Munich, the capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third largest city, is a fascinating mix of old and new. Founded by Benedictine monks more than a thousand years ago. Today, this thriving jewel of southern Germany is not only home to museums, galleries, royal avenues and extensive parks, but also a center of industry, finance and sports.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Munich 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Hotel Bayerischer Hof
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: Cortiina Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: Mandarin Oriental, Munich
- 🏨 4-Star: Platzl Hotel
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Hotel Antares
- ✈️ Near Airport: NH München Airport
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: The Westin Grand Munich
It is also perfectly situated to travel around Bavaria and see some of the breathtaking German castles that have inspired even Disney! Although the city is relatively compact, it’s still important to think about where to stay in Munich to find the perfect place for your time in the city.
Munich is the beating heart of Bavarian culture. It is the birthplace of Oktoberfest, where thousands of tourists from all over the world come to celebrate Bavarian culture in beer halls, wearing Lederhosen and drinking from mugs about the size of my head.
Quick Munich Neighborhood Guide 📋
- 👀 For the First-Time: Altstadt
- 🍸 For Nightlife: Maxvorstadt
- 🍻 For Oktoberfest: Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
- 👨👩👦 For Families: Au-Haidhausen
- 🥳 Budget-friendly: Schwabing-Freimann
1. Altstadt (Old Town) – Best Place to Stay in Munich for the First Time 👀
🏰 Historic hub: Nestled in the heart of Munich, the Altstadt (Old Town) area transports visitors back in time with its medieval architecture. As the center of Munich, Altstadt places you steps away from iconic attractions like Marienplatz, while also letting you soak up history around every corner.
📍 Well-located: The area’s proximity to must-see destinations makes getting around incredibly convenient. In fact, Altstadt sits centrally between the four main sites:
- Marienplatz – The bustling central square with the iconic New Town Hall and its glockenspiel show
- Frauenkirche – The impressive Gothic cathedral with distinctive twin onion domes
- Viktualienmarkt – A daily farmer’s market selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods
- Hofbräuhaus – The world-famous beer hall
🚊 Easily accessible: The Altstadt is serviced by the Marienplatz station on metro lines U3 and U6, as well as the city’s central bus and tram hub. Thanks to its compact size, it only takes an afternoon to uncover the best of what this atmospheric area has to offer:
- Stumble upon historic churches like St. Peter’s, the oldest in Munich
- Soak up views of the city from Peterskirche and Alter Peter towers
👀 Scenic sights: While meandering through the area, don’t forget to stop at one of the charming cafes or eateries located in petite open-air courtyards for a taste of authentic Bavarian cuisine or a locally crafted beer!
Where to Stay in Munich City Center? 🏨
Expensive hotels:
- Bayerischer Hof – Located in the heart of Munich, this historic 5-star hotel offers luxurious rooms, several restaurants and a spa.
- Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München – This hotel is also located in the center of Munich and offers luxurious rooms and excellent service.
Mid-range hotels:
- Cortiina Hotel – This hotel is known for its minimalist design and attention to detail. It is located near the central Marienplatz square.
- Mercure Hotel München Altstadt – The Mercure Hotel offers comfortable rooms and is within walking distance of many of Munich’s attractions.
- Hotel Schlicker – This budget hotel is located near Marienplatz. It is known for its friendly staff and good breakfast.
2. Maxvorstadt – Best Area to Stay in Munich for Nightlife 💃
🌆 Lively hood: Located just north of Munich’s old town, Maxvorstadt is considered one of the city’s trendiest and liveliest neighborhoods.
👟 Very walkable: Maxvorstadt is very walkable and most sights can be reached on foot. The area also has excellent public transportation connections via tram, bus, and subway. Key stops include Universität and Odeonsplatz. Renting a bike is another great option for navigating the neighborhood.
🔝 Top sights and activities:
- Kunstareal – This “art district” contains world-class museums like the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and the Museum Brandhorst. Focused on Old Master paintings and modern art.
- Ludwig Maximilian University – One of Germany’s finest universities with a historic campus and architectural gems like the Ludwigskirche.
- Odeonsplatz – Grand public square with the Feldherrnhalle on one end and Theatinerkirche on the other. Site of the 1938 Hitlerputsch.
- Hofgarten – Beautiful formal gardens with fountains and pagodas near the Residenz. Lovely for strolling.
- Englischer Garten – Munich’s largest park is just a short walk north. Features lakes, meadows, beer gardens and even river surfing.
☕️ Café culture: As a student neighborhood, Maxvorstadt caters to a young crowd with abundant cafes, casual eateries, bars and boutique shops. The streets around University Square and Türkenstraße are especially lively.
