With lively beer gardens, palaces, castles and a host of museums, there’s plenty to see and do in Munich. But where to stay? The best hotels in Munich are mainly situated in the Old Town – Alstadt – which is filled with Munich city centre’s most iconic landmarks and beautiful Bavarian architecture. A great place for both first-time visitors and families, Alstadt is one of the most touristy parts of the city (and also most expensive) so best to book well ahead.
Why visit Munich?
Munich’s proximity to the Alps and its famous Oktoberfest are two of its main draws for tourists. Oktoberfest lays claim to being the world’s largest folk (read: beer) festival – which takes place every October in the city center. Expect to see lots of tourists dressed up in lederhosens and dirndl dresses (a traditional Bavarian dress with full skirt, apron and tight bodice) munching their way through thousands of grilled sausages, chickens, giant pretzels and – of course – litres of beer.
But, if you don’t fancy that (or you don’t like beer) wait for the Oktoberfest tents to be cleared and visit Munich for it’s historic culture instead.
Best things to do in Munich
- Explore the English Gardens (it’s larger than both London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park – and you can even surf there).
- Wander around the Alte Pinakothek (the old picture gallery) and Lenbachhaus museum.
- Eat your way around the Viktualienmarkt.
- Climb the south tower of the Frauenkirche church for views across to the Alps.
- Take a tour of FC Bayern Munich.
- Visit the Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles.
- Escape to Lake Starnberg for the day and rent a boat, pedalo, or take a dip.
- Sample the local beer at the famous 16th century German beer hall, Hofbräuhaus.
- Check out the Nymphenburg Palace and Botanical Gardens.
- Visit the Olympiapark, German for Olympic Park, which was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Visit the Deutsches Museum which has 19 new exhibitions to explore.
Where to stay in Munich
If you’re looking for the lowest price hotel, a boutique in Munich central or luxury hotel in Munich (and want to know which Munich hotels have rooftop bars, serve breakfast and are close to central station/Munich airport), our edit of the best hotels in Munich (as recommended by travellers and hotel critics alike) should come in handy.
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