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GERMANY: Munich

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While Munich is one of the larger cities in Germany, you can get around fairly easily via public transportation and walking in the city center. While there is an International airport outside of Munich, unless you are flying there directly, the best way to get there is via train.

Once in the city you can get around very easily via the subway, or U-bahn. One of the nice things about public transportation in Germany, is that a single ticket will enable you to ride the subway, streetcar, or bus. Taxis are fairly easy to find but can be a bit expensive.

Once you get to Munich there are numerous hotels in a wide variety of categories from which to choose. If you want to stay in the city center, we suggest the Hotel Splendid (54 Maximilainstrasse, telephone: 29.66.06). If you don't mind a subway trip into town, you should consider the Olympiapark Hotel (12 Helen-Mayer-Ring, telephone: 351.60.71) which is located in the former Olympic Village (1972 Summer Olympics). While most of the building currently serves as apartments, the top floors are hotel rooms. The nice thing about this hotel is that you can still use many of the facilities that were built for the Games including the pool where Mark Spitz won seven gold medals.

Once you are settled in, you should begin your tour of the city at the Marienplatz square where you can see the famous glockenspiel at 11:00 each day. Make sure you get there early because is does tend to get crowded. From the Marienplatz, check out the oldest church in Munich St. Peter's at the south end of the square. From there we recommend you visit the Deutsches Museum (German Museum, telephone: 2.17.91) which is actually located on an island in the river that runs through town. It's one of the largest museums in the world and contains many interesting technology exhibits. You might also want to check out the haus der Kunst (telephone 29.27.10) which houses the over 400 pieces of art from the 20th century.

After taking in the sites, you shouldn't have any problem finding a restaurant or bar in which to relax. While there a plenty of authentic looking restaurants around the Marienplantz square such as the Ratskeller (telephone: 22.03.13), you might want to walk down some of the side streets to try and find a place that caters to both tourists and locals such as the Weinhaus Neuner (8 Herzogspitalstrasse, telephone 260.39.54). If you enjoy a good beer, you must stop by the legendary Hofbräuhaus (9 Platzl, telephone 22.08.59). It was originally built in 1897 and has seen its share of interesting characters over the years and although you are probably more likely to run into an American or Australian than a Bavarian, it's well worth the visit.

Finally, if you are there during the latter part of September, make sure you visit Oktoberfest. Yes it's crowded and yes there are lots of tourists, but it's Munich in the Fall and lots of fun if you are in the right frame of mind (which can be achieved with the help of several local beers). When you go, be prepared for crowds and standing, but it really is fun and shouldn't be missed if you happen to be in Munich at the right time.

Lufthansa, United, and British Air fly to Munich. Trains are available from anywhere in central Europe. For additional information about Munich visit Munich Online or contact the German National Tourist Office. Telephone: 310.575.9799 Facsimile: 310.688.7575.