• Munich Carnival – February

One of the oldest festivals in Munich is Carnival and dates back to 1823 on the Rhein. If you are in town in February, you will not want to miss it! It is a three day festival or what is known as “three crazy days” where the local women raid the area and people from all ages come out to watch the parades commence. During the festival, candy and flowers are thrown out to the crowd. The festival always ends on Ash Wednesday.

•  Auer Dult Festival – April/July/October

For a real tastes of the Bavarian culture, check out the Auer Dult or “Dult” festival. It is held three times yearly at the Mariahilfplatz, in an area known as “Au” or meadow or pasture. It is a great place to take a stroll and have a bite to eat. When the festival or “Dult” is being held, it opens up with rides, food, and fun for everyone. The Auer Dult also offers an open market for all kinds of kitchen gadgets for those foodies out there who love to pick up the latest kitchen gadget.

•  Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommer – June to September

If you love classical music, a must-do for you is the Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It is held from June to Sept. and spotlights some of the best local classical musicians the area has to offer. The festival has been running since 1990 and offers up to 112 concerts over a season. You can get tickets at Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern gGmbH, LindenstraBe1, 19055 Schwerin, Fax +49 (0)385/591 85 86. You can also contact them at kartenservice@festspiele-mv.de.

• Oktoberfest – October

Oktoberfest features a festival called, “Die Wiesn.” The festival is named after Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It is beloved by locals and the highlight of the event is the Oktoberfest Costume and Rifleman’s Parade. There are other important events as well such as the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, as well as the Official Tapping of the Keg, and the Oktoberfest Mass. BollerschieBen is another exciting event. It is known as a handheld salute by cannons.

The Oktoberfest website says that it is best to leave your car at the hotel you’re staying and use public transportation to get to the festival. There are several ways to do this. The P&R-area at the “Garching-Sued” exit is a great way to get there from the A-9 on Nurenberg. The U-Bahn line or subway line runs from the PoccistraBe stop every 10 minutes. There are various other park and sites such as the Studentenstadt on U6 and the Michaelibad on U5.

• Winterfestival Christmas Market – November to December

If you are going to be in Munich during the holidays, you have to visit one of the many holiday festivals held in Munich. You can visit Tollwood, The Winterfestival Christmas Market which has their annual Christmas festival running form Nov. 26-Dec. 23 this year. You can see shows, shop for gifts, and try delectable goodies while there. You can also see street performers and if you like, check out their Tief-im-Wald-Bar-Café , a tenet where you see live music and sample great drinks. If you have children, they will love the Weltsalon where they can do crafts, read stories, and have lots of great fun, all at no cost! The festival is held at Theresienwiese, U-Bahn Mon.-Fri. 2 p.m.-midnight and Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m. to midnight. The Tief-im-Meer-Bar is open everyday from 1 a.m.

You can find many Christmas markets all over Munich. There are many festivals that offer everything from holiday goodies to gifts to music. Try some traditional goodies like potato pancakes, lebkuchen (honey bars) and strussel. Many of these markets have a post office you can mail gifts or letters off to loved ones. The letters or gifts will be marked with the word “Christkindl.” If you want to really wow your friends and family, ask for your packages to be stamped to be stamped with “Muenchner Christkindlmarkt.” (Munich Christmas Market) The post office is open from Nov. 29-Dec. 7. The hours are Mon.-Fri. 12 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon – Fri. 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sat. & Sun. 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. You can get to the Munich Christmas Market by the Tourist bus, the Thomas-Wimmer-Ring, the Park&Ride facilities at www.parkundride.de or by the train on the Marienplatz station, bus line 52, 131, and tram 19. For more information, contact ++49 (0)89 – 41 42 43 44

Photo of ferris wheel in Munich, Germany, originally posted by KalleKarl  

Aside from the traditional German Christmas markets or Weihnachtsmärkte, there are many other European destinations where you can spend the magical Advent time. Europe reveals its most atmospheric side in this season and strolling through festively decorated streets and booths can be an unique experience: you will find not only lovely and inexpensive gifts, but also a true Christmas spirit that has nearly been lost.

