Hello--

I finally pulled the trigger and bought my mileage run tickets, I'll be in Munich the following:

Sun Dec 2 to Mon Dec 3
Sun Dec 9 to Tues Dec 11

I already posted a response in the customs thread with any specifics on that, but if anyone lives or will be in Munich, it would be great to meet up for a beer or dinner.

I've been to Munich before, back in 1994, while doing a semester abroad in college. It was the first stop on a week break from school in The Netherlands. My main memories are of the Glockenspiel, Frauenkirche, and of course the Haufbrauhaus. As I was in college, it was a very low-cost trip, I stayed in a hostel somewhere, not more than 15 Marks/night.

Are there Christmas Markets in Munich, and if so will I spot them easily? Anything else I can do in a short amount of time? For the 2nd trip, I was thinking of taking a trip out to Dachau, but just realized they're closed on Mondays (I may try to go immediately after I get there). I may try to get opera tickets, anyone have other ideas for touring the city? Anyone have ideas for Christmas gifts I can bring back?

I found what looks like a good, reasonable hotel (53Euros/night) close to the main station, actually from the Lonely Planet forums. It is Hotel Eder, if anyone has info, would be great to get other opinions.

I've ordered a Munich guidebook, but otherwise, would appreciate any tips anyone has to share. Thanks!



Tim

Servus aztimm

I lived in MUC for quite some time. Let me answer some of your questions, I will leave the rest to others, also do some research on Flyertalk, MUC is quite popular to go to in Germany, especially for Americans.

It will be a piece of cake for you to find a Christmas market. The biggest one is always on the Marienplatz where the Glockenspiel is. Also, Hofbräuhaus is nearby. My experience is that it's nothing special but it's a MUC attraction, so why not go there for one meal time?
I would also suggest to take the U-Bahn out to Fröttmanning to take a tour of the new soccer stadium of Bayern München and 1860 München, the two Munich soccer teams. If you are into sports, this arena is really amazing and worth seeing. If you fly in or out of MUC while it is still dark outside and you have a window seat, watch out for a red / white / blue lighted outside arena nearby the airport and an Autobahn.
Another site that I haven't seen yet but I plan on doing so in January is the new BMW World. You'll find plenty about it on the internet.
The old Olympia park (MUC held the Olympic games in 1972) is nice, too.
How about some lakes? Take the S-BAHN to Starnberger See and take a boat ride (if still available in December) but bring a nice warm jacket.

There is so much you can do. If you need to know anything, let me know or ask here. There are plenty of locals and experienced MUC travelers that can help you.

Enjoy your stay, make your own experience with MUC beer and let us know which brands you've preferred.

Pfirti (Bavarian for cheers!)

supermasterphil

Its Pfürti, my friend, and loosely translated means 'be guided by god'.

Strange what happens if people from CGN try to speak Bavarian...

I live in CGN but I am not FROM CGN. I am born in Munich my friend, I can prove by showing you my passport and birth certificate. Also, I lived the first 18 years of my life there, so I refused to be called "people from CGN" ! It might be "Pf�rti" but it is pronounced "Pfirti" and it is used as "tsch�ss".

Definitely dress warmly for that. It's quite a hike to the Stadium from the station across a wide open area.

Well, it's winter time anyway in Bavaria but I guess you'd agree that's definitely worth it, isn't it?

Worth it for sure. Especially if fortified with some gluhwein from the Xmas market. I'm from Toronto so wintertime in Bavaria isn't a problem but the OP is from Phoenix.

The Bayerische Staatsoper is doing 'Die Zauberfl�te ' on 10.December - it is an August Everding production (his work is usually good, traditional but not leaden - he also did the current Lyric Opera of Chicago production, which is well-thought-of). Bolton is a very good Mozartian conductor.

The website shows limited upper Rang tickets available, but you can usually get lower cost tickets at the box office. Check the webpage for more ticket and cast info:

http://www.bayerische.staatsoper.de/...rstellung.html

Looks like we'll be flying past each other over the Atlantic, as I'll depart the US for MUC (and onto MAD) on Dec 11.

I'll second the Hoffbrauhaus. Only because it's such a touristy spot. Also, try the Italian food while you're there. A couple of my favorite places are Da Fausto and Da Noi. For German food, try Zum Alten Markt, near Marienplatz.

Yes, I noticed that, one reason why I chose to overnight then. Back on the 1994 trip, I saw Die Fledermaus at the Vienna Operahouse, it was about $5 for same day tickets.

I saw that there are 10 Euro tickets for The Magic Flute, are these tickets any good? I would think that Monday night is one of the slower nights, but not sure about there.


As for the football/soccer stadium, I may have to pass. Not a huge fan, but if I have time to kill, I may take the trip out. I also heard there is a town near the airport (Freishing I think) with one of the oldest breweries in Germany, in an old monastery. Has anyone been there?

Yes, I'll be coming from PHX, where our high temp today is 85F. But that's half the fun of doing a crazy trip like this, getting to experience something different. Strangely, I just bought a new winter coast last year, the first one in over 10 years. Will definitely bring that, a sweater, gloves, and scarf.

Nothing crazy about it. Munich is my favourite city anywhere in the world. I remember doing a YYZ-FRA-MUC-MAN-LHR-YYZ MR about 10 years ago were I only spent 4 hours in MUC. Still managed to soak up the atmosphere, quite a few beers and Schweinehaxe for dinner in my limited time.

If you want some great beer and a nice Bavarian meal I'd recommend this place.

http://www.augustiner-braeu.de/augus.../en/index.html Click the restaurants and then Schwanthalerhohe. Both the Keller or the Braustuben are great although I prefer the latter.

It's a lot more authentic than the Hofbrauhaus and you will end up sitting with Muncheners as opposed to tourists although both options are fun.^

Another vote for the Augustiner-Bräu on Landsbergerstr.. I especially like the mixed grill, if you have a big appetite. I, also, like to have lunch at the Viktualienmarkt near the Marienplatz.

Also, in the vicinity of the Marienplatz, if you want to bring home some food items, is Dallmayr. I love the smells when I walk into that place. I've bought chocolates, tea, coffee, and eiswein to bring home. Another place farther down Residenzstr., is Confiserie Rottenhofer (sp?) which is a great place to get out of the cold for something warm to drink along with their fabulous pastries.

I'll third the Augustiner. Great place. The dining room is somewhat elegant, and the back bierhall is more casual.

JP

Next vote for the Augustiner ^. Great place! I�m some kind of a regular there too - everytime I�m in Munich, I try to fit a visit into my usually tight scedule.

I'm also doing a MUC MR....well, sort of... and I appreciate all the suggestions in this thread.

I'll be there Dec 6-9 and scheduled the trip to pick up my new car at the factory. I should save enough on the car to pay for the trip, which is what makes it a MR, although if you factor in the car purchase, the cost/mile is way high!

If you are into cars, you may be interested in a visit to the BMW Welt for a factory tour or just to check out the architecture. Quite the place.

Looking forward to Christmas markets (if it's snowy) or the autobahn (if it's not)!