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Munich and Vienna – Grand European Tour Part 3

SSomewhere — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:37:35 +0000

Grand European Tour – Or How To Make Schoolboy Errors While Traversing Germany

This is one of a series of blog posts detailing our 10-country trip around Europe on trains, buses, cars and ferries. All the posts highlight what we got up to (hopefully without the boring bits) along with some tips and helpful overviews should you wish to visit the destinations. In this post we focus on Munich and Vienna. You can see all the posts from this trip here.

On leaving Berlin, once again, we hopped on an ICE (high-speed train) to our next destination, Munich. We were using our Interrail pass (note: On some journeys reserving seats is obligatory even when using the interrail pass, this one wasn’t, but in hindsight, we should have booked a seat), but on boarding the train we knew we had immediately made an error not making a reservation, as nearly all the seats were reserved, and the ones that weren’t were already occupied.

In the end, we ended up standing or hanging about in the café carriage for about an hour or two until the passengers thinned out and we could take a seat. We swore then that we would now reserve seats on these busy intercity trains (you’ll see later how well that worked out)!

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Munich, Bavaria’s Beautiful Capital

We have visited Munich before (as we have family there), so this was a fairly chilled visit, spending some time around the centre of town and visiting the world-famous Hofbrauhaus which on the first day of our visit was living up to its reputation of being busy, packed to the gills with history (and tourists) and music – it’s a little bit crazy, but it has a wonderful atmosphere.

After the boisterousness of the Hofbrauhaus, we decided to have lunch in more sedate surroundings and had some traditional Bavarian fare in the quirky little restaurant that tops the even quirkier Valentin Karlstadt Musäum (dedicated to the entertainers and comedy duo Karl Valentin and Liesl Karlstadt), followed by some light shopping in the area around Marienplatz.

RESOURCES – VIENNA

Accommodation: Booking.com

Activities: Viator

Flights: Skyscanner

Trains: Rail Europe

Bus: FlixBus

Car Hire: AutoEurope

Lesser Known Munich – Far From The Madding Crowds

The next day, which was a Sunday we took a long hike along trails that border the river Isar in the suburban district of Solln, in the south of the city. This is an excellent place for an afternoon stroll, with beer gardens and German eateries scattered throughout the area to take refreshments. Quiet and very peaceful.

For more information should you want to visit Munich see our post: Is Munich Worth Visiting? for all that this city has to offer along with tips on how to get around.

Oh Vienna…History Repeats Itself

On leaving Munich we again hopped on another ICE (high-speed train) to the Austrian capitol of Vienna and former home to those international luminaries, Mozart, Beethoven and Freud and also the moody subject of that classic 80s song by the pop group Ultravox!

Again the train was rammed (in fact it was even worse than the Berlin/Munich train), but of course, this time we had reserved our seats hadn’t we? Well, no, we are evidently slow learners and had completely forgotten to book seats (again).

This train I must admit came very close to a definition of Hell, in fact, the only way we imagined it could have been worse would be to have young children with you – that looked like a serious nightmare with families strewn across the floors between carriages.

We needed a plan B, and quick.

Back to the trusty interrail rail planner app. We decided to jump ship (or train rather) at Saltzburg and try and pick up a more local (slightly slower) train to Vienna from there. The only hitch is we would be delivered at the West Bahnhof (railway station) rather than the central station in Vienna. It did, however, prove to be completely the right decision, as compared to the last train the new train from Salzburg was absolute heaven, with plenty of room for everyone and trolley service. We felt seriously spoiled.

Vienna, for us on this occasion, was a quick overnight, and our accommodation was near the main railway station, and after a long day we just wanted to hit the sack, so sadly we didn’t really see very much of the famous city on this visit.

Next stop Bratislava!

Find the next instalment of the Grand European Tour – Bratislava here.

You’ll also find more tips and insights on Munich here, and for more information on Vienna continue reading below…

Getting to Vienna

By Air: You can get to Vienna International Airport (VIE) from the main UK airports, as well as via international flights across Europe. I would recommend using Skyscanner to find flights into Vienna, and, if you are flexible when you go/return using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the most economical flights.

