Munich is Bavaria- more conservative, wealthier, more traditional and therefore what people outside Germany think of as Germany (lederhosen, big beer mugs, etc) this is not what all of Germans think is Germany. Berlin is way more cosmopolitan, artsy, progressive so just depends on what you want.

Berlin!

Munich is very walkable and accessible for a weekend trip. Public transportation is easy and plentiful. The people are generally pretty friendly and it's easy to get around. As someone mentioned above, Bavaria is what Americans think of when they think of Germany -- beer halls, sausages, pretzels, lederhosen. The museums are also good. It's a very manageable long weekend trip.

Berlin is a more cosmopolitan, international city. It's lovely in the summer and the museums are first rate. The food is more international and the nightlife is impressive.

They're both great but very different vibes.

Berlin

I.love both places, but they are very different.

Munich is stereotypical Germany, at least as Americans think of it. Lederhosen, big beer gardens, German countryside, etc. It's fun. Palaces and castles and churches and world famous beer.

Berliner is gritty and worldly. It's the capital of the most powerful country in Europe, and one of the most powerful in the world. The scars of the Nazi regime and the Wall are lurking everywhere. It feels like the entire world has emigrated to Berlin--you can't eat anything and everything.

Anonymous wrote:Munich is a bit more what you might be expecting based on classical German stereotypes, Berlin is a bit more modern and more city, which comes with both the good and bad (it's a bit grittier but there are some more unusual things to do).

My brother lives near Germany with young kids and generally Munich is a bit easier with the younger kids, if that's a consideration

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This. Also keep in mind Berlin is huge compared to Munich, it’s 3 times the size in terms of area and over *2 in terms of population. It’s like comparing New York and Charleston or Savannah. Both great in their own way and both worth visiting.

Berlin is great. Seems more "modern" since much was rebuilt but there are intact areas. Museum Island is great. There is vibrant life and culture skewing young and hip. Nice contrast to Munich.
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Munich is lovely with much history. The churches are beautiful as it was part of the Roman Empire. Haven’t been to Berlin.

Munich is a bit more what you might be expecting based on classical German stereotypes, Berlin is a bit more modern and more city, which comes with both the good and bad (it's a bit grittier but there are some more unusual things to do).

My brother lives near Germany with young kids and generally Munich is a bit easier with the younger kids, if that's a consideration

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Both are great cities in very different ways.

Munich is more of the "real Germany" if you consider that it is where the Nazi party's headquarters were and is closer to Eagle's Nest. But that's probably not what your friend meant.

Berlin definitely the place you will hear the least German and probably most English. But certainly interesting and fun for a weekend.

German friend said many in Germany don't consider Berlin to be ``real'' Germany. Was in Munich last year for Springfest and thinking of making a stop in Berlin for a weekend.

Any thoughts on either?