It’s so easy to reach Munich that the city is perfect for a short break. But where to stay in Munich? The city is a mosaic of different neighborhoods, and while most attractions are in the historic center, there are other areas which are worth looking at.
The Bavarian capital offers a lot to do and see, whether you want to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, plan to visit Munich during Oktoberfest, or are in love with Christmas markets. However, if you’re only spending a couple of days in Munich, you may want to find the right neighborhood where to stay. The best places to stay in Munich are relative. It all depends on your interests and budget
Related reading: What to See in Munich in Two Days
Here’s my selection to help you find where to stay in Munich by district.
| Altstadt: many landmarks within walking distance
Lehel: an elegant district a stone-throw from Marienplatz Maxvorstadt: for art and culture lovers Schwabing: young, trendy, and multi-ethnic Ludwigsvorstadt/Isarvorstadt: lively districts, close to Oktoberfest Haidhausen: a trendy area for classical music lovers Neuhausen/Nymphenburg: quiet and budget-friendly districts |
Altstadt: many landmarks within walking distance
Munich historical center (Altstadt) is small but full of charm. Munich suffered massive bombings at the end of World War II. However, during the immediate postwar years, the city made an enormous effort to restore and rebuilt all damaged landmarks as they were. The Altstadt kept its previous street grid: a maze of alleys, small squares, and the imposing monuments.
The heart of the Altstadt is Marienplatz, the square where all the main streets converge, dominated by the Town Hall, with its Gothic style. Nearby, you’ll find the Viktualienmarkt market. That’s a lovely place to go to taste delicious local specialties.
The Altstadt is the best place to stay in Munich if you want to be within walking distance from the city’s main attractions: monuments, museums, restaurants, pubs, and shops. The historical center is also the area where you’ll find the most luxurious hotels in the city.
Accommodations in the Altstadt are generally more expensive, but that happens in any European city. It’s the same in my city, Milan; staying in the center comes at a premium price. However, the higher cost is compensated by the convenience of staying in the area with the most attractions, only a stone-throw away. Additionally, the historical center is well served by public transportation, which allows you to reach other neighborhoods quickly.
Things to do in Munich Altstadt
- Visit the Residenz, the Old City Hall, Odeonsplatz, the New City Hall and the Glockenspiel, with its figures coming out to dance. Climb the bell tower to admire the city from above. Don’t miss the Frauenkirche, one of Munich main landmarks.
- Wander between the stalls at Viktualienmarkt
- If you like Street Art, pop in at the Museum for Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA)
- Discover the city uncovering the traces of the past with the Munich Third Reich Tour.
- Explore Munich by Bike. Start at Munich main train station and discover the best of the city with local Munich residents.
- Enjoy a classical music concert at the Munich Residenz, in the chapel where Mozart played.
Best Hotels in Munich AltstadtBudget (euro 100-150) – Pension Am Jakobsplatz – Medium (euro 150-250) – Living Hotel Das Viktualienmarkt by Derag – – Hotel Torbräu – – CORTIINA Hotel – Medium-High (euro 250-300) – Louis Hotel – High end (more than euro 300) – Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München – – Bayerischer Hof – |
Lehel: an elegant district a stone-throw from Marienplatz
The elegant residential district of Lehel is only steps away from the historical center, so much so that it’s often considered as one with the Altstadt. This area oozes charm, with its maze of small streets lined with imposing buildings dating back to the 1800s and restored villas. Indeed, many of these have been converted into nice Bed&Breakfasts and boutique hotels.
Lehel is a strategic area to stay in Munich if you want to stay away from the hustle-bustle of the center, but at the same time within walking distance.
Where to stay in LehelBudget (euro 100-150) – Hotel ADRIA München – Medium (150-250) – Boutique Hotel Splendid-Dollmann – – Hotel Opera –
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Maxvorstadt: for art and culture lovers
Maxvorstadt is the art and culture heart of Munich. In this area, you’ll find most of the city’s main Museums, including the Pinakotheken, the three museums housing masterpieces of famous artists such as Bruegel, Rembrandt, Monet, Monet, Dalì, to mention only a few. In Maxvorstadt, you’ll also find many cafes and, if you want to do some shopping, lovely boutiques.
During the Christmas markets season, don’t miss to visit the Medieval Christmas fair (Mittelalterlicher Christkindlmarkt), taking place from the end of November until Christmas Eve.
Things to do in Maxvorstadt
- Visit the Pinakothek (Alte, Neue, Der Modernen), one of the great art Museums in the world.
- Discover the Brandhorst Museum, a fantastic collection of contemporary art, including the most extensive collection of works by Cy Twombly, and the lrgest display of works by Andy Warhol.