1. Nuremberg Christmas Market

Nuremberg hosts one of Germany’s most famous and oldest Christmas markets which draws well over a million visitors each year. At the Christkindlesmarkt you will smell delicious aromas of spicy gingerbread, Bratwurst, cinnamon and mulled wine. The Christmas Market is located in the city center of Nuremberg and is magically transformed by evening into an enchanted fairytale village.

2. Munich Christmas Market

At Munich’s traditional Christmas market you can discover fine handcrafted items, warm yourself with roasted chestnuts and taste delicious Lebkuchen and Glühwein. Nearby, you can visit the popular Kripperlmarkt, one of the largest markets in Germany specialized in cribs and Nativity accessories.

3. Strasbourg Christmas Market

It is the oldest Christmas market in France and there are seven different locations in Strasbourg where the Marché de Noël is situated. The two largest ones are located in front of the beautiful 15th century Cathedral. But If you are looking for something more intimate, the Alsace region presents some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in all of France.

4. Vienna Christmas Market

A Christmas market tour or cruise in Austria cannot leave out Vienna, one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cities. The Rathausplatz, site of Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt, is often snow covered and you will find traditional vanilla-flavored croissants (Vanillekipferl) and walnut balls with rum (Rumkugeln). Music events, pony-riding, fairytale scenes and more than 100 wooden market stalls await visitors from all over the world. Vienna Christmas Markets is held from mid November to Christmas Eve.

5. Bolzano  Christmas Market

Though in Italy the Mercatini di Natale are not as popular as Christmas markets in Northern Europe, some small markets are really worth a visit.  Located in Trentino-Alto Adige, Bolzano  is home to Italy’s best-known Christmas fair. The main city square hosts 80 little wood houses where you can buy handcraft Nativity ornaments and delicious Christmas treats including the famous Bolzano Zelten.  After shopping at Bolzano’s Christmas stands, visit the Enchanted Wood in the nearby Palais Campofranco.

Picture of Christmas decoration originally posted by krisdecurtis

1.  Things to do in Munich

Published September 29th – If you’re planning a holiday in Bavaria, Germany check out our Top 5 things to do in Munich including the world famous Munich Oktoberfest, the Deutsches Museum,  the family-friendly Mike’s Bike Tours,  the traditional Hofbrauhaus, and the Olympic Park.

2. Best Cafés in Madrid

Published October 20th – If you’re a coffee addict traveling to Spain, check out our Top 5 cafés in Madrid. Café Central,  Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes, Café Gijón, Café del Foro, Café Moderno are five great spots to enjoy a coffee and spend a lazy afternoon in Madrid.

3. Fun facts about Switerland

Published October 12th – Read this fun article and discover five little known facts about Switzerland. Learn the real name of Lake Geneva and the real Coupe Chalet and Swiss Fondue recipes, then find out where to meet Aliens in the Alps and where Freddie Mercury used to live.

4.  San Francisco Ghost Tour

Published October 1st – If you’re planning a  weekend break in San Francisco, CA, do not miss one of the city’s most popular ghost tours. Starting from the haunted Queen Anne Hotel, the San Francisco Ghost Hunt Tour takes you to a supernatural adventure through the street of Pacific Heights.

5. Venice in Winter

Published October 14th – Dreaming of a winter holiday in Venice to avoid the tourist crowds and find great hotel deals? Read Travel Agony Aunt’s post and get useful information on Venice in winter time:  weather, things to do, what to pack,  best Venice hotels,…

1. Munich Oktoberfest

If you’re going to Munich in September, you might be interested in Oktoberfest. The festival begins on Sept. 20th and lasts through Oct. 5th. The festival is great fun for kids and adults alike and offers rides, a carnival, and many tents where you can get everything from souvenirs to beer.

Oktoberfest’s history began in 1810 when the Crown Prince of Bavaria, Ludwig was married to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival continued yearly and is now known as Oktoberfest. The festival actually takes place in September so that the festival goers can enjoy the warm nights.

Oktoberfest features a festival called, “Die Wiesn.” The festival is named after Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It is beloved by locals and the highlight of the event is the Oktoberfest Costume and Rifleman’s Parade.

There are other important events as well such as the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, as well as the Official Tapping of the Keg, and the Oktoberfest Mass. BollerschieBen is another exciting event. It is known as a handheld salute by cannons.