By Train: Being centrally located in Europe, Vienna is blessed with good railway connections meaning you can take a train to Vienna from many European capitals and major cities. The city has several train stations, the key ones being Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Main Station) and Wien Westbahnhof (Vienna West Station). Check out trains to Vienna here.

By Bus: Vienna is also easy to reach by bus, I would recommend Flixbus, which is a company based in Germany, but serves the vast majority of mainland Europe and offers cost-effective options to get to Vienna.

Vienna: Getting to and From the Airport

If you decide to fly to Vienna, here are a few simple options for getting into the city from the airport depending on your budget. They are:

Take the train: You can take the Express train S7 (S-Bahn) or Railjet from/to Vienna. From the airport, you can also get connecting trains to many of the major cities in Austria and beyond such as Innsbruck, Graz and Budapest. See further information here.

Take a taxi: Taxis can be found outside the arrivals area of the airport. If you are approached in the arrivals hall for a taxi ride, it is probably best to ignore the offer, as they may be unauthorised. Always use official taxis from the designated taxi stands.

Bus: Regional buses, Vienna Airport Lines (Postbus) connect Vienna International Airport with major transportation hubs in and around Vienna including the main railway stations, Vienna Westbahnhof (West station)and Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Central station).

Hire a car: Of course, if you want the flexibility of your own transport, then you will find car rental providers in the Car Rental Center in Car Park 4 (P4) on Level 0. Or for convenience, you can book in advance online.

Getting around Vienna

There are lots of options for getting around the capital of Austria and the public transport systems are reliable and efficient.

Note that Vienna has an integrated ticketing system which means that a single ticket, day pass or multi-day pass can be valid for multiple types of transport within the city(including the U-bahn, trams and buses, and also the S-bahn within the city boundaries). You can purchase online or from tobacco shops or machines at the stations. Note, you will have to validate your ticket before boarding your first form of transport – don’t risk a fine. Buying a Vienna City Card is usually the easiest way of sorting out your transport around the city.

Walk: Vienna city centre is relatively compact with many of the main tourist attractions within walking distance of each other.

By bicycle: Vienna is very bike-friendly, so why not hire a bike to explore the city? You can rent bicycles from the bike-sharing system: WienMobil Rad (formerly Citybike Wien).

The U-bahn: This is Vienna’s underground system, which consists of a network of five lines (numbered U1, U2, U3, U4 and U6, but oddly enough no U5) and offers an efficient way to explore the city.

The S-bahn: This is Vienna’s suburban train system, which serves the suburbs of the city and nearby towns.

By Bus: Vienna has an extensive bus network for reaching the far-flung areas of the city which you can’t necessarily get to by the U-bahn or tram. There is also a special night bus service, called ‘Nightlines’, which operates between 0.30 am and 5 am.

By taxi: Taxis offer an alternative to public transport, but it can be expensive. You can find them at one of the city’s designated taxi stands. Uber is now also available in Vienna, along which its competitor Bolt.

By Tram: Vienna has an extensive tram system, so utilising it is also a great way to see the city whilst travelling around it. Night trams run on some routes.

Top Tips – Vienna

Use Omio to compare buses versus trains, very useful.

For Hotels including self-catering apartments we use Booking.com, where you can filter by review score and many properties have a pay later/late cancellation policy should your plans suddenly change.

Check our resources page for more budget tips and discounts from our days in transit!

Where to stay in Vienna

Here are a few accommodation options for a stay in Vienna.

A couple of hotels worth considering are the excellent and friendly Jaz in the City Vienna, which has a great roof bar, or a bit further afield, but with good links to the centre, the great Austria Trend Hotel Maximilian.

Or if you want to be close to the train station, you might prefer the acom-Hotel Vienna, where we stayed on our recent visit – a good hotel, with comfortable rooms and friendly staff.

Free Things to Do in Vienna

Visiting the capital cities of Europe can sometimes be an expensive affair, so here are ten free things to do in Vienna which don’t cost a penny.

