City Starlings is an expat blog for those living in Germany

Welcome to City Starlings! The idea of this blog is to help expats succeed in their life abroad. Through the voices of experts and expats alike, I hope you'll find useful tips and tricks to help you find your anchor, because the life of an expat, especially for the trailing spouse and family, is not always easy. I seldom send out a newsletter with fun updates. If you want to subscribe, click on the box below. I promise not to spam you.

Most popular posts

Popular posts

Expat Tips, German Culture

Growing Up Bilingual I Thought Learning German Would Be Easier

January 13, 2021

Expat Stories, Germany

Discover The Untapped Talent In The Expat Community

February 23, 2021

Expat Tips, Munich, Shops

Find Your Perfect Oktoberfest Outfit: Top Vintage & Secondhand Trachten Shops

September 6, 2017

Expat Tips, German Culture

10 podcasts you should be listening to if you are an expat in Germany

July 17, 2020

Bites, Munich, Shops

8 Best Specialty Coffee Roasters in Munich

May 16, 2018

Germany, Lifestyle, Travel

A Day Trip from Munich to Bad Tölz

March 12, 2018

Meet The Locals, Product Review, Shops

German Labels Creating Sustainably Made Activewear

April 20, 2020

Inspiration, Lifestyle

Summertime Reading Recommendations

August 3, 2022

Munich, Sites, Travel

20 Beautiful Bavarian Walks Near Munich

November 15, 2017

Expat Tips, Munich

Must-Have Apps While In Munich

June 28, 2017

Expat Stories, Munich

Displaced but Hopeful – ReDI School Breaks Barriers

January 17, 2018

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

See what non-profit Angela Merkel, Mark Zuckerberg, and many others are getting behind and find out how you can help.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Lifestyle, Munich, Sites, Travel

Our Guest Post on Life in Düsseldorf: A Munich Weekend Getaway

December 20, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

Team City Starlings recently had the opportunity to guest post on one of our favorite Expat Blogs, Life in Düsseldorf. Check out our post with tips for a Munich Weekend Getaway!
Continue reading

Leave a comment

Germany, Travel

Feature Guest Post – Weekend Getaway in Düsseldorf

December 13, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

We are thrilled to have Jenna Davis, from Life in Düsseldorf, guest post for us this week. She provides us with the best insider-tips and recommendations to plan the perfect weekend getaway in Düsseldorf.
Continue reading

Inspiration, Munich, Shops

Best Holiday Gift Guide: Local Munich & Bavarian Brands

December 6, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

We hope this gift guide will help inspire you if you are hard-pressed for gift ideas this holiday season.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Expat Tips, Munich, Sites

So Many Christmas Markets, So Little Time

November 22, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

How we love the sights and sounds of Christmas Markets! We can’t get enough. Luckily there are hundreds of Christmas markets you can visit in Germany. Read on to find out City Starling’s top picks!

Continue reading

Munich, Sites, Travel

20 Beautiful Bavarian Walks Near Munich

November 15, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

The Munich International Women’s Club (MIWC) just launched their new book: “20 Walks from Munich: Using Public Transport“ and we are super excited! Explore the beautiful surrounding areas of Munich in Bavaria on foot. There are walks for every season as well as any fitness level!Continue reading

Leave a comment

Bites, Munich, Shops

Celebrate North American Thanksgiving in Munich

November 8, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

North American Thanksgiving in Munich! Serve your own Thanksgiving dinner or be served. We have compiled a few tips to help you celebrate!

Continue reading

Lifestyle, Travel

Visit the Holiday Region Kronplatz – South Tyrol Italy Part II

November 1, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58304fb40b7ea47999ac91d5bdd2680c?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

Are you looking for the perfect holiday location that is only a few short hours drive from Munich? I believe we may have found it! Discover the spectacular holiday region of Kronplatz, South Tyrol Italy.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

German Culture, Munich

The 2017-2018 Munich Opera & Ballet Season is Here

October 18, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

It´s time for indoor adventures! Transport yourself through music, dance and various other performances this autumn/winter 2017-2018 season.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Lifestyle, Travel

Visit Caldaro South Tyrol – Italy’s Alpine Gem

October 11, 2017

By

<img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' data-srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' height='25' width='25' data-src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' class='avatar avatar-25 photo lazyload' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' /><noscript><img alt='' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=25&d=mm&r=pg' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/844c0f7cbc2f4e4731558de26e78b1d3?s=50&d=mm&r=pg 2x' class='avatar avatar-25 photo' height='25' width='25' />

Autumn is the best time of year to visit this beautiful region. Harvest season is in full swing! The vineyards and apple orchards are ripe for picking. Plus the weather is ideal for walking, hiking, biking & of course… wine tasting!

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Stay in the Loop!
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Subscribe
Selected By

Close