Hi!
We are three recent college grads taking a ten-day trip to Europe in February. We would like to spend a few days in Germany, but can't decide on Munich or Berlin.
All three of us majored in history, so we definitely are interested in the historical sights. However, we also like to have fun and would really like to avoid touristy places.
Where should we go?
Both places are fairly touristy, but me thinks Berlin is exactly what you are looking for. History and probably the best nightlife in all of Europe.
As much as I love Munich (lived there and have been there each of the past five years), I think Berlin is your cup of tea. If you do your homework ahead of time, there are many historical sites in Berlin with alot of significance.
I vote Berlin!
Megan,
It's difficult to recommend one city over the other, without having some idea on where else you'll be travelling during your trip. Ten days is NOT a long time for travels in Europe, so you'll need to minimize your travel times between cities.
If you're going to be primarily in Switzerland or Italy, then Munich would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you'll primarily be in northern Europe, then Berlin would be preferable.
The sights you plan on visiting will also have a bearing on which city to choose. Munich provides some advantages in that regard, as you could plan a day trip to Neuschwanstein (the Castle that Disney's was modelled after), Berchtesgaden, Salzburg or other towns in the area.
Good luck with your planning!
If you're interested in history, Berlin has tons of it. It is spread out enough that you won't notice the other tourists.
Megan,
Since all three of you were history majors, I would definitely choose BERLIN over Munich and not just for historical reasons. Food and accomodations are cheaper in Berlin, which is just an amazing, fascinating, captivating, and exciting city. You will see why.
Historical Berlin is mostly in eastern Berlin, ie, east of the Brandenburg Gate. Go the Resistance Museum, if you don't read German, you can get an audio guide in English, it's on Stauffenbergstrasse within walking distance from the DJH hostel on Kluckstrasse--I know I walked it in July---and definitely see the Reichstag building and the Deutsches Historisches Museum on Unter den Linden with its bilingual explanations.
There is also the anti-war museum (Anti-Kriegsmuseum) in the Wedding district--not really surprising that it is located in that district, given its historical reputation.
What you read about in your historical studies about Berlin, you'll see....Bebelplatz, Wannsee, Unter den Linden, Brandenburg Gate, Karlshorst, Kopenick, Rathaus Schoneberg, Pariser Platz, Hotel Adlon and there is lots more.
Of all my trips to Europe over the years, only once did I skip Berlin... it's just a vibrant place.
"definitely...interested in the historical sights"...
see the Feldherrnhalle in Munich, where Hitler was stopped in his coup attempt. Still the Feldherrnhalle shows the statues of the Bavarian commanders in the war of liberation against Napoleon.
AND, when you are in Berlin, the other must see for historical sights is Potsdam to do as a day trip or two days, not only for the sights but what it traditionally represented.
Berlin, Berlin, Berlin! No question about it. The city is so spread out, that you don't have to worry about it being too touristy. It is a great base too, for side trips to other cities or places. Look at renting an apt. there as there are 1000's of them to rent at really low costs. You will save a lot even over staying in a hostel. Food is cheap in Berlin, so eating out will not cost a fortune either.
Thank y'all so much! All the advice was so helpful. Sounds like we will probably be going to Berlin. I definitely wish we had more time to travel. My friends are teaching in Europe this semester and they get just about a week off, and this is the only time I can get off work. I have decided I will have to make many more trips to see more sights! (This is all of our first trips to Europe!)
Hi,
If this is the first trip for all of you, then that's all the more reason to go BERLIN, especially if it is history you want to see.
Where are they teaching in Europe?
Yes - it is all of our first trips. We are very excited. They are teaching in Ireland - Kenmare and Killarney. Hopefully I will be able to spend a few days there as well while they are teaching!
Hi Megan,
In spite of my solid recommendation of Berlin that it is an amazing, exciting, historical city, etc.,etc., there is one problem--at least it is always with me--it is exactly for reasons which I posted to see BERLIN that sucks you into spending all your time there without having left
sufficient time to see Potsdam, which is a must see since historically Berlin and Potsdam go together.
I am going to add to the chorus and say go to Berlin! The museums are wonderful, the food is good and there are lots of evening events to keep you going. Since you are interested in history don't miss the Deustches Historisches Museum. I visited it for a second time a couple of years ago and really got a lot out of it. The first time that I had visited the museum it was under the DDR and was pretty focused on Marxism and the history of the DDR and all in German with no English explanations. It's fascinating now! Also, do go out to Potsdam for a day. You can take the S-Bahn and be there in less than an hour. There are buses to take you to the palace. I easily spent a day there. Go when the weather is good as you'll want to roam the gardens.
Also, while I didn't visit the Charlottenburg Palace on my most recent visit, I did go the first time and I remember liking it, but you might want to check with some more current reviews! Berlin is a wonderful place. If you enjoy mysteries, look for books by Philip Kerr. Berlin Noir is a trio of books about a detective in Berlin during and after WW II. Also, Len Deighton's cold war book a Funeral in Berlin is excellent.
Pam
Pam
I'm going to say Munich. Munich has great history of it's own and will take less of your ten-day trip in transportation time to get there.
Berlin is great. It's major drawback is it's out of the way from most Western Europe destinations.
Hi Megan,
I agree with Brad. My vote would be munich it has amazing food, the people are super friendly and the city is rich with history. I travelled to both Berlin and Munich as a college student and again with my family and while both cities are great I have always prefered Munich.
Paula
