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Peru

Why 2016 is THE Year to Travel to Peru

Can you hear the Andes calling? Are you longing to hike into Machu Picchu? Do the ancient secrets of the Inca whisper to you? Me too. The good news is that Peru is listed as one of the Top 10 Value Destinations for European Travelers in 2016. The strong currency makes it a great year to go.

Canadian travelers, Australian adventurers and those with the ultra-strong US currency in their wallets will also find Peru a great value in 2016.

Looking for Reasons to Visit Peru?

If you’re in to adventure then you’ll want to check out Peru’s Hidden Adventure Tourism Gems.

And, of course, no trip to Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. Here’s the Step by Step Guide.

Peru is a great destination for travelers of all ages. If you happen to be a little older than 25, with boots & a backpack, here are Nine Reasons Why You Should go to Peru as a Senior.

Moth larvae, pig hearts, cow nostrils, coca leaves and guinea pig… have you tried them? There are some Exciting Edibles in South America.

Sand surfing in Peru. I want to do this when I go back!

Peru is more than the high Andes, it’s also home to the headwaters of the mighty Amazon. Check out the rainforest, take a river boat adventure and maybe even go Gator Huntin’ in the Amazon!

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Featured Articles Vietnam

Top Resources for Traveling in Southeast Asia

A good portion of indie travelers come to Southeast Asia and spend a considerable amount of time there. Those who take round the world trips often plan their trips around spending as time in the region as they can, and with good reason. The relative ease of travel, the budget friendly nature of most countries, the friendliness of the people, and the natural beauty all combine to create the perfect storm for the indie traveler.

Sifting through all the information out there can be maddening, so BootsnAll wanted to simplify it for you. Here are some of the best articles and resources put together by the world’s indie travel leader for traveling in and around Southeast Asia:

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Sweden Things to Do

Sweden in July

Summer is the most popular time to visit Sweden, thanks to the warm temperatures. Early summer – including July – is famous for the natural phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, the reason for which both locals and travelers visit Northern Sweden. You can also plan to do some sightseeing in the cities, explore nature or try your luck at various sports.

Weather

Sweden’s climate is hard to classify because it is influenced by the Gulf Stream. The country has a lot of sunny days but it never gets hot in the summer. July is the warmest month , making summer – June to August – the best time to visit the country.

The cafes, most attractions and museums are open. However, the major cultural venues are closed during summer, unless there’s a festival or special event. Most locals and tourists flock to the north of Sweden to see the Midnight Sun. It is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights – known also as Polar Days – and they only occur in early summer (May to July). Even in the South, daylight can last until 11 p.m. and the sun rises around 3 a.m. Although the daylight lasts almost through the night, it’s not as warm as during midday, so bring a sweater.

Sample temperatures

Gothenburg avg high 19C/67F; avg low 12/55F
Kiruna – excellent to see the Polar Days: avg high 17C/63F; avg low 7C/46F
Malmo avg high 20C/68F; avg low 12C/55F
Stockholm avg high 21C/70C; avg low 12C/54F
Uppsala avg temp 16C/60F

>>read more about Weather in Sweden

Flights and accommodation

Summer – and July makes no exception – is the most expensive time to fly to Sweden. It’s high season and finding an affordable flight is impossible. To compensate, hotels have some discounts now. Do make sure to book the flights and accommodation in advance.

Things to do

Summer is the time when locals abandon the cities and go to the countryside to relax and reconnect with nature (at least for a week). If you don’t like crowds , now it’s the time to visit the cities. However, certain cultural venues might be closed unless there’s a festival or special event taking place.

The things to do in Stockholm include exploring the Old Town , watching the changing of the guard and spending time in nature. You can also plan a day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago or enjoy the two city beaches.

But the reason travelers come to Sweden in early summer is the Midnight Sun. Also known as Polar Days, the natural phenomenon is the exact opposite of the Polar Nights. The further north you go, the shorter the nights are and in some places the sun never sets (for up to 6 weeks). Even in the south part of Sweden, the suns sets around 11 p.m. only to rise again at 3 a.m. In early July, head to Bjoürkliden, Abisko, Kiruna or Gällivare to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. All these places can be easily reached by public transportation.

You can take a scenic ride on the Lapland train , which runs from Malmö in Sweden to Narvik in Norway. It takes you across the Arctic Circle so you can experience the Midnight Sun. The single fare for the entire length of the journey is 799 SEK / €90. Youth (under 26) and pensioners get 15% discount. Interrail and Eurail cards are valid for travel on the Lapland train.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy nature and participate in activities such as: fishing, hiking, diving, biking, golfing, scenic train or boat trips , horse riding or trying water sports. Camping in one of the national parks is a lovely way to experience nature.

