Vienna or munich

If you are just interested in exploring then I would recommend Vienna over Munich. Much of Munich was obliterated in WW2 and, although the central part of the city has been reconstructed in the old style, most everything outside of that small area is new and not all that interesting to see.
Vienna, on the other hand, is much larger, has many more interesting boulevards and neighborhoods to explore, and a larger area of historic buildings, parks, and gardens.
If you are looking to wander and people-watch, Vienna would be my choice!

I vote for Vienna too. Beautiful architecture everywhere and lots of parks and royal palaces to look at. I thought it was one of the most beautiful cities we have ever visited and wished we had more time there.

We LOVE Germany - but Munich VS Vienna is no contest . . . Vienna for sure. Don't miss St. Stephen's Cathedral (take the round elevator on the inside up to the top) & the whole OLD TOWN area around the cathedral - amazing history and architecture. Lots of great people watching, artists, harpists, coffee spots. Walk up to the opera house too. So walkable and so much to see on the streets.

I agree with three of my predecessors. Vienna.

We have been to both cities several times. For us Munich is perfect as a base for day trips once you have experienced some of the amazing things to see in the city itself. As you describe your preferences, I would definitely vote for Vienna. Ride the tram around the "Ring" when you first arrive. It is a wonderful way to acquaint yourself with the city. Lots of little lanes and streets to explore, and make sure and experience coffee and dessert in one of the many cafes. Very, very special ambiance and attention to detail. Lots of good "real" music, but avoid any of the concerts being hawked by guys in white wigs. We have stayed at the big brand hotels like Le Meridian, but prefer a smaller more authentic property like the Pension Pertschy. PM if you want any more specific suggestions. You will love either city and mid-October should be perfect weather.

I was recently in Vienna. Use Rick's audio tours. The city walk includes some good, inexpensive recommendations for lunch. His tram tour is a cheap alternative to the Ring Tram. One thing that surprised me was that central Vienna is really quiet for a big city, practically no traffic noise.

Hi Peter,

Since this forum has been so helpful to me, I wanted to give back a little. I was just in both Munich and Vienna over the last 2 weeks. If you have to select only one, I'd also vote for Vienna. (I've been to Munich a couple of times before, but it was my first time in Vienna and I just fell in love with the city). So walkable; beautiful landscaped gardens throughout the city, and an endless choice of museums/galleries. Can't wait to go back -- it was the 'off season' for most of the venerable music institutions (opera, an der wien, philharmonic, etc.) but since I was seeing lots of opera in Munich that was OK with me. As others said, avoid the tacky barkers in wigs trying to sell you tickets.

In Vienna, I really enjoyed the Belvedere, Leopold and the Albertina. if you are interested in WW1, the Military History museum is incredible. I spent hours there. But my favorite part, may have just been strolling through the city itself and its charming streets, palace complex and beautiful lush gardens (esp. Volksgarten and its roses). Schonnbrunn was also impressive (I did the 40 room longer tour with pre-arranged ticket time so the crowds weren't bad). I feel like I barely scratched the surface -- ran out of time to see the crown jewels, imperial apartments, natural history museum or the kunst historiche. Picked up a great watercolor at the Flohmarkt on Saturday. Easy to navigate the public transportation system.

If you do select Munich, there are two recently opened sites to check out: the Egyptian Museum, which is built like a tomb underground. Located in the museum area. Cool on a warm day. Very easily navigated and you can probably see it in about 90 minutes. The Dokumention Zentrum for National Socialism just opened in May. It was exhaustive (and a little exhausting) but a very interesting examination of Munich's central role in the rise of the Nazi party. The exhibit is a little confusingly laid out (you start on the top, 4th floor, and work your way down). Depending on your level of interest you could spend all day there, or get the highlights in a couple of hours. I'd highly recommend both of these places.

Happy to answer any questions!

Todd

I'm jumping on the Vienna bandwagon. The cafes are wonderful and it is such a walkable city.

Pam

I like them both, but given the choice of which to pick of the two, then I vote for Vienna. Good suggestions above on Vienna. That Mil. Hist Museum at the Arsenal is very thorough going since its new opening (Neueröffnung) focusing on an extensive presentation on Austria-Hungary in WW 1....very grim and poignant. You will end up spending hours there if you pick through every bit and read the displayed realia.

Vienna is a great walking city as are Paris and Berlin, ... walking through the neighborhoods in Vienna, very easy to reach by using the U-Bahn and tram system.