We went to this Italian restaurant with our seven-year-old, efficient German and Italian-speaking waiter, calm atmosphere, generous helpings, good pizza and just as good pasta dishes, would definitely go again. Child got lollipop at the end!

Sendlinger Str. 28, 80331 Munich
+49 89 2609377
Google map: bit.ly/TnSLPy

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Café/restaurant. We went there with kids for a lovely Sunday brunch. It had a peaceful and colourful atmosphere, delicious pancakes and perfect cappuccinos.

www.playa-cafe-restaurant.de
Kreuzstr 3 b, im Asamhof, 80331 München
+49 89 23232669
Google map: bit.ly/VTLAlK

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Nice hotel, very helpful staff, no noise, spacious rooms, comfortable beds, very nice breakfast with homemade jams and lots of different types of bread.

www.brunnenhof.de/.
Hotel Brunnenhof, 80336 Munich, Schillerstraße 36
+49 089-545100
Google map: bit.ly/XDSvgV

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It's a small but very down to earth ski resort just south of Munich. Has a few famous Olympic stars such as Michi Gerg who incidentally runs a fantastic ski school for kids. My kids learned there and now ski black runs.

www.lenggries.de/en/
Has its own railway station accessible from Munich. Autobahn A93 Garmisch out of Munich then off at Wolfratshausen.
Google map: bit.ly/PHQBLJ

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Like some other cities in Western Europe, Munich offers a reduced rate on public transport if you buy a one, two or three day travel ticket, issued at the main train station and other large train stations in the city. The public transport system is excellent in Munich and consists of overground and underground trains, buses and trams. Some of these lines, such as Tram 18, give a good tour of the many interesting parts of the city and are cheaper than the commercial tour buses.
However, unlike, say, Berlin, the Munich travel ticket offers few if any reductions on entry prices to museums and galleries. By contrast the Berlin "Welcome Card" is excellent in this regard. The Munich Travel Ticket is however well worth the cost because if you are planning to "do" as many of the sights in the city in a period of a few days, the 'hop on and off' nature of the freedom given by the ticket is both convenient and economical. By the way it only needs to be validated (by inserting it into the box at the entry to platforms) once, at the start of your first journey.

Hauptbahnhof, Munchen, and other large stations in the city.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The Asamkirche is a small and highly ornate church, alongside the original home of the two brothers who designed it, in Sendlingerstrasse, in the old centre of Munich. It was built initially as a private church between 1733 and 1746 by the Asam brothers who were obliged (quite rightly) by the church authorities to open it for public worship.
It's a short walk from Marienplatz, in the old city centre, and is an essential item on any visit to Munich. The interior of the church is an extreme example of late Baroque (or Rococo?) design, with curly columns, statues and carvings climbing up the walls and attempting to gain a foothold on the ceiling; painted decorations of all kinds and inscriptions. The high altar offers the climax to the entire extravaganza.
The church was carefully restored between 1975 and 1982. It is unique.
I attended a two-hour organ recital there on my first visit to Munich a few years ago. The pews naturally face forward, towards the altar; the organ however is at the back of the church. As a result of facing the altar for two hours I was obliged to study every detail of it. I think I can still draw the entire thing from memory.

Sendlinger Straße 32, 80331 München, Germany
+49 89/23687989
Google map: bit.ly/PkW1M6

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The Alte Pinakothek is one of three world class museum/galleries in close proximity to one another in Munich. The collections here range from the Middle Ages to the end of the Eighteenth century (later work is to be found in the other two museums). The range of work is extensive and includes wonderful examples of paintings by the Old German masters of the Renaissance, such as Cranach and Durer, and Italian and Netherlandish artists of the same period. Each succeeding century is represented by terrific examples from Western European art. For the record, other World art is shown in museums and galleries elsewhere in the city. The Alte Pinakothek is a very large building and is beautifully designed but don't try to do it all in a morning. You'll have very sore feet and a tired back! Decide to tackle one period of art and maybe go back for more on another occasion. One more thing, wear soft-soled shoes! Everyone else seems to, and if you don't you'll clack around the place on the ceramic tile floors.

www.pinakothek.de
Barer Straße 27, 80333 München, Germany
+49 89/23805216
Google map: bit.ly/QbIKS8

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The Viktualienmarkt is a food market right in the centre of the old part of the city of Munich. While a visit there at any time would be interesting, there are 140 stalls - some free-standing in the open air, others in permanent covered locations - clearly seeing the market and choosing from the extraordinary range of food available would be most rewarding in fine weather.
The market operates throughout the year (Monday to Saturday) and is a good place to eat and drink. Until my recent visit to the city I thought France offered the finest food markets, but the Viktualienmarkt is wonderful and should be included in any visit to Munich.

