Two days in Munich, Germany
Munich Unplanned: A Lesson in Embracing the Unexpected in Travel
Sometimes the best adventures happen when we least expect them. I never planned to visit Munich, Germany, but fate had a different plan. As I was scouring Skyscanner for flights to Austria, I stumbled upon a deal too good to pass up. The cheapest way to travel from Perth to Europe was to fly into Munich and return from Zurich. And boy, am I glad I did! Munich may not have been on my itinerary, but it stole my heart with its charming streets, friendly locals, and mouth-watering cuisine. No regrets, only unforgettable memories.
Discovering great flight deals for your European adventure is easier than you think! A handy tip is to explore Skyscanner's multi-city search option when planning your next trip. This not only helps you find more affordable flights but also ensures you don't end up arriving and departing from the same country in Europe.
Moreover, we can't possibly visit every single European city in just 3 or 4 weeks. However, I have a suggestion that may make your trip more efficient. Instead of trying to cover vast distances, consider selecting cities that are located near the border of neighbouring countries.
The Neues Rathaus, (New Town Hall), Munich, Germany
For example, why not fly into Munich, Germany, spend a few days there, and then take a short two-hour drive to Salzburg, Austria? This way, you get to explore multiple cities while experiencing the excitement of crossing international borders. Take a look at the map below and you'd know what I mean.
Less than two hours and you're in another country. Pretty Amazing! Isn't it? You'd find it more astonishing especially if you're from Perth, Western Australia where the nearest city is only some three thousand Kilometres away.
If you're planning a trip to Munich, here's a helpful tip to ensure a hassle-free journey. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance, and choose a place that's conveniently located near Munich Main train station (also known as Munich HBF). HBF is short for "hauptbahnhof", and it means central/main train station. Trust me, this little piece of advice will come in handy when purchasing train tickets and getting around the city.
How to get to Munich city centre from Munich Airport?
If you have landed at Munich Airport, it's pretty easy to catch the train from the airport to Munich HBF/Main Station. S1 and S8 lines connect airport to the Munich main train station. For more updated information you can check their official website by clicking here. If you've arrived at night, take some time to rest and recharge for the adventures ahead tomorrow. But if you've arrived in the morning, consider taking a short nap to refresh yourself before embarking on your first day in Munich.
Day 1 in Munich, Germany
Assuming you've followed my advice and booked your accommodation near Munich train station, I recommend taking a pleasant walk to Munich Old Town from your hotel. You can explore the streets along the way and soak in the surroundings. Head over to Marienplatz, the central square in Munich's Old Town. It's an incredible place that exudes a unique atmosphere, transporting you to a different world. That's where you'll find the Neues Rathaus, also known as the New Town Hall building. Don't miss the opportunity to capture a photo with that magnificent architectural masterpiece in the background.
Take your time to leisurely explore the old town and enjoy your holiday. Remember to unwind and relax. Treat yourself to a coffee or a refreshing drink, as there are plenty of options available in the area.
Don't forget to visit the following places while you're exploring the old town.
Frauenkirche
It's a Gotich Church with iconic domed towers.
Munich Residenz
It is the largest former royal palace in Germany.
The Maximilianstraße
City's royal avenue.
Hofbräuhaus München
Legendary beer hall & a place where Nazi dictator Hitler made a speech.
These four places mentioned above are provided to give you an idea, but there's plenty more to explore and discover in the old town. There are no strict rules on the order in which you should visit them. Take your time to wander around the city and enjoy the experience. You'll find a rich history around every corner. When you start feeling tired and hungry, you can easily find a restaurant nearby, as there are plenty of options available. I encourage you to try some German cuisine instead of seeking out a McDonald's. This way, when you return home, you'll have an interesting story to share about German food.
After exploring the old town, you can walk to the famous English Garden.
English Garden, Munich
English garden
You can admire this park more in summer, spring and autumn as you can swim, sunbathe and even surf. The wow factor of this place can't be found in photos on internet. You have to be there. There are bridges, stream, walkways and number of bird species that breed in this very garden.
Nymphenburg Palace
Once you've thoroughly explored the Old Town of Munich and enjoyed a satisfying meal either before or after your visit to the English Garden, it's time to make your way to Nymphenburg Palace. This is where you'll need to rely on public transport or opt for a convenient Uber or taxi ride. It's a bit too far to cover on foot from Munich's Old Town or the English Garden
As you arrive at Nymphenburg Palace and begin exploring its sprawling grounds, you'll encounter a collection of small buildings that are truly remarkable and deserving of your attention. The intricate details of these smaller structures are simply extraordinary and surpass anything you could ever imagine.
Nymphenburg Palace, Munich
After thoroughly exploring the palace, take a moment to commend yourself on a job well done. You've accomplished quite a feat! Now, you can make your way back to the old town or search for some delightful restaurants near the palace for a well-deserved dinner. By this point, you must be feeling quite fatigued—I know I certainly was when I undertook this adventure. It's time to get a good night's rest and recharge. Tomorrow promises to be a day filled with enchantment and wonder, akin to a fairy-tale experience.
Day 2 in Munich, Germany
Now, I'm one of those adventurous folks who dares to drive when traveling to other countries. Sometimes, it's the best option to explore remote areas or places with infrequent public transportation. Not only do you have the freedom to stop wherever you please, but you can also set your own pace. Just make sure you have your driver's license and an International Driving Permit. Driving in Germany isn't too challenging, but it's essential to follow all road rules.
Personally, I use Kayak to rent cars in any country. I always book in advance before arriving because it tends to be more cost-effective that way. If you happen to find a better alternative for reaching Neuschwanstein Castle, feel free to go for it. However, yes, that's where we're headed. It's a fairy tale castle that's simply breath-taking.
If you've booked your accommodation near the train station, chances are Kayak will find you a car rental place nearby as well. Let's consider Munich train station as the starting point for your journey to this magical place in Germany. Brace yourself for a picturesque road trip. Take your time, savour the journey, and make stops along the way for photos or snacks. The distance is over 100 kilometres, and it took me about two and a half hours to complete the drive.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Castle itself is located on the hill and reaching it by foot will take some 20-30 minutes. But you can take bus or horse ride there also! Tickets to enter the castle should be booked in advance, otherwise you will enjoy only from the outside. All official information regarding tickets can be found on this website by Clicking Here.
You will get beautiful views while exploring this Disney kind of castle. There is a cafe there as well. The memory of visiting this castle would stay with you for the rest of your life.
When you have visited the castle, you just back track if you want to go back to your hotel and return your car. This castle is not from the Austrian border. Lot of people plan their day in such a way that when they finish visiting the castle, they drive to Innsbruck, Austria, and drop off their car in Innsbruck. Yes! you can do that in Europe. Pick up car from one country and drop it off in another.
If you want to go back to Munich for a nice dinner, you'd have better food choices there and bit more night life to explore. And next morning you can go to Salzburg, Austria, and that is what I did. You can check out how to spend five days in Innsbruck and Salzburg by clicking here.