2023 has just swept through and we are now into 2024. Time and tide really waits for no man. It seems like yesterday when I visited Germany last CNY and now I am visiting the beautiful country again this CNY.
This time round, I will be visiting Munich and Nuremberg before flying out from Frankfurt Airport for home.
As usual, excitement can only be real after strolling past the departure hall. ☺️
Chilling out at my all-time favourite SilverKris Lounge. 👏👏
Freshen up prior to boarding.
Munich, here I come. See you in 13 hrs time.
Cheers to good health and to a good start for 2024!
Commencing supper on board.
A popular local fare of noodles cooked with prawn, squid and pork.
An indulgent honey-sweetened semolina cake with coconut yoghurt and ginger poached pear.
A distinctly bitter taste and an intense aroma and body, characterised by notes of chocolates. Sure way to perk up after a good sleep.
A hearty traditional dish of fried savoury radish-rice flour cake with prawns and pickled turnip.
Wanton Noodle with Prawn Dumplings, oriental vegetables, and pickled green chilli.
Safe arrival to Munich Airport as scheduled.
Immigration clearance is swift being the only flight arriving in the morning.
Thereafter, proceeded to Munich Airport Station for the ride to Central Station Munich for my hotel check-in.
Spotted this interesting aeroplane café right outside Munich Airport.
Boarded the S8 S-bahn lines bound for Central Station and the ride will take about 45 mins.
For now, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.
Arriving into Munich Central Station and headed straight to the hotel for check-in.
I will be staying at Fleming’s Hotel Munich City which is right across the Central Station.
Complimentary gummies and infused water provided by the hotel for guests’ comfort. Great gesture for sure. 👍
The hotel room size is good, comfortable, and importantly clean in all aspects.
Visited Karlsplatz, a large square in Central Munich.
Entrance to Marienplatz from Karlsplatz.
There are a lot of shops within the area where you can easily spend an entire day for your retail therapy.
Oberpollinger, a high-end shopping centre where you can find all major designer labels here.
You can also find many churches here as well.
The hall has been used as a church since 1778.
The Jesuit Church of St. Michael is considered the first Renaissance church north of the Alps.
The Cathedral Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) is Munich’s most famous church and its two towers are unmistakable landmarks of the city.
Taking a quick bite at Rischart Café.
Two sausages fresh from butcher served with Händlmaier’s traditional sweet mustard and …..
….. two pretzels.
The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is a large mechanical clock located in Marienplatz Square, in the heart of Munich, Germany.
Famous for its life-size characters, the clock will chime twice daily at 11am and 5pm to re-enact scenes from Munich’s history.
This is where you can find old model trains, plush toys, dolls and tin toys: this is what the toy museum in the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz has to offer.
Viktualienmarkt in the heart of the city, a sight that has extremely practical value for Munich residents.
Here, you can shop for fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, eat something good during your lunch break or take a leisurely break in the beer garden after shopping.
Enjoying complimentary breakfast with courtesy from the hotel.
Very decent breakfast option spread. Simple and yet tasty. 😋😋😋
Other than the items in the buffet counter, you may also order from the menu too. 👍
I am happy and glad to know that I will be able to enjoy the said breakfast for the next 3 mornings. 😊
Wow… look at this amazingly beautiful church interior architectural design.
Astonishingly beautiful interior architecture of the church.
Enjoying free gouda cheese tasting.
Chance upon Cinnamood selling next level cinnamon rolls.
You can find classic and fruity cinnamon rolls here.
Oh my! The roll is doughy-ly tasty and delicious. Yum yum…
Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich Opera House, best place in the city to watch opera and ballet performances.
Today, this little alley is a pedestrian-only walkway with a meandering trail of bronzed paving bricks commemorating the brave Germans who refused to give Hitler even the satisfaction of a Nazi salute.
Hofgarten, a 17th-century Italian Renaissance gardens.
The Eisbach wave located at the Southern edge of the English Garden near the Haus Der Kunst Museum is a popular hotspot for surfers, spectators and photographers.
This part of the Eisbach is considered the world’s most consistent, largest and best river wave in the middle of a big city and has been surfable for 40 years.