Photo credit

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do

3 Days in Munich: Itinerary Ideas

Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest. Or , if you don’t visit during the fair, with large quantities of beer , pretzels and sausages. But Munich is so much than a drink and greasy food.

>>read more about the things to do in Munich

Itinerary assumptions:

  • fly directly into Munich
  • stay in a budget hotel or hostel close to the city center
  • make use of the public transportation (underground, tram, bus) ; the inner district 3 days card costs €13.80.
  • if you feel comfortable on bike, you can rent one for your stay in Munich. There are many bike paths in the city but the accidents involving bicycles are on the rise.

Sample prices

  • Return flight: London – Munich – London; Aug 10 – Aug 13, 2012; from €113 on EasyJet
  • Return flight: Paris – Munich – Paris; Aug 10 – Aug 13, 2012; from €131 on Air France
  • Accommodation: from €57 / person / 3 nights in a 12-bed dorm; from €252 / 2 persons / 3 nights in a twin room with private bathroom.

Day 1

Start the day with a free walking tour of Munich (details here ) . One of the start points is in Marienplatz at 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour visits the Hofbräuhaus and Frauenkirche, among other important landmarks, and takes three hours.

After the tour, go back to Marienplatz and explore the city in depths. Go to the top of Frauenkirche to see the views of the city and enjoy lunch in Viktualienmarkt.

In the afternoon, explore the English Gardens , with its lake, waterfall, beer gardens and enjoy the time in nature. Pack a picnic basket if you don’t want to get back to a beer hall for dinner.

Alternative Day 1

Plan to spend the first day in Alstadt (Old Town). Start in Maxburgstrasse and visit St Michael’s Church and then explore Frauenkirche. Don’t forget to go to the top for some interesting views of the city.

Walk to Marienplatz, the heart of the Old Town. Stop to see the statues dance (during summer at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. every day for 15 min) and then visit some of the churches in the area or just do some people watching.

In Viktualienmarkt there’s a beer garden pretty well known among budget travelers. Try the food and don’t miss tasting the beer, either.

Go to Odeonsplatz and continue to the English Gardens, the continent’s largest city center park. Between an artificial lake, the Chinese Gardens – complete with beer gardens – and interesting structures, you’ll be busy for the entire afternoon.

During the evening, make your way to Landsbergerstrasse and its Augustiner Braustuben, a traditional beer hall. Try the food and meet the locals. Sure, try the beer , too but mind the quantities. You still have some sightseeing left to do in the town.

Day 2

Start your day with a visit to Deutsches Museum, Europe’s largest technology museum. It is located close to Viktualienmarkt, so after spending hours checking out the exhibits, you can enjoy lunch here, or make your way to Hofbrauhaus, Munich’s best known beer hall. It’s touristy and not exactly authentic but it’s not a bad choice for lunch.

Go back to Marienplatz and take Deinerstrasse to get to Munich Residence, where you can learn about the Bavarian history.

From Marienplatz, take U3 to get to to northern Munich with its Olympiapark. Exploring it is free, unless you want to take some guided tours (which cost few Euros).

Day 3

After enjoying Munich for two days, escape the city to visit the superb Neuschwanstein Castle on your third day. Take the train to Füssen and then the bus Hohenschwangau. In total you’ll be traveling for about 4 hours (including the 30 min walk to the castle). So, leave Munich early in the day, especially if you’ll tackle the summer crowds, too. Driving saves some time (under 2 h to get to Hohenschwangau) but you need to consider the cost of renting a car.

You might remember this castle as being very similar to Cinderella’s castle in Disney’s vision. Actually, her castle was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle, which is , indeed, a super sight. The guided tour takes only 35 min but you can spend some more time exploring the surrounding forest.

After visiting the castle which inspired Disney, take some time to explore Hohenschwangau, the castle where King Ludwig II grew up. The Romanesque style is charming.

>>read more about Getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Photo credits: Marienplatz ; Beer ; Castle

Categories
Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do

3 Days in Berlin: Itinerary Ideas

Germany’s capital is filled with historical sites, interesting museums, good shopping and excellent bars and clubs. Seeing Berlin in only three days can be an adventure but you will be able to hit at least the most important sights.

