Running for Beer: Berlin Marathon to Oktoberfest

If you are a marathon participant, take the day to stretch your legs and get your bearings. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the city to familiarize yourself with the geography and learn about the important landmarks you will run by.

Today, start your journey exploring one of the many museums the city has to offer. I recommend visiting the Topography of Terror Museum in the morning.

Next, grab a Döner Kebab for lunch on your way to Tempelhofer Feld. Marathon participants will need to pick up race materials at the Marathon Expo, but all are welcome to visit. Spend some time partaking in the marathon festivities and taking photos of the warplanes on display.

If time permits, take the U-Bahn over to the east side to view a section of the Berlin Wall.

It's race day for skaters! Make sure to check out this incredibly unique race for inline skaters. The lesser-known race of the weekend, the atmosphere is just as fun. Show your support by walking along the route or grabbing lunch at an outdoor spot by the course.

For runners that need to carbo-load tonight, visit Sale e Tabacchi for a fantastic Italian meal.

Race Day! Enjoy all the city has to offer and bask in the excitement of participating in an Abbott World Marathon Major.

Post-race, enjoy your hotel restaurant, and relax in comfort.

Sleep in a little today (you earned it!) before making your way to the train station to begin your journey to Munich. Watch the magnificent countryside pass by on this scenic four-hour train ride.

Depending on your location, after checking into your hotel, it'd be worth taking a journey to Gasthaus Butz. Be prepared to visit with a huge appetite and Google Translate downloaded on your phone (there is no English menu). Order a few platters to share — remember, calories don't count since you're still recovering from the marathon!

Oktoberfest Day! If you don't have a table reserved already, get there around noon to grab a lunchtime table. The chicken is divine, the beer is flowing and the band is loud. Make sure to have cash for ordering, and tipping is expected. Spend the day wandering the fairgrounds, visiting the other tents and enjoying the rides. Take the Ferris wheel to get a bird's eye view of the grounds and beyond. And yes, dirndls and lederhosen are encouraged.

Today is the day to channel your inner princess and book a tour to Neuschwanstein Castle. The line for the Marienbrücke is worth the wait for an unobstructed view of the castle and the stunning Bavarian countryside beyond.

Upon return to Munich city center, enjoy a casual meal at Münchner Stubn before retiring for the evening.

Spend significant time at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site for an important history lesson. The site is accessible by public transportation, but iPhone maps (at the time of this writing) will take you to the wrong spot if you walk from the train station. I'd recommend taking the bus or a taxi.

Book an afternoon walking tour of Munich's Old Town and refresh at one of the many breweries in the city, many of which rank on the "Oldest Breweries in the World" list.

Next, take a stroll along the Isar as you meander towards dinner at Wirtshaus Maximilian. End your evening and celebrate this special trip with a nightcap at Frau Bartels.