Why Munich is a Must When Visiting Germany

Germany Part 3 of 3

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Munich's Glockenspiel

In mid- September, 2024, my husband Pete, adult sons and I continued on for leg three of our driving tour of southern Germany.   After our race to see Neuschwanstein Castle (see part 2 for this nail biter adventure), it was time to slow it down a bit and enjoy all that Munich, the capital of Bavaria, has to offer.   A two night stay seemed just right.

I chose not to sign up for any guided tours.  Instead, we decided as a family to wander and relax.    Using Trip Advisor for suggestions we were not disappointed. 

Instead of giving a blow by blow of our movements, I’ve listed our itinerary with ratings.  

Room after room of splendor

1.  Highly recommend - The Palace Residenz.   Inhabited from 1385-1918, Germany’s largest palace gives you a glimpse into how the reigning monarchs once lived.  Stunning architecture, design and tapestry can delight all ages.  

   Purchase the triple ticket that gives you additional admission into the Palace Theatre (still used today for concerts) and the vault.

   

   Imagining seeing a show in the Palace Theatre

2. Highly Recommend - Walking Old City -  Heavily bombed during WW 2, restored Old City captivates tourists with architectural beauty and history.  Miraculously, the magical Glockenspiel, located in the town hall tower, survived the war.    Today, you can enjoy the mechanical clock’s captivating movements at 11 am and 12 noon daily and 5 pm during warmer months.

   
   

   

   Take a break from shopping to watch the clockworks

   
   

3. Highly Recommend - Stop in at the Rathskeller.   The Neo Gothic architecture is worth a meal and or brews   Brush up on its storied history before you go.

This is you no ordinary bar/restaurant

4. A MUST!  - Visit the Dokumentationszentrum Munich.   The newly constructed building sits on the original site of the former Nazi headquarters (brown house).  It is here where you learn the history of Germany’s national socialist regime, its rise to world power, and the horrible consequences of the right wing’s extremism during the 1930’s to 1945.   Allow for at least two hours to visit.  

Travelers Tip:   The Documents Museum is exactly what it says, a museum of documents.   Come prepared to spend a fair amount of time reading through the multiple displays and watching sobering filmed activities surrounding the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler and Nazism.

5. Recommend - English Gardens - One of the largest urban parks in the world, Munich’s English Garden is lovely if you have the time for a stroll.    It’s BIG, really BIG!   On our cool, drizzly day, few people were seen on the park’s paths but we enjoyed the relaxing tranquility and interesting beer gardens.

Just one of the many beer gardens

For Dining: 

1.  Highly recommend - Dinner at Irmi.    You will find friendly staff, an extensive menu, and BIG mugs of delicious beer.    Irmi is popular with the locals so book early!   The restaurant fills fast and for good reason.  You may have to dine late in the afternoon to get a seating. 

Yes, mama enjoyed a liter of beer - delicious!

1. Highly recommend - The Metropol Hotel. The inn is centrally located for anyone desiring to see the city on foot.  Staff is friendly, breakfast options are plentiful, and rooms with patios are available. 

   
   
   
   

Metropol's upper level covered patio off guest rooms is a perfect spot to gather after a day of sightseeing

Travelers Tip:  The Metropol’s parking garage may not be accessible for all vehicles.  Be sure to inquire about details when booking.

Very interesting use of ramps at the Metropol

   Close to the Frankfurt Main station and the airport, I couldn’t wait to return to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Rothenburg).  Having first visited there in 1981 at age 18, I remembered 45 years later how charming the town is.  With both sons interested in medieval history, I reserved an overnight in our itinerary.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber at night - it's the stuff fairy tales are made of

Dating back 750 years, Rothenburg was once the second largest city in Germany.  What you’ll find in 2025 are totally intact gate houses, walls, and towers.  All that’s missing are chainmail adorned guards taking watch along the connecting stone walls.  Charming doesn’t begin to describe the cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and Gothic architecture in wonderful condition.

Happy Campers!

During my research, one restaurant in particular stood out.   I highly recommend dining at Zur Hoell (to hell in English).  Located in the oldest house in Rothenburg, dinner here is an experience not to be missed.   The meat kabobs are amazing!

Zur Hoell - the oldest house in the city

The kabobs - a meat lovers go to

Travelers Tip: Zur Hoell offers a private dining area the basement, the oldest room in the city.   I contacted the restaurant and thought my email confirmation was a guarantee for this special table.  Upon arrival, I was told that my reservation only gives the possibility of dining in the basement.   Instead we were seated at a wonderful window table which happily, I can say we enjoyed very much.

Rooms at the Villa Mittermeier are lovely

   On Wednesday, Sept 11th, we made the easy one hour drive to Frankfurt airport where we dropped off our rental car before Henrik boarded his plane for the US and Phil, Pete and I boarded trains back to the Netherlands.    None of us wanted this trip to end. 

I hope all three chapters of this magnet vacation have inspired you to plan your own vacation to this magical, beautiful, and friendly country.

  Between the castles, the hikes, the history, the food, and of course, the beer, I don’t feel you could enjoy a more relaxing, fun-filled vacation traveling as a single, couple, or family.