The Oktoberfest website says that it is best to leave your car at the hotel you’re staying and use public transportation to get to the festival. There are several ways to do this. The P&R-area at the “Garching-Sued” exit is a great way to get there from the A-9 on Nurenberg. The U-Bahn line or subway line runs from the PoccistraBe stop every 10 minutes. There are various other park and sites such as the Studentenstadt on U6 and the Michaelibad on U5.

2. The Deutsches Museum

If you’re a techie, you’ll love the Deutsches Museum! There are a variety of great exhibits such as scientific works, exhibits about energy, and many others. The pieces about science include such topics as astronomy, chemistry, physics, and biology.

Another exhibit they offer covers the materials and minerals we have used over the years to ensure our survival. Some of these include coal, iron, glass, petroleum, and gas. Other exhibits include the transportation industry and our use of energy over the years. Follow the history of communication through ancient times to modern day in their communication and information exhibit.

They also have a children’s museum which has exhibits like Technical Toys, where your kids can see a large exhibit of construction-based toys. They also have the Children’s World that boasts 1001 exciting things to see!

You can also see the first ever motorcar which was created by Karl Benz in the transportation exhibit. It also houses the first motorized plane ever flown by the Wright Brothers and the U1 submarine.

The Deutsches Museum’s hours of operation are daily 09:00 to 17:00 with the exception of November 1 and December 10 when it opens at 1 p.m. It is closed Dec. 24, 25, and the 31st. Admission is 8.50 for adults, 3.00 for children and 7.00 for groups.

The Deutsches Museum is located at Museuminsel 1, 80538 Munich, Germany. To get there, you can take the public transportation like the S-Bahn to Isator station or the Underground station U1 and U2. Driving there is not recommended as parking is very limited. You can contact them at (+49) 89 2179-1. You can also fax them at (+49) 89 2179-324 or access their hotline at (+49) 89 2179-433.

3. Mike’s Bike Tours

Are you the active type? Do you love to get out there in nature? Mike’s Bike Tours is a great way to get your exercise while getting a good view of the sites and surroundings. The tour is led by a guide and the group rides on bikes through the streets of Munich. The tour lasts four hours and includes a 15 min. background on the history of Munich. It also includes a tour of Marienplatz and a 45 min. break.

The tour is designed for all ages Helmets and child seats are provided for children under the age of four. They have bikes for children at 16”, 20”, and 24”. The tours’ meeting place is underneath to tower at Old Town Hall. The average group size is 16 people. There is no need for reservations. The tour is scheduled for Sept. 1 through Nov. 10th daily at 12:30 weather permitting. Tours after Nov. 10th scheduled by appointment.

The tours’ cost is 24 for four hours. For those under 14, it is half price and for babies it is free. They offer a discount for backpackers for those who stay in hostels. The price is 18. If you choose to the all-day tour, it is 39 euros. You can choose to either pay upfront with your Visa or MasterCard or at the end of the tour with cash or traveler’s checks.

4.  Hofbrauhaus

You just can’t come to Germany without enjoying an authentic German beer! For that, you can go to Hofbrauhaus, which has been in operation since 1644. If you’re looking for an authentic place to get a real sense of German life, this is the place.

The Hofbrauhaus has an interesting history. It was founded by Wilhelm V. Duke of Bavaria who didn’t care for the beer brewed in Munich at that time. After several meetings with his royal court, they decided to start a brewery of their own to make the beer to their liking and Hofbrauhaus was born.

The Hofbrauhaus features a beer hall on the first floor. It was where the beer was originally brewed. You can sit at tables which have been used since 1897 and carve your initials on them. Just don’t sit at the ones labeled, “Stammtisch” as those are for regulars of the brewery.

The brewery has a lot of great things to see and do. They have live music and authentic German celebrations. There is a room in the brewery which is named, “Stadelheim” after the local prison. If you are visiting the Hofbrauhaus, be sure to check out two racks of beer steins which are locked up. This is something that is found nowhere else in the world and is storage for regulars to keep their beer steins.

The Hofbrauhaus is located at Am Platzl 9, 80331 Munich. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. You can contact them at +49(0)89/22 16 76 or by e mail at hbteam@hofbrauhaus.de.