Take a free walking tour: This is always our go-to way of getting an initial feel for any city, learning a lot of the local history, and picking up some useful tips. Although free walking tours are indeed free, please tip your guide at the end of your tour – they will be worth it.
Visit museums and galleries on ‘free days’: Many of the (often quirky) museums and art galleries in Vienna offer free admission such as the Kunsthalle Wien on Karlsplatz, Circus and Clown Museum and the Snow Globe Museum. Some also offer free admission only on the first Sunday of every month including Uhrenmuseum, Wienmuseum Hermes Villa, the Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum), Romermuseum (Roman Museum) and Haydnhaus. Check entry times and any conditions of entry before your visit as these may have changed.
Watch street performers in Karlplatz: Karlplatz (known locally as Stachus) is a vibrant square where you can enjoy some free music and performance in historical surroundings.
Head for the hills: To get some great views of Vienna head up to Kahlenburg, a hill on the outskirts of the town and enjoy the panoramic views. Great for hiking or a picnic.
Relax in a park: Vienna has many open green spaces and parks, just the ticket if you want to get away from the tourist crowds. Some of the best-known ones are Stadtpark, Volksgarten and the gardens at the Schönbrunn Palace.
Go to a free concert: Vienna is the musical heart of Europe, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample some free music here. Along with the massive Donauinselfest (The largest (free) open-air music festival in Europe), there are many much smaller events to attend which change on a daily basis, here is a good place to start looking for these.
Explore the Naschmarkt: This is Veinna’s largest open-air market where you can browse amongst the fresh local produce, inhale the aroma of exotic spices and drink in the lively atmosphere.
Stroll around the historic centre: Vienna’s centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is understandably quite stunning. Featuring beautiful architecture, Baroque castles, and gardens, as well as landmarks such as the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), Vienna’s iconic Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral) and the Habsburgs’ former Imperial Palace all within strolling distance.
Admire the Hundertwasserhaus: A unique building designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It’s very colourful, quirky and is surrounded by an equally quirky shopping area.
Visit the Rathaus: This amazing building, designed and built between 1872 to 1883, includes the famous 98-meter high tower (so it’s difficult to miss). The seven interior courtyards of the Rathaus (City Hall) are free to visit, and there are free guided tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Where to eat

For traditional Viennese fare, you could try Lugeck, where you’ll find the ubiquitous Weiner schnitzel, and the famous tafelspitz (boiled beef with vegetables in broth). On the other hand, if you don’t mind standing in line for one of the best sausage stands in Vienna, the Bitzinger Würstelstand (located next to the Albertina museum), a great place to grab a classic bratwurst.

There are also many vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Vienna such as Ganesha Indisches Restaurant (Indian, Vegetarian Friendly with Vegan and Gluten Free Options).

Staying Safe

Vienna is a generally safe city. Crimes of violence against visitors are rare, but like many major cities petty theft and pickpocketing do occur especially in crowded tourist spots or busy public transport. So keep your valuables safe and out of sight.

If you have an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Of course, the key thing is to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage to protect against, cancellations, theft, illness etc. For this, we use and recommend using Staysure – specialists in over 50’s travel insurance, as we have always found them fair and easy to deal with.

The post Munich and Vienna – Grand European Tour Part 3 appeared first on Destination Someplace.

Brussels to Berlin By Train – Grand European Tour Part 2

SSomewhere — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:55 +0000

Grand European Tour – Brussels to Berlin, What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

This is another in a series of blog posts detailing our 10-country trip around Europe on trains, buses, cars and ferries. This post focuses on how we got from Brussels to Berlin by Train. All the posts highlight what we got up to (without the boring bits) along with some tips and helpful overviews should you wish to visit the same destinations. You can see all the posts from this trip here.

After our brief sojourn in Brussels, we were heading for Berlin next. So after a quick checkout from our hotel and even swifter a taxi back to the railway station to catch our 8.12 am train for Berlin via Cologne, we were on our way.

Just over a couple of hours later we were in Cologne, however, our train for Berlin did not show, and we were left on the platform twiddling our interrailing thumbs, with no information appearing on the notice signs – two days into our trip and we were already dazed and confused by the European rail network. So for a while, we did not understand what was going on.

On further investigation, all trains to Berlin had been cancelled for two days, including today, due to an accident. The Deutsche Bahn desk at the station came to the rescue, working out a different route via Dusseldorf, and even printing out which connections to get at what time, and the relevant platforms – thank you DB. We were in a bit of a rush now to make our connections, so that certainly helped.