Where to Stay in Maxvorstadt? 🏩
Expensive hotels:
- Hotel München Palace – This 5-star hotel is known for its exquisite rooms, upscale service and on-site restaurant.
- Louis Hotel – This boutique hotel is located near the English Gardens and in the center of many local attractions.
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Hauser an der Universität – This family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring Munich.
- Das Hotel in München – The hotel offers cozy rooms and is in close proximity to the university and many restaurants and bars.
Budget hotels:
- Hotel Antares – This budget hotel offers simple but clean and comfortable rooms. It is close to the English Garden and many restaurants and cafes.
3. Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt – Where to Stay in Munich for Oktoberfest 🍻
🌃 Hip hotspot: Located just south of Munich’s city center, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is a vibrant inner-city district known for its museums, galleries, shops, cafes and nightlife. This diverse and creative neighborhood sits along the Isar River, making it a convenient base for visitors who want to explore Munich by foot or public transportation.
🏛️ Top attractions: Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is home to some of Munich’s top attractions, including:
- Deutsches Museum – Germany’s largest museum of science and technology housed on an island in the Isar River
- Gärtnerplatz – Charming square with a theater, shops, restaurants and regular outdoor food markets
💃 Street style: The neighborhood also contains the Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatzviertel quarters, known for their hip boutiques, cafes, bars and street art. Key sites here include the iconic Hochhaus skyscraper and Munich’s oldest LGBTQ nightclub Deutsche Eiche.
🚊 Well-connected: Getting around Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is incredibly easy thanks to its central location and well-connected transportation:
- Walking – Most key sites are within a 20 minute walk
- U-bahn – Stations like Fraunhoferstraße and Isartor provide metro access
- Trams – Numerous lines including N17, N18 and N19
- River transport – Hop on a short ferry ride along the Isar River
📍 Ideal location: Whether you want to marvel at modern art and technology, shop and eat at quirky cafes or explore Munich’s edgier nightlife scene, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt makes for an ideal home base.
All hotels in Ludwigsvorstadt →
Where to Stay in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt? 🏨
Expensive hotels:
- Mandarin Oriental, Munich – Located in the heart of Munich, this hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, a superb restaurant and is within walking distance of many attractions.
- Hotel München City Center affiliated by Meliá – This 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms and an excellent breakfast. It is also close to the city center and many attractions.
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Cocoon Stachus – A modern and stylish hotel with comfortable rooms located close to many tourist spots.
- Hotel Andra München – This hotel offers cozy rooms and a convenient location for exploring the city.
Budget hotels:
- Pension/Guesthouse am Hauptbahnhof – This affordable guesthouse offers simple but cozy rooms. It is ideal for travelers on a tight budget and is close to the main train station.
- Hotel Jedermann – Located near the main train station, this hotel offers simple but cozy rooms and a good breakfast. Many of Munich’s attractions are conveniently accessible from the hotel.
- Hotel Metropol by Maier Privathotels – This hotel is in a quiet location, but still close to the city center. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and includes breakfast in the rate.
4. Glockenbachviertel – Where to Stay for Alternative Culture ✨
🌃 Hip hub: This exciting area puts you in close proximity to many of Munich’s main attractions like Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, and the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall, while also offering its own unique vibe.
🚶♂️ Walkable grid: The neighborhood is easily walkable, with a grid-style street layout. Public transport options also abound:
- Trams 12 and 27 along Müllerstraße
- Metro stops Fraunhoferstraße and Kolumbusplatz on lines U1 and U2
☕️ Trendy haunts: Hip bars, cafés, shops, and restaurants line the streets, especially focused along Glockenbachstrasse, Hans-Sachs-Strasse, and Müllerstrasse. The neighborhood caters to an artsy, alternative crowd, making it a cool place to mingle with savvy young Munich residents.
🖼 Top experiences in Glockenbach include:
- Checking out the trendy boutiques and stopping for a brew at one of the numerous cafés or bars
- Exploring the Quarter Kim Popular Art Studio gallery and sculpture garden
- Grabbing an artisanal pizza or burger at one of the area’s casual but sublime eateries
🍻 When evening arrives, locals and visitors alike flock to Glockenbach’s bars and clubs, especially LGBTQ+ friendly spots like New Action or Deutsche Eiche. The options for food, drink, people-watching, and carousing amplify as the night goes on.
Where to Stay in Glockenbachviertel? 🏩
Mid-range hotels:
- Cocoon Sendlinger Tor – A stylish, modern hotel located in the Sendlinger Tor area, close to public transportation and the city center. Offers comfortable rooms with sleek, minimalist décor.
- Hotel GIO – A design boutique hotel set in a historic building near the central train station. Contemporary rooms feature chic, artsy interiors and scenic city views. Good dining options onsite.
