Munich is a city full of history and horrors. Despite the things that started in the city 100 years ago, it is a beautiful place with some interesting architecture and delicious food and beer. I had a long layover in Munich on my way to London from Georgia. I was determined to make the most of it!
Getting to the City Center from Munich Airport
In true TTS fashion, I was adamant to figure out the public transit in Munich. It is, like most in Europe, quite efficient. I was told by some locals that the trains have been delayed a lot lately. Lucky for me, I didn’t have issues. Of course, I had my bags, so I used my usual life saver, Bounce, to store my luggage. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s an app to find a place near you where they will store your luggage while you wander the city. It is usually $5 or less per bag, so it is reasonable and very simple.
After dropping by bags and changing, I walked to the S1 at Besucherpark station. It’s basically inside the airport, so that was easy. I took it down to Moosach station, which took about 45 minutes. I went there because I had a walking tour booked and that was where the meeting point was. This stop is inside Munich but still a few stops away from Old Town and the city center. If you want to continue into the city, I would take the S8 and get off at Marienplatz.
I was also advised by a local that it’s a better deal to purchase a day pass instead of a one way trip. This allows you access to the buses and trains. The day pass ticket cost me €9.20, so it was very reasonable. The ticket booths are right on the train platforms and take cash or card.
The Birthplace of the Third Reich Walking Tour
So this was the tour that I booked and to say I was excited was an understatement. As horrible and sad as this part of history is, it’s so important to learn about so we don’t forget. Did you know that Munich was where Hitler first started the Nazi party? This tour was absolutely incredible. Our guide, Eric, is so knowledgable and passionate. He is actually from the US but has lived in Germany for 50 years!
We started off taking the train to Old Town, which was simple because Eric had our train tickets. We got off in Marienplatz, which comes out into the square with some very impressive architecture. When you are here, be sure to take in the whole square because there is so much to see!
On the tour, not only did we see places like where Hitler gave his first speech in 1919, but we walked down the streets where the Beer Hall Butch occurred. We stood in courtyards where young soldiers were inducted into the Nazi army, and learned how a nobody from Austria grew into such a loved/hated, feared/respected dictator. The story of his rise to power is so intense, you just wonder how he could have gotten away with it. Trust me, this is a tour you don’t want to miss!
Where to Get a Beer
You can’t visit Germany without trying a beer, right? I suppose you can, but personally, I wanted to try a German beer! There are tons of brewhouses (bräuhaus) around Munich, but here are a few options depending on what you’re looking for.
Hofbräuhaus München
This is one of the most well-known places to go in Munich. Of course, that makes it one of the most touristy places to go as well. It is 3 stories with shows and music, food and lots of beer to be had. We walked through the beerhall and used the bathrooms here. By the way, in Germany it is perfectly okay to go into an establishment and use the bathroom without buying anything!
Mid-day, there wasn’t too much going on inside, but there is a lot of space in there! You can tell it gets loud and spirited! There was a band that was getting started while we were there as well.
Hofbräukeller
This happens to be the brewhouse where Hitler gave his first speech. Before it was the Nazi party, in October 1919, Hitler was asked to speak as a member of the German Workers’ Party. The speech happened here and after, many more occurred in the same spot. Of course now-a-days, you can go into this bräuhaus and order food and beer just like any other place. But the history remains. There is a large outdoor terrace for seating in the warmer months as well.
Schneider Bräuhaus
This was the bräuhaus that I actually went to for food and beer. I asked our guide, Eric, where he would recommend I go since he’s lived there a long time. I don’t mind some touristy things, but when it comes to food and drink experiences, I want to be as immersed with the locals as I can. He recommended Schneider Bräuhaus because it’s where he always goes. In fact, he is a member there! Everyone knew him when he walked in. It was really cool. I asked him to come in and have a beer or two with me as a thank you for such a great tour! I highly recommend doing this.
Of course, he ordered us one of the best beers I’ve ever had – the Cap 7 original. I’m sure it is the usual German beer that people drink, but it is like nothing I’ve had in the US. I also ordered some food – I had to try some German food. He recommended I order the egg spaetzle with cheese and onions. This is basically Mac and cheese but so much better! Be sure to give it a try!
What Else to Do
Take a Day Trip to Dachau
This tour to Dachau concentration camp is something I will definitely do the next time I am in Munich. I didn’t have enough time to do everything I wanted because of the short layover time. However, this tour would be a great addition to the walking day tour of Munich that I did go on. As somber as a tour like this is, it is an important part of history. The ticket includes your public transit tickets, which is convenient, and has a tour guide to answer questions. It’s about 30 minutes by train from Munich to the memorial site. This is a 5 hour tour, so be sure to make time in your schedule for it.
Take a Walking Tour at Night
I was planning to do this walking tour as well if I had a night in Munich! It seems so interesting and kind of creepy. Your guide, dressed as a night watchman, tells stories of the past while showing you the city at night! You’ll get a different perspective of Munich and learn some of Germany’s history from Medieval times. You might even meet a few friends along the way to have some beer with afterwards!
What I Did
Since I was limited on time, with my remaining hour, I wandered around the old town some more. I took a few more photos and did some window shopping. There are TONS of shops ranging from little touristy gift shops to Prada and everything in between. I grabbed a sweet treat at one of the many chocolate shops around. So yummy, but sorry I can’t remember the name! Then, it was another 45-ish minute train ride back to the airport. I was able to grab my luggage, get checked in, and make the journey to my next stop: London!
If you’re interested in London, I have a few posts for what to do in and around The Big Smoke. And if you’ve been to Munich, what do you recommend for my next trip there?
