What To Do and Eat and Where To Stay in Munich, Germany

Welcome to Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is known for its centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is also known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the famous Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. This city is a blend of classic and modern, with a vibrant arts scene, excellent shopping, and bustling beer gardens. So, let’s dive into what Munich has to offer!

Places to Visit in Munich

Marienplatz

Credit: Ian Kelsall

The city’s main square is home to the New City Hall, which offers panoramic city views from its tower.

English Garden

Credit: Sandra Grünewald

This large public park stretches from the city centre to the northeastern city limits and is perfect for walking, cycling, and picnicking.

Nymphenburg Palace

A magnificent 17th-century palace with beautiful gardens, once the summer residence of Bavarian monarchs.

Deutsches Museum

One of the oldest and largest science and technology museums in the world, it’s a must-visit for any science enthusiast.

Hofbräuhaus

Famous for its beer, this historic beer hall dates back to the 16th century and provides a unique German dining experience.

Where to Stay in Munich

Budget Hotels

Euro Youth Hotel Munich

A popular choice among travelers, Euro Youth Hotel offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It’s located near the main train station, making it a great base for exploring the city.

Jaeger’s Munich

A great option for budget travelers, Jaeger’s Munich offers clean and comfortable rooms in a central location. The hotel also has a bar and offers free city tours.

Mid-Range Hotels

CORTIINA Hotel

CORTIINA Hotel is a boutique hotel in the heart of Munich. It offers stylish rooms, a bar, and a restaurant serving regional and international cuisine.

Platzl Hotel

Located near Marienplatz, Platzl Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a wellness area. The hotel also has two restaurants and a typical Bavarian beer garden.

Luxury Hotels

Hotel Bayerischer Hof

A five-star hotel in the center of Munich, Hotel Bayerischer Hof offers luxurious rooms and suites, a spa with panoramic city views, and a choice of restaurants.

Mandarin Oriental, Munich

This five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodation, a rooftop pool with excellent views of Munich, and a choice of restaurants. It’s located in a quiet street, yet close to many of the city’s main attractions.

What to Eat in Munich

Weisswurst

A traditional Bavarian sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon. It is usually flavored with parsley, lemon, mace, onions, ginger, and cardamom. The sausages are traditionally served in a bowl of hot water with a side of pretzels and sweet mustard.

Pretzels

German pretzels are a must-try when in Munich. They’re soft, chewy and sprinkled with coarse salt. You’ll find them in every bakery and beer garden.

Schweinshaxe

Bavarian roasted pork knuckle, or Schweinshaxe, is a rich, hearty dish typically served with a side of potatoes and sauerkraut.

Leberkäse

A type of meatloaf, Leberkäse literally translates to ‘liver cheese’, although it contains neither liver nor cheese. It’s typically served hot with a bread roll.

Apfelstrudel

A delicious apple strudel. This dessert is made with thinly rolled dough, filled with a mixture of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. It’s usually served dusted with powdered sugar and a dollop of cream or vanilla sauce on the side.

Day Trips from Munich

Dresden

Known as the “Florence of the Elbe”, Dresden offers a great mix of historical sites and modern architecture. Its highlights include the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and the Semper Opera House.

Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is a city of great beauty and historical significance. Its well-preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city’s unique atmosphere has made it a popular destination for tourists.

Neuschwanstein Castle

This fairy-tale castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. It’s known for its romantic architecture and stunning mountainous backdrop.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a city in northern Bavaria, known for its medieval architecture like the fortifications and stone towers of its Altstadt (Old Town). At the northern edge of the Altstadt, surrounded by red-roofed buildings, stands Kaiserburg Castle.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is an Austrian city on the border of Germany with views of the Eastern Alps. It’s known for its Baroque architecture, and as the setting for the film “The Sound of Music”.