bit.ly/PJiLBt
Viktualienmarkt 3, 80331 München, Germany
+49 89/89068205
Go to Marienplatz U-bahn, or Bus 52, and the market is a short walk to the south, between Peterskirche and Frauenstrasse. The official Munich Tourist Office online has further information.
Google map: bit.ly/SxUAW5

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

While most people head, not unreasonably, to the Hofbrauhaus, this provides a typically local experience smack bang in the city centre. Not to be confused with the Augustiner-Bräustuben or the Augustinerkeller (who sell the same beers), it manages to be both enormous and cosy and has traced its beery origins back to 1328. In the style of Munich's Art Nouveau period, it's a vast sprawling beer hall (including the gorgeous domed Mussel Hall) that stretches way back to a gorgeous courtyard - the Arcade Garden - that's particularly pleasant in summer. Service is ultra efficient and the beer is - appropriately enough for a pub linked to an abbey - heavenly.

www.augustiner-restaurant.com/
Neuhauserstrasse 27, 80331 Munich
+49 89 23 183 257
Google map: bit.ly/QuzsTY

All S-Bahn lines to Karlsplatz/Stachus or Marienplatz

Underground: U4 + U5 to Stachus/Karlsplatz and U3 + U6 to Marienplatz.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Yes, it's a tourist trap and every guide book recommends a visit, but the Hofbrauhaus in Munich's old district is wonderful. It is indeed unmissable because the atmosphere is great and the beer is even better. It has room for hundreds of people in a vast set of chambers originally built in 1896. The food is good and served promptly but bear in mind that the beer, Hofbrau naturally, comes in quantities of a litre or more - there are no half measures!
One's fellow drinkers are good humoured, ready to talk and have a good time, and there's even a traditional Bavarian 'oompah' band which strikes up every five minutes or so, but curiously fails to play a complete set. Perhaps the players need regular topping-up with Hofbrau and that interrupts their performance.

www.hofbraeuhaus.de/
Hofbrauhaus, Burgstrasse, Munich. S-bahn Am Platzl 9
+49 (0)89 29013610
Google map: bit.ly/QtC6ch

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

History aficionados will love the “Third Reich” Walking Tour in Munich. This three-hour tour takes you on a truly interesting walk through the streets of Munich where the Nazi party rallied, the beer house where Hitler gave his speeches and where the famous putsch took place, the White Rose movement monument and many more interesting places. The tour will raise questions like, how could the greatest tragedy of the 20th Century happen and put history into context at the real locations. During the tour the guide will reveal traces of the past and footprints of Nazi rule still visible today. The most interesting history lesson you can get in Munich.

It runs every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:45 am from Marienplatz (by the column). You can also join the pick-up option at 10:00 am at Hauptbanhof (Starbucks in platform 11).
Official website: www.newmunichtours.com/daily-tours/third-reich.html

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Its an amazing experience, nothing like it around. A huge beer house where you can buy mega sized beers.

www.hofbraeuhaus.de
Platzl 9, München
+49(0) 89 2901360
Google map: bit.ly/o9KrXK

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The Bavaria Filmstadt gives guided tours around the Film Studios where movies such as Metropolis and Das Boot were filmed. It is a fun tour where you visit film sets (including the Das Boot submarine), and you will even be able to re-enact short film sequences. A fun day out away from the usual sightseeing and tourist trail.

The Bavaria Film Studios are located in Grünwald, south side of Munich. Take Tram 25 in the direction of Grünwald to station Bavariafilmplatz. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
Bavariafilmplatz 7, 82031 Geiselgasteig bei München
+49 89 6499-2000
www.bavaria-filmtour.de
Google map:

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

For the best views of Munich climb the Peterskirche Tower.
The climb is a little bit steep, but for a few euros you will get the most amazing views of Munich including Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, the old Rathaus and far away into the city. Highly recommended.

Rindermarkt 1, 80331 Munich (opposite the new Rathaus in Marienplatz)
+49 89/2604828
Google map: bit.ly/f9rAyV

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

When in Munich don’t miss the river surfing at the English Garden (entrance by the Haus der Kunst).
Despite being many hundreds of kilometres from the nearest ocean, Munich has a reputation as a surfing hotspot. It is highly entertaining to watch the local surfers and take great photos of them riding the artificial waves. When you have had enough take a stroll in the English Garden and stop at the Chinese Tower beer garden for a bite to eat and a lovely local beer. Bliss.

Eisbach (artificial river) at the Haus der Kunst, on the edge of the English Garden, this is the main wave.
Google map: bit.ly/gBuaU6

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

I think even non vegetarians would be impressed with this restaurant. Regular meat eaters might be put off at the thought of going to a vegetarian restaurant but those concerns will be quickly put to one side once you've stepped inside.
The place has a very contemporary feel with its high ceiling arches, tiled floor and trees growing in huge pots. It's bright and you get a sense of the vibrant atmosphere as soon as you enter. There are rows and rows of busy tables served by staff that have a great knowledgeable of the menu and speak very good English. There are also English menus available.
It was our third visit here last year and the standards of the food have remained consistent. The soups for the starters are always a little unusual but are very tasty and hearty (and there's plenty of it.) The mains are very much the same and everything tastes very fresh. The food is very creative without being pretentious. I would recommend this to any 'foodie' type whether a vegetarian or not.

