The Best of Bavaria plus Frankfurt

First Night, First Beers

When in Munich, drink as the locals do. Munich has certainly earned its title as “Beer Capital of the World,” so what could be a better activity for your first night than going to one of its famed beer halls, meeting locals, and hearing their stories? If you’re the teetotalling type or raucous beer halls aren’t your thing, you can take a nice walk down Neuhauser Strasse, followed by the Kaufingerstrasse, leading to the city’s most famous square, the Marienplatz, with its magnificent city hall, the Neues Rathaus.

Bike through the English Garden

The English Garden is a must for every visitor. This vast green space in the middle of bustling city is a great way to stay active without leaving the city center. As one of Europe's largest urban parks, we recommend exploring it by bike. Some of the highlights in the park are Japanese teahouse and garden (a gift from Japan for the Olympics) and an 18th-century "Chinese Tower." This pagoda like structure is very pleasant place to have a break and get a drink, as it's right next to the city's largest beer garden. Further north, you can find the park's main lake, and a meadow popular with sunbathers, while heading south will take you to the Eisbach ("Ice Stream,") home to a standing wave popular with surfers.

Hike the Alps

Postcard Pics

Sail to Valhalla

A Neoclassical hall of fame based on Athens' Parthenon, Walhalla ("Valhalla") was built in the 19th century to commemorate great Germans, albeit with a definition loose enough to include Copernicus, Erasmus, Paracelsus, Catherine the Great, and others from places no longer considered German. Located along the Danube, the most scenic way to arrive is with an hourlong boat ride. From April to October, ferries run three times a day from near the Stone Bridge.

The World's Oldest Public Restaurant

Climb the Castle Hill

After getting settled, we recommend ascending through the city to the imposing castle at one end of the historic center. The castle and the neighboring city walls are considered one of the most imposing medieval fortifications in Europe, while the castle itself offers the best view of the city and its preserved center. Be sure to check out the castle gardens, a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city.

See the City's Best Museums

The National Germanic Museum is home to the country's largest collection centered around German art and culture. The museum has more than 1.3 million items, from antique toys and dollhouses, to pivotal treaties, imperial seals, unusual musical instruments, and fine works of art. The museum is located on Kartäusergasse, which also hosts the Way of Human Rights, a monument dedicated to world peace that stretches all the way down the street. The city's other most famous museum is the Nuremberg Transport Museum, composed of the DB Museum (run by Deutsche Bahn, the German Amtrak) and the Museum of Communications.

Get the Best First Impression

One of the most popular activities in Rothenburg is to spend half an hour or so walking atop the old town’s preserved walls between its gates (or “Tors”). This fascinating and scenic walk is best started from the Spitaltor, a massive gatehouse built in the 1500s, then heading toward the equally stunning Rödertor, stopping along the way to enjoy the views. The next leg leads to the Klingentor and the 15th-century St. Wolfgang's Church. In all there are 42 gatehouses and towers, so be sure to allow enough time to see as many as possible along your walking tour. For the town’s best view, visit the park behind the Burg Tower. 

Charming Town, Charming Museums

Despite its small size, Rothenburg punches above its weight, offering some fascinating museums. Museums like Walburga's House, the Crime and Punishment Museum, ad the City Museum bring the history of Rothenburg to life, and are interactive and informative, enjoyable for travelers of every age. Your local representative will recommend places that focus on both the city, and some more unusual topics.

Enjoy Local Brews

A pub crawl is ideal for experiencing Frankfurt’s vibrant nightlife. Germany's may be famous for beers, but don't miss out of Apfelwein, the sour hard cider Frankfurt and its surroundings are known for (you can drink it "pure," but many order it mixed with sparkling water or carbonated lemonade to reduce the sourness). To head from bar to bar, visit Schweizer Strasse in Old Sachsenhausen. This tree-line commercial street houses plenty of pubs and taverns that brew their own Apfelwein, but naturally offer plenty of local beers and wines as well.

Riverside Museum After Museum