Couldn't have said it better than that. Berlin is an amazing city with great culture, and just a lot of stuff going on all the time. But, picture a sunny day in Munich, with thousands of people sitting outside downtown restaurants enjoying their beers, walking through Hofgarten, tanning in Englischer Garten; Foehn weather and marvellous views of the Alps, a trip to Starnberger See. Ja, definitely Munich.

OK, point taken. I will go out on a limb and say that most people have a stereotype of Germany, and Bavaria is what they imagine. I think if someone is making their first trip into Germany, this would be the best 'first' stop.

Of course, I'm jaded. Germany is far and away my favorite place in the world to visit.

I certainly know both cities.

Berlin has more of a metropolitan feel, like London or New York, just several notches lower. You can easily tour the "sights" in 1-2 days. Other than that, neither Berlin nor the surrounding countryside is particularly pretty. Young folks prefer Berlin because of cheap rents (and very nice appartments), a vibrant club life and weak enforcement of drug laws. So they can basically smoke their stuff w/o harassment.

Munich is quite different, as it's quite close to the Alps. Hence, excursions to Salzburg and other very pretty places in the area are highly recommended. Munich itself is very nice, too. If the weather is great, it can be downright beautiful. Compared to Berlin, Bavarian police is strict (very low crime rate, though), and rents a very high, making Munich a more upscale place on average.

I've only been to Berlin (a few months ago). I didn't see anything I expected. Such a blend of old and new. No sign of crime. Wonderful siteseeing. Incredible how recent history has changed this city and the memorials to the not-so-nice aspects of war-time Germany were all over. I found the people very pleasant too. So nice to see that Munich and other suggestions are so favorable too. I can't wait to check out more of this very diverse country.

msv

We are very partial to Munich. Went to Berlin last April for the first time since I was a soldier during the Cold War Era, and wife's first visit. Was interesting trip. However, we go to Munich every chance we get

As a matter of personal interest: What did you expect to see?

I just returned from a week in Berlin, and have also spent time in MUC and other cities and towns in Germany. I vote for both if you can do it. Berlin for the incredible recent history presented in awesome museums, monuments and displays (Checkpoint Charlie is one not to miss). The modern architecture is splendid, great restraurants with world cuisine, excellent shopping. Munich is lovely, can't put it better than others have here. Take the ICE train and see the intervening countryside (albeit quickly). Really, you will love anywhere you go in Germany; I always do.

With only 5 days, I suggest you choose one city and explore it. I've been to both but personally think MUC is much more interesting as a first-time trip. Many of the old Palaces (Ludwig II) are in fine condition and it's a short day trip to Salzburg.

Unfortunately, just too many of the historical sites in Berlin were destroyed during the war and, although (somewhat) restored, it just doesn't compare to MUC.

I think that pretty much says it.

Sigh... Wish I were there right now.

I just spent 2 days in Berlin and 3 in Munich (March 10-17), and, after several visits to both, but more to Berlin, I continue to be a Berlin fan.

I walked into the Hofbrauhaus, but almost immediately walked out and settled for similar beer and cuisine at a nearby establishment that was less crowded and more patronized by locals than visitors. Too noisy and crowded!

Augustiner?

I don't want to turn this thread into "best places to drink in Munich", but I need to make sure everyone who has been there - or wants to go there - that Hofbrauhaus is very crowded and noisy indeed. It's a tourist trap.
Augustiner is much better, but far from any refinement.

For those who want to enjoy genuine German food and beer, but in a nicer place, I suggest:
- Spatenhaus and der Oper: downtown close to everything. First floor is more like a bar, and upstairs is a restaurant with nice views of the Opera and the Residenz Museum.
- Gr�n Tal: the outside area is literally a garden. By far, the nicest and most beautiful Biergarten in town.


By coincidence, both belong to the same owner...
http://www.kuffler-gastronomie.de/de...haus/index.php
http://www.kuffler-gastronomie.de/de...ntal/index.php
(both pages have virtual tour, or Virtueller Rundgang)

And lets add the Andechser at Frauenkirche. Some US friends might learn there what a real beer tast like (with 9 perc. of alcohol). Plenty of locals there and no rum-ta-ta.

http://www.andechser.de/

That's stronger than most German wines! IIRC, it was a pretty good beer, though. I discovered Floetzingerbrau last time I was in MUC, and I liked that as well (and still have one bottle of it at home, waiting for the right time to drink it). For some reason, the bottled beer I bring back from Germany always tastes a little better than the stuff you can buy here in the states.