Hi!! I am planning a 3-day break to Germany in July - but I'm having trouble deciding on an area to visit. I am tossing up between:

1) Berlin
2) Rhine Valley
3) Munich

Has anyone been to 2-3 of these and can provide some advice about what they liked/disliked about each?
As I've seen many european cities, and I was a bit worried that Berlin and Munich would just be more of the same?

Having been to all three, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. No, they won't be "more of the same" IMO. Munich's one of our favorite cities in Europe - very laid back, fun, great restaurants, nice open parks with biergartens, Deutches Museum, etc. Berlin is fasinating with its history, great museums and galleries, Ku'dam area, great food, etc. And the Rhine (or Mosel) Valley makes for a wonderful weekend with its small towns, vineyards, scenery. I'm probably not helping much, but we don't have any real negatives about any of the three.

I think the answer depends on your interests. Berlin is an extraordinary city, and very interesting for those into history, modern art, dance clubs, etc. Stay at a funky hotel like the Propeller Island Lodge (where each room is a work of art): www.propeller-island.com and party all night (probably quite easy to do on your own, too).

Munich is charming and laid back.

Instead of the Rhine, I would recommend a trip along the Mosel River, which is narrower, more charming and wasn't as badly damaged during WWII as the Rhine was. It's a great trip on a bicycle, too: a wide, flat bike path, a charming village or castle about every fifteen minutes and wine tasting along the way. We spent some time driving through the Rhine Valley, too, and didn't like it nearly as much as the Mosel River Valley.

I have been to all 3- will rank as

1. Berlin
2. Rhine
3. Munich

Berlin and Munich are <b>very</b> different - like someone's comparing LA and NYC (for example).

Berlin has lots of art and culture, and plenty of different neighborhoods to wander.

Munich doesn't do it for me. I found it boring.

Rhine Valley is all about castles, wine and little towns.

The only thing is, there's so much to see and do in Berlin that 3 days is not close to be enough.

I think 3 days in the Rhine will be lovely in July - it'll be quite hot, so you may want to look for hotels with A/C.

Actually I'd prefer the Mosel to the Rhine + I've been to Munich several times. I've not made it to Berlin as yet.

Thank you everyone so much for your advice!! I think I will try the Rhine area this trip as, with flights, travelling,checking into accommodation.. I'm only really there 2 days. I will save Berlin for when I have more time!

slide_away: Go to the Mosel, really. It's much nicer.

Agree with Kate, the Mosel area is MUCH more attractive than the Rhine Valley. IMO, the Rhine Valley is actually one of the least attractive--although most hyped--areas of Germany. There are many regions that are far more attractive and interesting.

Another vote for the Mosel over the Rhein. I'd rank it:

Berlin
Mosel
Munich
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Rhine

&quot;the Rhine Valley is actually one of the least attractive--although most hyped--areas of Germany.&quot;

The Mosel is great. It's one thing to say that you prefer the Mosel to the Rhine - I can see why one might, and having explored both fairly extensively on several occasions, I have felt the same way at times. But it's quite another thing to say this. I've NEVER heard ANYONE say this.

You will probably find the Rhine as full of beauty, drama and history as most visitors do. It's bigger, bolder, busier and more legendary than the more delicate Mosel - unique in its appeal.

And if you limit your sightseeing on the Rhine to, say, the section between Bacharach in the south and Braubach (Marksburg Castle) in the north, you will experience the best of the river, leaving you some time to journey up the Mosel by train or car to Cochem, an excellent stop mid-way between Koblenz (not worth the stop on a short trip) and Trier (an excellent stop, but maybe too much to include on this trip.) Nothing wrong with seeing a little of both since they're so close together.

St. Goar is in the most scenic part of the Gorge, IMO, a good place to overnight. Walk up the cliffside steps behind the train station for the amazing views, or stay at the Hotel Villa Rheinfels for a splurge. St. Goar's ferry makes it easy to explore the other side of the river (for a trip to Marksburg?) whether you are going by train or car. Boppard (a bit larger) and Bacharach are nice towns as well.

The river cruises are the overhyped aspect of the Rhine, IMO. Better to see the towns and castles up close on foot or by car. By all means don't spend more than 2 hours or so on the boats.

Have a great time. I'm sure you will.

Russ, I said that was my opinion. And we've been to the Rhine Valley many times...we lived in central Germany for several months. We just don't like the Rhine Valley...and yes, we have heard others say the same.