City trip to the south: Why you should visit Munich & Heidelberg

Fancy a city trip to southern Germany? Our top tips: Munich and Heidelberg! Both cities are among the most beautiful in Germany – each with its own unique charm. Munich captivates with its magnificent boulevards, Bavarian cosiness, and international flair, while Heidelberg enchants with its romantic old town and castle backdrop. Whether it's culture, relaxing hours by the river, or culinary discoveries, everyone is guaranteed to find something to their liking here. And best of all: In both cities, you'll stay centrally, comfortably, and affordably in MEININGER Hotels .

Anyone wanting to explore Munich or Heidelberg will find ideal accommodations at MEININGER Hotels. Centrally located, well-connected, and attractively priced – this is how the hotels of the hotel group, which currently operates 36 locations across Europe, 15 of which are in Germany, present themselves. A hallmark of MEININGER: Each hotel is uniquely designed, reflecting the spirit and characteristics of the respective city, in keeping with the motto "Step out and explore." Guests choose between classic double rooms, spacious family rooms, or beds in a shared dormitory – perfect for solo travelers, families, small groups, and backpackers.

Flexibility is a top priority: A 24-hour reception allows for early check-in or late check-out. The breakfast buffet ensures a good start, and packed lunches for on the go are also available. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available everywhere. The hybrid concept of MEININGER Hotels combines the service and comfort of an international budget hotel with the exceptional amenities of a hostel. These include a fully equipped communal kitchen for self-catering, a washing machine and dryer, an in-house bar, and a game zone with board and card games and a Children's play area.

Light-filled breakfast room with bright tables and chairs at the MEININGER Hotel Munich Center

The breakfast room at the MEININGER Hotel Munich Centre offers plenty of space.

Source: MEININGER HOTELS

There are additional benefits for families: When booking directly, children up to 12 years old receive a 15 percent discount on the room rate. Children up to six years old eat breakfast free, and seven- to 12-year-olds pay half price. Family rooms accommodate three to six people, and free baby cots are available upon request.

Munich's Marienplatz with column, town hall and towers of the Frauenkirche

Marienplatz is a wonderful starting point for exploring Munich.

Source: IMAGO/Christian Offenberg

Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest—but the Bavarian metropolis has much more to offer. A good starting point for your exploration is Marienplatz, with the neo-Gothic New Town Hall. It is famous for its glockenspiel with dancing figures, which can be seen daily at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. For a fantastic panoramic view of the city, it's worth climbing the town hall tower. Another landmark is the Frauenkirche with its striking onion domes. Here, too, you can climb the south tower and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.

Those needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the city can relax in the English Garden—one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, even larger than New York's Central Park. Art lovers shouldn't miss the art district in Maxvorstadt: 18 museums and over 20 galleries await here, including the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, the Museum Brandhorst, and the National Socialist Documentation Center. Another highlight is the Museum Island in the Isar River, home to the Deutsches Museum, one of the largest technology and science museums in the world.

For connoisseurs, the Viktualienmarkt is a must: From Obatzda (traditional Bavarian pastry) with pretzels to Weißwurst (white sausage) and Kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancakes) – here you can feast on the specialties of Bavarian cuisine. To round off a perfect day, a trip to the Olympic Park is worthwhile. Once celebrated as an architectural masterpiece of the 1970s, the site is now a popular leisure paradise. There are walking paths, boat rentals, and the Sea Life Aquarium. The Olympic Hill is the best place to enjoy the sunset over Munich, with views of the Alps included.

Room at the MEININGER Hotel Munich Center with double bed and bunk bed and modern furniture, including an orange wardrobe and yellow table

The MEININGER Hotel Munich Centre is located close to many major attractions.

Source: Guenter Lenz, MEININGER Hotels

In Munich, you have two MEININGER hotels to choose from. The MEININGER Hotel München Zentrum is centrally located and lively, just a few minutes' walk or one S-Bahn stop from Munich Central Station. The Oktoberfest grounds are also within walking distance, making the hotel an ideal choice for visitors during the Wiesn. The hotel combines functional design elements with Bavarian alpine flair and modern urban style.

Room at the MEININGER Hotel Munich Olympiapark with park view, double bed and green furniture

The MEININGER Hotel at Munich's Olympic Park captures its sporting spirit with bold colors.

Source: Wolfgang Scholvien Photograph, MEININGER Hotels

A bit quieter, but just as well-connected, is the MEININGER Hotel München Olympiapark. Just 500 meters from the Olympic Park, its vibrant colors exude a cheerful and feel-good atmosphere. Munich Central Station can be reached in about 15 minutes by public transport. Paid parking is available for guests arriving by car.

View over Heidelberg with the Neackr, the old bridge, the red roofs of the old town and the castle above

For many travelers, Heidelberg is the epitome of German romance.

Source: IMAGO/Panthermedia

Heidelberg in Baden-Württemberg is one of Germany's picture-perfect cities: red roofs, baroque facades, and lush greenery along the Neckar River. The city's landmark, Heidelberg Castle, towers above the romantic Old Town. This imposing 16th-century ruin is often called the "most famous ruin in the world" and is considered the epitome of German Romanticism. It's best to plan plenty of time for your visit. There, you'll discover the world's largest wine barrel, the Stückgarten (piece garden), and the German Pharmacy Museum. The view of the city and river from the castle is unforgettable.

The Old Town is also a great place to stroll. Did you know that Heidelberg is home to Germany's longest pedestrian zone? Its 1.8 kilometers are lined with historic houses, baroque buildings, squares, and sidewalk cafés. On the market square, a visit to the 14th-century Church of the Holy Spirit is worthwhile – the 82-meter-high building offers a magnificent view of the city from its viewing platform. Another highlight is the Old Bridge, one of Germany's most beautiful stone bridges. Photo tip: take a selfie at the bridge monkey sculpture against a stunning backdrop. Heidelberg is also Germany's oldest university city. Particularly worth seeing are the imposing baroque university building and the historic student prison, where students were once "locked up" for nighttime pranks.

Heidelberg also has a lot to offer nature lovers: The Philosopher's Walk on the opposite bank of the Neckar River leads through Mediterranean-like vegetation and offers fantastic views of the Old Town and the castle. Nearby is one of Germany's oldest botanical gardens, with around 14,000 plant species.

In Heidelberg, you'll also stay at MEININGER in a central location with excellent transport links. The MEININGER Hotel Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof is about a ten-minute walk from the train station. The old town, with its castle, Old Bridge, and Philosopher's Alley, is easily accessible by tram or a leisurely stroll. The hotel's design playfully captures the academic flair of this traditional university city—with clever details, practical spatial solutions, and a fresh, modern look.