This weekend I headed to Munich for a short but sweet visit. My Uncle and Aunt were in town, so I headed to spend time with them and check out Münich! SO here is my list of things to do an see in Münich if you only have a few days in the city. I also suggest downloading Rick Steve's Audio Europe app. IT'S FREE! You can download Guided audio tours for most major European Cities. Download the specific city walk before you arrive, and you can listen without using any data! It was a great companion for walking around the city, full of info and easy to follow.
1. Marienplatz
This is a center of Munich and it should not be missed. Be sure to head there around 11, noon and 5p for the Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall. You won't want to miss the show. As you are looking at the New Town Hall, look to your right and you will see the Old town hall. Both are iconic symbols of Münich's past. There is also lots of shopping here. Grab a pretzel or lunch here at one of the small cafe's!
I have always been fascinated with the Holocaust and going to Dachau was at the top of my list of things to see. There are a few ways and options to get to the camp. You can hire a tour and meet in the city and have a tour guide take you to and from and also lead you around the camp. We chose to go on our own, by taking the subway and the bus and getting an audio guide at the camp. The Museum is incredibly detailed and shares every aspect of the camp, from its creation and the early days, and how it evolved into what it was on liberation day. Just walking around the grounds was an incredible experience. I was very impressed that there was no entrance fee. It struck me because it was very clear that the Holocaust was a part of German history that they want everyone to remember, so they don't want to prohibit people from visiting. (The audio guide did cost a few Euros, but it was worth it!) It was a very powerful experience.
All I can say is, WOW. This place was incredible and I didn't even see it all. I was in a rush, and didn't have the audio guide tour, but I was amazed at what my eyes were seeing. The Residence was the home of the first Dukes and the electors (1623) and later the Kings of Bavaria (1806-1918). It was a jaw dropping experience. I wished that I could have spent more time exploring and had the audio guide. A great attraction for a rainy day. You can also gain access to the Treasury and Cuvilli'es Theatre.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to spend much time exploring the gardens because it was rainy and wet and cold. But I wanted to see it so I went anyways. At least go and check out the only surf spot in Germany. Yes, that's right, I said surf spot. The locals use the flowing river with waves to surf! I was really cool to watch. Other than the surf, it is just beautiful. It is larger than Central Park so you can literally get lost in there for hours.
Any one who knows me knows that I LOVE the Olympics. I couldn't visit Munich without a trip to the Olympic sites! Take the train our to Olympic Park, you won't regret it! I love going places where history was made and dreams come true and what better place than Olympic Park! For just a few Euros you can enter the stadium and walk around. For a few more Euros, you can also take a ride up the Olympic Tower. Unfortunately, it was very cloudy and rainy when I went, but usually you can see for miles! If you're brave, you can also pay to ride a zipline across the stadium, or take a walking tour along the roof!
6. Munich's Church's
Munich has such beautiful cathedrals and churches and they should not be missed. St. Peter's Church, Jewish Synagogue, Asam Church, and St. Michael's church are each incredible to see and experience. Each is unique in its history in the city and offer beautiful art and architecture to view. Rick Steve's Audio tour came in handy for touring these churches!
Here are more photos I took of some of the places above! Enjoy!