MUNICH: Cheap Hotels in Munich

The Altstadt old quarter of the Bavarian capital is packed with beautiful architecture. Marienplatz and the famous Glockenspiel clock are at the heart of it. A collection of museums to rival those of most other German cities, as well as almost nightly performances of the performing arts, make the city a delight for lovers of culture. The Oktoberfest, one of the most popular festivals in the world, draws beer drinkers from afar. Exciting nightlife and gourmet dining are among other Munich appeals. One of the biggest parks in Europe, just minutes from the Altstadt, is ideal for rest and relaxation.

Key attractions
The sights in the Altstadt can be reached on foot from the central Marienplatz square. The old and new city halls flank the square, and look as if they were taken from the pages of a fairytale book. The medieval Frauenkirche and its twin 100-meter high towers is the city’s identifying landmark. The Hofbrauhaus is the flagship of the Altstadt’s bars. The Residenz is the one-time Bavarian royal palace and one of the most interesting museums in Germany. The science exhibit housed at the Deutsches Museum is one of many superb Munich museum collections. The Hofgarten and the Englischer Garten gardens are located on the edge of the Altstadt.

Having fun
Munich is a cultural mecca, and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to having a good time. At the Residenz, the Residenztheater is home to the state theater troupe and the Herkulessaal to the state Radio Symphony Orchestra. Ballet and opera are on the program most evenings at the Nationaltheater. An eclectic range of bars, of which the Hofbrauhaus is the best known, caters to all tastes. The Oktoberfest is a must for many visitors. Those who like to party late will love the atmosphere in the 20-plus clubs at Kultfabrik. Abundant cafés and beer gardens round off the options.

Shopping
The eight-story Galeria Kaufhof and the massive underground Stachus Passagen are the main shopping venues in the center, and sell everything from toiletries to luxury clothing and accessories. Department stores and international chains are represented on Kaufinger Strasse and other nearby streets in the Altstadt. The Olympia Einkaufszentrum is a mall next to the 1972 Olympics Stadium and has boutiques, eateries, and large stores. Viktualienmarkt is the best known of the markets and is a labyrinth of stalls with exotic fruit, spices, cheeses, and sausages among its offerings.

Nearby
Using Munich as a base, there are lots of activity venues and tourist destinations within convenient range. Andechs Monastery is a Baroque edifice on the shores of Ammersee lake, 25 miles from Munich. Tegernsee, a slightly longer journey south, features a picturesque castle and the Olaf Gulbransson Museum. Nordic walking, hiking, and swimming are among other Tegernsee draws. Dachau Palace and its attractive court garden are 15 miles north and can be combined with a visit to the infamous WWII Dachau Concentration Camp. Skyline Park is 40 minutes by car and provides thrills for the whole family.