RESOURCES – BERLIN

Accommodation: Booking.com

Activities: Viator

Flights: Skyscanner

Trains: Rail Europe

Bus: FlixBus

Car Hire: AutoEurope

Berlin By Train – It All Goes Wrong Again

An hour or so later, having made the connection, we were on our last train of the day from Dusseldorf to Berlin – back on track and feeling pretty pleased with ourselves even if we were running a couple of hours behind schedule.

So far so good?

No, not really. At this point I thought I’d try and catch up with the notes for this blog, so I dug into the rucksack for the laptop. It was gone! Queue sick feeling in the pit of our stomachs. We couldn’t believe it, we had been so careful. The rucksack had not been out of our sight for the entire journey… except when we left it in the hotel room in Brussels while we went to dinner…

We had about 5 hours on the Dusseldorf/Berlin train that day, and we spent most of it changing passwords so whoever had taken the laptop, could not access our data, calling the hotel to report the theft and getting friends at home to check we hadn’t left it at home in England. After about 8 hours on trains/in railway stations our first full day out of the UK had turned into a bit of a nightmare.

Nevertheless we had arrive at our destination.

Berlin – A Walking History Lesson

We stayed in the Berlin Holiday Inn Express, which is within walking distance from Potsdamer Platz, the U-Bahn station and Checkpoint Charlie, so for us a good location. The hotel was what you’d expect, cost-effective, clean and efficient. However, because it was the Easter holidays it was also rammed to the gills, so breakfast was a bit of a bun fight unless you got there very early or very late.

Berlin is spread out, so we spent the first day there getting our bearings and visiting the more obvious tourist hot spots such as Checkpoint Charlie (where we visited The Asisi Panorama Berlin – an 18-metre-high complex that depicts life around the Wall in the 1980s courtesy of the Berlin artist Yadegar Asisi – it certainly draws you into that dark period of European history, and well worth the admission fee), the Brandenburg gate and the Reichstag.

In the evenings we ate close to the hotel at a local restaurant across the road from the hotel, the Ristorante Diomira, which did traditional German food along with the Italian staples of pasta and pizza and Mama Cook (Asian fusion cuisine), which were both great and not pricey.

Using The Public Transport System in Berlin and Visiting Cool Alexandre Platz

On the second day, we wanted to travel further afield so after sampling some mulled wine at one of the market stalls outside of Potdamer station, we got a day ticket for the public transport, and hopped on and off the U-Bahn for most of the day.

In between taking trains, we strolled through the beautiful Tiergarten Park which is dominated by the Victory Column (or Siegessäule) and its gilded Victoria, and then along the River Spree.

Public transport in Berlin like the rest of Germany is pretty straightforward to use and is based on an honour system, so there are no turnstiles/checks at the stations, but beware if you get caught without a ticket by an inspector as you will inevitably get an immediate and hefty fine. Remember if you use public transport to validate your ticket (with date/time stamp) before boarding any transport.

On our final full day in Berlin, we took to our feet again and spent a relaxing day with coffee and ice cream, taking in a few more of the sights of this splendid city, ending the afternoon in the Alexandre Platz in the centre of East Berlin, where I failed to persuade Barbara up the iconic Berlin Television Tower.

Go here for the next instalment of the Grand European Tour…

Or for more tips and insights on Berlin please continue reading below…

Getting to Berlin

By Air: You can get to Berlin Airport easily from the UK, as well as via international flights across Europe. Try using Skyscanner to find flights into Berlin.

By Train: If you want to travel to Berlin by train, then Germany has a fast and efficient railway network including the IC and ICE high-speed trains, and Berlin is easily accessible from most parts of Germany as well as the rest of Europe. Check out trains to Berlin here.

By Bus: Berlin is also easy to reach by bus, I would recommend Flixbus, which is a company based in Germany, but serves the vast majority of mainland Europe and offers cost-effective options to get to most major cities.

