Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Munich, Germany! I lived in Germany for several years, and I rank Munich in the top 10 European cities to visit. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Munich vacation.
Hate #1: Munich is Expensive
Munich is not a good budget destination. The accommodation, food, and shopping are all fairly expensive, especially when you compare it to other central European cities. Even the hostels are expensive, so if you are backpacking through Europe with a friend, it can be cheaper to double up on a cheap hotel than to pay for two at a hostel.
Hate #2: Munich Beer Halls
A lot of travelers think Munich is all about beer and feel they have to go to the beer halls in Munich. So, the more touristy beer halls can get a little tacky and boisterous with travelers getting drunk on German beer. If you aren’t a big fan of drinking beer, it’s ok to skip the beer halls. There are plenty of other things to do in Munich. I’ve also heard traveler complaints when a lot of biking or walking tours end up at a beer garden and it you’re not a drinker, that can be frustrating.
Hate #3: Language Barriers
Bavarians are some of the nicest people in Germany, but the older folks especially don’t speak a lot of English. If you don’t know German, it can prevent you from getting to know them very well. Younger people and people in the service industry will speak English, so you can get by, but you may not meet as many locals as you’d like.
Hate #4: Tourist Crowds
Munich tourism is very popular, so you can often run into huge crowds of tourists and tour groups. You can nearly get trampled by the big groups, especially at the big attractions like Dachau or the Residenz. Munich is great in the off-season, or just plan to get up early and beeat the crowds if you are visiting Munich in the summer.
Hate #5: Cheesy Souvenirs
Ok, I love Munich, so it’s a stretch for me to find five things to “hate.” But you’ll notice a lot of cheesy souvenirs around Munich. From Oktoberfest hats, cuckoo clocks, lederhosen, and beer steins, the stuff you see for sale is either too expensive or cheap and cheesy.
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Love #1: Bavarians
If you read our more general post on things you’ll love and hate about Germany, I mention that German people are cold and too serious. That’s not the case with Bavarians. They are some of the nicest people you will meet while traveling.
Love #2: Munich Museums
Munich has amazing museums. The Bavarian kings ruled from here for 500 years. The Residenz, where they ruled from, has amazing artwork and furnishings. There are three art museums: the Old, New and Modern Art Museums. I think the Deutsches Museum is the best science museum in Europe.
Love #3: Munich Public Transportation
It’s so easy to travel around Munich. There are four main modes of transportation in Munich: the U-Bahn (subway) the S-Bahn (suburban trains) and the tram, and buses. There is nowhere you can’t go on public transportation in Munich. Even Dachau is on the S-Bahn. It’s also a major European hub, so you can get great connections to other cities, like Prague and Vienna.
Love #4: Munich Sightseeing
Munich is a beautiful city, with so much history and interesting architecture. The old town hall and the churches with the towering spires, plus all of the castles and palaces scattered around town. You will be constantly be craning your neck as you walk around Munich.
Love #5: The Beer Halls
If you don’t like beer, it’s a “hate,” but if you like beer, then Munich is the place for you! With the Oompa bands and the giant beer steins, the beer halls are a blast! Even Hofbrauhaus, though touristy, is super fun. For a more low-key, less touristy experience, go to the Augustiner brewhouse.
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Munich is a great city and I love visiting anytime we are in central Europe. I really had to stretch to find anything negative to say about a Munich vacation because there’s so much to love about Munich. Want more information on travel in Germany? Check out these other blog posts: