As a place to visit on your European Tour, Munich is a beautiful, safe city with plenty of greenery and a relaxing atmosphere to help you regain your energy for the next big city. Being quite a small and rich city, Munich probably isn't the best place to go shopping for cheap clothes, but with lots of culture and interesting history, certainly a place to at least spend a couple of days.
Language
Speaking German - don't ask if people can speak English, just ask them (slowly and clearly) and they will answer. Ask them if they speak your tongue and they will invariably deny it! However, in Munich there are so many international companies, that most employees of the big companies (BMW, Allianz, Munich Re, Siemens) will at least have a basic level of English, if not speak it well. Important Bavarian words: "servus" (alright? / Howz' it goin'?), "helles, bitte" (lager, please), Wi-es'n (Oktoberfest).
Nightlife
Kunstparkost (S-Bahn station Ostbahnhof) gone - Kunstparknord coming? Basically Munich HAD a huge, old, converted factory as a magical night-spot for many. There were lots of bars, clubs, a strip-joint and plenty of burger-stands to satisfy every need. Unfortunately, this era has come to an end and, although there are still some places open, the place is dying. In response to the continuing complaints and frustrations of the youth, the city is contemplating building a new, similar place, this time in the north of the city, instead of the east. Fingers crossed...
Bouncers: They don't give you a reason for not allowing you entry, they just say "no". This is not unusual - they are just a little power-crazy and like to turn people away. Just follow these 3 simple rules and you should have no problems: 1. Don't try to enter a club together if you are more than 2 guys. 2. Try, if you can to enter in couples, or with more girls than guys, but never more than 5 in a group. 3. You don't necessarily have to wear a shirt (guys) or a short skirt (girls) to get in. Mostly what you are wearing (jeans + trainers) will determine if you "fit" with the other clientele or not. Having said that, there are some places that are more picky than others about what you wear e.g. Pacha or P1 (models only). The others e.g. Babylon don't really mind too much, but the policy about groups is upheld.
There are plenty of Irish + Auzzie bars for those who wish to mingle with English speakers. Ned Kelly's (situated ideally
next to the Frauenkirche at Marienplatz) is one of the easiest Auzzie bars to find and Murphy's (in the heart of Schwabing) is probably the most frequented Irish Bar in Munich.
Schwabing
Here, typical continentalEurope with Bars and Cafe's on the pavement is at home. It is a very popular place for people to sit and read during the day and at night to watch the passers-by. Not only that, there are also great places to eat here and you will find almost every kind of food your heart desires. For Mexican, I recommend "Tijuanas" - a little pricey, but great food and cocktails. Italian, "Al Pacino" - cheap and tasty. German, Wirthaus zu Brez'n - typical Bavarian with pig-knuckles and potato dumplings...mmmmm.... ;-)
Sport
Blade night - yes! If you are thinking of bringing your skates, then Monday night is your night. Thousands of people take to the streets to skate the city. It can get a little "hairy" at times, if someone falls over right in front of you due to the masses of people, but everything is well organised and usually runs smoothly. The police stop all the traffic and the roads are impeccable (mainly), so skating here is a real pleasure. Olympiazentrum - not just for sport, although there are many sports available here. There are skating ramps, an ice-rink, swimming pool (with outdoor relaxing area for the summer) and long paths for your cycling pleasure.
The English Garden This huge park, typically English-styled, as the name would suggest, is a place where many come to play sports. On the weekends, especially when the weather is accommodating, touch rugby, cricket, American Football and many more sports can be found. The cyclists are also abound and many like to take a long Sunday stroll through the park. In the summer months, it can become rather busy, but that just adds to the spirit of it all. (Not too many worries about dog excrement - the Germans are very good about cleaning up after their pets!)
Sights + Sounds
Oktoberfest - Generally the last 2 weeks in September and the first week of October (2003, September 20th - October 5th). The beer festival is normally held at Theresienwiese. The easiest way to find if, if you're not already following the masses is to take the tube to "Theresienwiese" NOT "Theresienstraße" and then follow the signs to "Oktoberfest" or "Beerfest". You should see it as soon as you leave the station. Not only can you find copious amounts of beer and German sausages (with Sauerkraut, naturally) for your consumption, but you can also swill it round and jiggle it about in your belly with some of the amazing fairground rides that are constructed specially.
Hofbräuhaus (for those who prefer to escape the rush of the Oktoberfest, but still want to experience some of the "true" Bavarian culture) is situated just around the corner from Marienplatz - any respectful German should know how to point you in the right direction!
Marienplatz is the main shopping district and cultural starting point for most visitors. As there is a wonderful report already here in Ciao.uk, I will not write anything here, but would recommend you to read the report by "tastebud" (http://64.4.16.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=e391886436748c3a146c032656353970&lat=1056704912&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2euk%2eciao%2ecom%2factivate%2ephp%3fMemberId%3d5353304%26Key%3d83f59e531086b560) if you would like to learn more.
