Tourists show up in droves at one of Germany's most famous cities and Bavaria's capital to sample all the different varieties of ale, and you should too. Whether you're tipsy or not, Munich will surely leave a great impression.
info you need
Visits here are best made from May to September, when the weather is fairest and the sight-seeing is optimal. Funnily enough, Oktoberfest , that oh-so-famous drinking festival, is held in late September and is the climax of the tourist season.Other than brushing up on some German ( Bier mich! means "beer me!" by the way), little preparation is needed prior to your trip to beautiful Munich. The city is laid out in a fashion that makes navigation easy and, like the rest of Germany, is very modern.
A typical three days in September can encapsulate the best this fairy tale city has to offer, so let's get started:
Day 1: A lay of the land
The heart of Munich is very pedestrian oriented, and so, instead of battling with droves of BMWs on the roads, it is suggested you choose lodging in a convenient location. Try the Hotel Schlicker, a quaint and cheap place, or Le Meridien for something more upscale.Although you'll find yourself paying a little more for the privilege of staying in a centrally located hotel, this investment will save you time and unnecessary stress. This will become evident after a night of downing beer after beer.
old and new
The first thing you'll notice about Munich is a unique Bavarian atmosphere. The ornate Gothic buildings, friendly, sophisticated locals, and buzzing art and cultural scene make Munich a center for the avant-garde and the classical. Unlike other cities, however, there is no clash of modern versus old; the transition is seamless.See this firsthand by walking along the Isar River, which cuts Munich's center on the eastern side. Head northwest to the Alstadt, the historic area, and get ready for some real stunning sights. The Marienplatz square is a hub of activity on a nice day, as everyone congregates around the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). After gazing up and down these architectural wonders, whip out your camera for some amazing photo ops at the Glockenspiel, a tall spire within the Neues Rathaus and probably the most famous Munich site.
say your prayers
For inspiring views of the Alps, and a chance to cleanse your soul before diluting it with alcohol, visit two majestic churches bordering the square: St. Peterskirche and Heiliggeistkirche. Resist the urge to go to the Hofbrauhaus, the famous beer hall, just yet and first fill your belly with food.This is best done at the Viktualienmarket, undoubtedly Europe's best market and a center to grab some great German eats and interact with the people. Visit the hundreds of stalls and fill up on classic German sausage, try the weisswurst , cheeses and exotic fruits and vegetables.
To wash it all down, visit the center of the market, where a busy beer garden will seem like home, though it may take some time to get used to the Lederhosen-clad regulars. Grab a stein , or just a glass, here, but remember that the Hofbrauhaus calls your name.
legendary brew house
Though largely a tourist spot now, this famous beer hall has been a Munich tradition since 1644. Walk in, soak in the live music and loud die-hard drinkers, and grab a seat. As long as you're not in a spot marked Stammtisch (this means it's reserved for locals) you'll be accepted with pleasure.Drink the night away by trying out the fruits of Munich's six major breweries' labor: a bock beer is quite strong, while a marzen is more common. This, the most famous beer hall in the world, will keep you buzzing until closing time at midnight, after which you can stumble home in a content stupor.
Day 2: Did someone say Oktoberfest?
With about three months of planning needed to properly enjoy the self-proclaimed world's biggest festival, Oktoberfest should be a big, if not integral part, of your trip. Six million visitors arrive in Munich to eat and drink like crazy, so this means you have to be on the ball for this party.pick a tent, any tent
Located in the Theresienwiese area, the grounds of the festival are huge, and comprise 14 sprawling tents, each serving pints upon pints of different beers and pounds of mouth-watering pork sausages.Arrive in the morning to ensure a spot in one of the tents -- recommended above all is the Schottenhamel tent, where the goal is not only to consume as much beer and Bratwurst as possible, but to socialize with the hundreds of people around.