The Hofbräuhaus, world’s most famous tavern, is a beer hall in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
You will be greeted with a huge beer hall with more than 1500 seating capacity once you step in. All you need is to find your own table and get seated comfortably. It’s like a huge communal dining hall.
Refreshing & tasty – the origin of Bavarian beer.
A whole roasted knuckle of pork served with homemade dark beer gravy and a potato dumpling.
Soaking in to the live music entertainment at the beer hall as you savour your meal and have a round of beer at the same time. This is one such experience that money cannot buy. The atmosphere vibe is beyond words. Highly recommended for you to come by if you ever have a chance to step into Munich.
St. Johann Nepomuk, better known as the Asam Church (German: Asamkirche), is a Baroque church in Munich, southern Germany and is considered to be one of the most important buildings of the southern German Late Baroque.
This interior architectural design is by far the most beautiful among all the churches in Munich.
Look what I see! An entire shop selling only Haribo sweets! 🫰
OMG! Look at all the sweets selection! 🤩
Savouring Afghanistan cuisine at Nigin Afghanisches Restaurant Café & Bar.
Lamb minced grilled with brown baked basmati rice.
Chicken in piquant safran-lentil sauce with baked basmati rice.
This morning, we decided to venture out of Munich City to Grosshesseloher to spend time taking a leisure nature walk along Isar River at the city outskirt.
Boarding S7 bound for Grosshesseloher Station.
Here we are after 19 mins of train ride.
The Isar is a river in Austria and in Bavaria, Germany. With 295 km in length, it is among the longest rivers in Bavaria.
The Isar (the flow of life in Munich) flows through Munich from south to north for around 14 km.
The Isar accompanies the people of Munich through all the stages of their lives.
As a bathing and leisure paradise in the city or on the way to many attractive places up and downriver.
One can easily spend up to half a day to take a leisure stroll along Isar River and to take in the natural beauty of the river. You can make a trip here if you have time to spare in your next trip.
More scenic views on the other side of the river.
You will get to see this dual bridge where the top portion of the bridge is the train track for the train usage, whereas the below portion is for pedestrain and cyclist usage.
You can even find makeshift peddler selling coffee, bread and pastry for hungry and thirsty passerby.
Enjoying lunch at Isartaler Brahaus after a nice leisure walk at Isar River. The said restaurant used to be an old train station.
There is also a tree-house train playground beside the restaurant.
The BMW Welt is a combined exhibition, delivery, adventure museum, and event venue located in Munich’s district Am Riesenfeld, next to the Olympic Park.
Look at all the car exhibits. There must be one that suits you. 😉
The BMW Museum Munich is located directly opposite the BMW Welt. Here you will discover the BMW brand from its beginnings to the present day as vibrant, awe-inspiring and diverse as nowhere else.
You may cross over to the Olympic Stadium after the BMW visit.
Panoramic view of the Olympic Stadium from afar.
Picturesque view of the Olympic Park taken from top of the hill.
You may also capture a beautiful skyline view of the entire city too.
I came to realise that by sitting down, doing nothing and watching the ducks go by at the Olympic Park can also be a form of pleasure. This is perhaps what simplicity means in life.
Ending the night with a dinner at Trattoria La Valle Pizza.
Made a visit to Nymphenburg Palace, its unique combination of architecture and garden design, the palace and park complex of Nymphenburg is one of the best examples in Europe of a synthesis of the arts.
Nymphenburg Palace was extremely popular with the Bavarian rulers as a summer residence. Numerous rulers from the Wittelsbach dynasty added to the interior. The decoration of the main palace thus represents a variety of styles ranging from Baroque and Rococo to Neoclassicism.
A further highlight is the light-filled Great Hall with its lively ceiling fresco and the stucco ornamentation by Johann Baptist Zimmermann in the Rococo style.
Next, we visited Marstallmuseum, one of the most important museums of court carriages, travel and equestrian culture in the world.
Following up with a final visit to Nymphenburg Porcelain Museum. A unique private collection of Nymphenburg porcelain from the 18th to the 20th century is on display on the upper floor of the Marstallmuseum.
A highly recommended itinerary to visit if you have a chance to be in Munich.
Enjoying coffee break at the nearby Café am Schloss.
Spending time at English Garden, Munich’s largest park.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the garden with the Monopteros (a small temple-like structure) from afar.
The English Garden serves as a recreational venue for people and families to come together where they can take a leisure stroll, have a jog, play a sport, ride a bicycle and doing other forms of recreational activities.
You may even sit around and do nothing or just to relax your mind and watch the world go by.
Look what I see!
You may even grab a bite at the nearby beer garden.
You may sit at the fireplace outdoor area or…..
…..have a sit inside the cable car and enjoy your food and drinks.
Settled for dinner at El Gaucho before calling it a night.
Shrimps-Cevapcici & stick celery.
Lettuce, BBQ sauce, pickled cucumbers, bacon, cheddar & steak fries.
Absolut, Peach Tree, Grenadine, Zitronensaft & Maracujasaft.
It was a satisfying dinner to end my final night in Munich.
It has been a great 5D 4N stay in Munich and now it is time to depart Munich for Nuremberg, the largest city in Franconia, and the second-largest city in the German state of Bavaria.
It will take slightly more than an hour to reach Nuremberg from Munich via Intercity Express Train.
Time to board for my scheduled train at 12:56 hrs. Goodbye Munich and see you soon in Nuremberg.
Arriving at Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof after 68 mins.
Taking a snack break at Nuremberg Market Hall inside Nuremberg Central Station while waiting for the rain to stop.
The Nuremberg Central Station Shopping Center offers a unique shopping experience 365 days a year, you can find fast food restaurants, shops selling distinctive souvenirs, decorative items, books, local and international cuisine, as well as cafés here.
Chilling over cuppa and dessert at the Café Bar.
Checking in to Ibis Hotel Nuremberg Altstadt thereafter. The hotel is located conveniently across the Central Station and in the heart of the Old Town.
The room size is rather spacious though not as big as the one in Fleming’s Hotel. I was assigned a room on the attic floor of the hotel on the 7th floor.
Only set back is that the lift only serves up to the 6th floor, and you will need to climb a flight of stairs to the 7th floor lugging your luggage. 🤣
Beautifully done architecture of the church interior.
Having a nice Indian cuisine dinner at Taj Mahal Restaurant.
Potatoes with cauliflower prepared in punjaby art.
Very hot mutton curry. This one surely has the Indian spice kick.
It goes extremely well with a hot piping bowl of basmati rice.
Cocktail with vodka, lemon juice, syrup, mint leaves & sprite.
Starting the morning with breakfast at Burger King.
Wall mural depicting Nuremberg Altstadt (Old Town).
St. Klara is a Roman Catholic church in the old town of Nuremberg. The building is located in the old town district.
The preserved monastery church of the convent.
View taken from Karlsbrück. The Charles Bridge refers to two bridge structures that span the Pegnitz in the old town of Nuremberg.
The northern Charles Bridge (Lower Charles Bridge), which connects the Trödelmarktinsel with the old town of Sebald north of the Pegnitz.
The southern Charles Bridge (Upper Charles Bridge), which connects the Trödelmarktinsel on the opposite side with the old town of Lorenz south of the Pegnitz.
The Weinstadel is a medieval and imperial building in Nuremberg . It is one of the best-known architectural monuments in the northern old town of Nuremberg and is a stop on the Nuremberg Historical Mile.
The Henkersteg connects Trödelmarkt, with its many exclusive shops located idyllically on a small island in the Pegnitz, and Unschlittplatz. It was over this wooden bridge that the “Henker” – the Executioner – would walk from his isolated house on the island into the city. In the Middle Ages, the executioner was not allowed to have contact with honourable citizens. The Henkersteg was built after the flood of 1595, which destroyed the previous bridge.
The largest ensemble of old craftsmen’s houses in Nuremberg can be found in Weissgerbergasse. Predominantly half-timbered, the historic town houses, often with their own well and garden, bear witness to the prosperity that the leather craft brought with it. Instead of the busy tanners in the Middle Ages, cafés, bars, small shops, and craft businesses now liven up Weissgerbergasse.
The alter hall. Another beautiful architecture in the church interior.
Albrecht Dürer Haus, Germany’s most famous artist, lived and worked in this massive half-timbered house for nearly 20 years, from 1509 onwards. This is not only one of the few surviving burgher houses from Nuremberg’s golden age, but even more significantly, it is the only surviving 15th century artist’s house in Northern Europe. Today, its rooms convey an authentic atmosphere of its era and also reflect the house’s history since 1828 as Germany’s first artist’s memorial site.
Wehr und Geheimgänge – Cellars, Bunkers & Calls.
Fortifications and secret passages under the castle. Discover secret tunnels and water tunnels, bunkers from World War II, battlements in the city walls, old beer cellar systems, and nuclear bunkers from the Cold War era in the Nuremberg underworlds.
Steep slope leading to the entrance of the castle.
Nuremberg Castle is a group of medieval fortified buildings on a sandstone ridge dominating the historical center of Nuremberg in Bavaria, Germany.
The castle, together with the city walls, is considered to be one of Europe’s most formidable medieval fortifications.
It represented the power and importance of the Holy Roman Empire and the outstanding role of the Imperial City of Nuremberg.
Mesmerising panoramic views of Nuremberg city skyline taken from the castle top.
Schöner Brunnen, one of the sights of the city of Nuremberg, the Beautiful Fountain is part of Nuremberg’s Historical Mile. Built in 1396, it stands on the edge of the main market next to the Nuremberg town hall. The Beautiful Fountain is around 19 meters high and has the shape of a Gothic church spire decorated with pinnacles.
The golden coin is said to bring you good luck if you managed to spin it around 3 times.
Yay! I managed to find it and spin for 3 times. Good luck is on my way next for the entire 2024. Huat ah!
The Frauenkirche, today the Roman Catholic parish church of Our Lady, is one of the most important churches in Nuremberg on the east side of the main market.
The Hauptmarkt is the central square in the old town of Nuremberg.
Spotted one of the stalls in the central square selling chocolate coated fruits.
Zum Gulden Stern – Historische Bratwurstküche, the oldest bratwurst kitchen in the world.
Enjoying a nice traditional meal in a traditional old building.
The Way of Human Rights is a monumental outdoor sculpture in Nuremberg, Germany. It was opened on 24 October 1993. It is sited on the street between the new and old buildings of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, connecting Kornmarkt street and the medieval city wall.
Pit stop at Starbucks Coffee trying out their new drinks.
Decided to go for an Italian meal for dinner at Padelle d’Italia Nuremberg.
Fettuccine with mixed seafood served with a light tomato sauce.
Pan seared veal medallions with ham and sage in white wine sauce.
Morning starter at Metzgerei, (Butcher Gerhard Meyer). Franconian experience butcher shop in the north of Nuremberg.
The fresh cuts are so tempting.
Oh my, look at those cooked items. They are just as inviting too.
Nuremberg Bratwurst, a specialty bun in Nuremberg. It comes with 3 sausages and I call it the 3 brothers (三兄弟). 😀
Meatloaf, you can have it plain or with go with a bun.
There are a lot of push carts stall in the area where you can enjoy their local street snacks.
Savouring another round of Indian cuisine at Sangam Indian Restaurant.
I really love the interior decor of this Indian restaurant.
Another satisfying meal without a doubt. The spice style is different compared to the Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant that I had the other night, and they are both equally delicious in their own style.
Since its founding in Dürer’s year in 1971, the Handwerkerhof (Nuremberg craftsman’s farm) has delighted millions of visitors. The former armoury of the imperial city lies under the protection of the historic city wall.
Step into a world where bygone times come to life! In the small half-timbered houses and narrow streets, craftsmen offer their wares for sale, rustic taverns invite you to eat and drink, and traditional craftsmanship comes to life.
Trying out their KFC as the chicken quality seems to be better, tender and tasty.
Chilling out at Coffee Fellows.
Final night dinner in Nuremberg at Chilli’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar.
Enchilada with shrimp, quesadilla with minced meat and salad.
Chicken wings, taco with beef, burrito, vegetables with country potato and salad.
Enjoying a nice morning breakfast at Café Literaturhaus Restaurant prior to leaving Nuremberg for Frankfurt.
The café interior is well decorated with books. It’s a uniquely interesting concept for a café.
Serrano ham, salami, roast meat, cheeses, cream cheese, scrambled egg, yoghurt with fresh fruit and butter.
After spending a nice 4D 3N in Nuremberg, it’s now time for me to travel up to Frankfurt for my flight home in 2 days’ time.
Having an Asian meal at the Station Market Hall while waiting to board the Inter City Express train bound for Frankfurt Main Station.
Bidding farewell to Nuremberg for Frankfurt.
Arrived into Frankfurt Main Station after slightly more than 2 hours of train ride.
Headed directly to Mercure Hotel Kaiserhof City Centre for my check-in thereafter.
Loved the size and comfort of this hotel.
Enjoying coffee break at Lindt café next.
You will be wowed inside this shop as though you are transported back to your childhood days the moment you walked into the shop.
As I have covered in great detail on my last visit when I was in Frankfurt last year, there will not be much sightseeing for this trip. You may refer to my blog on my Frankfurt trip if you are keen to see the sights in Frankfurt.
Followed by dinner at Bella Roma Restaurant.
Snack bite at Rewe To Go, similar concept as in GS25, Lawson, 7 Eleven or Family Mart.
Caught sight of an interesting colourful duck affair. 😊
This huge Euro sign stands in front of the European Central Bank building. The building and sign is located across from the Opera House. Looks like I will be in luck for the coming 2024 ahead.
Pit stop charging at Moenus Café.
Look at the cake selection! How can one remain calm at such a sight. 🤣
Holy Moly! The cake is so damn good! Sweet-tooth lovers will bound to like it for sure.
Interesting and unique staircase.
Happens to witness a wedding celebration at Frankfurter Römer. 🍾 🎊 💘
The Skyline Plaza is a building complex in Frankfurt am Main. Here, you will find a shopping centre with 170 shops for your shopping needs in addition to restaurants. Another area for your shopping haven other than Galleria and my Zeil.
Lush and spacious rooftop park on top of shopping mall. Located in the western part of Frankfurt, Skyline Plaza is an oval-shaped shopping mall that comes with a unique feature: the top floor Skyline Garden.
The ultimate experience for the whole family. Immerse in an adventure combination of a large playground, breathtaking viewing platform, a relaxed picnic, and chillout area.
The central part of the rooftop belongs to ALEX, an indoor / outdoor restaurant, serving a wide range of dishes and drinks. From breakfast to late night cocktails.
Looking and feeling a lot like a public park, the spacious and lush rooftop terrace offers spectacular views over Frankfurt.
Lunch at Ristorante Bocco. Just needed to have another good steak before home coming.
One for the road dinner at Der Thai prior to home coming.
Soup with chicken breast strips, mushrooms, tomatoes, and tom yum spice.
Beans, bamboo, mushrooms, aurbergines, chillies with red Thai curry, Thai basil, lemon leaves, Krachai, and tofu, served with rice.
It is now time to check out of the hotel to head over to Frankfurt Airport for my late morning flight home.
The airport from Frankfurt Main Station just takes about 15 mins. It is really convenient, and the process is hassle-free.
Chilling out at Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge prior to boarding.
Simple breakfast items are being served. Nothing great to shout about.
Lounge hopped over to Lufthansa Senator Lounge next as it is supposed to be a better one.
The breakfast items are pretty much similar, with a slightly more variety being offered here.
Time to board for my flight home. Looking forward to be back after each trip.
Cheers to home coming.
With onions, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce.
Potato salad, lamb’s lettuce and wasabi dressing.
Sauteed button mushrooms, vegetable medley and white beans ragout.
Moist and fudgy cake filled with chocolate mousse and raspberries.
With marinated chicken, chinese mushrooms, and leafy greens.
It has been a great trip as always. Well recharged for now and looking forward to my next adventure.