Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp
Dachau was Germany's first concentration camp, started in 1933 because the prisons were overflowing with people the government didn't like. They didn't have enough money to just build more prisons the way we do in our War on Drugs, so the Nazis built work camps like Dachau. Dachau was not setup to be an extermination camp like Auschwitz however almost 30,000 prisoners were killed here, and many others lost their lives due to other causes while at the camp. The exact numbers are hard to determine.
I'm positive this will be one of the more sobering times of the trip, but the history cannot be forgotten. If you decide to do this, you should allow at least 3 hours of time. Dachau is suburb located 45 minutes from downtown Munich. The best way to get there is to take the S-Bahn (S2) to Dachau station, and then follow the signs. Bus service runs regularly between the station and the camp. It's a 10 min walk from there to the main entrance. The Memorial Site is open on all days except for Mondays, between 9 am and 5 pm. Entry is free but paying a guide is highly recommended.
Visit the Munich Hofbräuhaus
The world-famous Hofbräuhaus was founded in 1589 and has since been one of Munich's most popular tourist attractions. This place is everything that Bavaria is all about. It is a huge beer drinking hall and you'll see all the traditions of a Bavarian beer drinking place. Long wooden tables and benches, beer which is only served in 1 liter sized glasses (the beer "Maß"), giant pretzels on sale - to soak up the beer and an ompah band playing traditional Bavarian brass band music. I've also been told by a reader that they also play some modern pop/hip-hop. This should certainly be interesting. :)
I have a lot more to post. I just have to finish doing some editing. So check back.
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