What To Do and Where To Stay in Dresden, Germany

Welcome to Dresden, Germany

Dresden, often referred to as the Jewel Box due to its city centre full of baroque and rococo architecture, is a city that perfectly blends its rich history with a vibrant, contemporary culture. Known for its art museums and classic architecture, Dresden is the cultural, educational, and political center of Germany and Europe.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Dresden

1. Zwinger Palace

Credit: roundtrips4you

A magnificent baroque palace housing several museums, including the Old Masters Picture Gallery which features works from many celebrated artists.

2. Frauenkirche

Credit: David Hertle

This Lutheran church, reconstructed after World War II, is an iconic symbol of Dresden’s resilience and rebirth. Its stunning Baroque architecture and panoramic views from the dome are a must-see.

3. Semperoper

Home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper Ballet, this opera house is known for its exceptional acoustics and high-quality performances. The building itself is a work of art with its intricate designs and grandeur.

4. Dresden Castle

One of the oldest buildings in Dresden, this castle houses a number of museums where visitors can explore a vast collection of treasures from around the world.

5. The Großer Garten

A beautiful and vast park in the heart of the city, perfect for picnics, walks, or just relaxing. The park also includes a Palais, a Zoo, and a Botanical Garden.

Where to Stay in Dresden

Budget

a&o Dresden Hauptbahnhof

Located near the main train station, this hotel offers basic, clean rooms at an affordable price, perfect for budget travelers.

Ibis Dresden Königstein

This hotel is located in the city centre, offering comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It’s just a short walk from the main train station, making it a convenient base for exploring Dresden.

Mid-range

NH Dresden Neustadt

A comfortable hotel located in the dynamic Neustadt district, offering good value for your money.

IntercityHotel Dresden

Located right next to the main train station, this hotel offers modern rooms and includes a free city ticket for public transport.

Luxury

Hyperion Hotel Dresden am Schloss

This luxury hotel located in the heart of the city offers elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a rooftop spa.

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

A 5-star hotel offering luxurious rooms and suites, a spa with pool, and a Michelin-star restaurant.

What to Eat in Dresden

1. Sächsischer Sauerbraten

A pot roast, usually of beef but other meats can be used, marinated before being slowly braised. It’s traditionally served with red cabbage and a bread dumpling or boiled potatoes.

2. Eierschecke

This is a traditional Saxony cake with three distinctive layers, including a layer of vanilla custard. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth visiting Dresden.

3. Quarkkäulchen

These delicious small dumplings are made from quark cheese, potatoes, and flour, then fried until golden. They’re usually served sprinkled with sugar.

4. Dresdner Stollen

A type of fruit bread with nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruits, coated with powdered sugar. It’s a traditional German Christmas treat, but you can find it year-round in Dresden.

5. Radeberger Beer

While technically a drink, no trip to Dresden would be complete without trying a pint of Radeberger, a locally brewed Pilsner that is popular throughout Germany.

Day Trips from Dresden

1. Saxon Switzerland National Park

This stunning national park is home to unique sandstone rock formations and offers a variety of trails for hiking and climbing.

2. Berlin

Germany’s capital, known for its art scene and modern landmarks like the Berlin Wall. A city of culture, politics, media, and science with endless attractions to explore.

3. Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is a city of rich history, stunning architecture and delicious food. It’s renowned for its Old Town Square, historic monuments, and vibrant nightlife.

4. Meissen

Known as the “cradle of Saxony”, Meissen is famous for its porcelain and its Albrechtsburg castle. The city is also home to a cathedral and a charming old town.

5. Moritzburg Castle

Located in a small town of the same name, Moritzburg Castle is a Baroque palace set on a symmetrical artificial island, making it a unique and picturesque day trip.

What To Do and Where To Stay In Prague, Czech Republic

Uncover the Magic of Prague: A Comprehensive Guide

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that radiates charm and history. Known as “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague boasts stunning architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, and a rich history. From exploring the historic Prague Castle to strolling along the charming Charles Bridge, Prague promises an unforgettable travel experience filled with discovery and wonder.

10 Things to Do in Prague

Experience the best of Prague by exploring its top attractions:

1. Prague Castle

As the largest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle is a must-visit. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning views of the city.

