Munich or Berline???

[bs1313]

I am trying to decide which would be better to see on my trip to Eruope...Munich or Berlin? I have been to Germany but neither of these places. Which has more historical things to see, as well as more of an "experince" meaning getting to really see the culture of Germany?

[madamtrashheap]

These are two totally different cities that represent different parts of the German culture, so its difficult to say which would be "better".

Berlin has an amazing history and is evolving all the time. It's vibrant, diverse and offers great museums, modern history, nightlife, daylife, art...you name it.

Munich is (IMHO) the epitome of Bavaria as is also a lively city that offers different things at different times of the year (markets, Oktoberfest, Summer festivals). Plus it's close to the Romantic Road/Castles.

Depending on your travel route, one of them might fit in better that the other, but if you can fit both in then go for it.

[me]

Berlin edges out Munich. longer history. besides, it's capitol of all of Germany, not just Bavaria.

however, Munich is the more beautiful of the two, imho. per www.demographia.com/db-gdp-metro.pdf , metro Munich is slightly bigger than metro Berlin and much richer (gdp/capita) ranked 50 vs ranked 110 of 1M+ metros worldwide.

btw, my earlier concerns about that site due to it listing New Orleans so high were misplaced. it's based on 2002 estimates of gdp-ppp/capita ranking. it was 3 years later Katrina hit the Gulf coast.

but, it still seems strange to me that the list is so skewed toward US metros.

- d

[herrbert]

If you just take the cities into consideration, than I would choose Berlin.

However, there are some interesting daytrips that you can make from Munich, that might place Munich above Berlin. The Castles near Fussen can be reached from Munich pretty easy. Dachau is a historical site, that was used in WWII as a concentration camp. It is part of the darkest pages of European History, but worth a visit. esp. if you don't want to go to Poland to visit Auschwitz.

Depending on the other cities on your list, it can be a more logical place to go.

If any of these sites are must sees for you, then choose Munich, but as a city Berlin has so much more to offer.

[Eagle]

bs1313, as MTH indicated which city you choose might depend on which one is more convenient to your travel route. Could you provide a bit more information on which other cities you'll be visiting?

I'm sure you would enjoy visiting either Berlin or Munich. The other point to consider is which one would interest you the most? If you're interested in seeing King Ludwig's Castles, Dachau or points on the Romantic Road (ie: Rothenburg), then Munich would be the best choice.

Happy travels!

[jonasrocker]

I have a question for all of you, Does anyone now of any really awesome S&M clubs in germany and which city would be best to go to for them?

[jamesinmunich]

I've been living in Munich now for six months. If it's excitement and good nightlife you're after, then go for Berlin. There are some interesting day trips you can do from Munich (Ludwig's castles, Dachau, Eagle's Nest etc.), but I think Berlin has so much more to see. Maybe not so nice to look at but a lot more fun.

When do you plan to visit?

[bs1313]

Well I will only be 17 so it isn't nightlife I am really looking for. I want to see Dachau, Ludwigs Castle, etc. things like that. Are they hard to get to once I am in Munich. Will I have trouble getting around when I am in the city? Lemme know. Thanks.

[me]

Munich has good, if dated, public transportation. the core of the system was built for the 1972 Olympic games there. there are private outfits that take tour groups to the outside-town castles & such in nearby Füssen, Prien, etc.