Growing up in Germantown, Wisconsin, I’ve had a long standing connection to Germany. I did a small exchange program near Munich in high school and have been back to visit my gracious host family since. Munich is nothing like Berlin, and embodies exactly what you think German culture is in the most stereotypical sense.

EXPERIENCE

General information about Munich: http://www.muenchen.de/int/en/tourism.html#

Be sure to check out the BMW Factory, the Zoo, English Garden, Marienplatz, the Deutsches Museum, St. Peter’s Church, Botanic Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, Olympic Park, New Town Hall (Neus Rathaus), Frauenkirche, Koigsplatz, the Glockenspiel at the Ratausturm, Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), and Kals Gate

Day trips:

Neuschwanstein Castle: Breathtaking, set in a beautiful place, and decedent as any European Castle. http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/index.htm 

Dachau Concentration Camp: http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/index-e.html A sobering, but important trip to Dachau, the concentration camp.

I also enjoyed venturing to nearby Austria to visit Salzburg and the castles there.

STAY

I have never stayed in a hostel or hotel here, always with my host family, so please post suggestions.

EAT

While in Munich be sure to indulge in all things classic German cuisine. Drink beer at the Hofbraeuhaus! http://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/index_en.html