Exciting news, Ladies and Gentlemen! Our friend Kevin over at Bergen's Burning Thoughts, will be studying in Segovia, Spain, next semester. This is certainly a great opportunity for Mr. Bergen to enjoy another culture that is quite different from our own. Another opportunity that will present itself is travel to other places on the European continent. Given the proximity of great European cities and cheap airfare, the temptation is difficult to pass by.
Long story short, Kevin said that he was interested in visiting Rome and Munich over his lengthy spring break. I can't speak personally about Rome (though I know I would like it very much), I have been to Munich on two separate occasions and absolutely love the city. I feel like I will always want to go to Munich; it's just awesome folks!
Anyways, compiled below is a list of must-see and must-do attraction in Munich, according to the best advice of Yours Truly. I am by no means an expert, but I feel qualified to offer my best insights on enjoying the city (since enjoyment is the only thing I did there).
THE LISTS (all locations are noted by their German names first, with English in parenthesis, to make locating them on maps a bit easier).
Must-See Landmarks
Marienplatz (Central Square) - the heart of the city, fronted by the New and Old Town Halls, definitely the place to get a feel for the town
Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) - the big, Gothic building on the Marienplatz, watch the Glockenspiel performance at noon (I believe) for a classic Munich experience (along with all of the other crane-necked tourists)
Frauenkirche (Cathedral) - imposing twin towers lord over the city, the cavernous interior is quite airy, the side chapels are worth looking at along the perimeter of the church, this was the cathedral of Benedict XVI before his papacy
Residenz (Royal Palace) - this enormous palace really can't be described, spend the money to get inside, worth every penny of admission
Olympiapark (Olympic Park) - a bit off from the old town, but still cool to see, the site of the 1972 Summer Games
BMW Welt (BMW World) - across the street from the Olympiapark is the headquarters of BMW, check out their awesome (and I do believe free) showroom - BMW Welt
Asamkirche - another church, probably one of the most interesting churches in existence, don't miss this one, the shock value is worth it
Michaelskirche - the beautiful Jesuit church ;) right on the main drag (Kaufingerstrasse), simply beautiful, one of my favorite churches, and that's saying something
Nymphenburg Palace: the Versailles of Munich, a bit to the west of town, but well worth the transportation effort (which in Germany, you'll find to be minimal-stress), have a look at the treasures of the interior
Allianz Arena: home of FC Bayern.
Essential Munich Experiences
Climb the Tower of Alter Peter: pay the one or two euros to climb the tower of Munich's oldest church for breathtaking views over the old town (and to the Alps on a clear day)
Eat/Drink at the Hofbrauhaus: quintessential Bavaria, enough said (watch out for the waitresses wielding six full beer mugs in each hand)
Eat Lunch at the Viktualienmarkt: have a very cheap, authentic German lunch at the city market, watch out for the Leberkaese (liver-cheese)
Eat/Drink at the Chinesischer Turm Biergarten in the Englischer Garten: according to my German acquaintances, this is the best beer garden in the city. I would agree. Go there in the evening.
Visit Dachau: Dachau is a suburb of Munich, but I recommend a visit. The concentration camp is chilling, but a necessary thing to see in my opinion
Odds and Ends
- public transportation is easy in Munich, and any subway is always a cheap thrill
- food is wonderful (and filling) in Germany. Try the weisswurst (white sausages) any time before noon. ooh, and don't miss out on German bread! The best thing... since sliced bread! Seriously.
- best beers: Franziskaner Weissbier, Paulaner, Hofbrau, Augustinerbrau, Löwenbrau, but especially the Franziskaner
- learn some German phrases, but don't pretend you speak German (they'll believe you).
- visit every church you see (seriously, the architecture and decoration is awesome, and they're free)
- get a good city map from the tourist office on the first floor of the Neues Rathaus
- Munich will likely be much cleaner and safer than both Italy and Spain
Can you tell I adore Munich yet?
Pictured above is the Chinese Tower Beer Garden in the English Garden, in the evening