If you had to choose one place in Germany to visit...?

Question

My sister and I will be spending 4-5 nights in Germany in May. We are in our mid/late 20s. We are thinking about staying in either Berlin or Munich, or both. We are interested in seeing the typical historical tourist attractions and not so interested in shopping or clubbing. Any suggestions for our first visit to Germany?

Answer 1

If you are interested in history and culture I'd recommend Munich.
There are many museums, don't miss the "Deutsches Museum" which left even a technophobe like myself totally convinced, from Munich you can also plan trips to at least one of mad king Ludwig II's palaces, my own favourite is Herrenchiemsee, but Neuschwanstein is nice,too. You can also go to Wuerzburg, the archbishop-elector's palace has the only Tiepolo fresco north of the Alps.
Berlin is interesting enough, but in no way typical, and most of the historical buildings did not survive the second world war. Apart from that, Berlin's hinterland is absolutely void of charm, and everything nice is hours and hours away, except for Potsdam and the Museumsinsel.

Answer 2

Well, if you're into german history and culture of the last 300 years, then it's definitely Berlin. Berlin was THE german city of the 20th century, and it was one of the most important in 18th and 19th century. There's an evergoing competing of munich and berlin, but if you compare them a bit objective, than berlin is the clear winner in culture. There is the government, there was the wall and the center of the cold war, it was the center of 2nd world war (unfortunately) and Berlin was one of the three cosmopolitan cities in the 1920s. In Berlin are two world heritage sites, in Munich there is none. Artists from all over the world are living in Berlin, not in Munich.
Munich is prettier, munich is richer - but for sure not if the topic is german culture of the last centurys!
And at least a must see is THE two symbols of germany: The brandenburg gate, even it might not be that impressive to people who look for a gigantic thing and the new Reichstag (munich by the way has no typical german symbol)
And also it is the only city, where you can have an impression of both germanys: The ex-BRD and the ex-GDR - this is not possible in any other city in germany!

So: Go to Berlin or go to Munich AND Berlin (though it is impossible to see everything in even a whole week), but to miss Berlin if you're interested in german culture is a sort of cardinal sin (if you're looking for more than octoberfest at least).

Answer 3

I would visit Bavaria, Munich and Nurnberg-especially Nurnberg because it is such a beautiful city. Munich is about 4 hours away by train from Nurnberg so it is doable. If you are in Munich, visit the Olympic Stadium and the Hauptmarkt. Under the Olympic Stadium there is a lake where you can go peddle-boating or row-boating, the lines can be somewhat long depending on when you go, but I always enjoy doing that when I go to Munich. Also go up in the TV tower, you can see the entire Stadium and it is really a beautiful view-so I would recommend that.

There is also a swimming pool inside the stadium where they had their swim meets during the olympics, last time I was there and I wanted to go swimming so bad, but I forgot my bathing suit, so maybe bring you bating suit so you can relax and take a dip in the pool.

The BMW Museum is ok, but I wouldn't stress about visiting it. I can't think of much more, but I hope that this will help you just a little bit.

Answer 4

Munich, for sure. If you're interested in history, you can't miss Munich and environs! I would also encourage you to get out of the city (although Munich itself is quite beautiful), and explore some of the surrounding area. Within an hour's drive (or a tiny bit more) are some spectacular, unmissable sights. Please, rent a car in Munich and go to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Ettal, and Mittenwald, and Oberammergau, and the Chiemsee -- oh, going into raptures! It's so beautiful! Try the Andechs monastery for the best beer you've ever tasted.

Also, why not fly into Munich and fly out of Frankfurt? Then you can drive around a bit more and see places like Ulm, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (an 800-year-old walled town), and Augsburg, not to mention the amazing forest that surrounds Rothenburg o.d.T!

Keep in mind that the smaller towns will have apartments and things of that sort for much less than a hotel in Munich. We stayed in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with a full kitchen and a balcony that overlooked the alps, and spent about 50 euro/night -- in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Hooray for Germany!

