With or without Octoberfest, Munich is one of the most preferred destination for tourists, wanderers and beer lovers. Since I can define myself with all these terms, I like Munich a lot, and I think it is one of the best places to settle down. If you are interested to travel Munich, here are my highlights and travel tips:
1. Marienplatz - This is the main square of Munich with an enormous church in the center of it. Its gothic structure is amazing, and in fact it is one of the best in Germany.
Around 12 everyday, some toys placed on the clock tower are danced as the bells toll - one of the most famous attractions in the city. The whole ceremony takes about 15 minutes. I wouldn't insist you to stay and watch the whole time but it's worth a glance.
To get a panaromic view, we decided to climb the St. Paul clock tower. It takes 2euros per person with the student ID. It is a nice opportunity to see the whole city under our feet even though we did not have the time to visit landmarks like Olympic park.
2. Viktualienmarkt - This is like a lunch paradise! Mainly, this is like a food market in which they sell fresh fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, there are also local shops that serve hot dogs, soups, sandwiches, etc. Unfortunately, we were there for the new years day, and we were told that all the places are closed on vacation days. Nevertheless,
3. Englischer Garten - If we have to match New York with Central Park, London with Hyde Park or Madrid with Parque del Ritiro, we have to folow as Englischer Garten with Munich.
One of the most famous landmarks of the park is the Monopteros, a Greek temple from 19th century. Being spotted on a little hill around a wide area of grass, it is a great point to hang out during day and night. For the new years eve celebrations, it's one of the calmest and greatest spots to enjoy the celebrations and fire works.
The park also consists of a Japanese tea house, in which traditional tea parties are being organized regularly. Japanese style or German style, you can always find an entertainment around here. You can enjoy a glass of beer, mulled wine or grab a hot dog as always. Check it out also for Christmas market.
This is the biggest park area in the city where people hang around, have a beer and even sunbath if they get lucky with the weather. The strangest thing was the people who river surf (yeah, that's a thing) even in January!
Before to go, I have read many comments about a Lebanese restaurant named Ja Mai and you can head from the park directly to here for lunch or dinner.
4. Toy Museum - Munich was almost a ghost town on the New Years day and the toy museum was one of the open ones, since it's a private one. They have a cute and kinda creepy collection of toys, like the dolls, Disney mascots, soldiers, robots and many more!
The museum is on Marienplatz, so you can also enjoy the cathedral view from the blurry windows.
5. Beer gardens - Shocking, right? The most popular one is the Hofbrauhaus, as you might recall. This place is like a miniature version of the whole Octoberfest experience. They have huge tables and you need to share with other people, potential new best friends over beer and cute German music!
They also serve food, but I personally preferred to be there just for the beer and some snacks. PS: the place has also separate rooms just for food but it is not the same as the common garden room.
The HB is located in Platzl right across Hard Rock Cafe and other cute local restaurants that you can dine in.
For lunch, we also tried Paulaner on Tal street, which was a similar experience - with no music, similar beer and with more restaurant environment. The food was amazing and we all know what to expect from dinner.
6. Christmas mood - I believe that the best time to visit Munich is during the Octoberfest or Christmas and in both of them you should get drunk. Coincidence?
We have been there on New Years eve and even though I was expecting the markets to be all over, we had enough experience of hot dogs, mulled wine and more hot dogs! During all december, you can find these markets in literally every corner, but on New Years Eve, check out the Karlplatz, Viktoriamarkt and Isartor, which are all close to Marienplatz and in Englischer Garten near the Chinese temple.
Enjoy!
Labels: Germany, Highlights, Munich
