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Munich, the capital of Bavaria, offers a blend of historical depth and modern appeal. The city is widely recognised for its annual Oktoberfest beer festival, drawing visitors from across the globe, but its character extends well beyond this celebration. It boasts impressive architecture, from the neo-Gothic Rathaus on Marienplatz with its Glockenspiel to the baroque opulence of Nymphenburg Palace, a former royal residence.
Beyond its grand structures, Munich is a centre for the arts, housing significant collections in its numerous museums, including the Alte Pinakothek and Deutsches Museum. The English Garden provides a vast urban green space for relaxation and recreation, while the BMW Museum showcases the region's industrial heritage. Its strong connection to brewing traditions and hearty Bavarian cuisine further defines its identity.
For many visitors to Munich, the area around Marienplatz in the city centre often proves the most convenient base. It offers easy access to many sights and excellent transport links throughout the city.
The Altstadt-Lehel district, encompassing Marienplatz itself, is home to the New Town Hall and its Glockenspiel. Accommodation here ranges from elegant boutique hotels to well-known international chains, placing you steps away from establishments like the Hofbräuhaus and the Frauenkirche. To the east, around Isartor, you'll find a mix of traditional Bavarian restaurants and more modern eateries.
Just west of the main station, the Maxvorstadt area is known for its cultural institutions. Here, you'll find the Pinakotheken art museums and the Glyptothek. Hotels in this district often cater to those seeking a quieter stay, with a good selection of mid-range and upscale options. The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich also contributes to a lively, yet refined, atmosphere with various cafés and bookshops.
South of the centre, Sendling offers a more local feel. While slightly further out, it provides good value accommodation and is home to the Viktualienmarkt food market, a bustling hub for local produce and Bavarian specialities. This area often features smaller, family-run hotels and guesthouses.
Munich’s public transport system, the MVV, is highly efficient, making it easy to reach any part of the city from your hotel. The U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (suburban train), trams, and buses connect seamlessly. Both Munich Airport (MUC) and Memmingen Airport (FMM) are well-linked to the city centre via the S-Bahn, ensuring straightforward journeys to and from your chosen accommodation.
Finding good value on accommodation in Munich often depends on timing your visit. To keep costs down, consider travelling outside of the city's busiest periods. Hotel prices typically surge during the high season, which runs from June to August, and also significantly around the Oktoberfest festival, usually held in late September and early October. These times see the highest demand, pushing prices up considerably.
For more affordable rates, aim for the low season, spanning from January to March. During these winter months, excluding the Christmas and New Year period, tourist numbers are generally lower, and hotels tend to offer more competitive prices. Booking well in advance, regardless of the season, can also help secure better deals, as last-minute availability often comes at a premium, especially during major trade fairs or events at the Messe München.