Originally Posted by
arizonawildcat
For a first time visit to Germany - which do you prefer...Berlin or Munich? Again, we it would just be my wife and myself and we really enjoy walking around, seeing the city, enjoying the architecture and history, going out to casual dinners, etc.
Coincidentally, I just got back from a business trip to Germany that included my first visit to Berlin and my fifth to Munich.
Having grown up in the Cold War era, with vivid memories of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the history buff in me really enjoyed the visit to Berlin. Seeing the remnants of the Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate will end up high on my "things I've seen" list. Also visited the Ladeburg Bunker (another Cold War relic) and the Fassbender & Rausch chocolate shop, which has some just amazing chocolate sculptures.
On the other hand, Munich is in Bavaria! I find Munich very picturesque, and very lively. I think it will always be my favorite. Definitely hit the Hofbrauhaus. If you are a car buff, think about a tour of the BMW plant. A day trip to Neuschwanstein or Eagle's Nest in the Alps is also possible.
So, it kind of, as always, depends on what you like to do. If you are really into history (or chocolate sculpture
), I would suggest Berlin. If you are more into scenery and nightlife, I would suggest Munich.