5. Olympic Park

If you are a fan of the Olympics or just want to see where they came to Munich, visit Olympic Park. It is a beautiful park with many lakes, bike paths, and eateries. There are also various sites for sporting activities and even a football arena. You can also take advantage of their swimming center and even an ice rink.

The Olympic Park is a hotbed for activities and live events year-round. Every fall, they have football their designated football arena and their Olympic Hall, which holds upwards of 14,000 hosts many concerts and live events.

The Olympic Park is located at Olympiapark Munchen, GmbH, Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, D-80809 Munich. You can contact them +49(0)89/30 67-0 or e mail them at info@olympiapark-muenchen.de The park is open 24 hours year round. The Olympic Tower is open from 9 a.m. to midnight and the Stadium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photo of Munich Olympiapark originally posted by john.d.long 

it is a cliché that most clichés are true, but like most clichés that cliché is untrue.

I mention this by way of underlining that while some travel experiences may not be novel or imaginative that does not necessarily reduce their meaning or significance to the traveller.

The first and most glaring cliché of European travel has to be Paris. The very name carries such a weight of expectation in the minds of visitors that bitter disappointment follows as often as rapt enchantment. The queues of drunken tourists outside the Moulin Rouge each night are a bleary and rowdy testament to the perils of success in tourist marketing. Similarly, each obnoxious waiter or superior hotel receptionist is a blot on the face of the very city they serve. But on the other hand, each visit to the city can reveal new layers of intrigue and delight. The romantic capital of the world did not get its reputation for no reason. A naive belief that the city is amour made real will lead to nothing but disappointment, but if visitors open their eyes a little wider they will most likely find exactly what they are looking for and, probably, a whole lot more.

Our second cliché is the belief that by sampling a ready supply of drugs travellers are tapping into some deeper meaning and will change the world. This is particularly evident both the on island of Ibiza and in the city of Amsterdam. In my opinion it is no more ‘wrong’ for an American student to experiment with pot in Amsterdam than it is for a wine connoisseur to tour France. However, when they fall into the belief that they are ‘joining the counter-culture and subverting the mainstream’ we have to draw the line. The pot is legal and the sixties are over, enjoy your high and be quiet. In the same way, the ravers down on Ibiza are enjoying themselves and feeling agreeably ‘loved-up’ but they are not going to ‘change the world through the power of love’ and in the morning will feel only like having a cup of tea and going to bed. These people need a dose of perspective more than anything else.

When Louis De Bernieres wrote Captain Correlli’s Mandolin I wonder if he realised the effect it would have on travel to the region in which it was set? Who can blame the hordes of would be lovers who descend on the Greek islands each year looking for the last sweet fling or the first fluttering heartbeats of love? Who are we to cheapen their dreams? They may not leap nimbly onto their scooters as they once did, or scramble up to moonlit balconies, but the middle age spread and thinning hair is just a disguise for the youthful passions within. When the visitors return home, pink, hung-over and happy the cliché will have been fulfilled like a mid-life destiny or menopausal kismet.

As far as I can tell the point of Oktoberfest is not just to drink a lot of beer, since that can be done at home. Nor is it to drink a lot of beer with other people who are drinking a lot of beer. It is, in fact, to drink a lot of beer surrounded by people in Lederhosen while listening to Oompah music. I suppose what makes the Oktoberfest such a cliché is the idolising of the beer. Ben Franklin’s saying that ‘beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy’ has clearly been taken to heart despite the fact that it is idiotic. If God loves us so much he wouldn’t have invented the hangover because, as it is, beer is in fact God’s joke at our expense, joy and happiness being directly linked to pain and suffering. Is this a metaphor for life? Perhaps, but it is a cliché none the less.

A literary fate has befallen Provence in a similar manner to the Greek Islands. It is difficult to know how a book of finely drawn characters and deft observational humour could have had such devastating consequences but Peter Mayle and his ‘A year in Provence’ has managed it. Yuppies, the bane of anyone with a meagre ration of intelligence, taste and good humour have descended on Provence like a herd of braying cattle. Children named Tarquin and Chardonnay run around smearing their organic yoghurt over every available surface, mangled French is bellowed at waiters and no-one notices as the prices spiral ever higher. Evidence of the plague is in the number of rustic farmhouses converted to gourmet family hotels, with parking for several Range-Rovers on the tarmac covered lawn. Unlike other examples on this list this is not a quaint or endearing curiosity, this is a cold and clinical cliché of materialism at rest. It’s ugly and it’s offensive but people need to be warned.

