Munich is an awesome city full of rich German history.  There’s lots to see and lots to do.  If you only spend part of one day away from the fest then you definitely should go to Marienplatz (which is walking distance to Hofbrauhaus), which is the most popular part of the city center…you don’t need any rental cars in Munich because they have an excellent transportation system… the city’s not that big which is even better.  Munich offers many different museums, parks, shopping, bier gartens, etc…I’ve been twice in the past 2 years, once during World Cup 2006 and last Oktoberfest and have had no&nbsproblems getting around.   

sounds good…thanks!

MIKE’S BIKE TOUR

Yikes!
 
ONLY TWO DAYS & A WAKE-UP MATES!!!

Also you don’t have to drink 10 liters…. you can have lunch, a couple of maß and then explore the festival grounds…. go for a pony ride or pet the sheep.
 
Also check out Nymphenburg Palace. They have this room called the “hall of beauties” which hangs portraits of all the ugly teenage girls King Ludwig (III?) did.
 
You could even do an excursion to places like Salzburg or Schloss Neuschwanstein (the disneyland castle). They also have beer in these other places if you are thirsty.

I’m in Munich right now and went down to Marienplatz yesterday.  Unfortunately the main part of the Old Town Hall with famous Glockenspiel is under scaffolding.  There is plenty to see in the downtown section though.  Three churches are worth going in: Frauenkirche, St. Cajetan’s and St. Peter’s has a great view from the top.  You could also go to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles easily in one day by rail.  I went last year visited both castles had a few beers and still made it back to Munich in time for the last few hours of the night at Oktoberfest.  Oh yeah and the arch you’re looking for would be the Siegestor – Victory Gate on Leopoldstrasse.  Universitat subway station is the closest stop.  You can’t miss it when you come from the underground.

I was there by the arch during World Cup 2006 when Germany won their last game and you shoulda seen all the people that poured out into the street from the pubs/restaurants!!! It was awesome!  and we were right in the middle of it all!!!  A scene I’ll never forget!!