=== Things to see in Munich ===
Obviously, the '''Hofbraeuhaus''' is the number one on the list in Munich, it's located at the eastern end of downtown in an area called '''PlatzPlatzl'''. If you decide to splurge on your Hotel in Munich, the "Four Seasons Munich" is right next door.
There is a pedestrian mall ('''Fussgaengerzone''' or '''Kaufinger Strasse''') that stretches from '''Karlsplatz''' on the western end to the '''Isartor''' on the eastern end. In between, you'll find great shops, touristy restaurants, the famous Munich church with it's two towers ('''Frauenkirche''') - which offers great views across Munich, and '''city hall''' at the '''Marienplatz''' with is famous Glockenspiel. As you stroll along, watch out for the "Zum Augustiner" (across from the "Dom - St. Michaels Church"), which is a bit more an original Munich beer hall, and not as touristy as the "Hofbraeuhaus".
As you make your way in eastern direction past the Marienplatz, turn to the right and check out the '''Viktualienmarkt''', a market place for food and drink that's been around (and is still in operation) for a few hundred years. Try some of the different foods on offer, and get yourself a beer from Munich. It's a place to look around and watch all the activity going on (as long as the weather is nice).
While we're at food, if you go back to the Marienplatz, and pass city hall on the right, after a block or so you'll wind up at '''Dallmayr's''' (it's on your right). One of the oldest delicacy stores in Munich, go in and check out what they got (very pricey, tho), it's worth it. If you keep walking in the same direction, you'll wind up at the '''Feldherrenhalle''' on the '''"Odeonsplatz''' " (Odeons square). Around this area, you'll see some of the bombastic buildings of the "Wittelsbacher", the dynasty that ruled Munich for some time. There is the '''Munich Residenz''', the '''national theater''', the '''Hofgarten''' and the '''bavarian chancellery'''. (Right behind is the american consulate, that's where I got my first ever Visa for the US).
If the weather is nice, take the subway "U6" to the "Universitaet" station (not very far), and make your way towards the east, you'll wind up at the '''Englischer Garten''', a large park in downtown Munich. Follow the signs to '''Chinesischer Turm''' (chinese tower), and enjoy a beer and "brotzeit" at the beer garden there.
=== Excursions around Munich ===
Munich is pretty central to a few places you'll wanna see, but although it's possible to reach some of those by public transportation, some of them involve multiple transfers etc. I would recommend, that you for at least 1 or 2 days, while in Munich, get a rental car, and drive to those places. it makes things alot easier. A good rental car company, which typically can accommodate you on the spot is "Sixt". You can also ask the Hotel for help, they the rental car company probably even bring you the car. Please take note that there is an option for a overnight trip, with some haggling you may get the hotel in Munich to comp you a night for this. You'll also need your passport.
==== Neuschwanstein Castle ====
One of the destinations that are somewhat hard to reach by public transportation is the Neuschwanstein castle, but it's only about 90 minutes by car. It's the castle that inspired Walt Disney for his Disney Castle. The place can get quite busy by 10 or 11 AM, so if you get going early, you have a chance of missing long lines and a large crowd. Just do the tour, walk up to the bridge with its magnificent view and "get out" before the crowd hits the place.
Also, it may make sense to buy the tickets for the castle ahead of time, if you know when you're gonna be there. Beware that if you get there late, you won't be offered another spot later, unless someone else doesn't show up. You cannot reserve tickets online for the same day. The website is: https://www.hohenschwangau.de/430.html
There are two castles there, Neuschwanstein (the famous one) and Hohenschwangau (the not so famous one). If your pressed for time, I'd rather skip the 2nd one, and move on to the next one:
==== Linderhof Palace ====
About an hour drive away from Neuschwanstein is '''Schloss Linderhof''', the only palace that the Bavarian King Ludwig II was able to finish. It's typically not as crowded as the Neuschwanstein castle, and the 1 hour drive via Reutte has some of the best views the Bavarian Alps have to offer (you cross into Austria, so don't forget your passports). You'll also come by the drive up to get a good look at the "Zugspitze", Germany's biggest mountain. If you plan a 2-day trip for this, after visiting Linderhof, I recommend a overnight stay in '''Garmisch-Partenkirchen''' (make sure to have reservations). This place held the first Winter-Olympics ever, and has some magnificent views around the Alps. This is probably the ultimate Bavarian town, as many visitors would imagine Bavaria. From there, you'll return to Munich via '''Oberammergau''', another alpine village worth to get out and take a stroll around.
==== The bavarian lakes ====
You can take similar excursions to other lakes in the alps, like Schliersee or Chiemsee.
== Moving on ... ==
As the next destination for your trip I recommend [[Budapest and Vienna]]. There is a daily night train that runs from Munich to Budapest, which leaves late in Munich, and drops you off early next day in Budapest. There have been some changes lately in the train system, and to book tickets, you'll have to do this via the Hungarian train company. Unfortunately, their web site is only partially in English (they're better in German), so I recommend someone helping you with those tickets as soon as you know the exact date. At the latest, I recommend asking the Hotel staff in Munich to help you out as soon as you check into your hotel there. The train name is "EN 463 Kalman Imre", get yourself a cabin for two adults, and you also may qualify for a senior discount. The train leaves daily at 11:35PM in Munich, and arrives at 9:24AM in Budapest-Keleti. If you wanna try yourself, the web site is: https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en.
'''Correction:''' I just noticed that the German rail road website now again accepts reservations for this night train. Their english support is much better. See if the following link works for you: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml
The price for two adults in their own sleeper cabin is around 270 Euro. This may sound steep, but remember that this substitutes for a hotel night and the transport cost (and you save a day).
I recommend using the night train, because it gives you 2 full days on either side of the trip to do something, instead of killing a day with travel. However, via the 'bahn.com' link, you can also book regular train connections to Budapest.