Seedy Hauptbahnhof neigborhood in Munich

The area around the mainstation is not nice but not unsafe. In the area a lot of civilian police is underway.

Joan,

I wouldn't call that area "seedy", but rather "colourful". In addition to the "adult clubs", there are a lot of cell phone shops and other small businesses and many people that appear to be immigrants. I live in a medium size city and not something that one sees here, but the area has never seemed unsafe, and I have no concerns in staying there.

My opinion is when you've got the option to stay in the historical center (altstadt) with the stunning old world architecture and wide open pedestrian zones...why would you choose the seedy train station?

Joan, who called that neighborhood 'seedy'?

".why would you choose the seedy train station?"

Maybe, because
1) you don't consider "seedy" to be that bad
2) you like to spend less money

It's not seedy. The buildings just don't look as pretty as the ones near the Marienplatz.
I personally like staying in the area around the Hauptbahnhof. There's lots of places to grab an inexpensive bite to eat and plenty of Internet cafes. If paying more to stay in pretty buildings is your thing, that's cool. If you don't mind a little wear, that's cool too. To each their own.

I never thought of it as seedy. I'll have another look this summer. Maybe something's changed? But I doubt it...

I called it "sketchy" in looking for a place for my parents to stay... I think for people who do not live in a big city, staying in the more "colorful" areas near the train stations is a bit nerve wracking. People would say the same about San Francisco, there are some areas here that are more colorful, though not unsafe.. but if you aren't used to that, it can be harder. I don't blink because I am used to it, but people who visit from non-cities may feel a touch uncomfortable - especially if they haven't traveled much.

Also, in my parents case, they are only there one night, so they may want to stay in a "cuter" area that looks more "german".... like in SF you may dream more of staying in a cute victorian bed and breakfast, not in the perfectly safe and reasonably price hotel that is surrounded by interesting shops, etc...

For me, I am trying to weigh the slight hassle of getting them more into the Altstadt for a bit more ambience, or keeping it easy by the train station....

Kim, when I took my mom to Munich 2 summers ago, we stayed in the Alstadt area at the Hotel an der Oper. She was fine walking around on her own and being able to navigate the Marienplatz area with no problem. I don't think she would have felt as comfortable near the 'colorful' Hauptbanhof area.

I used to live in SF, and you used a perfect analogy - she would feel fine in Cole Valley or the Marina; less so in the Mission.

Hi,

True, I would say that's an accurate description of either side of Munich Hbf. The Bayerstrasse side is where I stay, several Pensionen are located on that side. It's not really seedy; agree that colorful is more accurate. I'm used to that area. If the area around the Hbf is reputedly seedy, does that mean the area is to be avoided? Being "seedy" is not enough of a pressing reason to avoid the area. What wrong with staying in the area if it's seedy? Convenience and also cheaper Pensionen. I don't need to rely on public transportation or, worse still, a taxi to get me back to the train station on departure day especially if it's an early morning train departure, when I can walk the 2-3 mins through the underground passage to reach the station. That's why I usually don't stay in the so called center, which is relative in Germany anyway.