To point out a cliché should not (just) be an exercise in mockery. That destinations and experiences can become so popular suggests a quality that is worth investigating, even if that quality has become overstated through time. Through looking at what is popular, and why, we can focus on real quality and perhaps spot the ‘next big thing.’ Unfortunately of course that will soon become a cliché of its own and so the cycle continues.

Photo of Euroepan flag originally posted by rockcohen

Highlight of the opening rituals is tapping the first beer keg and calling out “O’zapft is!” (it’s tapped). Beers from the Big Six breweries would flow in fourteen Beer Tents / Beer Halls; an eclectic array of yummy food would be served; fairground rides would complement the jamboree; and traditional costume and music would be a treat for eyes and ears at the 175th Oktoberfest, which is locally known as “die Wiesn”. The festival draws huge crowd from Europe and across the world so read on the following useful tips to join the festivities in high spirits:

• Be Early to Get the Best View of Opening Ceremony

Though the opening ceremony would start at 12 PM on September 20th, many visitors arrive at the venue at 9 AM to grab the best seat. Try to reach early to enjoy the inaugural events.

• Time Schedule for Beer Serving

Beer is served between 10 AM and 10:30 PM on weekdays. If you like, you can enjoy beer with a hearty breakfast at 9 AM on weekends. All tents except the “Weinzelt” and the “Käfer Wiesn-Schänke” close at 11:30 PM. These two tents serve alcohol until 12:15 AM.

• Advance Reservation

Book tables in tents of your choice well in advance for extra comfort. It is terribly busy, especially on weekends, so reservation is really a good option.

• Children and Family

On Tuesday, a Family Day, food, liquor and rides are available on discount from 12 PM to 6 PM. But children under six are not allowed in the tents after 8 PM even if they are accompanied by adults.

• Save Finery for another Day

Generally, celebrations are incomplete without the best and expensive dresses. But avoid classy clothes at the Oktoberfest as beer spilling is common in the tents.

• Generous Tips for Good Service

To get good service, be polite with Fraus, the barmaids, and tip them generously.

• Transportation

Since no car parking is available, it is better to travel by public transport which is faster and convenient.

• Beer Tents

All beer tents with distinct atmosphere feature both non-reserved outdoor and reserved indoor areas. As going to the bar is not a practice, you have to be seated to get served but the Hofbrau tent also has a standing area.

To rub shoulders with celebrities and VIPs, Hippodrom, a hip tent popular among young and singles, and Käfers Wies’n-Schänke are perfect choices. Traditional charm is recreated in the Augustinerzelt, Braurosl and Ochsenbraterei tents. The Armbrustschützen is known for high-quality Paulaner beer. The world-famous Hofbräu Festhalle, a meeting point for the Austrians and American tourists, serves veritable Bavarian fare. Visit Schützen-Festzelt to savor sucking pig cooked in traditional Bavarian style; Weinzelt, a wine tent, to sample an array of wines; and Fischer-Vroni for fish delicacies.

Photo of Munich Oktoberfest by night originally posted by Nico Kaiser

There are many choices the night-hawks can go for, but here our intention is to speak directly to the trendy traveler, who wants to visit the city during the day and yet still has strengths to experience a cosmopolitan night out.To them, we have great news: Munich is a trendy, stylish and almost posh city with a matching nightlife. The bad news are that it is almost impossible to cover all those hot spots in a single weekend. The good ones? One can really get a grasp of this fashionable place if one follows the correct guidelines.

Get ready for a night out in Munich

The first goal a trendy traveler shouldn’t get his mind of is to avoid the popular places for tourists. In Munich, as in almost any other city, touristic is the exact opposite of fashionable. The last thing a stylish person will want is to get stuck in a place full of tourists. So, just leave your tourist guide at home and forget all the restaurants, bars, discos and inside tips they talk about.

But enough talk. Let’s start our night out. Get ready and forget the sneakers made for walking at the hotel. Another thing you should bear in mind is the rest of the outfit. It’s not necessary to wear your cocktail kit, as locals themselves go more for a “casual chic” look. However, you still have to put some care into your appearance. So, you’ll be better off with a pair of smart jeans and a fancy top or alternatively with a fancy skirt and a day-to-day top. A flashy necklace, a light, subtle make-up and you’re ready to go.