- Hotel Olympic – A comfortable mid-scale hotel in the Maxvorstadt district, close to art galleries and museums. Bright, airy rooms with classic furnishings and decor. Friendly service.
Budget hotels:
- The Flushing Meadows Hotel – A quirky, artsy hotel with a musical theme. Simple, retro-style rooms at affordable rates. Lively bar downstairs with regular music events. Convenient central location.
- myMINGA4 – Self-catering apartments with basic kitchenettes, good for longer stays. Clean, modern furnishings. Reliable amenities and friendly service at a budget price.
5. Au-Haidhausen – Best Neighborhood in Munich for Families 👨👩👧👦
Au-Haidhausen is one of Munich’s hippest neighborhoods. Nestled between the city’s main attractions like Marienplatz and the English Garden, it strikes the perfect balance between central location and local charm.
✅ Well-connected: Getting around is a breeze, with trams and buses connecting you to wherever you need to go. You’ll also find bike and electric scooter rentals on nearly every corner for quick jaunts across the neighborhood.
🏰 Top sights: As you explore Au on foot, top sights not to miss include:
- The historic Au Cathedral with its ornate gothic towers
- Trendy Gasteig Cultural Center and concert venue
- Sprawling Au Park and its beer gardens
🍸 Nightlife: This part of the city is filled with highlights like the Lost Weekend café where you can grab an iced coffee and popular bars along Weiβgerbergasse where you can bar hop on a Friday night as you follow the crowds.
🚊 Transportation: Getting to Au-Haidhausen is simple from central Munich. Just cross the Ludwig Bridge heading east from Marienplatz. Or for expansive city views, take tram 17 from Karlsplatz which drops you right into the heart of the neighborhood.
Where to Stay in Au-Haidhausen? 🏨
Luxury hotels:
- Novotel München City – Modern 4-star hotel in the city center with spacious rooms, good amenities and close to the central station.
- Motel One München - Deutsches Museum – Contemporary budget design hotel located opposite the Deutsches Museum with stylish rooms.
- Marias Platzl – Traditional Bavarian-style hotel near the Viktualienmarkt food market, features Alpine décor and a beer garden.
Mid-range hotels:
- Holiday Inn Munich City Centre, an IHG Hotel – Reliable Holiday Inn with comfortable rooms, convenient location and reasonable rates.
- Hotel Am Nockherberg – Historic hotel and beer garden, full of character with traditional Bavarian hospitality and good transport links.
- Motel One München-East Side – Trendy budget hotel with simple, modern rooms, located next to the East train station.
Budget hotels:
- Hotel Prinz – No-frills hotel with basic rooms at affordable rates, well situated within walking distance of central Munich.
- MOMA1890 Boutique Hotel – Small boutique hotel with stylish decor mixing retro and modern elements located close to the train station.
- Hotel Christl München Innenstadt – Simple good-value hotel in the city center, clean and comfortable with friendly service.
6. Schwabing-Freimann – Where to Stay in Munich City on a Budget 💸
🎨 Artsy spot: Located just north of Munich’s city center, Schwabing-Freimann is a lively and eclectic neighborhood popular with students, artists, and intellectuals. Its proximity to the Englischer Garten makes it a great base for those looking to spend time outdoors while still having easy access to Munich’s top sites.
🚇 Well-connected: The main transit hubs are Giselastraße, Nordfriedhof, and Studentenstadt U-bahn stations. From here you can easily access Munich Central Station, Marienplatz, and other key destinations. Biking is also popular thanks to the many bike lanes and rental stations.
🌳 Park life: Key attractions include:
- The massive Englischer Garten with its streams, woods, and big green open spaces for sunbathing, surfing, or picnicking
- The Scheidplatz, a central square popular for its lively open-air food market and adjacent beer garden
- BMW Museum featuring impressive auto displays and the company’s history
🍴 Tasty treats: This area of Munich has no shortage of causal cafes, hip bars and eclectic eateries satisfying tastes and budgets. For fine dining, Mural serves gourmet French cuisine in a relaxed upscale setting. Night owls flock to Kulturstadt for its rotating DJs and neon-bathed dance floor.
🛌 Good night’s sleep: Whether staying at a hotel or vacation rental, lodging options here range from budget hostels to high-end suites. Many choices are conveniently located near U-bahn stations. Average nightly rates fall between €60-150 per night.
All hotels in Schwabing-Freimann →
Where to Stay in Schwabing? 🏩
Mid-range hotels:
- Star G Hotel München Schwabing – Contemporary mid-range hotel in the lively Schwabing district, close to the English Garden and subway with comfortable rooms and a tasty breakfast.