Berlin: Getting to and From the Airport

If you decide to fly to Germany, here are a few simple options for getting into Berlin (Berlin Brandenburg Airport) from the airport depending on your budget. They are:

Take the train: The airport has its own train station which you’ll find is located in Terminal 1 on level U2. From here you can get connections to all the major cities in Germany including, of course, Berlin. The Airport Express plus several regional trains run regularly between the centre and the airport, along with the S9 and S45 commuter trains which run every 20 minutes to Berlin city centre. Full details can be found here.

By bus: Express buses depart from bus stops A 2 resp. A 6-7. These can be found on the arrivals level (E0) of Terminal 1; directly in front of the building. Full details are here.

Take a taxi: If you arrive at Terminals 1 or 2 use the north and south taxi ranks in front of T1 on Level E0. Always use official taxis which are clearly marked.

Hire a car: Of course, if you want the flexibility of your own transport, to rent or pick up a vehicle at the Terminals 1-2 location, you can use the service counters of the various rental car providers on level E0 of Terminal 1. If you book online we recommend AutoEurope for comparisons between providers to get the best deal.

Getting around town

There are lots of options for getting around Berlin. The public transport systems are safe and reliable. Here are all the main options. You can use a BVG (Berliner Verkhrsbetriebe) public transport ticket on all the public transport options: U-Bahn( Subway), S-Bahn (overground), trams and buses. Along with one-way and short-trip tickets, you could also consider a one-day pass, or if you’re in town for a few days a week-long pass might be the best and cheapest option. Note, that Berlin is divided into three transport zones, so generally ticket prices increase the more zones you need to travel through. You can purchase tickets from ticket machines at stations or via the BVG app.

Walk: Berlin city centre is pretty flat and quite a lot of the main tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other in the city centre. Although, you may need to avail yourself of public transport if you want to go further afield.

By bicycle: Berlin has a great network of cycle paths making this a great way to explore the city.

The Underground: Berlin’s U-Bahn (Underground) system offers a fast and efficient way to explore the city. Tickets can be bought at all the stations before boarding, usually from ticket machines (remember to change the language to ‘English’ to make the process simple. The U-Bahn covers the central areas of the city and links to many of the main tourist hot spots.

The S-Bahn: This is the ‘above ground’ internal railway system that works in conjunction with the U-Bahn, it also services the more far-flung (suburban) areas of the city.

By Bus or tram: Berlin’s local buses and trams service many of the areas not served by the U-Bahn/S-Bahn network.

By taxi: If you are feeling flush, then getting about by taxi offers an alternative to public transport, but it can be expensive. Uber is now also available in Berlin, as is their competitor Lyft.

Where to stay in Berlin

Here are some accommodation options for a stay in Berlin.

A couple of hotels worth considering are the excellent Mandala Hotel which is centrally located, or a bit further afield to the Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre where we stayed on a recent visit (note: it’s actually about a mile from the centre).

Top Tips – Berlin

Use Omio to compare buses versus trains, very useful.

Check our resources page for more budget tips and discounts from our days in transit!

The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Berlin

There is no shortage of things to see and do in this magnificent city, here are just a few:

Brandenburg Gate: Originally constructed between 1788 and 1791, this 18th-century neoclassical monument needs little introduction as a symbol of a Berlin, first divided by The Wall during the Cold War, and after the fall of The Wall, of a re-unified Germany – simply a must-see landmark. It is located in Pariser Platz, it’s difficult to miss.
Berlin Wall: No visit to Berlin would be complete without seeing The Wall, which once divided the city for nearly thirty years and in many respects shaped it.
Checkpoint Charlie: Also known as Checkpoint C, this was the most famous Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War years. It was a place of human drama, bravery and sadness during those years, and you can almost sense that when you touch the remains of it today.
Reichstag Building: This is the German parliament building, but was the national parliament of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. It features a stunning glass dome offering panoramic views of Berlin. It is best to book in advance if you want to visit inside the dome itself.
Holocaust Memorial: This striking memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, comprises a field of concrete slabs and serves as a sombre reminder of the enormity of the Holocaust. The information centre nearby provides historical context.
Tiergarten: This is a peaceful escape in the heart of Berlin, and is its largest park. Great for walking, cycling, or having a picnic. If you have a head for heights, don’t miss (you actually can’t miss it!) the Siegessäule (Victory Column), offering fantastic views from the top.
Museum of Natural History: If museums are your thing then a visit to the Museum für Naturkunde should be on your to-see list. Home to Brachiosaurus brancai dinosaur which stands 13.27 metres tall and is currently the tallest mounted dinosaur skeleton in the world, who, incidentally, goes by the nickname of Oskar. The museum also features many permanent and special temporary exhibitions on palaeontology, evolution, and biodiversity, among others.
Alexandre Platz: A cool and bustling square, known as ‘Alex’ by the locals. The square features the Berlin TV Tower, the World Clock, and the Fountain of Friendship between Nations – all icons of Berlin culture.
Explore the East Berlin Neighborhoods: Dip into the cool charms of neighbourhoods such as Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Friedrichshain. Brimming with trendy boutiques, cosy coffee shops, and the remnants of East Berlin’s chequered history.
Charlottenburg Palace: The largest palace in Berlin, showcasing opulent Baroque and Rococo architecture.

