Where is the best place to stay in Munich?
By Laura Pattara. January 18, 2023
Altstadt (Old Town) is the best and most convenient area to stay in if you wish to have all the major tourist attractions nearby. An enchanting district steeped in history and culture, Altstadt is revered for its beautiful cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and stunning architecture. Given that over 70% of Munich was razed to the ground during WWII, being immersed in the city’s prized Gothic highlights feels like an incredible privilege. Plus, Altstadt is home to the largest concentration of Munich’s best restaurants, beer gardens, shopping strips, museums, and historical monuments. Choose Altstadt as your base during your stay in Munich, and you’ll have the city’s most stellar highlights at your fingertips.
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is one of the most rewarding city-break destinations you could set your sights on. With a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant art scene, not to mention the best cuisine in Germany, Munich is the perfect all-rounder that offers something for every type of traveler. History and culture buffs, foodies, beer enthusiasts, or lovers of the great outdoors: everyone easily finds their groove in Munich. The city is traversed by the Isa and boasts beautiful parks, outstanding markets, world-class museums, lively nightlife, and phenomenal shopping. Modern yet historical, bustling yet laid-back, cosmopolitan yet oh-so-Bavarian - Munich takes juxtaposition to new levels.On the map that shows the best area to stay in Munich you can find a selection of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Munich, you may also be interested in where to stay in Berlin, where to stay in Hamburg and where to stay in Frankfurt.
Altstadt, the best area to stay in Munich
First-Time / Tourists / Christmas Markets
Visitors traditionally start their meanderings in Marienplatz, the central pedestrian square and most popular meeting point in Munich. In medieval times, the square hosted jousting events and was the city’s main trading hub. Today, the square is revered mostly for its imposing architectural highlights and world-famous Christmas markets. The prime eye-catchers are the 14th-century Frauenkirche Cathedral and the colossal New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) that takes up an entire side of the square. Its intricately carved clock tower, Glockenspiel, chimes several times a day, attracting hefty tourist crowds in summer.
With plenty of beer gardens, trendy cafes, and konditorei, Altstadt is also a haven for gourmands. Head to Hofbräuhaus, the most historically significant beer hall in Germany, for a refreshing stein of the home dunkel (an experience no visitor should miss). To feast on a bevy of deliciousness, make a beeline for Viktualienmarkt, a fantastic produce market that also hosts an array of exceptional food stalls
Other areas to stay in Munich
Maxvorstadt
Nightlife / Culture / Art / Museums
As the nightclub capital of Munich, just east of the city center, Maxvorstadt is the best area to stay if you believe the best of life happens after dark. Incidentally, this district is also home to the largest concentration of art galleries and museums in the whole city, so it’s just as perfect for culture lovers.
A young and hip area known as the art and university core of Munich, Maxvorstadt is insanely convenient and falls within the inner-city zone for public transport rides. Nowadays, the historic suburb, designed in neo-classical style by King Ludwig I (admiringly named after King Maximilian, his predecessor), is considered an extension of Altstadt. Explore the classic architecture around Königsplatz, admire the Greco-Roman sculptures in the Glyptothek and the uber-impressive State Collection of Antiquities, among a host of other noteworthy museums.
In Maxvorstadt, you’ll find the largest concentration of eateries around the university, where beer halls and nightclubs meld into one.
Schwabing
Trendy / Quiet / Nightlife / Backpackers / Young
North of the city center yet a world away from the crowds, Schwabing is all about trendy pubs and laid-back living. Easily reached by public transport from Altstadt, yet with more affordable accommodation options, Schwabing is a hit with young travelers who want to dive into Munich’s best nightlife.
Schwabing is defined by its many green spaces and is particularly popular with visitors who don’t want to miss out on their morning jog. Stay close to the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks brimming with running trails, ponds, and amazing flora, and you’ll forget you’re visiting a thriving European metropolis. Visiting in summer? Head to the shores of the Isa and rent a SUP board for the day. Awesome fun!
In recent years, Schwabing has also emerged as a hub for the arts: meander the 2km-long ‘Schwabing T” (that’s Leopoldstraße and Hohenzollernstraße combined) and discover the many galleries and concept stores that are now redefining the district.
Ludwigsvorstadt
Oktoberfest / Budget / Sightseeing
Immediately southwest of Altstadt is the bustling district of Ludwigsvorstadt, an ideal area to stay for young and intrepid backpackers and anyone traveling on a budget. You’ll still have all the gems of Altstadt within walking distance (30 mins), but locally, you’ll find a ton of affordable beer gardens and microbreweries, as well as international eateries and quirky shops. The district’s Theresienwiese hosts the annual Oktoberfest, attracting avid beer drinkers from every corner of the globe.
Yet Ludwigsvorstadt is also a prime sightseeing district. It’s home to the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s foremost science and tech museums, as well as Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Olympics and now the city’s prime sporting venue. Culture vultures will love exploring the suburb’s array of museums and galleries. Don’t miss the exquisite Baroque-designed Munich Residenz and the extraordinary Nymphenburg Palace, where you’ll find several museums, sculpture parks, and perfectly curated gardens.
Trudering-Riem
Quiet / Safe / Business / Outdoor
A fantastic place for families to stay when visiting Munich, Trudering-Riem is on the eastern fringes of the city center (about a 30min ride on the S or U-Bahn) and is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a more authentic Bavarian experience. The district is also home to Munich’s largest fair, trade, conference, and exhibition centers, so it is particularly convenient for travelers who are visiting Munich for both business and pleasure.
Among its many relaxing attractions is the Trudering Forest, the largest green space in all of Munich and a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and families on weekends. In-between sightseeing outings, you can tee off at the Golf Club Munich Riem or shop to your heart’s delight at the Riem Arcaden Shopping Center, by far the largest shopping mall in all of Munich. The mall is also the perfect day outing if you happen to suffer a rainy day when visiting Munich.
Au-Haidhausen
First-Time / Relaxing / Convenient
Southeast of the city center, a 5-minute train ride across the Isar River are the twin districts of Au and Haidhausen. This trendy area is perfect for first-time and returning visitors alike. A brisk walk across the Isar, and you’ll be in Altstadt, yet you can spend your free time enjoying a more laid-back stay.
The southern end of Au-Haidhausen is the more residential area. It’s worthwhile exploring this area on foot to discover the delightful cobbled streets and old houses. Walk to the north, and you will enter Haidhausen, a hive of cultural activity. Head to the ever-busy square around the Munich philharmonic theatre (Gasteig) and the charming Wiener Platz, with its daily offerings of street performers and food stalls. If visiting in summer, don’t miss spending a few hours soaking up the rays on the shores of the Isar at the lovely Zellstraßer Strand. History buffs shouldn’t miss a guided tour of the impressive Bavarian State Parliament.
Our recommended hotels in Munich
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in MunichNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
