Munich was my first German city to visit, and my excitement was off the charts as I landed at Munich Airport. Following the crowd through customs and the subway, I realized this was it—my first solo European adventure.
Getting Around Munich
I bought a Day Ticket for the Entire Network (Tageskarte Gesamtnetz) from a ticket machine and hopped on the S1 line to the city center. I accidentally got off one stop early at Karlsplatz, but with my iPhone GPS, I easily found my way to my cozy, family-run Hotel Eder.
After dropping off my bags, I joined my first tour: The Third Reich Walking Tour by Radius Tours. Our guide, an Australian woman, walked us through famous WWII sites including the Hofbräuhaus beer hall, Hitler’s HQ, and Nazi marching grounds. It was powerful and eye-opening.
Dinner that evening was at the famous Augustiner Keller Beer Garden—a must-visit spot shaded by 100-year-old linden trees. I enjoyed sausages, beer, and Bavarian charm. If you’re visiting Munich, this beer garden is a must. I’d read about it in The Beer Drinker’s Guide to Munich, which also offers coupons and maps for many of the city’s beer gardens.
Day Two: Remembering History at Dachau
The next day, I joined another Radius Tour, this time to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Our guide, a knowledgeable American from Seattle, led us through the exhibits and memorials with deep empathy and respect. The visit was emotional, educational, and something I think everyone should experience at least once.
Exploring Old Munich
To lift my spirits after Dachau, I spent the next day exploring Munich’s old town. I climbed St. Peter’s Church for a panoramic view, watched the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, and visited St. Michael’s Church to see the royal crypts.
Later, I explored the Munich City Museum, the Residenz Palace, and the palace’s impressive Treasury, filled with crowns and royal jewels. Lunch that day was at the beautiful Seehaus Beer Garden, beside a lake in the English Garden, where even the ducks joined me for sauerkraut.
Biking the English Garden
I planned to join Mike’s Bike Tour, but when the guide didn’t show, I spotted Lenny’s Bike Tour nearby and joined instead—best decision ever! Our Kiwi guide, Calhin, was funny and informative, taking us through historic sites and the stunning English Garden.
Lenny’s groups are smaller and more personal. Plus, you can easily find them in bright orange shirts near the Glockenspiel at midday.
Day Trip: Neuschwanstein Castle
A highlight of my trip was visiting Neuschwanstein Castle with Pure Bavaria Tours. Owner Mario personally picked me up, and we hiked through scenic gorges and forests to the castle. The interior is photography-free, but the views outside are postcard-perfect.
On the way back, we stopped at a Bavarian farm for sausages and cheese—a perfect local touch. If you want a small-group, authentic experience, Pure Bavaria Tours is the way to go.
Final Thoughts: Is Munich Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Munich is full of history, culture, and charm. From lively beer gardens and historic museums to peaceful parks and day trips to castles, there’s something for everyone.
While Marienplatz can get crowded, wander just a few blocks away, and you’ll find the quieter, authentic side of Munich—exactly what made me fall in love with this city.