Munich Hop On/Off Bus Tour

Again, I've personally never taken HOHO anywhere, but I found that most everything I wanted to see in Munich was within walking distance of the Marienplatz. There are some exceptions, but I used public transportation for them--Nympehburg, Englischer Garten and some of the museums that are further out. We used RS guide and found it very helpful. I also did some planning utilizing the Eyewitness Travel guide for Munich.

Have been to Munich many times and never took a HOHO bus. Rick has an excellent self guided walking tour of the historic areas around Marienplatz, and we also used the very good public transportation for sites further out.

When we first started traveling abroad we took a few HOHO buses. But we soon stopped after finding them to often be a waste if time and money. Especially in Europe where the historic centers are relatively small and/or the public transportation systems are faster and reliable. But DIY does require a modicum of advance preparation.

We used the HOHO in Munich in 2015. Of course, it's been four years, but back then they didn't seem old and dirty. The "guides" weren't all that friendly, but we didn't mind that. It was a low stress way to get to Nymphenburg, the English Garden, and the BMW Museum/World.

My main memory from the HOHO experience in Munich was that it worked for us. I don't recall ever having to wait an inordinate amount of time for the next bus.

I took a HoHo because I wanted to see some of the places outside the city centre. I did not get on or off, I just wanted the commentary.
Munich is the same as many German and other European cities, 3/4 of the places you want to see are in the city centre, and the city centre is pedestrianised, so the only way to get to these places is on foot or public transport (which either is underground or has special dispensation to go through the centre).

After having walked around the centre, use the HoHo as a means of getting a quick overview of the areas outside the centre with commentary, and getting a sit-down, then go back by faster and more frequent public transport.

I can't comment about the audio. The bus I was one had live commentary in German, and earbuds for other languages (French, English, Italian etc.).I think some people did have problems hearing.

Thank you so much for all of your responses.

It sounds to me like RS audio walking tour would work out great for things to see within the city and if I wanted to go outside the city the HOHO bus tour would work best.

Thank you again!

Kim

If you want places outside the centre the trams work fine. They are fun, fast and frequent - and much much cheaper than the HoHo.

The RS recorded tour is based on taking a tram on the Ringstrasse. Try that first - much cheaper. You can download to your phone.

Paul, I think this person had two posts. You mention the ringstrasse, that's Vienna, not Munich. I'm guessing you were thinking of the other post.

Thank you again for all of your advise. Sounds a walking tour and tram rides are the way to go!