Hey folks. The Mrs and I will be heading to Munich this fall for 3 or 4 nights before moving on to Salzburg and Prague. First off, any suggestions on what part of Munich to stay in? We prefer to be able to walk to as much as possible while also feeling safe. We will probably have a vehicle to get out of the city and explore but still prefer to walk (or take public transport) as much as we can. Second, are there any breweries/bars/restaurants that are must visits? Thanks in advance!
The last time we spent time in Munich (2016) we stayed Hotel am Viktualienmarkt. I thought it was a convenient location and close to a train station. If you've never been to Munich, the Hofbrauhaus is a must. It's touristy but worth a visit.
Start here: https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/short-visit-to-munich.676431/ Lots of other Munich threads here as well.... Prost!!
In the fall could mean Oktoberfest, so is that on your itinerary? If yes, that could have an impact on the recommendations. If you're going to have a car, it is likely that your hotel choice would depend on parking availability to your hotel choice. When I was there in April, 2019, I stayed in a place about halfway between the Haupbanhof (sp?) and Marianplatz (sp?) so it was very convenient (also to the Oktoberfest grounds). I don't recall the hotel's name, but it was nice. However, that neighborhood was attracting rowdy migrants hanging out on the sidewalks at night, and I think the problem has become worse. I agree that Hofbrauhaus is a must-visit. We went during late morning just for a beer and pretzel and then moved on to the Englisher Garden (maybe a mile of walking) to hang out listening to the band for a while in the sun and drank a couple beers (and munched on some more of the Hofbrauhaus pretzel - yes, it's that big). We walked thru the Hofbrauhaus to use the restroom later that day just to experience it during a busier time. It was a full experience without getting caught up in the noisy crowd. Across the street is Ayinger's Munich location. That's probably the most enjoyable of the places that we visited, but its hard to go wrong with wherever you go. Enjoy the planning and your trip.
Thanks for the advice. We’ll be there after OFest (didn’t want that craziness) and will look to find a place to stay w/out having to worry too much about safety when returning after dinner each night. Lots of planning ahead and I know I’ll enjoy that part of the process, but I do appreciate the responses.
Little place, kinda' buried in side streets just east of the Hauptbahnof, but very quaint. Nice cozy bar, too.* https://hotel-eder.de/ *Based on current pictures, the bar may have been removed in a remodel. Too bad, they'd keep it open after hours for hotel guests. Also, as a first-timer, you need this book. https://www.beerdrinkersguide.com/
That WAS you! Just thinking about it (I was probably there in '95, or so), wasn't that huge Bierhall just across the road back then? Trying to remember the name -- it'll come to me. The Mathäser!
If you don't need to get a car, I would avoid it. There is plenty to see and do in and around Munich for three full days, all which is easily reached with public transportation. You really don't even have to be near a major train hub, anything along a subway or streetcar (U Bahn/S Bahn) is great. You'll be able to move around quickly after you get acquainted with the basics. How are you getting to Prague & Salzburg?
Well we are still debating on number of nights in each city and how we want to travel. We may have a car until we reach Prague (last) or we may go by train from Munich to Salz. And we may head over to Vienna for a night to see a friend before heading up to Prague. 10 total nights, so just trying to decide how much time to spend in each city. If nothing else we will probably rent a car for a day in Munich to get out and see Neuschwanstein Castle
You can take a train to Füssen and catch a bus (quick ride) to Neuschwanstein. In case you don't want the hassle of renting a car for a day.
......or, my wife just googled and found a bus trip that left from a location across the street from the Haupbanhof. For us, it was an all day tour that slso stopped at some lesser castle and a monestery, but probably different tour companies offer different itineraries.
Back in 2019 my wife and I spent 2 weeks in Prague (plus day trips to other towns). Here is a link to an article which may be helpful: https://www.morebeer.com/articles/Czech_Beers Na Zdravi
To me, this is probably the easiest and most hassle-free way to see Neuschwanstein. Along with travel to the castle, your tickets to get in are taken care of as well. @sefus12
Man, you guys are making me feel guilty about taking my two friends on a little adventure from Munich to Neuschwanstein in my little rental Opel crackerbox -- and an overly precise map of Germany! It's a trip I won't forget, though. Especially the little country restaurant we found on the way back; where they spoke no English and I hadn't taken any German classes yet. Damn good meal, though!
There are many places in Munich to go to. Augustiner Keller is a favorite, of the weather is nice they might open that time of year so call ahead. Ayinger am Platzl is across from the Hofbräuhaus. The Viktualmarkt has the experience of of a market, a Biergärten, and has many drinking places in the area. We had fun last fall at Hop dog which is near the Deutsches Musem. Beer from around the Bamberg area and creative hot dogs for food. It worked for us. Munich has a good transportation system. You can get around by S-Bahn, U-Bahn, Street Cars, and buses. The old town area is fairly compact and walkable.
Augustiner Keller has a big beer hall inside, which will probably be open even if the beer garden isn't.