Mike's Bike Tours - if you fancy a quick tour of the city by bike (in English), then this is thoroughly recommended. The tour is informative and not too strenuous, so that everyone can partake. Yes, you will be surrounded mainly by Americans with loud, annoying voices and stupid questions, but it is still worth it. (Only available in Summer)
Travel
Underground is great, but you might need a map. (Richtung = Direction) If arriving from the airport which underground ticket to buy is usually the biggest question. Basically there are a few things you should know: 1. Group tickets (up to 5 people) are cheap. (Partnerkarte) 2. 2 Main Zones interest you "Außenraum" (Outer ring) and "Innenraum" (Inner ring). 3. 3 day tickets are great value. (3 Tageskarte) 4. If unsure, go to the info desk (airport) or MVV / MVG centre (Marienplatz) and be sure to tell them how long you would like to stay and where you plan to travel and they should give you the best deal! It looks like it is easy to waltz on and off the trains without a ticket, as there are no barriers (like London), but the underground "ticket controllers" can alight the train at any time and also fine you on the spot. New trains say everything in English too.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is clean and much cheaper than in England, although they have introduced a similar pricing structure, which benefits those who choose to book early and commit themselves to set trains and times. Munich is in the centre of Europe (almost), which means great connections to all major cities. Reductions for under 25s + students.
Hotels
Unless your on a stag night, or are looking for some "exotic" entertainment, don't stay in a hotel near the train station. Basically, the red-light district surrounds the area! The only respectable hotels anywhere close are THE most expensive ones in Munich! Try a little further out - the trains, buses and trams run so often, it won't be a problem getting around (e.g. IBIS at Nordfriedhof).
People
The Germans have a reputation of being impolite and sometimes rude, but don't let that put you off. It is true, they aren't as polite as the English, but if you've read Jeremy Paxton's "The English", I am sure you'll be more conscious of this. It isn't really that the Germans don't want to talk to you, it has a lot to do with the way they learn English, namely very rigidly, and most strive for perfection, which is why you will find their English surprisingly good (if you ever manage to get them over their initial apprehensions).
Safety
Really there isn't too much to say on this topic. Munich is THE safest city I have ever been to. The police are everywhere (even the special underground police have guns) and the Bavarian police are notoriously brutal (so don't try running if you're caught!) Yes, it is safe, but there is a price to pay.... because the police are everywhere, you HAVE to uphold the laws (even the ones about Jay walking, as the Americans would say), or you WILL be fined on the spot.
Tourist Information
There are lots of places on the net and loads of books pertaining to Munich, the best of which I find is "lonely planet". If you are just looking for a basic map and a few "handy hints", then the tourist information bureau in Marienplatz is as good a place as any and is easy to find, being right under your nose, when you watch the "Glockenspiel" at the "Rathaus".
Culture
Munich is about with culture and history. Far too much for me to go into detail here, but a few in-teresting places to see include: Nympenburgschloß (Nympenburg Castle) - Beautiful summer palace with lovely gardens, which are free to walk around. Königsplatz (King's place) - partly rebuilt after the war, an architectural dream. Deutsches Museum (German museum) - Massive and highly interesting. Not like your normal boring museum! Olypiaturm (Olympic Tower) - the highest platform from which to see the entire city.
Contracts
If you are planning to stay in Munich for any length of time and want to buy a mobile phone (Handy) or you fancy a work out in the gym, be careful! The contracts that you sign have to be cancelled in writing, otherwise they will renew themselves (as is the norm in most of Germany). Mobile phone contracts have a minimum contract length of 2 years, after which they will renew themselves for a whole year unless you cancel them 3 months in advance. Most contracts are very similar - always be sure you REALLY want whatever it is you are signing for and write your-self a reminder that you have to cancel the contract WELL in advance!
Personal Experience
I have been living in Munich for 3 years now, after doing a year-placement as part of my university degree. I love the place. Ok, agreed, if you don't speak German, it is difficult to LIVE here for any length of time, but if you apply yourself at the beginning, it isn't THAT difficult to learn and there are so many places to take courses. The greenery, safety and general cleanliness of the city make life in Munich a pleasure. It isn't a particularly large city, so doesn't offer the range of entertainment of say, London, but it also means that the pace of life is much slower and people tend to be much more relaxed. German work regulations are also fabulous. A normal worker will receive 30 days paid holiday a year and here in Bavaria, with all the bank holidays, that means PLENTY of holiday time! Forget the 2 week holiday to Ibiza, get ready for the 6 week one to Australia!
Hopefully, this will help you to gather an insight into Munich as a whole. If there is anything else you feel you would like to know more about, please say so in the commentary and I will try to up-date it. Thanks.
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It took me such a long time to realise that the Bavarians were saying Gruess Gott...
Happy memories, and a great city. Pretty impressive view from my 15th floor apartment in Olympiadorf - could nearly see into the stadium. BMW factory was on the other side. On a clear day, you could see the Alps...
shooting.star 29.08.2003 18:57
Very funny to read for me as I am from Munich =) I think "Servus" is used to say "Hello" and "Bye" rather than "alright" ... *
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Advantages: central location in Europe, cultural center of Bavaria, link to many other major european cities, beer, beer, beer!!! Disadvantages: Maybe a tad more expensive than the outskirting cities. And if you aren't here for the beer....
dipstick 11.07.2000 ·
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Review of Munich (Germany)
Jun 27th, 2003
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