Where to eat

To eat like a Berliner, you could try Zur Haxe, a traditional family restaurant featuring German/Bavarian fare. Or Schnitzelei Mitte, which, as you might have guessed focuses its menu around classic schnitzel options and German tapas.

German traditional food is often perceived as ‘meat-heavy’, but of course, there are many other options around this cosmopolitan city for eating cuisines around the world for lighter dishes, as well as many vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as Vaust Braugaststätte Berlin.

Staying Safe

Berlin is a generally safe city so the chances of being a victim of crime are low, and crimes of violence against visitors are very rare, but like many major cities petty theft and pickpocketing can occur especially in crowded tourist spots or busy public transport. So keep your valuables safe and out of sight.

If you have an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The post Brussels to Berlin By Train – Grand European Tour Part 2 appeared first on Destination Someplace.

Is Munich Worth Visiting?

SSomewhere — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 11:49:23 +0000

Is Munich worth visiting?

So is Munich worth visiting? If you haven’t yet visited Munich, the capital of Bavaria, you may know it for its world-famous beer festival, the Oktoberfest. But there is a lot more to do in Munich than sampling the local brews.

Boasting an enchanting historical centre, beautiful green spaces, a castle, great German food and the world-famous beer halls there is plenty to see and do in the great city. So, is Munich worth visiting? Absolutely!

Positively overflowing with history and tracing its roots back to 1158, Munich has emerged as a European centre of art and history.

This guide will help you plan your trip to this great city and make the most of your visit.

RESOURCES – MUNICH

Accommodation: Booking.com

Activities: Viator

Flights: Skyscanner

Trains: Rail Europe

Bus: FlixBus

Car Hire: AutoEurope

Getting into to and from the airport

You have a few simple options for getting into Munich from the airport depending on your budget. They are:

Book an airport-to-city shuttle: Lufthansa Express Bus will take you straight to Munich central station in about 45 minutes, and this might be the cheapest option. They leave the airport about every 15 minutes.

Take a private airport transfer: This is the most expensive option, but if you are a small family, or have a lot of luggage this may be the most convenient option. If you want to guarantee an English-speaking driver and don’t want to wait at the taxi rank then you could consider a private transfer with ‘Welcome Pickups’ – all their drivers are guaranteed to be English speakers.

Catch the S-Bahn Train: The S1 and S8 S-Bahn lines connect the airport to the Munich city centre and leave at 10-minute intervals. The trip to the main railway station in the city centre takes approx. 40 minutes.

Getting around town

There are lots of options for getting around Munich, depending on your fitness level and budget. The public transport systems are safe and reliable. Here are all the main options. You can use a public transport ticket on all the public transport options( U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (overground), trams and buses. Along with one-way and short-trip tickets, you could also consider a one-day unlimited pass, or if you’re in town for a few days a week-long pass might be the best and cheapest option. Note, that Munich is divided into transport zones, so generally fares increase the more zones your travel through.

Walk: Munich city centre is compact with many of the main tourist attractions clustered within walking distance of each other, also many areas are pedestrian zones, making exploring by foot easy. Make sure you stick to the pedestrian pavements in Munich, if you are not used to it, it can be easy to stray onto the adjacent cycle paths, which is obviously dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

By bicycle: Go local and hire a bike to explore the city, hire bikes are located around the city and you can hire them by calling a number with the Hire a Bike scheme. Munich has a vast network of cycle paths which are generally next to the pedestrian paths, making it much safer.