more to fest than beer
When you feel the need to stretch your legs and give your stomach a rest, cruise the grounds and scope out the popular brass bands on outdoor stages, as well as the Rifleman's and folklore parades. Explore other tents as well, not necessarily to have another drink, but to get a glimpse of the fair maidens serving the alcohol.These tempting and traditionally-dressed Bavarian babes can handle what seems like a dozen glasses in their hands and never spill a precious drop. Feeling adventurous? Pass up on yet another pork sausage and try the oxen or pork knuckles instead. Should be interesting
babes in the buff
As the evening wears on, the crowds and prices may get a bit much. It was only a matter of time before Oktoberfest became tourist-infested, but don't despair since there is still lots more to do. Slam back a few more beers if you want, but if you have had your fill but still want to enjoy the early evening, stroll through the English Garden, north of the Asltadt area you visited yesterday.Another Munich claim to fame (at 900 acres, it is Europe's largest city park), the highlight of this green space is undoubtedly the nude sunbathing. That's right, it's not just the beer that's affecting your vision; if the sun is not yet down, you are likely to see fair-haired babes catching some rays in the buff.
chill in the 'burbs
As you must be weary from the long day of drinking and eating, grabbing a seat and just relaxing might be the right call. This can be done nearby in the happening suburb of Schwabing, as there are numerous cafes and restaurants where you can have something light to eat or drink and take in the sites of the city.Late night draws festivities, Oktoberfest and otherwise, to a close, which may be welcoming if the strong German brews are taking effect.
Day 3: Tying up loose ends
Presuming you have put off another drinking binge for a later time, it is on this day, call it a day of "rest," that you should do Munich proud. Rest assured, you'll still try out some famous beverages, but you can't leave the city without visiting more attractions.top attractions
First on your list, after you've overcome your hangover, should be the Residenz and Konigsplatz. These two areas are dominated by several museums, beautiful buildings from the 1600's and other famous landmarks.Watch your watch at the Residenzmuseum, as it is easy to spend your whole day looking at the Bavarian treasures housed here. Instead, divide your time between here, the Egyptian Art Museum and the Lenbach House, which holds several masterpieces from Kandinsky, among others.
As you continue northwest from Residenz to Konigsplatz and beyond, it only makes sense to stop at the Schloss Nymphenburg. Don't worry, it's not another museum. The Schloss is a Baroque palace that defines opulence and excessiveness -- built by royals; the rooms are all open to the public and give a peek into a rich world of art and design. Not to be missed on the large grounds are the witch's cottage and Chinese teahouse.
beautiful beemer museum
A late lunch might now do you good, so head over to the Olympiazentrum, the site of the 1972 Olympics. At Caf Oly, you can grab a light but hearty meal before exploring the park area. Really, though, this sports complex and relaxing spot is just a gateway to something much cooler.Across the street, there is an impressive building that will catch your eye. Shaped like the four cylinders of an engine, it is BMW's headquarters and you should definitely make a pilgrimage. Next to the unique edifice is the BMW Museum; a must-see with over 400 cars, and tons of machinery and facts sure to get your testosterone pumping. Tours are free and there is only a small entrance fee to pay.
quench your thirst
Having been alcohol-free for the whole day, you are surely suffering from withdrawal by now. As night creeps in on your third day, more partying is in order. A wise choice is to head to Kunstpark Ost, a revamped industrial complex which features a wide selection of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Have a late dinner, then make like the locals and club-hop to find a place you like. Entrance fees are between 5 and 7 euros at the clubs, so decide on a spot fairly quick and save your money for drinks.Miss the Oktoberfest? You can always make your way there instead, as last call for alcohol is usually around midnight. If it's not the right season, party it up at Wies'n world , a beer hall and club that celebrates Oktoberfest year round.
more than beer paradise
Even a versatile itinerary such as this one cannot divert too far from Munich's true beer-drinking roots. With this as a teaser, millions of tourists have flown to the Bavarian city and been impressed by more than just the drinks.A proud people, dozens of world-renowned landmarks and gastronomic pleasures (sausage, sausage, and more sausage) make Munich more than a dream for lager-lovers; it is a must-see for anyone who can appreciate art and a rich culture. Visit Germany's fastest-rising tourist spot: you won't regret it, though your liver might
tips for the trip
Resources:
http://www.beerdrinkersguide.com/BDGWebsite/Mainframe.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/munich/attractions.htm
http://www.muenchen-tourist.de/englisch/stadtinformationen/muenchen-stadtinformationen-einleitung_e.htm
http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/8f0f/4/2191/
http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/home/
http://www.wguides.com/city/16/134_279590.cfm
http://www.ammer-wiesn.de/english/octoberfest/tips.htm
http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/9705/beergardens.germany/
Munich Travel Guide
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