Have dinner at Munich’s finest cafés

You’d better start with a nice – not too expensive – dinner. After all, you can go trendy without spending too much money. If you have a conservative taste and like to listen to classical or jazz music live, you’ll love Café Am Beethoven Platz, with its grand piano reflecting the light of the big vintage chandeliers. They have live music almost every day and the food is yummy. If you don’t make a reservation, be sure to be there at around 8 p.m..

If you prefer a more relaxed style, you can either go to Mozart café, also classy but more informal in what service and food are concerned. Importantly, they serve meals until quite late for Munich standards (if you arrive at 10 p.m. you’re still playing safe).

Both places described above are also bars, so if you like them you can stay around for an extra drink or visit the one you didn’t choose to have dinner in.

Afterwards, it’s time for another drink before going dancing. We strongly advise you to visit Nektar, THE hip bar in Munich and the favorite one of such stars as the Rolling Stones. You have to pay attention so you don’t miss the entrance, since it’s not very well indicated. Once inside, relax in the Japanese-inspired sofas and enjoy the avant-garde music.

Party at Munich’s trendy nightclubs

When you feel ready to go you have again plenty of discos to choose from. The most famous one is P1, though it is so fashionable that somehow it is becoming unfashionable and full of nouveaux riches. I would definitely go for 089 instead. Plus, this latter is totally tourist free. The only minus is you have to get in quite early (11 p.m. maximum) or you won’t get in at all. The exception to this sacred rule is the situation where you choose to go out on a Thursday. That being the case, 089 (together with its neighbor Pacha) throws a weekly after-work party starting at 8 p.m. but lasting until 3 to 4 p.m..

As the music in 089 is 80’s and 90’s you might prefer an alternative solution. You can also try Atomic Café. Brit pop fans will absolutely love it (it seems taken out of the movie Transpotting), although you have to check in advance whether there is any specific party going on there. The disco 8 Seasons is also a good option for house music lovers.

Have fun!

Picture of disco ball at Nektar nightclub, Munich originally posted by kay.tee

The following article will help you distinguish the S-Bahn from the U-Bahn, the Tageskarte from the Streifenkarte, and figure out the best way to find all those Biergartens you’ve read about in this guide.

There are several ways to get around Munich. The city operates six subway lines (U-Bahn), ten suburban train lines (S-Bahn), ten tram lines and seventy inner-city bus lines, with many more trains and buses serving the outer districts. Your ticket is valid for use in all of these systems, which together comprise the Munich transportation network (abbreviated MVV in German).

How to choose and buy your ticket

Tickets are available from special vending machines or the informational offices located at major stops. Deciding which type of ticket you’ll need depends on your sightseeing plans and desired freedom of mobility. Make sure to be aware of any restrictions that apply to your ticket: this includes distance and time limitations, as well as “partner tickets” that require a certain number of travelers to be present.

The single ticket (Einzelfahrkarte) is valid for one person traveling in one direction. Here, the cost of the fare depends on the distance traveled, which is measured by the number of zones (1 through 4) you travel through in order to reach your destination.

A short trip (Kurzstreke) covers four consecutive stops anywhere in the network. However, rides on the subway and suburban trains may account for only two of these four total stops. Combinations are possible, e.g. one stop by tram, two stops with the subway and one stop by bus. You are allowed to travel in more than one zone, but the maximum traveling time is limited to one hour.

To begin your trip, first validate your ticket at one of the small, blue boxes you’ll see in the underground stations (note: this must be done before entering the subway or train) and on the buses. Insert the end that says “hier entwerten” into the slot, and the date, time, and location are stamped onto your ticket. I like to do this in a ceremonious and flamboyant manner.