Itinerary assumptions:

  • fly directly into Berlin
  • stay in a budget hotel or hostel located close to the main sites (main even in Alexanderplatz)
  • make use of the public transportation (underground, bus, tram) and use the trains for the day trip; a day card (€ 6.80) is valid for trips to Potsdam, too
  • if you are comfortable cycling, then you can rent a bike during your stay in Berlin and make use of the many cycling paths available

Sample prices:

  • Return flight: London – Berlin – London : Aug 10 – Aug 13 , from €120 (Ryanair, Easyjet)
  • Return flight: Paris – Berlin – Paris: Aug 10 – Aug 13 , from €131 (Lufthansa)
  • Accommodation: from €43 per person (3 nights in 8-bed dorm); from €156 / 2 persons / 3 nights in twin room with private bathroom

Day 1

Start your first day in Berlin with a free walking tour (details here ). It starts at the Brandenburg Gate, in front of Starbucks daily at 9 a.m. , 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The tour visits the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and Museum Island (among others). Get to Brandenburg Gate before the beginning of the tour so that you can visit it (it’s free).

Now that you have an idea where the main sights are located and how to get to them, it’s easier to plan the rest of your stay. Take a lunch break on Museum Island (where the tour ends) and then visit some of the museums. Pergamonmuseum features interesting collections of Greek and Roman relics and is considered the best museum in the city.

Finish the day in the Mitte district. Have dinner and try some of the clubs and bars.

Day 2

Start the day by seeing the city from above. The Reichstag has a glass dome which can be climbed. Be aware that you need to register on their website for such an experience (details here ) . There’s also a rooftop restaurant so if you don’t mind splurging a bit, you can enjoy a coffee or lunch with great views of Berlin.

Now it’s time to go to the Zoo. It’s the biggest in Europe and even if you don’t care much for seeing the animals, taking the tram to there will show some lovely sights and the time spent in the nature is a good change.

Alternatively, you can pack a picnic basket and head to Tiergarten, the largest park in Berlin. Then, for some interesting shopping head to Kurfürstendamm , which is filled with international chains.

In the evening, go to the Friedrichshain district. Have dinner and check out the bars and clubs in the area.

Day 3

Don’t leave Berlin without taking an in-depth look at the Berlin Wall… or better said at its most interesting part. In the Friedrichshain district, there’s the Eastside Gallery, named so because of the graffiti which now beautify the wall.

Head to Wannsee area for lunch and spend the afternoon here. The mad-made lake is an activities hub during summer. Soak up the sun and do some people watching.

Alternatively, you can visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews in Europe and its information center. And then visit Berliner Dom, the most impressive church in the city.

Alternative Day 3

Another option is to plan a day trip to Potsdam. Head to the train station, board the next available one and spend a day visiting this interesting city. There are walking tours available (such as this one ) . You get to see the old city palace , an interesting bridge and learn a lot about the city’s history.

>>read more about the Things to do in Berlin

Photo credits: Brandenburg Gate , Glass Dome , Berlin Wall, Potsdam

Categories
Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival held annually in Munich, Germany. Despite its name, it runs from late September to early October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world’s largest fair.

The event is held in an area called Theresienwiese, close to the city’s center. While beer is the main star of the festival, local foods are also enjoyed during the fair.

The beer

All beer served at the fair must be brewed within the city limits of Munich and have about 6% alcohol. All beers served must abide to the German Beer Purity Law.

History

Prince Ludwig (later to become King Ludwig I) was married to Princess Therese of Bavaria in October 1810. To celebrate the citizens of Munich were invited to a festival held on the fields in front of the city gates (called Theresienwiese). The event was closed with horse races and the next year they decided to repeat the horse races. Hence, the festival was born.

In 1811, an agricultural show was also added to the festival. The horse races ended in 1960, but the agricultural show still takes place every four years. In 1816, carnival booths appear. Since 1850 the annual parade became tradition and an important component of the festival.

In 1854 the festival was cancelled due to a cholera epidemic, while in 1866 and 1870 it wasn’t held due to wars. In 1873, it was canceled again due to cholera epidemic. In 1881 the first bratwurst (sausage) were sold at the festival and in 1892 the beer was first served in glass mugs. By the end of the 19th century, the booths became beer halls as the organizers wanted more room for the musicians and the guests.

From 1914 to 1918 the festival was canceled due to World War I. Then in 1923 and 1924 it didn’t take place because of inflation. From 1939 to 1945 , World War II canceled the festival.

Since 1950 there has been a traditional festival opening : a twelve gun salute and the tapping of the first keg at midday.