Answer 5

Go for Berlin then. Munich is a nice city and there're
quite a few cultural highlights. But you can't compare
it to Berlin. As a tip. Besides the official tour stuff like
Reichstag, Gate, CP Charlie. Make sure you plan a
day on the Museum Island. It's actually a couple of
museums with different topics. This is one of top
museums in the world.

Answer 6

I would say Bavaria in general would make a very memorable vacation. Bavarians tend to be the friendliest Germans, and as many of my Bavarian friends would joke they are born with beer in their veins.

In 4 or 5 nights you will be able to see a few cities. Train travel is pretty cheap especially on the weekends, and most cities allow you to use your train ticket for the subway. Most German cities will have places to buy Greek, German, Turkish, Italian, Chinese, and American food.

Nurnberg has alot to see and is by far my favorite German city. It has a zoo, an airport, and a castle. The Downtown area is very nice.

Each City is unique and has alot of things such as castles, cathedrals, monasteries, and residences for nobles to see. You may be able to go to Volksfest when you get there. There are fairs that will be held in most cities for several weeks throughout the summer. Also in Bavaria they celebrate Fahshing which is a spring celebration much like Mardis Gras.

Rothenberg is also a popular spot because it still has the old city walls, and has a medieval crime museum.

Wurzburg has a beautiful castle, a cathedral, and a monastery all downtown.

Answer 7

Okay, this is just one American's take on your question, but if I had 5 days to get around, I'd skip Berlin on my first trip and do Munich(Muenchen) for the beer, scenery and lower Bavarian castle architecture(Herren Chiemsee, Neuschwanstein, etc.) first and then head up towards Cologne(Koln) for the nightlife and the Dom(cathedral). There are several city stops along the way to check out and you can get a BahnCard25 for 54 Euros that will pay for itself in 3 trips that gets you 25% off all tickets and allows you city-ride(free bus trips) for 24 hours after you arrive at your destination. Hamburg is cool, too...but way north. Have fun and remember: the people in Germany aren't nearly as uptight as most Americans and it's pretty safe(few cops) and non-confrontational in comparison.

Answer 8

im an auslander(foreigner) living in munich for the past 2 years.ive travelled all around germany and let me tell you that the most beautiful part of germany is bavaria with its capital munich.ive seen some amazing things here, like the castles of the swan king ludwig to the beautiful lakes and mountains.im no stranger to beautiful surroundings as ive lived my entire life prior to comming to germany, in capetown, south africa.munich has charm, history and beauty all wrapped into one.the bavarian culture is totally cool and the food unique.ive been to berlin and can quite honestly say that i liked it there too but not as much as munich.berlin is interresting in a historical way.you will find the brandenburg gate,checkpoint charlie,the reich house and countless other historical treasures but if its romantic beauty and charm that you seek; theres no other place quite like the city at the foot of the alps, munich.
wherever you choose to spend your holiday, i hope you enjoy it thoroughly.

Answer 9

I was born and raised in Germany and I would definitely say Munich. All the things everyone here is saying about Munich are true and you'll never regret that decision.

Cologne is totally worth a visit too. But you'll have plenty to do and see in Munich alone. Make sure you get a good travel guide though. Never leave without one.

Here is the official website of Munich:
http://www.meinestadt.de/muenchen/tourismus
(It's in german though!)

Here is an english one:
http://www.muenchen.de/Tourismus/Sightseeing/7565/index.html

And here is a website for Berlin:
http://www.berlin-tourist-information.de/english/sightseeing/index.php

Travel guide Germany:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Germany

Hope this helps.
Have fun and enjoy your trip. :-)

Answer 10

Munich is much more beautiful and offers more culture...great mixture of people from different backgrounds...great atmosphere..

due to the loaction Berlin in full of criminal Eastern Europeans and some areas are quite dangerous...(no offence to Eastern Europeans in generall)