My First Time in Germany – Munich and Berlin
Arriving for the first time in Germany filled me with excitement and curiosity. It’s a country in Europe I’ve always wanted to visit, so when I had the chance to travel to Europe again, I made sure to include Germany in my plans. The idea of experiencing its culture and seeing its famous sights was a dream come true for me. So, stepping onto German soil was a moment of pure anticipation and joy, marking the continuation of an unforgettable journey around Europe.
During my time in Germany, I had the chance to visit two iconic cities: Munich and Berlin. My first stop was Munich, coinciding with the beginning of Oktoberfest. Eager to immerse myself in the festivities, I was disappointed that my schedule didn’t allow for much time in Munich during the festival. With accommodations fully booked and pricey, I could only manage a brief overnight stay. Nonetheless, I made the most of my visit to Munich. Later in my Europe trip, I also explored Berlin, spending two nights in the city and taking in as many sights as possible. Despite the short visits, I was grateful for the chance to explore these iconic German cities. Here’s a glimpse into my memorable experiences and tourist spots I was able to see in Munich and Berlin.
Munich
After traveling from Luxembourg for 6 hours, I reached Munich Central Station late at night. The station was bustling with people, signaling the start of Oktoberfest. I quickly made my way to my hostel, which is just a short walk from the station. At the hostel, I showed my passport to confirm my booking and received my room key from the staff. Exhausted and famished, I dropped off my bag in the room and headed out for a quick bite to eat. Returning to the hostel, I decided to call it a night, looking forward to exploring the city’s attractions the next day when I was more rested.
Places to visit in Munich
As this was my first time in Germany, I was eager to make the most of my one-day tour in Munich so I woke up early to start my exploration. With its fascinating history, impressive architecture, and vibrant cultural offerings, the city promised an exciting day ahead. Here’s a rundown of the places I was able to visit during my time in Munich.
- Alte Pinakothek – One of the oldest art galleries, which houses an extensive collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the end of the Rococo period.
- Odeonsplatz – A historic square located in the city center. It is known for its grand architectural landmarks and serves as a prominent gathering place and thoroughfare.
- Hofgarten – It is one of the oldest parklands in the city. The garden is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to relax, stroll, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
- Munich Residenz – A historic palace complex renowned for its stunning architecture, opulent interior decorations, and extensive collections of art, furniture, and artifacts.
- Marienplatz – A central square that serves as the city’s main gathering place and is surrounded by historic buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- New Town Hall – One of the most prominent landmarks on Marienplatz, renowned for its neo-Gothic architecture and the famous Glockenspiel clock tower.
- St. Peter Church – One of the oldest churches in Munich, Germany, dating back to the 12th century. The church is famous for its distinctive tower, which offers panoramic views of Munich and the surrounding area.
- Asamkirche – A Baroque church built in the 18th century. This church is popular for its stunning Baroque architecture, characterized by intricate stucco work, gilded decorations, and richly adorned altars.
- Frauenkirche – Also known as Cathedral of Our Dear Lady. The church is renowned for its distinctive twin towers, which dominate the Munich skyline, and its vast interior, which features impressive Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows.
- St. Michael München – A historic Jesuit church constructed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It is one of the city’s most important Renaissance landmarks.
Berlin
After leaving Munich, my next stop wasn’t Berlin but rather, it came after my trip from Prague. Traveling by train, I spent around 5 hours en route and arrived in Berlin late in the evening. Interestingly, compared to my arrival experience in Munich, the central station in Berlin was notably less crowded during the night.
Places to visit in Berlin
For my visit to Berlin, I had planned a two-night stay, which I believed would be sufficient to explore some of the city’s important tourist attractions. Recognized as a dynamic and vibrant city, Berlin boasts a diverse blend of history, culture, and creativity, making it an inherently captivating destination to explore. From historic sites to world-class museum, Berlin proved to be a remarkable addition to my Europe trip. Here’s a summary of the places I had the pleasure of exploring during my time in Berlin.
- Berlin Wall – The Berlin Wall holds significant historical and cultural importance and has become a major tourist attraction in Berlin. The wall separated East and West Berlin during the Cold War.
- Reichstag Building – The seat of the German Bundestag (parliament) and an iconic landmark in the city.
- Brandenburg Gate – One of the most iconic landmarks and is a major tourist attraction in Berlin. It is a neoclassical triumphal arch that was originally built in the late 18th century as a symbol of peace and unity.
- Holocaust Memorial – Officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, is a significant monument commemorating the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
- Berlin Cathedral – Also known as the Berliner Dom in German, is a magnificent landmark located on Museum Island in the heart of Berlin. It is one of the most prominent and imposing buildings in the city.
- Museum Island – A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a complex of five world-renowned museums such as Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and Pergamon Museum.
- Berliner Fernsehturm – A prominent landmark and a symbol of Berlin. It stands at 368 meters tall and is the tallest structure in Germany.
These are just few of the places you might consider visiting in Munich and Berlin. It was my first time in Germany and I hope this won’t be my last trip. I’m excited about the possibility of returning to Europe and discovering even more cities and destinations in Germany.
Budget
To help with your trip and make sure you enjoy your vacation, here’s a rough estimate of how much I spent during my first time in Germany. This is excluded of train ticket from and to Munich and Berlin.
- Bed in a 6-bed dorm room at The 4You Hostel & Hotel Munich (2D/1N) – Php2,200
- Bed in a 6-bed dorm room at The Circus Hostel (3D/2N) – Php6,700
- Food and drinks (estimated cost for my lunch, dinner, and snacks for 4 days) – Php5,000
- Other expenses (transportations and miscellaneous) – Php1,000
Approximate total expense per person: Php14,900
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