Stripe tickets (Streifenkarte) can be used for multiple trips. Each ticket has ten stripes that can be stamped at the small boxes mentioned above—one stripe for a Kurzstreke, and two stripes per zone for longer rides. Travelers between the ages of fifteen and twenty pay half price: a particularly attractive option for those American under-21ers who have been out celebrating life with “beverages of the festive variety” but realize I may have had some “self-control issues” in college after missing that speech at my high school commencement about leading a life of moderation. OK, moving on…

If you plan on using public transport more frequently, day tickets give individual travelers (Single-Tageskarte), groups up to five (Partner-Tageskarte) and children (Kinder-Tageskarte) an unlimited amount of trips within the inner-city network for one day. A three-day unlimited ticket (3-Tage Innenraum) is also available.

A few more Munich transportation tips

Munich Night bus network : Movie-goers, theater-lovers and party-animals beware: the subway and suburban trains do not run from 1:30–4:30am, with the exception of the S8 line to the airport. Special “Nightliner” buses travel the most popular routes on the hour or half-hour, so getting back to your room may require some extra planning.

Rules : It’s common courtesy to stand to the side and let passengers off before entering a bus or train, but don’t be surprised if you are gently nudged from behind or “cut” in line; serious commuters are always looking to shave an extra second or two off their trip…kind of like an Olympic sprinter, but with Bruno Maglis and a Blackberry.

Rush hours : Once you get over the intimidation factor of all the charts and tables, the public transportation system in Munich is pretty fun to use. Most of the time. On weekdays, rush hour (Stoßzeit) is from 6:00–9:00am and 5:00–8:00pm. The more heavily-traveled lines cannot comfortably accommodate all of the city’s commuters, making some train cars and buses a claustrophobic’s worst nightmare. Theoretically, this too is a fact of life for the world traveler. But I can’t say that being squeezed between Hans and Franz—who are making a rather pungent return from their daily Wurst and Sauerkraut binge—qualifies as an “enjoyable” travel experience.

Photo of Munich subway by Steve Zakas

Dear Travel Agony Aunt,
I had to get a flight into Frankfurt instead of Munich. We arrive at three in the afternoon. Where should we stay our first night? Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, or take the 3-hour train into Munich? I’ve never been to any of these cities, and since the next night is my birthday, i want to find a fun, party atmosphere. Thanks.
Bo, age 49, from San Francisco

Dear Bo,

Frankfurt is mainly a business center and a less attractive destination compared to Munich and Wiesbaden.

If you are looking for a fun atmosphere and want to celebrate your birthday in pure Bavarian style, I suggest you to book a hotel in Munich and spend the evening in one of the famous Hofbraeukeller. These beer gardens are very lively at night and offer great traditional cuisine and German beers. You will find some of the best Hofbraeukeller - such as Spaten Hof, Augustiner Grossgaststätte, Nürnberger Bratwurstglöckl and Bayerischer Donisl – in Munich’s historic center, especially in the pedestrian area around Neuhauser Straße. Regarding the accommodation, I recommend Hotel Herzog Wilhelm City and Hotel Der Tannenbaum Zentrum, both within walking distance of Neuhauser Straße and easy to reach from Munich Central Station.

If you rather want to relax after your flight, why don’t you spend the night in Wiesbaden? This thermal city is only 35/45-minutes from Frankfurt and boasts a rich cultural heritage. The main tourist sights include the 19th Century Biebrich Palace, the neo-gothic Marktkirche (Market Church), the Nerobergbahn funicular, the Hessian State Theater and, of course, the Kurhaus (spa house). Wiesbaden Kurhaus also has a casino housed in what was once the Spa wine room. Spending the evening in the unique setting of Wiesbaden’s casino could be an original way to celebrate your birthday. Here are a couple of hotels close to the spa house: Hotel Nassauer Hof and City Partner Hotel.

I hope my suggestions will help you make your choice. Enjoy your holiday in Germany!

The German pretzel (Bretzel, Brezl, Breze, or Brez’n in German, depending on location) is one of the world’s greatest culinary carbohydrate creations, and belongs to the Laugenbrot, or lye bread, category. Before baking, Laugenbrot products are boiled in a solution containing the chemical compound sodium hydroxide, which ensures a golden brown crust with soft, chewy insides.

Ancient documents mention the pretzel as far back as the 8th Century, but its exact origins remain unknown. Some say the pretzel’s unique shape mimics the interlocking arms of a child. Others claim it is a monk at prayer. Nevertheless, the mystery surrounding the pretzel makes it taste all the better. So eat your crust out, French bread: the pretzel is in a league of its own.

