In late May 2019 we're doing a 15 day trip: Salzburg, Hallstatt, Vienna and Budapest (fly home from BUD). Will be flying into MUC from the states arriving 11am. Our plan was to collect our bags, head to Hbf and take the train to Salzburg arriving there late afternoon to officially start the trip. There are 3 of us - all 50ish, seasoned travellers and travel light (1 carry on each). Since none of us have been to Munich we thought it might be fun to stay there the first night then leave for Salzburg the next afternoon since none of us have been to Munich before. Since jet lag isn't a problem for us we like to arrive, drop bags at our hotel then spend several hours strolling around, have a short nap & get refreshed, then have a nice dinner and do some evening strolling.
My question - is there an area in Munich that would be convenient to the train station where we could stay that first night and be able to walk around and get a small taste of the city? We had 7 days planned for Budapest but feel it would be easy to give up one of those days (and this is a 2nd visit to Vienna for 2 of us so only spending 3 1/2 days there).
I welcome any input!
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
We stayed at this hotel about 10 minutes from the HBF
https://www.hotel-uhland.de/en/home/
Here is a map of the area and the distances from the hotel the HBF and the old town center
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ
11 posts
Thank you Jazz+Travels It looks like staying near the train station still puts us in a good area to see some sights and has good hotels.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8082 posts
The area around the Hbf is perfect for what you want. I can't recommend a hotel, but there is plenty to do.
I would recommend wandering central Munich from the train station down to Marienplatz then onto the Viktualienmarkt. A side trip to the Englishern Garden to the Chinesischer Turm beer garden is nice, then finish up at either the Hofbrauhaus or go to the Augustiner-Keller just North and to the west of the train station.
All this would offer lots of outdoor time to help with jetlag and give you a decent overview of Munich.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ
11 posts
Paul I like these ideas - looks perfect for us to unwind and see a few things. And I know we'll enjoy the beer gardens!
Posted by
TX
980 posts
As an alternative you could stay in Haidhausen which is a much nicer area than the Hauptbahnhof neighborhood. Rosenheimer Platz has several hotels and is right on the SBahn line so easy access to/from the Airport/Marienplatz/Ostbahnhof (where you can catch the train to Salzburg). You would be approximately the same walking distance to the city center as you would from Hotel Uhland but you could easily take the SBahn as well. Haidhausen is much nicer for walking around and exploring and has a better selection of restaurants and cafes than the area around the Hauptbahnhof. Just north of Rosenheimerplatz is lots of really nice squares and minimal traffic (they limit auto traffic in Haidhausen with creative one way streets and some taxi and tram only sections to keep people from cutting through). See pictures of the neighborhood here (in German): https://www.muenchen.de/stadtteile/haidhausen.html
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the Hauptbahnhof area but staying there is like staying near an airport in a major US city, it's mostly geared to business travelers who are just looking for convenience.
DJ
Edit: I put a short walking tour recommendation of Haidhausen in this thread: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/10-hour-munich-layover-what-to-do-and-see. If you decide to go this route and need suggestions for hotels and cafes just PM me.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ
11 posts
Thank you @DJ. Just sent you a PM.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2554 posts
Hotel Metropol is across from the train station on a quiet street. Highly recommend it - nice rooms, fabulous breakfast. Drop your bags and head to the Viktualienmarket (close to Marienplatz and open until 6:00, closed Sundays. The Hofbrauhaus is fun (and crowded) in the evening. The Ratskeller is a gorgeous restaurant in the new town hall. Stroll back towards the hotel along the pedestrian area 10-15 minutes walk, or take the train from Marienplatz (2 stops).
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2592 posts
We stayed at the Ibis near the Hbf. Decent modern place a couple of blocks away. We went and walked around the Altstadt - Marienplatz, churches, market, etc.
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
I have stayed at the Mercure Altstadt Munich. Yes, a cookie cutter hotel, but prime location and super easy to get to from train station and not in the immediate train station area. Remember to check the dates/days when you will be on the ground. Some places, like Viktualienmarkt may be open or closed, depending on the day of the week.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6500 posts
I second the suggestion of the delightful Hotel Uhland. If you can work it, I would recommend 2 nights (obviously one could do more) in Munich. It's a great city and there is a lot to do even if you stay close to the Marienplatz.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, AZ
11 posts
Thank you all for great info on where to stay and what to do. Even though we'll only have one day I think we'll get a good taste of Munich and eat some great food!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19276 posts
Most of the S-Bahns in Munich go through one "trunk" tunnel from the Hbf to east station (Ostbahnhof) under Marienplatz, which includes the Rathaus (city hall) and the Frauenkirche, and is close to many other attractions, including the Viktualienmarkt. Many of us consider Marienplatz to be the city center. Depending on which S-Bahn you use to come into the city, it is just two stops before (S8) or after (S1) the Hbf. And it's just three stops from Ostbahnhof, from which you can take the regional (M) train to Salzburg. I would try to stay close to Marienplatz.
There are a number of places to stay around Marienplatz. One of these is Pension Lindner. It's a short (5 minutes, less than ¼ mile) walk from Marienplatz. It has good reviews from people on this website who have stayed there.