In 2005, the concept of “quiet Oktoberfest” was introduced to keep the festival family-friendly. Until 6 p.m. only quiet music is played, leaving the partying music for later in the day.

Tents

There are currently 14 large tents at Oktoberfest. Here is a list of some of these tents :

  • Hippodrom is of the favorite tent among youngsters and also serves sparkling wine.
  • Armbrustschützenzelt is home to the crossbow competition. Try the food, too.
  • Hofbräu-Festzelt is very popular among Americans and Australians.
  • Schottenhamel is where the first keg is open and the party starts. It is a favorite of the local younger crowds.
  • Winzerer Fähndl is decorated with authentic Bavarian details.
  • Weinzelt also serves more than 15 different wines, as well as sparkling wine and champagne.

How to get to Munich

Munich is served by the second busiest airport in Germany. But during Oktoberfest this only means that a lot of people choose to fly here and the fares skyrocket. Even low-cost carriers aren’t that cheap during this time of the year.

Expect to pay from €112 one way on Air Berlin should you choose to fly from London in late September. Fly from Paris and the fare is €169 one way on Niki. But you can do something to lower the price: fly into another city and travel by train to Munich. Train travel in Germany is well organized and there are connections all over the country. Book your ticket up to 92 days in advance to get the discounts.

>>book a cheap flight to Munich

Where to stay

I’d start with the obvious: unless you somehow managed to score a very good deal way ahead of time, don’t stay in Munich. The city is expensive anyway but during Oktoberfest the prices skyrocket.

Since the festival takes place in late September (Sept 22 to Oct 7, 2012 to be exact), don’t count on warm enough weather for camping. Although in a dorm you can pay from €10 per night for a bed (within a campsite). And remember that some budget hotels have a 3-night minimum stay policy.

Where to stay then?

In Salzburg (Austria), beds in hostels start from €19 per night. Take the train (from €19 one way , 1h 45 min) to Munich.

In Regensburg, beds start at €16.57 per night. The train ticket is €25.20 one way and takes 1 ½ h to get to Munich.

In Nuremberg, you can find hostel beds at €16 per night. But the train to Munich is more expensive (€44 one way, 1h 15 min).

However, in order to save some more money and if you travel with a group of friends, consider buying group train tickets.

Read more about:
>>How to Enjoy Oktoberfest on a Beer Budget
>>Guide to Munich’s Oktoberfest
>>Oktoberfest in Munich

Photo credits:Official poster , Beer

Categories
Sweden Things to Do

Things to do in Stockholm

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is made up of 14 islands connected by about 50 bridges. The lively city offers an amazing Old Town (Gamla Stan), alongside modern architecture and a lot of green space. It probably offers the freshest air in the entire Europe thanks to its waterways and green spaces.

Despite its location, Stockholm has a fairly mild climate but the sunlight varies a lot from season to season. Unless you like to venture in the night – since in December there are only 6 hours of sunlight per day -, it’s best to plan your visit during late spring to early fall.

Explore the Old Town (Gamla Stan)

The beautifully preserved hear of the city, the Old Town offers narrow medieval alleys, small and picturesque squares, interesting old churches and lively taverns. Sure, it can get incredibly crowded during the high season, so plan your visit accordingly.

See the changing of the guards

You can watch the 40 minute event in front of the residence of the King of Sweden. At about midday (12:15 p.m.) daily during summer (May to August) you can see a Military Band and sometimes the guards on horses, too. In the winter, the event is not as big (and of course there aren’t as many tourists either) and takes place Wed and Sat at 12:00 p.m. and on Sun at 1 p.m. In April, September and October it takes place on Wed & Sat at 12:15 p.m. and on Sun at 1:15 p.m.

And by the way, this is one of the free things to do in Stockholm.

Visit the Nobel Museum

It opened in 2001 to commemorate the centenary of the Nobel Prizes. The museum is not large but can keep you entertained (and educate you) for a while. You can listen to acceptance speeches and see short films about the laureates. Admission is 60 kr.

>>read more about the Museums in Stockholm

Visit the Vasa Museum

It is the most visited museum in Scandinavia. The warship Vasa sunk on her maiden voyage but has been salvaged and now is a museum.

>>read about the Top 10 Museums in Stockholm

Have a drink on a boat

Several pontoons and boats are now bars and restaurants, extremely popular among both locals and visitors. At the edge of the Old Town you can find an old steamboat which is actually a pontoon turned into a posh restaurant (admission is 50 kr)

See the City Hall (Stadshuset)

It is the most well known landmark in Stockholm, home to the Nobel Prize banquet, held annually here in the Blue Hall. You can visit the City Hall during a guided tour , which includes the Golden Hall and the Council Chamber. There’s a fantastic view from the tower.

