Solo Summer 2025 Days 21-24: Fairy Tales, Food Tours, and Future Study Abroad Plans

After a lovely morning in the Black Forest town of Gengenbach, I boarded a train to Munich—and once again marveled at how simple and comfortable train travel is in Europe. There’s something special about gliding past rolling countryside while sipping coffee and reading a book. Speaking of books…

I checked into the Eurostars Book Hotel—a perfect pick for a book lover like me. The entire hotel is literature-themed: each floor is dedicated to a different genre, each room is named after a classic title, and over every bed hangs a quote from that book. I landed on the science fiction floor, in a room inspired by The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov. It felt like the universe had assigned me the perfect space.

After settling in, I set off to explore the city on foot. I found a fantastic spot for dinner called Der kleine Flo, a place that specializes in mini-burgers—you can mix and match different flavors and toppings, which is ideal when you’re indecisive or just want to try a little of everything. I ended the evening with a beer from Augustiner Bräu, one of Munich’s “Big Seven” traditional breweries. Their Edelstoff is crisp, clean, and a perfect introduction to Bavarian brewing.

Day 2: Markets, Museums, and New Friends

I started my second day at the Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s vibrant outdoor food market. It’s a maze of fresh produce, Bavarian specialties, and artisan stands where you can find everything from sausages to sauerkraut to wildflower honey.

Next, I spent several hours exploring the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. The scale and grandeur of the palace, especially the Residenz Treasury, were awe-inspiring—crowns, swords, intricate gold reliquaries, and jewels that sparkle with centuries of power and politics. I also visited the palace theater, a Rococo gem that’s still in use today.

That evening, I joined the Munich Beer and Bavarian Bites Tour by Fork and Walk Tours—and it ended up being one of my favorite moments of the trip. Our guide was fun, knowledgeable, and full of quirky stories about Munich’s beer culture. But the real highlight was meeting a family originally from India, now partly based in the UK. I connected instantly with their daughter, who lives and works outside of London. We ended the evening exchanging contact info and making plans to meet up again later this summer to see The Great Gatsby in London’s West End. Travel magic at its finest.

Day 3: Dubai Pancakes, Future Plans, and Christmas Visions

Brunch was at Geisha Pan Asian Cuisine, where I discovered a life-changing dish: Dubai pancakes. Thick, fluffy, and drenched in “Dubai Chocolate,” they were easily the most indulgent thing I’ve eaten in weeks. If you’re wondering what Dubai chocolate is—it’s rich, luxurious, and often infused with cardamom, saffron, or rose, creating a decadent blend of Middle Eastern flavors and European-style ganache. It’s as over-the-top as the city it’s named for—and I’m officially obsessed.

After brunch, I visited Novotel Munich City, which will serve as the hotel for my next study abroad group coming to Germany in December 2026. The staff were incredibly kind, giving me a full tour of the student rooms and even connecting me with their management team so we can arrange for a possible business visit as part of our itinerary. I explored the surrounding area, made notes on useful tips for our students, and even mapped out walking routes to the famous Munich Christmas Market and other cultural landmarks. I could already imagine the magic of the city in winter—twinkling lights, warm mugs of Glühwein, and the sounds of Christmas carols floating through Marienplatz. It’s going to be such a special trip.

Day 4: Castles Fit for a Dream

For my final full day in Munich, I joined a guided tour to two of King Ludwig II’s most famous castles: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof.

Neuschwanstein Castle is straight out of a storybook. Perched dramatically on a hilltop in the Bavarian Alps, it was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built by the enigmatic “Mad King” Ludwig II in the 19th century, the castle was never actually completed, but its romantic towers and dramatic mountain backdrop are pure magic. Inside, rooms are richly decorated with themes from Wagnerian operas and medieval mythology. It’s over-the-top in the best way.

Linderhof, by contrast, is smaller but no less ornate. It was Ludwig’s favorite and the only one he lived to see completed. Inspired by Versailles, Linderhof is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, grottos, and fountains. The interior is decadent—gilded everything—and gives you a real glimpse into the opulence Ludwig surrounded himself with in solitude.

Next Stop: Nuremberg

Yesterday, I hopped on the train to Nuremberg—more on that adventure coming soon! But Munich truly charmed me: the beer halls, the royal history, the unexpected friendships, and the excitement of planning for the future all came together in one unforgettable stop.

Bis bald, München. I’ll be back soon—with students, stories, and probably more pancakes.