Munich and Frankfort Must See

[jdlowery]

All,

I will be in Germany on business in September but will take some time to check out the sights. I have a couple of questions for you. I'm still looking for two hotels in Munich and Germany. What are some of the lively neighborhoods to stay? What attractions are a must see? Which nearby countries would you do a day trip? I definitely will visit the BMW Museum. Any German "things" (Sinn watches, BMW motorcycle parts, etc...) worth buying? Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

[Rick Lee]

Definitely go see the Sinn factory store in Frankfurt. Looks like an apt. bldg. in a residential neighborhood on a cul-de-sac. You won't think you're in the right place. If you buy one there, be sure to tell them you're exporting it and you'll get the 19% VAT refund. Otherwise, I think Frankfurt is pretty lame. Munich, however, is great. Lots of great neighborhoods, museums, churches, restaurants and bars. Go shopping at Alois Dalmayer, be sure to drink a lot at the Augustinerbraeukeller. Skip the Hofbrauhaus. No German would be caught dead there, unless they're an employee. It's all tourists. BMW Welt is totally awesome. If you want a factory tour, arrange it in advance.

[mossguy]

Deutsches Museum and see the stainless steel 911, and many other amazing and unique stuff!

[stomachmonkey]

My favorite hotel in Munich is Hotel Königshof‎

Hotel Königshof‎
Karlsplatz 25
80335 Munich, Germany
089 551360

5 star, rates are good if you book in advance, 2 blocks from the train station and directly across from the historical center plaza of Munich. You have the glockenspiel and great beer halls.

If you want a nice lunch and want to kill some time watching the frauleins then head over to Seehaus/English Garden. You'll find a couple of nice restaurants and a self service beir halle.

[jdlowery]

Thanks for the responses so far. Anyone else care to chime in?

[widgeon13]

Hotel kempinski in Munich also one at the airport. Rent a car and go down to Austria, short drive, beautiful scenery.

[kundensport]

+1 on Kempinski and Deutsches Museum, stay away from the Hofbraeuhaus and go to the Franziskaner Keller or the Augustin,
if the weather is good, Englischer Garten is a must. go to the "chinesischer turm" biergarten, it is very close to the BMW museum as well. and the list goes on,
i lived in munich for 5 years,......dont remember to much though,
so it must of been good

[LWJ]

Dachau. It might change your life. It did mine.

Larry

[on2wheels52]

Go south young man, go south.
I guess I just go there to get to the good roads. The Alps kick ass.
Jim

[tevake]

I'm with 2wheels on this. Take a 4/5 hour drive over into Switzerland. head for Interlocken. An incredible drive into the high alps. Drive into the lauderbrunnen valley, stay the night, and take the train up the Junfrau. A bit pricey but unbelievable scenery. And amazing experience.

[Rikao4]

stuff like that pic above..
is a few hrs hrs south of Munich
Zell am See (Porsche residence) and just up the mountain is Hintertux..
were you can ski in August...
did that run almost every weekend out of Stuttgart..

Rika

[widgeon13]

Do you need someone to carry your bags?

[5String43]

+1 on Alois Dalmayer, which right off the Marienplatz, and also the Deutsches Museum, which is sort of a science and tech museum that contains all kinds of cool stuff, including some great cars. They've got an Auto Union race car, for instance, though that often is not on display. Also they have examples of WW II military aircraft, including the first jets. Locomotives, displays on mining, on dams and locks, all kinds of neat stuff.

Also, as someone else has mentioned, Dachau is worth a visit. It's a very sobering experience, to say the least, but good as a reminder of the power of hate and extremism.

[cairns]

I third Dachau. It's not "fun" but it is an overpowering experience and one you will never forget. The Deutsches Museum, the Alte and Neues Pinakothec (if you like art) and BMW Welt are excellent sites. For a beautiful drive take the A11 south- join 2 then 177 all the way to Innsbruck if you want. Coming down into the valley is one of the most beautiful sights I remember. Or you could take A8 east to my old stomping grounds (Ulm) and see the sights there; the Munster, Erwin Rommel's grave etc. It's a beautiful little city full of canals and is directly on the Donau (Danube) guarded by the (rebuilt) city walls. On the way is a huge national forest and Augsburg which is full of it's own attractions.

Don't know much about Frankkfurt as I was always just passing through sorry.

[AirKuhl]

+1 on the brilliant scenery and drives south of Munich.

Oktoberfest in Munich is actually in September. This could be good or bad for you as it will be crazy and crowded. If you want to experience the real thing, nothing beats Oktoberfest in Munich, I did it once, never again but I'm glad I did.

Hofbrauhaus is touristy but again fun to visit once. I prefer the Paulaner im Tal myself.

I enjoy just spending a day wandering around the Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz, tasting the wonderful Bavarian street food and people-watching in the beer garden.

As far as stuff goes, you can find nice knives and leather goods that are tough to find in the US. My experience with fine watches and other higher end stuff is that it's not really any cheaper there.

Have fun! Frankfurt and Munich couldn't be more different. Frankfurt is a go-getter, dressed up, business oriented town, Munich is much more laid back, more of a party town IMO.

[jdlowery]

Great information guys. I'm making my list. My plans are not really set so I may end up spending more time in Munich than Frankfurt. The drive south sounds interesting.

[Rick Lee]

Well, Stuttgart and Pfaffenhausen are sort of along the route.