<BR>Hi- <BR>My friend and I are taking a train from Amsterdam to Prague. Would you suggest going via Berlin or Munich? I've never been to either city, and am curious to hear from other travelers or people living in Germany. <BR>Thanks.

Dina: The obvious choice, if time and distance are a factor, would be Berlin. Otherwise, it isn't an easy call. Both cities are unique and worth visiting. <BR> <BR>Munich is older and more traditional in that it wasn't leveled like Berlin was in 1945. Munich is a large Bavarian city with a mixture of old and new with beautiful architecture many sights to see. Berlin, to me, is a lot like Paris since it seems kind of wild and festive. <BR> <BR>Berlin has the "Checkpoint Charlie" museum, Brandenburg Gate, the Russian cemetary (quite impressive), the olympic stadium, K'dam Strasse, the Europa Center, the zoo, Potsdamer Platz, etc, etc. There is plenty to see and do during the day and at night. <BR> <BR>Munich is different with the highlights being the Glockenspeil, Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, Nyphenburg Palace, the Englisher Garten, Olympic Park, Hofbrauhaus, museums and so on. Much to do here, also. <BR> <BR>My suggestion would be to decide on how much time is available and then get some info on each city, deciding on what it is you'd like to see more of. If I had to choose, I guess that Munich appeals to me more only because I tend to favor Bavaria. Your choice is not very easy, I'm afraid. <BR> <BR>Good luck on your trip! <BR>

Absolutely Munich. However, considering your route, I would likely choose Berlin, with maybe a stop in Dresden also.

Don't let anybody kid you about Munich and WW2. Its center was reduced to nothing but heaps of rubble and ashes. You can still see pockmarks on many buildings if you look close. Compared to Berlin, Munich today is civilized, scenic, clean, and interesting. Give Berlin another 10 years and it will be completely rebuilt. Today it is a giant "work-in-progress" with construction going on everywhere getting ready for the relocation of much of the German Federal government's move from Bonn. It is a tough town, with a lot of young punks looking for a fight. Munich has some, too, but nothing like Berlin.

I love Berlin--so much history & culture & nightlife. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum, InfoBox, Potsdam, Reichstag, etc., are very interesting. Munich is a great city to visit as well--much more of the stereotypical German (Bavarian, which disturbs many of other Germans)--beautiful & lots of daytrip opportunities. You will love Prague as well--not being bombed in WWII--architecture is excellent. Charles Bridge at night is a must. If you need a place to stay, try avetravel.cz They have very good hotel/penzion listings in all price ranges & info re them on their site.

Munich is a beautiful Bavarian town charming architecture and beer gardens, surrounding by mountains and stunning countryside. It has a rather homogenous and rich population. It is a great city for people who don't really like cities. Berlin is an big, exciting, sophisticated a cosmopolitan population which comes in all colors it's buzzing with energy and it changes everyday. It has an edge Munich doesn't have. If you like the electricity in the air in Paris and NYC, you'll like Berlin. Both Munich and Berlin are wonderful places to visit, but they couldn't be more different.

<BR>I've been to both Germany cities many times and would *always* choose Berlin over Munich. IMO there is no question of it, Berlin just is so much more interesting, vibrant, historical and alive than stogie old Munich. If it wasn't for the good price on airfare to Munich and its closeness to Austria and Switzerland, I wouldn't even go back a second time. But Berlin, I'd go there any day you ask. I even lived there for 10 months in 1989/90 and it was a very exciting time to be there. It still is a very worthwide place to visit.

Dina---I've been to both German cities and would always choose Munich over Berlin. Berlin, no doubt, is an interesting city, but Munich seems to me to offer so much more in terms of sightseeing, food, etc... <BR> <BR>Agree with Al. How much time you have is truly what you should use as deciding factor.

Hi, My question involves driving into Munich. On our 14 day trip in Oct we <BR>land in Frankfurt. Thought we'd spend several nites in the following areas... The Rhine, Rothenberg, Garmish,and Saltzberg then dropping off the car in Munich and spending our last 2 nites there before flying home. After reading many remarks about how difficult it is to drive in Munich,should I visit it from one of the areas we will be staying and just return the rental car to the airport on the day of our departure? By the way Lee, I'm using some of your suggestions for our itinerary and would love to hear about your trip in May when you get back. Thanks all, Denise

I have been to Munich 3 times and Berlin once. I actually really liked both cities for completely different reasons. Munich is great when the weather is nice. I loved going to the Beerhalls and strolling around the english garten. Everytime I went back we found something different to do. I thought it was a very vibrant city. <BR>Berlin was interesting to me for historical reasons. I was so moved by the Checkpoint Charlie museum. Ku'dam (the main shopping street) was also great, but at the same time we got caught in a blizzard when i was there. The only problem is that the whole city is under construction. It would be way better to see Berlin in like 5 years. I think it all comes down to your preference, they are two completely different places. You will enjoy either place!