24 hours in Munich
Arriving on a sleek, modern ICE train from Berlin, Munich Hauptbahnhof is a grand entrance to a wonderful city. I disembarked with my large suitcase and descended into the very efficient S-Bahn network. Only 4 stops on the S-Bahn and I was at Rosenheimer Platz and checking in to the very comfortable Holiday Inn Munich City Centre. I resisted the temptation to lie back on the very inviting bed, and headed out to explore the Bavarian capital. I wandered down across the small river and into the historical Platzl area, where I lost myself in the maze of medieval streets, all beautifully renovated following the destruction caused during the Second World War. I eventually found myself in the Stadtmuseum, a fascinating collection of artefacts relating to the history of the city from Roman times onwards. As the Platzl area gives way to the magnificent Marienplatz, the focal centre of the city, I was enchanted by all the renovations that have taken place since the ruin left in 1945. The St Peter's Tower was a personal highlight for me and I embarked on the long walk up the hundreds of steps...the reward was a breathtaking 360-degree panorama view all around the city and further afield to the Swiss Alps. Back to terra firma, I took a stroll into the Viktualienmarkt, where I stopped for a lovely alfresco cappucino, resting my weary legs after that ascent and descent of the tower. I was starting to get a little hungry by this point, so I headed up to the Englischer Garten in the northern part of the city centre. I wandered through the large public gardens until I clapped eyes on the legendary Chinesischer Turm. This was first built in 1790 and was modelled on the "Great Pagoda" in the Royal Botanic Gardens in London. The Pagoda, twice as high as the tower, was supposed to resemble a porcelain pagoda in the gardens of a Chinese emperor. More pertinently, it now has a large beer garden attached to it, which drew my attention and my business. I ordered a large Bavarian sausage salad and a rather large Hofbrau beer and whiled away the time basking in the sun and relaxing. In the afternoon, I gathered myself up and walked back towards the city centre, stopping off for a spot of retail therapy at Fünf Höfe shopping arcade. This is a blissful and shady antidote to the bustle of the streets outside, a civilised environment for window shopping and the occasional rash purchase! On returning to the Holiday Inn and a long power shower, I decided it was time to head to the world-renowned Hofbrauhaus to sample the local brew. It is something of a tourist-trap, with an oompah band churning out old Bavarian classics and long benches seating hordes of visitors, but somehow a trip to Munich would not be complete without it. Of course, beer is served in 1-litre "steins" and slips down very well. I slept well that night, with happy memories of this wonderful city in my mind and ready to move on the following day. If stopping over in Munich, I would highly recommend a second night there, in order to take in all this beautiful baroque city has to offer.