In Munich’s bakeries, Brez’n come in two sizes: awesome and awesomer. The standard pretzel is available for around €0,50, and the larger Zopfbreze will run you about €1,50. In one of the city’s Bierhallen, a jumbo-pretzel costs around €3. One bite and you’ll see: it’s well worth it.

Yours truly put a handful of Munich’s pretzel-mongers to the test, and after several rounds of deliciousness, the results are in:

Discount Bäckerei und SB-Café

U-Bahn Station Sendlinger Tor, Sendlinger Strasse 29
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 6:30am–8:00pm; Saturday 7:30am–8:00pm; Closed Sunday
Price: €0,35
Grade: B-
Belongs to a class of bakeries in Germany offering customers lower prices by eliminating the middleman, i.e. the person removing your bread from the shelf and putting it in a bag. It’s all self-serve here. Granted we love saving money, but 35 cent pretzels are better suited for purchase en masse. The product was dry and undoubtedly a day old (testing began at 8:00am). On the other hand, if you have a hoard of barbarians that needs to be fed, this place is the best value.

Hofpfisterei

U-Bahn Station Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt 3
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 7:00am– 6:30pm; Saturday 6:45am-5:00pm; Closed Sunday
Price: €0,55
Grade: C+
Taking advantage of the Germans’ love for organic food, the Brez’n from this “Bio-Bäkerei” come with a higher price tag. Although I could munch in confidence knowing that there were no additives or preservatives in my eco-pretzel, it was noticeably smaller than average and tasted somewhat bland. Lacking that extra dash of MSG is my guess.

Rischart

Marienplatz
Hours: 6:45am– 8:00pm Daily
Cost: €0,49
Grade: D
Conveniently located on Marienplatz. However, the test sample was burnt, tasted more of lye than bread, and the salt had too much of an iodized flavor (My thyroid is fine, thank you very much!). But Rischart has got the best Müsli rolls I’ve had yet. Look for the Müslisemmel in Bavaria and Müslibrötchen most everywhere else in Germany.

Die Backstube

U-Bahn Station Sendlinger Tor, Sendlinger Tor Platz
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 6:30am– 8:00pm; Saturday 8:30am-6:00pm; Closed Sunday
Cost: €0,49
Grade B+
Bravo, Backstube! Their pretzels encompass the Gold Standard, and were definitely baked that morning. The superior balance of salt and moisture in the dough made for a satisfying pretzel-experience. Just don’t get caught when you try and sneak ridiculous amounts of pretzels and other baked goods past the ushers into the movie theater next door.

Brezelbäckerei Ditsch

U-Bahn Station Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station)
Hours: 4:00am-12:00am Daily
Cost: €0,55
Grade: B+
The pretzels from Ditsch are terrific, and a favorite among the natives. You can’t go wrong here. Nevertheless, Ditsch isn’t exactly a bakery (as they claim), but more like German fast-food. The workers behind the counter wear crisp, bright yellow shirts and little “diner-style” paper hats. Yeah, yeah, real cute guys: let’s cut the flair and stick to the baking, shall we? And as with all fast food, it’s only good up to a certain point: I could probably eat somewhere between 4,000–7,000 pretzels from Ditsch, but it only takes one too many and the craving is gone forever. Try a Laugensemmel if you get bored. Side note: huge fan of the business-hours; it’s one of the benefits of being located in the train station.

Woerner’s Confiserie und Café am Dom

Marienplatz
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 7:30am– 7:30pm; Saturday 8:00am-7:00pm; Sunday 10:00am–6:00pm
Cost: €0,50
Grade: A
Outstanding! Superb! Extraordinary! I am not one to trust the quality of the eateries located on Marienplatz, but the pretzels from Woerner’s stand as a delicious exception. With a slight crunch, the firm crust gave way to the soft insides of this fresh-baked little wonder. Maybe it was purely happenstance, or a close encounter of the yummy kind…this calls for more investigating!

Good luck putting the pretzel through your own personal test. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the results as much as I did.

Oh and by the way, I was kidding about the whole steakhouse/salad comparison—this blogger is a vegetarian.

Want to visit Germany and sample the best Bavarian beer and cuisine? Check out our selection of Munich hotels on venere.com.

Photo originally posted by Ana Ulin