Hackenstrasse 2, 80331 Munich, Germany
www.prinzmyshkin.com
+4989265596
Google map: bit.ly/hL6yru

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Munich's food market, a great place to find traditional German produce.

Within a short drive, also visit Schloss Nymphenburg - beautiful.

And if you have a bit more time, Neuschwanstein (the castle Disney used as their model) is a couple of hours away, and truly spectacular.

Google map: bit.ly/ds3ake

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

300 steps to the top of the tower - worth it for the stunning view over the city. Only costs €1.5. Great for getting your bearings

Just off Marienplatz @ Rindermarkt

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Trendy poseurs' restaurant but excellent food and bags of atmosphere. In a modern block by the opera house and Maximilianstrasse. You need to book at weekends.

Maximillianstrasse 15, 80539 Munich
+49 (89) 45 22 88 0
www.brennergrill.de
Google map: bit.ly/cUEEQS

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Oktoberfest is the single greatest display of drinking the world has ever seen. Over 16 days, 6 million people drink over 6 million litres of beer. What a party!

To help you get the most out of your experience, we've assembled a list of 5 inside tips to help you get the most out of your trip to Oktoberfest.

Why should you listen to us? We lived and worked in Germany for years, and have attended the festival many times. When it comes to Oktoberfest, we are experts.

Tip #1) Know what you're drinking
The following are the types of beers you'll find at Oktoberfest:

- Märzen / Oktoberfest: This beer is brewed solely for Oktoberfest and is the most common brew sold there.
- Bavarian Lager/Helles: If you walk into any traditional beer hall in Munich and simply order a beer, this is what you’ll get.
- Hefeweizen / Weißbier: The state of Bavaria is famous for this refreshing wheat beer. This beer is unfiltered, hence its cloudy appearance.
- Dunkelweizen: Same concept as the Hefeweizen, only brewed with the addition of some darker grains.
- Dunkel: Means “dark” in German. If you take a Helles and brew it with darker Munich malts, this is the result.
- Pilsner: Referred to as Pils in Germany, this style of beer originated in the former Czechoslovakia.
- Radler: A combination of Pilsner beer mixed with lemonade or lemon-lime soda.


Tip #2) Know what you're eating
The following are the types of food you'll find at Oktoberfest:

- Bratwurst:What you’ll find at the festival is usually a short and fat variety, or the long skinny version called the Thüringer. Whichever you get, it is traditionally served on a roll called a Brötchen with mustard.
- Rindswurst: Not as common as bratwurst, this sausage is made primarily from beef and most often served with ketchup rather than mustard.
- Hänchen / Hühner: Rotisserie chicken sold by the quarter, half, or whole.
- Shweinehaxen: Pig’s knuckle roasted and/or grilled, and often served with some form of potato and sauerkraut.
- Knödelei: Traditional Bavarian dumplings.
- Schnitzel: The classic Vienna style (Wiener) is made from a fried veal cutlet.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that comes in many varieties and colors.
- Spätzle/ Knöpfle: Egg noodle pasta that usually accompanies entrées and is often topped with gravy.


Tip #3) Tip your waitress!
You get great service at Oktoberfest the same way you do anywhere – by tipping well. 10% is a pretty standard and even healthy tip in Europe. With beers costing just under 9 EUR each, giving the waitress 10 EUR and telling her Stimmt so (shtimpt-so) is just fine.

Tip #4) Leave the bags and wallet at home
A beer-soaked Oktoberfest table is no place to set a $500 designer bag. Sure they’re cute and really match your outfit, but ladies, leave the nice bags and purses at home. There’s just too likely a chance they’ll be ruined or stolen amongst the drunken masses. Take a purse small enough that you can keep it in your lap or over your shoulder without getting in the way.

Guys, invest in a money clip or small wallet that can fit into your front pocket. Bring only what you need - cash, emergency credit card, and directions back to your hotel. This deters pickpockets, and also minimizes the damage if your drunk ass loses it.

Tip #5) Visit the ATM/Money Machine before you get to the festival
They only take cash inside of the tents! While there are ATMs at the festival, they charge exorbitant fees and often have a huge line of people waiting to use them. Be smart and get your cash before you arrive at the festival, and carry an emergency credit card just in case.

Following these 5 inside tips will help you make the most of your Oktoberfest trip.

Prost!

Munich, Germany. Logistical information for Oktoberfest can be found at www.twizgo.com/oktoberfest
For more Oktoberfest tips and advice, visit www.twizgo.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends