On my first visit to Europe, should I go to Rome or Munich?

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Annietoo

While I love Munich, Rome would have to be the better choice for a first visit because it has more to offer of historic significance--you will feel like you have seen more. The two cities have entirely different feels to them, and you will get a different experience of Europe depending on which one you choose. Here's what you could expect in each city.

Munich: Currently a host city for the FIFA World Cup in June and July. In the city you can see: The 1972 Olympic Stadium (very cool--they built hills to make it more appealing), several museums, the Alt Stadt (old city) where you can vist the Frauen Kirche cathedral, many stores, and the famous Hofbraeuhaus beer hall. Munich also is the home city for Oktoberfest, a festival which takes place in late September. However, Munich is really great for the day trips you can take from it. You can visit Schloss Neuschwanstein (the famous white castle) and several other castles and palaces, Dachau concentration camp, and Berchtesgaden (the Eagle's Nest, which was Hitler's private retreat on the top of the Alps--it's a combination of amazing views and incredible history). However, you really won't get the experience of German small town life from visiting Munich, and it's not architecturally pretty (since much of it was bombed during WWII); for that, you really need to spend time in... small towns.

Rome: Rome is home to so much history that even if you spent a week there you couldn't see it all. Rome is home to the Vatican (the independent state of for the Pope and other Roman Catholic leaders) and all of the incredible Vatican museums. Also, you can see the Colosseum, Catacombes (underground tombs), Trevvy Fountain, historic city center, aquaducts, Roman baths, and a lot more. You can also take day trips to Pisa and Pompei. When you walk around in Rome, you get the sense that you are in a totally new and different place, and it has a wonderful blend of history with new growth, ancient and modern.

You're currently in Northern Italy? Lucky you! If you have the time see both. Though you could spend a year in Rome and still not see everything.

There's nothing like being in Munich with a 1L beer in one hand and a pretzel the size of a steering wheel in the other watching life go by from one of the beer gardens!

Rome has wonderful sites, good fresh food, and wonderful people. Watch out for the pickpockets.

Anyway, since you are in Northern Italy, you could take an Eurostar train to Rome either in 1st or 2nd class - doesn't matter, the ride is comfortable in both. You could ask for the 29/39 Eurostar promotion and ride in 1st class for only 29 euros instead of paying regular 1st class fare, if applicable. Try to book the promotion fare 2-3 days before you travel.

Or why not go to Venice since you are in Northern Italy, no other city like it on earth. From Venice you could fly with www.hlx.com or www.condor.com to Munich very cheaply. The no frills discount European airlines have strict baggage limits. If you go over the limit, you will be charged so many â‚¬ per kg!(the limit is something like 20kg for checked and 5kg for carryon, or something similar to that. Read the specific airlines website for baggage limits and checking in procedure!) Fly from Venice Marco Polo(VCE) airport to Munich's(MUC) airport:
http://www.hlx.com/en/index.html
http://www5.condor.com/tcf-us/index.jsp

For a budget place to stay in Venice you could try this place - http://www.albergomarin.it/index_gb.htm# or http://www.minervaenettuno.it/index-eng.htm both places of which are in Venice proper.

If you make it to Rome you could still fly to Munich with www.flydba.com - https://www.flydba.com/app/fb.fly?l=en
or fly with LTU - http://www.ltu.de/takeltu/index.html?SiteID=0&LangID=2 or HLX out of Naples to Munich and take the train from Rome to Naples which is about an 1.5-2hr ride. Check the airlines for departures convenient for you.

For someplace to stay in Rome, you can try this place - http://www.albergopiave.it/en/index.htm or try this B&B website for Italy - http://www.bbitalia.it/default_eng.asp?citta=Roma

Rome It's most beautiful and historical than Munchen (Munich)

arba

If you are going these days you should go to Munich cause there is the atmosphere of world football cup (if u like football)but if you are going to Europe later than you ought to visit Rome cause the people are more friendly and there are lots of brilliant things to see

Clara Isabella

Rome - appears more interesting & prettier.

conspicuous

Rome definitely - Munich doesnt have as much worth seeing

Paul Rules

Rome!! Dont go Germany, its full of Germans!! lol

Travel With Julie

Forgetting all the history in both cities, which is obviously very important, it would make sense to visit the one that appeals to you most in terms of what you like to do. Rome has a lot of shopping, tourist attractions and culture, while Munich is more sports-oriented (soccer, the Alps so close, etc.). I love the mountains, and since Munich is set in such a beautiful location at the base of the Alps, I might suggest that. And actually if you are in northern Italy now, you can easily drive through Austria directly into Munich in less than 6 hours - and it's a BEAUTIFUL drive! I'd probably take a lot longer to do the drive as I'd stop many times in Austria (again, LOVE the mountains!).

Rome is a must-see - so whether you see it on this trip or on your next one, it's your call. If you're already in Italy, though, I would choose Munich so you can get a taste of both countries and then do a more in-depth city tour on your next visit!

bty

Rome, definately. Unless you want to go to the world cup.

Q,way

rome rome rome

chef spicey

rome by far............. so much history, wonderful people wonderful food.......

where_is_the_sun????

Well; if you are staying for a long while in Europe head to both. My first recommendation is Rome; there are more beautiful places to see, eat and go out.

camille

rome of course!! munich is nice, but there isn't much to see. but rome is just fabulous! true italian charm, a wonderful and warm and welcoming city. so visit it!;)

ASRoma

If you have a good amount of time, visit Rome (Roma), but if you don't pick Munich. Roma is GREAT, however if you have little time to visit you will find that you will miss many things in Roma and therefore will be sad you didn't get to see everything. Make sure you do find the time to visit. Roma is one that can't be missed!

Hisham

Certamente ROMA
Berlescuni is no more Prime Minister ... !!!

Hazel F

If you're looking for art, wonderful stores and human warmth... Rome!

Miss C

Rome it has better sights to see, but if you like football it would be better to go to Munich for the world cup

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