Europe ,Potsdam for royal palaces the "new" and Sans Souci not to mention Charlottenburg, great green spaces, easy to get around by extensive S-Bahn/U-Bahn and the continuing wild nightlife. Similar to New York but not with any sort of skyscraper-induced "enclosed" feel, traffic but nothing like Manhattan, and as is usual in Germany, a feeling of organization and stability and overall safety underlies everything.

Munich is smaller, more "conservative" (some call it the buckle on the Bible belt of Bavaria) lots of palaces within and nearby, great shopping (a lot of more conservative clothing), easy to get around, the beer halls, the oompah music, I agree that the "congestion of Oktoberfest is pretty much concentrated around the "fair grounds" area...all of what you've heard and more.

You CAN do both on one trip but I think to do them justice each one would need at least several days. I hope you some day can do both of them because both are wonderful.

In Berlin you can still see the bullets from WWII in many buildings. You can also see where Hitler comitted suicide. These things would be interesting if you are interested in WWII history.

travel_chef1 - yoi might have too many posts going at the same time. From your other posts I take it that your major destinations are Warsaw and Krakow. That you will be traveling by rail and given only 8 days vacation time you wish to visit one German city as well. If that is the case then Berlin suits your need much better than Munich. See my reply to your other post. Berlin is exciting - you will enjoy it.

I plan to see both Munich (during the last weekend of October) and then go to Berlin. What is the best mode of transportation to get from one place to another? Car or train? If train, how much would it cost RT?

My sister lives in Berlin and there are lots of things to do there as it is a bigger city. In terms of city comparison, Munchen can't be beat for charm and friendliness. However, I would NOT go to Munchen during Oktoberfest. I was there last year on the final day and it was a complete zoo! If you like jostling your way through drunken, out-of-control crowds then go for it, but it is a ridiculous melee. I would avoid the city altogether during that time. Because of Oktoberfest, I would opt for Berlin.

Berlin is big enough for you to plan several day itineraries (I recommend the Sophie Charlotte palace in Charlottenberg -- across the street from where my sister lives!). It is a magnificent palace with beautiful grounds and lake and makes a very pleasant day outing (you could bring a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds). The river Spree runs behind it and you could also take a water boat down through the Tiergarten and heart of Berlin. On a sunny day, it can't be beat!

Potsdam is another wonderful location and home to Frederick the Great's palace, San Souci, and other palaces of the former German nobility/state. You could easily spend an entire day out there and have dinner in the city of Potsdam, then train back to Berlin. It is charming there and one of my most favorite spots to visit.

I also go to Wittenberg (Lutherstadt) which is nearby Berlin too. Home to Martin Luther and the famous 95 Theses. Try Wittenberg's famous tomato soup - it's a local recipe famous to the city that has been around since Luther's day.

All in all, October will be a lovely time to visit but keep in mind that the north (Berlin) will be cool so bring a coat to wear! Have a great trip!

Anyone actually been to Oktoberfest? Details, please!

To CharlieB--we will just be passing through Warsaw. Especially now that I have a better idea of travel between Germany and Poland. Our destinations are Krakow and Munich or Berlin. But thanks for the tip!

Travel,

Like I said I have been to Oktoberfest in 2002 and had a great time. There are lot of different exciting people from all over the world. I met a Texan who was a fishing captian in Costa Rica. I met a third rate soccer team that blew off thier match just to come to the Weis.

From my understanding Americans, Brits and Aussies are the main vistors on the first weekend. Italian come the second weekend and the Germans the last weekend. But in truth it doesn't matter as every one is friendly and willing to talk and share especially the benches in the beer tents which can get extremely crowded. If that is not your thing then I would suggest not going.

I was there the second weekend and a couple days before and met loads of people. Most people are between 22-35 but there are also lots of families there as well. It is quite like a state fair but about 10 times better and bigger. The food is great - with roasted chicken, giant pretzels and loads of different kinds of sausage.

And the beer is awesome. There are 13 different beer tents each with there on kind of beer. We mainly stayed in the Hofbrau Haus and Polander Tents which were more international. You can't believe it but all the tents are only temporary just for the Wies. Each tent also plays all kinds of music particularly polka.

Beyond the beer tents is a giant carnival with rides, food tents, games and all kinds of stuff. The weekends are pretty crowded but during the week it is much easier to move around. It is definitely great time if you are willing to go with the flow and enjoy the people, atmospher and especially the bier.

One suggestion, if you do go supposedly the opening parade is pretty cool.

I have been to both. Not a whole lot left there inBerlin after the Allied bombing of WWII. Munich also hit hard but nearly 100% restored.
You are right about Oktoberfest though. I was in Munich last month and wow - I liked it better 15 years ago at 3.2 marks pre dollar. Have a great trip either way!