Credit: William Zhang

2. Charles Bridge

A stroll along the historic Charles Bridge is a quintessential Prague experience. The bridge offers panoramic views of the Vltava River and the city skyline.

3. Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock

Credit: Denis Poltoradnev

The Old Town Square is the heart of the city, and it’s home to the famous Astronomical Clock, a stunning piece of medieval engineering.

4. Wenceslas Square

One of the main city squares and the centre of the business and cultural communities in the New Town of Prague.

5. Lennon Wall

Credit: Adi Goldstein

Since the 1980s, this wall has been filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti and pieces of lyrics from Beatles songs.

6. Prague Zoo

Considered one of the best zoos in the world, Prague Zoo is a great place for a day out with the family.

7. Vyšehrad

A historic fort located in the city of Prague. It was probably built in the 10th century, on a hill over the Vltava River.

8. Petřín

This hill in the center of Prague is great for a stroll, offering superb views of the city and containing a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower.

9.Prague Jewish Quarter

Known as Josefov, this town quarter inspired the famous novelist Franz Kafka. Its six synagogues, the Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery make it the best preserved complex of historical Jewish monuments in Europe.

10. Dancing House

Credit: thewonderalice

This uniquely designed building, resembling a pair of dancers, houses a gallery, a restaurant, and a hotel. It has become an integral part of Prague’s modern skyline.

Where to Stay in Prague

Budget

Miss Sophie’s Hotel

Located in the vibrant New Town of Prague, Miss Sophie’s Hotel offers comfortable rooms at affordable rates. Its central location makes it perfect for travelers who want to explore the city.

Czech Inn

Located in the hip Vinohrady neighborhood, Czech Inn offers a modern design, comfortable rooms, and a friendly atmosphere.

Mid-range

Hotel Pod Věží

Located right next to the Charles Bridge in the heart of the city, Hotel Pod Věží provides beautiful rooms and a complimentary breakfast.

Grandium Prague

Located in the city center, Grandium Prague offers spacious rooms and close proximity to many local attractions.

Luxury

Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague

Located in the vicinity of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, Augustine defines the destination with its deep history and energy inspired by the 13th century Augustine monastery, which is interconnected with the hotel and still active with four monks living there.

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Located in the Old Town, the Four Seasons Hotel Prague interweaves centuries of remarkable history and architecture with all the conveniences of modern technology.

What to Eat in Prague

Prague’s culinary scene is rich and varied, offering plenty of hearty, delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Here are a few local favorites you should try:

1. Svíčková

This is a traditional Czech dish made of marinated beef sirloin served with a creamy sauce and bread dumplings. It’s a staple in Czech cuisine and is often garnished with cranberries and a slice of lemon.

2. Goulash

While Goulash is originally a Hungarian dish, the Czechs have their own version that’s just as delicious. It’s a hearty stew made with chunks of beef, lots of paprika, and served with bread dumplings.

3. Smazeny Syr

Smazeny Syr, or fried cheese, is a popular Czech fast food. It’s typically made from a slice of cheese that’s breaded and then deep-fried, usually served with potatoes or a salad on the side.

4. Palačinky

Palačinky are Czech pancakes, which are thinner than American pancakes and are usually rolled up with fillings such as jam, fruit, cream, or nuts. They can be sweet or savory and are a delicious treat at any time of the day.

5. Chlebíčky

These are Czech open-faced sandwiches, typically made with a variety of toppings, including meats, cheeses, egg, and pickles. They’re a common feature at Czech parties and gatherings.

Day Trips from Prague

Explore beyond Prague with these day trip suggestions:

1. Kutná Hora: Known for its magnificent cathedrals and a UNESCO-listed historical town center.

2. Český Krumlov: A picturesque town with a stunning castle, winding streets, and quaint red-roofed houses.

3. Karlštejn Castle: One of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic, it was built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.

4. Plzeň: If you’re a beer lover, don’t miss the city of Plzeň, the birthplace of Pilsner.

5. Dresden: Just across the border in Germany, the city of Dresden offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions.