Munich day trip

On the way to Austria from Switzerland, we did a pit stop for a day trip to Munich, which was a totally different vibe. The architecture was grand, and the city felt much more “lived in” than touristy. We strolled through Marienplatz, grabbed giant pretzels, and popped into a few shops.

We didn’t do any tours here—just wandered, soaked in the vibe, and of course grabbed beer and sausages in one of the many garden-style restaurants.

And yes—on the drive in, I got to hit the Autobahn in our 9-passenger mini van rental. It was so fun to push the speed a bit and experience that bucket-list moment—even in a family hauler!

Pro Tip: If you’re doing a mix of cities and countryside, don’t feel guilty for having slow, unscheduled days. Wandering without a plan was what made Munich so memorable.Another Pro Tip: As soon as you cross into Austria, stop at a local gas station and buy a vignette (road toll sticker)for your vehicle. It’s required to drive on Austrian highways and skipping it can result in a hefty fine.One more Pro Tip: Be prepared—bathrooms cost money in Austria, typically around 50 cents to 1 euro. Have coins with you!