Taste the local food

Meatballs, herring platter, cheese and many traditional Swedish dishes await those ready to taste the local fare. Go to a Swedish beer hall for some traditional eating and schnapps.

Enjoy the nature on Djurgården

The royal grounds are a perfect place to enjoy a day in nature. Pack a picnic basket and head to this superb island in the middle of Stockholm. Walk, bike and enjoy the views.

Drink coffee

Locals love their coffee with someone sweet alongside, so don’t be surprised to find amazing cafes for your caffeine fix . By the way: some of the most popular cafes also come with a great view.

ABBA

We aren’t exactly suggesting you to become an ABBA fan (if you love them just as much as Anthony Bourdain does) , but you can indulge in some good music while you are in Stockholm. Folk, pop, rock, salsa…you name it, there’s a club where you can find it.

Day trip to the islands of the Stockholm Archipelago

Stockholm Archipelago can be easily reached by ferry from the city . It covers 140 km and has plenty of islands to explore. The scenery differs from the island to island but during summer it’s typically warmer than in the city.

Take the kids to Junibacken

Junibacken is a mini indoor theme park devoted to Pipi Longstocking (a character created by Astrid Lindgren). You and the kids can ride a fairytale train through fictional landscape.

Swim

Långholmsbadet and Smedsuddsbadet are the city’s two swimming beaches, very popular during summer among both locals and tourists. And both are public beaches so swimming here is free.

Photo credits: Old Town , Changing of the guards , Nobel Museum , Vasa Museum , City Hall , Food , Royal grounds , Coffee , Stockholm Archipelago , Junibacken , Beach

Categories
Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is located few kilometers from Füssen, an enchanting town in Bavaria. Aside from being the gateway to the famous castle, the city of Füssen is also home to Hohes Schloss , the former Benedictine monastery of St Mang and there are lovely lakes with magnificent views located near by, too.

The castle is located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau and was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat. Immediately after the king’s death, the castle was open for the public. Most tourists know this castle as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Summary

Neuschwanstein Castle is located close to Munich so visit it as a day trip is an excellent choice. Trains take about 2 hours and then you need to take a short bus ride before you walk for 30 min to get to the castle.

Trains and buses from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Bahn.de operates a variety of trains between Munich and Füssen. Direct trains start running at 7:51 a.m. and leave hourly. The single savings fare is €21 and the standard fare is €24. The travel time is 2 h.

Once in Füssen, take bus 9713 to Hohenschwangau. From here, the castle can be reached on foot (30 min walk).

Driving from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

You can rent a car in Munich and drive the 128 km to Hohenschwangau (on A96 and B17) in about 1h 45 min. From here, just walk to the castle. You can find parking in Hohenschwangau (cost: about €5).

View Larger Map

Photo credit

Categories
Germany Things to Do

What to Eat in Germany: Famous German Foods

The German cuisine has evolved through the centuries, responding to the political and cultural changes. The southern regions share many dishes and you can find similar ones across the border , in Austria, too. The Pretzels and the beer are probably the best known items belonging to the German cuisine.

The German cuisine is not exactly vegetarian friendly, although many vegetables are included in side dishes. Asparagus gets its days of fame in late spring.

Beer

Beer is considered food all over Europe (and wine is, too, by the way) so we can safely say that this is the most famous German food. The world’s oldest brewery is in Bavaria and Pils is the most popular type of beer produced in the country.

Sausages

Another staple of the German cuisine is the sausage, which comes in many forms…and tastes. In the Rhine region it is flavored with raisins , while in Berlin they cook it with spices. Some of the types of sausages are: bauernwurst – the farmer’s sausage, made with pork – , blutwurst – blood sausage -, bratwurst – roast sausage made from pork meat – , weisswurst – a lighter variety, made with veal – and leberwurst – liver sausage. They are typically served with sauerkraut (sour cabbage).

Potatoes

These have always been a staple of the German cuisine. In some regions, the potatoes are eaten with bacon and beans, while in other with spicy sausage and bacon. Try the Kartoffelsalat – which is a potato salad , made with olive oil and vinegar – and the Kartoffelsuppe – a soup made from cubed potatoes, onion and bacon. Potato pancakes, served with smoked salmon and cream cheese , are excellent choices if you are on the run (or plan to eat something at a fair).

