Berlin vs Munich
I am traveling with my family - 4 kids in 25-16 age - and will be going to Germany for four days from Copenhagen. Should we go to Berlin or Munich if we can only do one.
Chris
Needham 10/29/09
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My choice would be Munich.
I've been there a half dozen times and always found new things to do. In my opinion, Munich is the essence of Germany.
Agreed!
I would go to Berlin. Berlin has so much 20th century history. You can visit Potsdam to get a touch of older history. And Berlin has wonderful museums and lively contemporary scene. Pam
4 days is a good amount of time for Berlin and a bit closer from Copenhagen than Munich. Berlin has changed so much over the last couple of decades and has become very "hip". Your kids will love it. Munich is much more traditional and conservative though of course full of treasures. I've been to both cities before (Munich once, Berlin twice) but Berlin is the only one I want to go back to.
Berlin! It is closer to Copenhagen, so not so much travel. Going all the way to Munich will lose you almost a complete day. With 4 kids in that age group, they will enjoy Berlin immensely. There is so much to see there, that 4 days will barely be enough, but do make time to go to Potsdam if you can and to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Both are fairly close.
If you desire to see some smaller cities, Luebeck and Quedlinburg should be on your list.
http://www3.quedlinburg.de/neu/englisch/
http://www.luebeck-tourism.de/
Well said Jo! Berlin is still my favorite city in Europe so far!
Berlin definitely!
You can see everything from Nefertiti's bust, to Dinosaurs, to Checkpoint Charlie. Been there 5 times and still haven't seen it all!
Pick up a Berlin tourist card and you're off. Check out this link.
http://www.visitberlin.de/index.en.php
When are you going?
If it were going to be bad weather, I'd probably pick Berlin because it has some of the best museums anywhere. I'm not really into 20th century history but Potsdam is great.
For nicer weather, Munich has some excellent outdoor activities. The English Gardens on a nice day is a great experience. I also like the Alte and Neue Pinakotheka (old and new art galleries). Plus the fest season in September is a lot of fun.
Both places have enough must sees to keep you busy.
From Copenhagen, Berlin is probably a little more convenient.
I'd like to add my vote to Berlin, simply because it is closer. Also, Berlin has huge parks and lakes (something seldom seen by tourists, I guess) and is surrounded by numerous small lakes and waterways. The museums are wonderful but so are the ones in Munich. Whatever city you pick, just read up on all it has to offer before going there and request tourist info from each city. In my experience, they airmail it pronto and it comes in more than one language.
Need more information: Where will you be departing Europe from? What time of the year are you traveling? Will you be flying from Copenhagen or using ground transportation where available? I would vote for Munich during any warm weather times. The high speed rail system in Europe is great. Far more comfortable than air travel, fewer security checks, and you are deposited into the center of your destination, not 15 miles out in the country. Travel times are close to those of airlines.
With Kids Munich is only interesting during summer when you can take a swim in one of the nearby lakes while enjoying the Alpine panorama. Or take a cable car up Mt. Zugspitze ($$$$$$$ or actually €€€€€€€). Other than that Munich really caters more to the elderly who like oompah music and Lederhosen atmosphere. Berlin is one of the most exciting cities in all Europe.
Berlin! Not counting side trips, you can see Munich in a day. In Berlin, you need a week. I can't wait to go back.
Dont forget about the Berlin Zoo!
My vote goes to Berlin,if you can only visit one. Berlin is utterly fantastic, a pulsating and exciting place. Just marvel at the Hauptbahnhof,
finished in 2006. As mentioned Berlin takes at least a week, and compared to Munich regarding accomodations, it is much cheaper when it comes to
staying in 2 or 3 star hotels, especially in the Charlottenburg area. Spend your 4 days in Berlin and you will want to go back!!