Hotels in Munich

Munich: Bavaria's Capital Between the Alps and the Isar

Munich (München) sits on the Isar River in southern Bavaria, roughly 60 km north of the Austrian border. Founded in 1158 by Henry the Lion, the city today holds 1.5 million residents and ranks as Germany's third-largest urban area. The Marienplatz — the medieval heart of the Altstadt — draws visitors year-round, anchored by the Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus and its daily Glockenspiel performance at 11 am. The English Garden (Englischer Garten), at 3.7 km², outranks New York's Central Park in size and contains a standing river wave at the Eisbach where surfers ride year-round.

Where to Stay in Munich

Hotels cluster across several distinct neighborhoods. The Altstadt-Lehel district places guests within walking distance of the Residenz palace complex and the Hofbräuhaus. Maxvorstadt — the museum quarter — borders the Pinakothek trio of art galleries and Ludwig Maximilian University. Travelers arriving by rail find the Hauptbahnhof area well-served by mid-range and budget properties, with S-Bahn lines connecting the airport (MUC) in approximately 40 minutes.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: The MVV network integrates U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus; a day pass covers all zones within the city ring.
• Oktoberfest: Held at the Theresienwiese each late September–early October; book hotels six to twelve months ahead.
• Weather: Alpine föhn winds can push October temperatures above 20 °C; pack layers regardless of season.