Noodles

Thicker than Italian pasta, the German noodles are a very popular side dish. The Spätzle variety is used in the south-west region and contains a lot of yolk.

Dumplings

The dumplings are a side dish served with many dishes and they vary in form depending on the region. You can try the Kartoffelknödeln (potato dumplings).

Sauerbraten

It is a pot roast, usually made with beef or pork (horse was used in the past). The meat is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, water, spices and seasonings before it’s cooked. It’s served with red cabbage, kartoffelknödeln (potato dumplings), boiled potatoes or noodles.

Pretzels and other pastries

Germans love to eat bread with every meal and they enjoy various pastries, too, including soft pretzels. Pastries are usually prepared with fresh local fruits , such as plums, apples and berries. The Black Forest cake is very popular in the country. The German chocolate cake is not of German origin.

Hasenpfeffer

This is a traditional stew made from marinated rabbit (or hare). The meat is braised with onions and wine. The animal’s blood is added to thicken the stew.

Goulasch

Those who visited Hungary already know about this spicy stew which can be made with pork, beef, chicken or fish. Germans make it with beef and pork , which are stewed with pepper (red or green) and served with potatoes or noodles.

Photo credits: Beer , Sausage , Kartoffelsalat , Spätzle , Potato dumplings , Sauerbraten , Pretzel , Goulasch

Categories
Germany Things to Do

Things to do in Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, very well known thanks to the Oktoberfest, an annual event which includes a lot of beer, music and German food. But the city is also famous for the architecture and culture , being home to excellent museums.

Oktoberfest

The first festival took place back in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. In the early years, horse races were held as part of the event , and later agricultural conventions were added. In 1896, the first giant beer tent appeared within the festival. And the rest, it’s history.

If you plan to head to Munich for Oktoberfest, make sure to book the accommodation way ahead of time. Consider staying outside the city as the room rates tend to double during the fair. The public transportation system is pretty much over crowded especially during the weekends.

But , if you love beer, then this is the place to be. And don’t forget to try the German food, as well.

Clubbing in Kunstpark

If you still have energy after all that beer, then you can head to Kunstpark, a former industrial area, now filled with clubs and bars to suit all tastes.

Relax in the Englischer Garten

Whether you nurse a hangover or just want to relax after visiting the city, the Englischer Garten is an excellent choice. It’s the largest green area in Munich and offers plenty of things to do. You can walk, jog, bike, surf, enjoy a picnic or row a boat.

Stop by the Viktualienmarkt to buy some goodies for your picnic first.

Eat lunch in Marienplatz

Marienplatz is a very popular destination for tourists. You can enjoy a meal, go shopping, do some people watching or party the night away. Plus, the tourist attractions are within walking distance.

Visit the park at Schloss Nymphenburg

Schloss Nymphenburg was the royal summer residence and the gardens are now open to the public. You can visit the castle or walk in the garden.

Visit Peterskirche

Peterskirche is the oldest church in Munich, dating from the 12th century. It’s right in Marienplatz and the tower offers lovely views of the surrounding area.

See the city from the twin towers of Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche was built in the 16th century and restored after World War II. The view from the twin towers is considered one of the best in Munich.

Ride a sledge at Blomberg

No, it doesn’t have to be winter to try this one. Blomberg mountain is an excellent place to head to if you like some action…or fancy seeing excellent views of the surrounding area. Try the sledge or go hiking. If you get hungry, there’s a restaurant in the area, too.

Explore the area from Karlsplatz to Marienplatz

Walk between the two squares, go shopping or stop for a coffee when you get too tired.

Visit the BMW museum

BMW Welt is the only BMW museum in the world and if cars are your thing, then don’t miss this one. You can test drive simulation cars, learn about the brand’s history and the models.

Olympia park

The Olympics took place in Munich in 1972 but the park is still open and an excellent choice for an active day. In the winter, you can ski down the slopes , while during summer you can swim in the pool. Plus, there are shows taking place year round.

Visit a Christmas Market

If you plan to visit Munich in December, don’t miss one of the Christmas Markets which take place in the city. Pick up decorations for your tree, get some gifts and try the mulled wine.

Take the kids to the Deutsches Museum

It is the largest technological and scientific museum in the world and is a pleasure to visit. Take the kids to explore the interesting displays.

Photo credits: Oktoberfest , Englischer Garten , Marienplatz , Schloss Nymphenburg , View from Peterskirche , Frauenkirche , Karlsplatz , BMW museum , Olympia park , Christmas Market , Deutsches Museum