- Motel One München-Parkstadt Schwabing – Modern budget design hotel near the English Garden, great for short stays with stylish rooms and limited amenities.
- Hampton By Hilton Munich City North – Reliable mid-range chain hotel north of the city center with a gym, free breakfast and easy U-bahn access.
Budget hotels:
- Super 8 by Wyndham Munich City North – No-frills budget lodging with simple rooms and a convenient location close to subway and tram lines.
- the niu Loco – Quirky, creative hostel near the Oktoberfest grounds with unique art-filled rooms and lively social atmosphere perfect for backpackers.
- Arena Stadt München – Affordable hotel next to the Olympic Park and BMW World, better suited for short stays given the basic amenities.
Top Tips for Your Munich Trip 📃
1. 🚝 Use public transportation to get around. Munich has an extensive, efficient, and affordable public transit system of buses, trams, and the U-Bahn metro. Buying a day pass saves you money over single tickets.
2. 🌳 Visit the English Garden. This beautiful, expansive park is a beloved green space for both locals and tourists. Spend an afternoon strolling through gardens, woods, and meadows or relax at a beer garden.
3. 🍺 Schedule your trip during Oktoberfest or another festival. Between the beer, music, food, and revelry, Munich’s crowded festivals showcase Bavarian culture. Just book accommodations well in advance.
4. 🏯 Tour Munich’s castles and palaces. Among the architectural gems to see are Nymphenburg Palace with its grand halls and gardens and the Residenz, the former royal palace filled with treasures.
5.😋 Eat like a local. From sweet pastries like the apple strudel to hearty Bavarian fare such as schnitzel, pretzels, and roast pork, don’t leave without sampling Munich’s scrumptious specialties. The Viktualienmarkt is a perfect place to start.
Best Hotels near Munich International Airport 🛫
NH München Airport offers modern amenities and comfortable rooms for travelers. With a free shuttle service to and from the airport, getting to your flight on time is a breeze.
Plus, you can unwind after a long journey in their fitness center or enjoy a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant.
If you’re looking for a trendy and vibrant atmosphere, MOXY Munich Airport is the place to be. This stylish hotel offers cozy rooms, perfect for both leisure and business travelers. You’ll love their lively communal spaces, where you can socialize with other guests or catch up on work in a relaxed setting.
And with their 24/7 self-service grab-and-go food and beverage options, you’ll never go hungry, no matter what time your flight is.
With spacious rooms featuring modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi, you’ll feel right at home. Start your day off right with their complimentary breakfast buffet, offering a variety of hot and cold options to suit every palate.
And with their convenient location just a short drive from the airport, you’ll be able to catch your flight without any stress.
Best Neighborhoods & Hotels in Munich on a Map 🗺
FAQs about Visiting Munich ❔
What is the best area to stay in Munich as a tourist?
The best area to stay in Munich as a tourist is the city center. This puts you close to Marienplatz and many top attractions like the Frauenkirche, the Hofbräuhaus, and English Garden. You can easily walk or take public transportation to museums, historic sites, restaurants, and beer gardens from a central location.
Is Munich a walkable city?
Munich is a very walkable city. The city center and historic Altstadt district are compact, flat areas ideal for walking. Major sights like the Residenz and Marienplatz are within about a 20 minute walk. Parks like the Englischer Garten can be enjoyed on foot as well. So traveling by foot during your stay is convenient.
How many days is enough for Munich?
Three days is a good minimum to appreciate Munich. This gives you time to visit top attractions like Marienplatz, tour great museums like the Deutsches Museum or BMW Museum, sample Bavarian food and beers, and experience the energy of areas like Haidhausen. With three days you could also consider a side trip to Dachau or Neuschwanstein Castle.
What is the hippest part of Munich?
One of Munich’s hippest parts is the Glockenbach and Gärtnerplatzviertel areas. These adjacent districts have vibrant nightlife scenes, trendy shops and cafes, a diverse LGBTQ culture, and a youthful vibe from Ludwig Maximilian University being close by. It’s lively and fashionable.
Where to stay in Munich for Oktoberfest?
For Oktoberfest, staying as close as possible to the Theresienwiese grounds makes sense. Neighborhoods like Haidhausen put you near the festival while also offering good restaurants and nightlife options for before or after. Being within walking distance allows you to come and go easily from the Oktoberfest fairgrounds.
Can you live in Munich without speaking german?
While knowing German helps maximize cultural immersion, you can get by living in Munich without it. Over half the residents speak English. Younger people tend to be more conversant. Key information like transportation schedules or menus are often translated too. But try to pick up key German phrases – locals appreciate the effort.