The Underground: Munich U-Bahn (Underground) system offers a fast and efficient way to explore the city. Tickets can be bought at all the stations before boarding, usually from ticket machines (remember to change the language to ‘English’ to make the process simple. Note that the underground is closed between 1 am and 4 am).

The S-Bahn: This is the ‘above ground’ internal railway system that works in conjunction with the U-Bahn, it also services the more far-flung (suburban) areas of the city.

By Bus: Munich’s local buses are an easy-to-spot blue colour, and you can also use these to get around town.

By taxi: If you are feeling flush, then getting about by taxi offers an alternative to public transport, but it can be expensive. You can hail or call one of the city’s taxis. Uber is now also available in Munich, but it isn’t really any cheaper than taxis.

By Tram: The Straßenbahn (tram) is also a great way to see the city whilst travelling around it.

Rent a car: This can be a good option if you want to explore further afield (otherwise I’d stick with public transport). Note you need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car here.

Munich City Pass or Card: If you are staying in Munich for a few days and plan to visit a lot of the major attractions and museums, then a Munich City Pass or Card might be the way to go. Both offer free unlimited rides on public transport, while the Card offers discounts to museums, and the Pass offers free admission to all the main attractions. Check out the details here.

Where to stay in Munich

Here are a few accommodation options for a stay in Munich

A couple of hotels worth considering are Hotel Bayer’s which is centrally located without the usual expensive price tag, or a bit further afield the NYX Hotel where we stayed on a recent visit(see photo).

A private apartment such as the Aparthotel Adagio Muenchen City could also be a good option.

Getting to Munich

By Air: You can get to Munich International Airport easily from the UK, plus other domestic locations within Germany as well as international flights across the globe. I would recommend using Skyscanner to find flights into Munich and if you are flexible when you go/return using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the most economical flights.

By Train: Germany has a fast and efficient railway network, and Munich is easily accessible from most parts of Germany as well as the rest of Europe. Check out trains to Munich here.

By Bus: Munich is also easy to reach by bus, I would recommend Flixbus, which is a company based in Germany, but serves the vast majority of mainland Europe and offers cost-effective options to get to Munich.

Is Munich worth visiting? The Top 11 things to see and do

Take a free walking tour: This is always our go-to way of getting an initial feel for any city and learn a lot of the local history, and pick up some useful tips. Although free walking tours are indeed free, please tips your guide at the end of your tour – they will be worth it.
Eat like a local: Bavarian food is wholesome and delicious and no visit to Munich would be complete without sampling the local delicacies such as bratwurst (sausages), currywurst (curry and sausages), sauerkraut (pickled cabbage), pretzels (salty and buttered, with or without a traditional cheesy dip).
Watch the Glockenspiel: Every day at 11am and noon, tourists and locals alike are entertained for a few minutes by the life-size dancing figurines located at the front of the New Town Hall in Marienplatz square. There dance tells of a royal wedding, a joust and traditional dancing from Bavaria’s past.
Visit the English Garden: The ‘Englischer Garten’ comprises of nearly 80 kilometres of trails, this massive park offers numerous places to walk, relax or even have a beer, while you watch the river ‘surfers’ ride the rapids.
Visit the museums (on a Sunday): On Sunday’s Munich basically shuts up shop, so it is a very quiet day if you are visiting the town, but it’s a great day to visit some of the many museums. On Sundays, many museums offer a one euro admission, including the Museum Brandhorst, the Bavarian Museum, Alte Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, and the Sammlung Schack. Some of the other museums offer free entry on other days, for full details visit Munich’s tourism website.
Explore the markets: Viktualienmarkt is a farmers market, and as you would expect offers a wide range of locally produced fruit and vegetables, along with flowers and food-based souvenirs. The market is open Monday-Saturday from 8am till about 8pm.
Have a beer (or two) at the Hofbräuhaus: Originally build in 1607 as a brewery, this is now one of the most famous beer halls in Munich. It was badly damaged during World War II, but completely restored to its former glory in in 1958. Well worth a visit if you like beer and a great atmosphere.
Visit Dachau concentration camp: Dachau was the location of Germany’s first concentration camp, and so marks the start of a dark era for Europe. It is a sad and haunted place, located 10 miles outside of the city, and is reachable by a 15 minute train ride. The site is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 5 pm and entry is free. To Dachau Munich Hauptbahnhof. Visits Dachau can also be booked with Viator.
Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle: Day trips to this famous 19^th century Neo-Romantic castle (the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland) usually depart around 9am, returning in the early evening and tours must be booked in advance – this is one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions.
Walk in the Devil’s footsteps: One local legend has it that the architect of the Frauenkirche (a gothic cathedral officially known as “Zu Unserer Lieben Frau” or Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady), made a deal with the Devil. The Devil would provide funds for the building of the church as long as it remained a celebration of darkness and no windows were built into it. The architect, Jörgvon Halsbach, tricked the Devil, however, by placing windows behind columns to block the Devil’s view. When the Devil realised he’d been tricked he stamped his foot in a fit of rage and left the imprint of his foot to this very day. There are a few different variations to this legend and how the footprint came into existence, but maybe you’ll just have to visit to find out the truth.
Watch the surfers on Eisbach River: Located at the entrance to the

