Neues Rathaus at Marienplatz

The Glockenspiel!

I absolutely adored Munich. Odd, because I’m usually turned off by throngs of tourists (ironic, too, I guess). But the city was just so charming, and even felt somewhat like a fairy tale with its gothic architecture and everyone walking the streets in their dirndls and lederhosen like it was completely normal.

Sankt Peter Kirche

We stayed in an apartment in a really central location close to the Marienplatz. While the town was definitely hustling and bustling because of Oktoberfest, most of the tourists were hanging out at Hofbrauhaus or Hard Rock Cafe, so the places we went (which were not Hofbrauhaus or Hard Rock Cafe) were pretty chill.

We loved the Viktualienmarkt, which was one of the biggest markets I’ve seen so far. I’m also beginning to feel like I should write a book about markets around Europe, since that has turned into an obsession of mine.

We also found a couple of small, authentic Italian restaurants by our apartment. Aside from the first night’s brat and pretzel, we pretty much ate Italian food the whole trip. And I am ok with that.

We stumbled upon some great local shopping streets and the adorable Schrannenhalle–where I was told the Munich women go to have wine after shopping.

On the second day, we ventured to Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence for the Bavarian royalty, and birthplace of crazy king Ludwig. My German train skills were put to the test getting there, but it was worth it. We found the cutest little cafe right across the street where we had cherry cake, spinach quiche and coffee before. The cafe had a help wanted sign and I just might apply!

I definitely want to go back to Munich and see if it has the same kind of atmosphere when it’s not Oktoberfest. I’ve also heard that Germans love either Munich or Berlin–but not both. Full report and analysis to come next week after I visit Berlin.