At the age of 30, I visited Europe for the first time in my life.
The first European city I ever set foot in was Munich, Germany. The scenery looked exactly like the world I used to see on TV as a child—it was truly moving.
Back when I was working in Japan as a company employee, I lived in an international share house. There, I met two German housemates and one Chinese housemate. When I mentioned I was going to Germany this time, it turned out that the Chinese housemate was also coming to Germany at the same time. So, we decided to go to Oktoberfest together.
Tips for Traveling in Germany
One thing you should be especially careful about is transportation—especially trains.
Unlike in Japan, trains in Germany don’t always run on time. So, it’s important to allow extra time when traveling.
Also, there are generally no ticket gates like in Japan. Instead, ticket machines are often located on platforms or inside the trains. If you're caught without a valid ticket, you'll face a hefty fine, so be sure to purchase one. If you're unsure, asking someone at a local counter or a nearby person is your best bet.
I want to record a few memories from the days I spent in Munich.
In this article, I’ll introduce the following three highlights:
- Munich Market
- Oktoberfest
- Bavarian Breakfast
Munich Market
If you visit Munich, exploring the old town Altstadt is a must. One spot I especially recommend is the Viktualienmarkt, a market with over 200 years of history!
Here, I highly recommend the thick, juicy burgers sold by local butchers. There are several varieties, but the ham version seemed especially popular. Each costs about €3.50 and is surprisingly filling. I tried two out of greed, and honestly, I felt like I was going to burst (lol).
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There are also places nearby where you can enjoy a beer, so you’ll be in an amazing mood by noon!
Note: The market is cash only, so don’t forget to carry some euros!
Once you're full, head to Marienplatz in the old town for some photo time and a casual stroll.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is held annually from mid-September to early October. (Yep, not in October—go figure.)
The main venue is a large open space called Theresienwiese.
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Try to bring as little baggage as possible, but carry plenty of cash!
The weekends are extremely crowded, so visiting on a weekday might be a better option.
It’s not just about beer—there are plenty of attractions, including roller coasters! It's fun for both adults and kids… well, maybe not ideal for little kids (lol). Be careful about riding roller coasters while tipsy—it could get dangerous!
If you manage to find a seat in one of the beer tents, be sure to order a beer. It’s served in a 1-liter mug called a Maß.
You can just say, “One Maß, please!” and they’ll understand. But be warned—it costs €15 per glass!
Also, I highly recommend not going alone. Drinking by yourself here can feel a little lonely… (lol)
That day, I had three mugs and had a fantastic time chatting and laughing with friends!
On the way out, I grabbed a dessert from one of the Kaiserschmarrn stands. It didn’t look great, but tasted like apple cake and was super delicious!
Bavarian Breakfast
Munich is located in the Bavarian region of Germany. And this is what a typical Bavarian breakfast looks like:
- Pretzels
- White sausages (Weißwurst)
- A generous amount of mustard!
They seem to put mustard on just about everything—and this mustard is seriously good!
It’s a classic flavor in Germany and apparently, you can find it in Japan too, so I recommend looking for it!
Even though I only stayed in Munich for two nights, it became a truly unforgettable memory.
I’ve introduced a few must-visit spots in this article, but if you ever get the chance to go, I hope you’ll explore even more and find your own favorite places and ways to enjoy the city!
The next article from my Europe trip can be found below.