Where to eat

For traditional Munich meals, it is always a good bet to visit one of the beer halls throughout the city such as the Hofbräuhaus or the Augustiner Braustuben. The Haxnbauer restaurant is another well-known eatery for hearty Bavarian food.

Munich is not all about traditional Bavarian fare, the town is a cosmopolitan mix of bars and restaurants such as Bar Centrale in the heart of the old town, which serves a delicious range of Italian pasta dishes.

There are also many vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Munich such as Blitz or the long-established Tushita Teehaus. The vegetarian/vegan scene has flourished over the last decade in Munich so you won’t be short of places to try.

Is Munich worth visiting if you are a foodie, we think so!

Top Tips – Munich

Use Omio to compare buses versus trains, very useful.

Check our resources page for more budget tips and discounts from our days in transit!

Is Munich Worth Visiting: When to visit

Is Munich worth visiting all year round? Yes, Munich is a great town to visit all year round, but things certainly pick up in the Spring as the gardens start to bloom, but it can still be cold and rainy, so pack the appropriate gear.

Summer is when the town is at its busiest, and the weather is generally hot, with an average of 24 degrees C. Many people converge on the beer gardens and nearby lakes to make the most of the Summer days.

Autumn is also popular for visiting Munich, mostly because of the world-famous Oktoberfest which spans the end of September to the early part of October. If you are planning to visit for the Oktoberfest book your accommodation well in advance as the hotels are full this time of year and the prices can double or even triple.

A Munich winter is generally cold, and it often snows, so dress appropriately. The main draw in the Winter are the Christmas markets, and accommodation prices are usually cheaper in the Winter.

Main Festivals

If you want to coincide your visit to the city with a festival here’s just a small selection of them:

Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival): Also known as the small Oktoberfest, this event takes place for 3 weeks in March every years and takes place over the many beer halls in Munich.

Tollwood festival: This takes place in the Olympia Park in Munich and features an array of musical acts and theatrical performances. It takes place from late June to early July for three weeks every year. The easiest way to get to the Olympia park is to take the underground (U3) and exit at the station ‘Olympiapark’.

Kaltenberg Knights Tournament: This jousting, sword fighting and horsemanship festival celebrates all thing middle ages and takes place at the Kaltenburg Castle every July. To get there take the S-Bahn (S8) from Munich Central Station to Geltendorf, then, once there, follow everyone else to the shuttle bus, which will take you to the castle. It gets busy and Kaltenberg is a small village, so I wouldn’t recommend driving there, as you’ll probably end up stuck in a traffic jam.

Oktoberfest: Originating from 1810, this annual festival is held over a two-week period ending on the first Sunday in October. Find all the details here.

Staying Safe

Munich is a generally safe city, and crimes of violence against visitors are rare, but like many major cities petty theft and pickpocketing do occur especially in crowded tourist spots or busy public transport. So keep your valuables safe and out of sight.

If you have an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

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