Tourist Attractions in Munich

This is an aquarium located in Olympiapark - the entrace fee is higher than the official Tierpark/Zoo - yet you only see more or less 3 aquariums from different angles with nothing spectacular

unless you want to blow extra Euros in all kinds of useless machinery this is a place to avoid - even on a rainy day.

This place is as far away from being fun than Munich is away from the sea

Unique Suggestions: dont

Fun Alternatives: the zoo has actually more fish for less money

Instead of paying 20 euros for the bus tour why not see Munich by foot and just walk around the city and discover everything on your own besides all the best architecture is hidden away from the buses. Besides Munich is not that big and it's great exercise.
Also make sure to go inside some of the architecture it is quite amazing.

This Tip is for Americans who have accounts with Bank of America.

We all know that Money Exchange places are all rip-offs. If they advertise 0% commission, they give you crappy exchange rates. If you get good exchange rates, you take it in the shorts with the commission.

We're told that Banks or Credit Cards get the best rates. But credit cards typically come with a 2% to 3% foreign exchange rate charge (and you can't get cash, unless you pay through the nose). ATMs give you good rates, but typically charge ATM fees from both your bank and the withdrawing ATM's bank (i.e. you get hit with double ATM fees). Often the withdrawing bank charges you 1% of the transaction amount, and your bank will charge you $3 to $8 flat fee for non-bank ATM (or even 1% again for Citibank account).

BIG TIP: Bank of America is part of a Global ATM alliance that does not charge fees if you use another partner's ATM in their respective home country. Specifically, Deutsche Bank is partner's with BofA in Germany - so no fees from either bank when you use Deutsche Bank in Germany. (Please be aware that if you use Deutsche Bank ATM outside Germany, you will incur the double ATM fee).

Here's the list of Global ATM Alliance
Barclays (United Kingdom)

BNP Paribas (France)

China Construction Bank (China)

Deutsche Bank (Germany)

Santander Serfin (Mexico)

Scotiabank (Canada)

Westpac (Australia and
New Zealand)

Nowadays hardly any Bavarian wears the funny grey hats they sell in some tourist stores. Furthermore, people drink their beer from glasses and usually don’t use the heavy ceramic steins with a silver lid on the top. These are typical tourist souvenirs, which are not necessarily a must-buy.

Unique Suggestions: Wear the hat where nobody can see you.... ;-)

Drink your beer from the stein, but don't tell your friends at home that Germans drink their beer like that...

Also the rumor that Germans drink their beer heated is WRONG ....

Fun Alternatives: Good Munich souvenirs (in my opinion):

- go to the Alps, day-hike and take some beautiful pictures

- local cheese, liquor and hard saussages are good also

- if you happen to go to the monastery of Andechs: they sell a six-rack of beer bottles, self brewed by the monchs and every bottle contains a different kind

Do not exchange money at the Munich Airport...you will not get a good rate!

Unique Suggestions: If you HAVE to change money, ie you have no euros, only change as much as you will need until you are able to change more money.

McDonalds is probably a tourist trap wherever you go. It's convenient, familiar and too easy. At least at Karlsplatz, you can see the McDonalds sign in many different languages, it's still no excuse to enter though!!!

There is very little to see in the museum- less then ten old cars, few automotive and aviation engines, couple of 10 years old prototypes, like a crude mockup of an in-car navigation system. More sofsticated versions have been available in production cars for several years. Exposition like this would be impressive, if found in a local BMW dealership, but I expected much more from the factory. The museum is rather small, with no room to add more expostions, so I don't hold my breath that situation will improve.

Unique Suggestions: Take your picture sitting on a motorcycle- they don't let you touch anything else.

Fun Alternatives: Olympic Park is just 10 minutes walk from the museum. Observation patform on the TV tower in the park offers some excellent views.

I don't think I want to add anything negative after I had such a good time in Munich.
But if I was aware of any scams or things where my fellow Vt'ers should be told then of course I would let you all know.

Unique Suggestions: I still think that buying the Welcome card is really handy for traveling around Munich and some places of interesting that your visiting will offer a discount for entrance if you have one.