Despite the economy, recent surveys show that more young people in Germany would like to live in the capital of Bavaria than in any other German metropolis. Vacationers from abroad still prefer it to all other German cities, even Berlin. Although hotel occupancy is down, Munich remains an expensive destination, but there are many budget options available to the frugal traveler.
The present population of Munich has swollen to nearly 1,250,000 people, many of whom are employed in the service industries. City officials constantly strive to improve the quality of life in Munich. They are currently doing so by pedestrianizing more streets and extending the subway system to cut down on heavy traffic into the heart of the city, both notable achievements. Munich is also doing more than most cities to develop "ride share" -- that is, arranging inter-city carpooling.
Vacationers are discovering new ways of seeing Munich, including The New Munich Free Tour, a highly entertaining, youth-oriented daily tour. Tips are welcome.
In these hard times, visitors are looking for overnight bargains and finding them at the Creatif Hotel Elephant, a rather funky but up-to-date spot with circus-inspired décor. All of its rooms have been recently restored, and there is free internet. The best rates are on the website. The Biederstein in the Schwabing doesn't look like much on the outside, but its interior warms considerably with renovated and well-appointed guest rooms, many with private balconies. Bikes are for rent on site, and free internet access is available. The location is at the edge of the English Garden, where nudity prevails in summer. Though it's been around since 1872, Schelling Salon, which Lenin and Hitler (separately) patronized, is undergoing a rediscovery. On site is a billiard museum going back to the days of ancient Egypt.
A new eco-friendly café, Café Ignac, serves vegetarian cuisine daily, beginning with a breakfast and lunch buffet. Crepes and stir-fry dishes rule at night. In addition, new internet cafes keep popping up, including the San Francisco Coffee Company and the Coffee Fellows Café.
If you're looking for activity any hour of the day or night, head for Schrannenhalle, on the south side of the Viktualienmarkt, a former 19th-century grain depot that has been completely restored. Today it is home to some great little shops, a bevy of bars, and every sort of restaurant, serving everything from Japanese sushi to old-fashioned Bavarian dishes. Entertainment, ranging from jazz to rock, is often provided. Locals like to drop in here before dawn to order Weisswurst, those Bavarian white sausages.
Munich is also the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, where Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the top resort. Trains leave every hour from Munich, and the trip takes less than 60 minutes and costs 17€ one way. Six buses leave daily for Füssen, the site of Mad King Ludwig's Royal Castles. The trip costs 8.80€, and takes 2 hours.
To make extra money in a down economy, more and more Gästehäuser, or guest houses, have opened, offering a bed and breakfast at the rate of about 40€ per person -- though the price could go much higher, depending on the comfort of the establishment. The tourist office will help you arrange accommodations in these private establishments.
Munich
Accommodations
- Biederstein, Keferstrasse 18, Schwabing; (tel. 089/38999701), offers 34 newly renovated, well-furnished rooms and 7 suites.
- Creatif Hotel Elephant, Lammerstrasse 6; (tel. 089/555785; www.creatif-hotel-elephant.com), recently renovated, is one of the best deals in town, but reserve in advance.
Dining
- Café Ignaz, Georgenstrasse 67; (tel. 089/2716093), is the new leading vegetarian choice in Munich, noted for its generous breakfast and lunch buffets.
- Schelling Salon, Schellingstrasse 54; (tel. 089/2720788), is newly revamped and open Thursday to Monday 6:30am to 1am, serving German main courses for 4€ to 11€. Its specialties are German Knödel and billiards.
- Coffee Fellows Café, Bahnhofplatz 7; (tel. 089/51504688; www.coffee-fellows.de), is now open at the corner of Bahnhofplatz and Arnulfstrasse, right at the Bahnhof (the main train station). Open daily 6am to 11pm; cost is 2.50€ per hour or only 3€ per day.
- San Francisco Coffee Company, Im Tal; (tel. 089/9952973), near Isator, is now open Monday to Thursday 7am to 10:30pm, Friday 7:30 to 11pm, Saturday 9am to 11pm. Cost is 3€ per hour or 4.90€ per day.
Activities/Attractions
- New Munich Free Tour (tel. 089/3051050030; www.neweuropetours.eu) now meets at Marienplatz at 10:45am and 11:45am daily. Contact them at Schrannenhalle (www.schrannenhalle.de), on the south side of Viktualienmarkt, is a complex of shops, bars, and restaurants that is busy 24 hours a day every day of the week. A great hangout place in the early hours of the morning for beer and sausages.
The Bavarian Alps
- Tourist Office at Richard-Strauss-Platz 2; (tel. 08821/180700; www.garmisch-partenkirchen.de) arranges free bookings in local guest houses, Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to noon.
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