- Stroll in the English Garden, the green lung in Munich. Or, if you want to try something different, take a Segway tour.
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Where to stay in MaxvorstadtBudget (less than euro 100) – King’s Hotel CityStay – – Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich – Medium (euro 150-200) – Hotel im Hof –
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Schwabing: young, trendy, and multi-ethnic
To the north of the historical center, Schwabing is a young, trendy, and multi-ethnic neighborhood. Once a bohemian quarter, Schwabing slowly changed as gentrification increased. It’s a beautiful area to stay in Munich, not least because of its proximity to the English Garden, one of the world largest urban parks.
A lovely spot for a relaxing stroll, the Englishe Garten also houses the second largest Beer Garden (a must!) in Munich. Schwabing is also the area to go for luxury shopping (or even just window shopping), long the famous Leopoldstrasse boulevard, a wide tree-lined avenue lined with boutiques from the best high-end brands.
Hotels in Schwabing are slightly cheaper than in the Altstadt, but still of quality. That’s a good option if you want to stay within a medium budget, in a lovely area not far from the center, and very well connected by metro.
Where to stay in SchwabingBudget (euro 100-150) – Schwabinger Wahrheit by Geisel – Medium (euro 150-200) – Steigenberger Hotel München – – Hilton Munich Park – – Munich Marriott Hotel – High (more than euro 300) – Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor – a concept by Hyatt – |
Ludwigsvorstadt/Isarvorstadt: lively districts, close to Oktoberfest
Ludwigsvorstadt/Isarvorstadt is the district of Theresienwiese, where the Beer festival takes place. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best area to stay for a full immersion in Oktoberfest, look no further.
Ludwigsvorstadt is the area adjacent to Munich Central Station. This is a vibrant neighborhood, with immigrants from lots of countries, and a lot of ethnic restaurants. Due to its proximity to the main station, it’s an excellent area to stay in Munich if you want to travel by train. Also, there are many public transports to get around. Ludwigsvorstadt is an excellent choice for young travelers, looking for budget accommodations,
South of Altstadt is the lively district of Isarvorstadt, which does not host significant attractions except the Deutsches Museum, considered one of the best science museums in the world. However, Isarvorstadt is famous for its lively nightlife thanks to the high concentration of theaters, pubs, and night clubs.
In Isarvorstadt you’ll find different types of accommodations, from budget hostels to medium-priced and more expensive hotels.
Where to stay in Ludwigsvorstadt/IsarvorstadtBudget (less than euro 100) – Maison Schiller by DesignCity Hotels – – Cocoon Hauptbahnhof – – Müller Inn B&B – Medium (euro 100-200) – Hotel Metropol – – Hotel Excelsior – – Aloft München – Medium-High (200-250) – 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian – |
Haidhausen: a trendy area for classical music lovers
The Haidhausen district stretches along the opposite bank of the Isar River. Mome to the Strauss Conservatory and the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, this is a great area to stay if you’re passionate about classical music.
Haidhausen is also a trendy district, with plenty of lovely cafes, restaurants, and flea markets. Don’t miss the unique daily Weiner Markt, the smallest food market in Munich.
In Haidhausen, you’ll find numerous hotels, hostels, and bed&breakfasts, offering accommodations for all tastes and budgets.
Where to stay in HaidhausenBudget (less than euro 100) – Marias Platzl – Medium (euro 150-200) – Design Hotel Stadt Rosenheim – – Courtyard by Marriott City East – – Hilton Munich City – Medium-High (euro 200-300) – Hotel München Palace – |
Neuhausen/Nymphenburg: quiet and budget-friendly districts
About 20 minutes by tram from the center, in the northwestern part of the city, Neuhausen and Nymphenburg are two quiet residential districts away from the bustle of the center. Perfect for families, for those looking for a relaxing holiday or want to get in touch with the most authentic face of Munich, these two districts offer a completely different landscape from the center.
There, you’ll find wide tree-lined avenues, lots of green areas, elegant residences, and the nearby famous Schloss Nymphenburg, one of Munich’s most visited attractions.
Furthermore, Neuhausen is home to several quirky cafes, and once a year, the district holds the Neuhauser Musiknacht, a music festival which will take place on October 26, 2019.
Both areas are well connected to the center, and there are many apartments, Bed & Breakfasts and hotels at lower prices than in more tourist areas.
Things to do in Neuhausen/Nymphenburg
- Admire the beautiful architecture of the Nymphernburg Castle, the biggest Baroque palace in Germany, and stroll in the lovely gardens. There’s not much to see inside the Castle; therefore, not really worth paying the entrance fee.
- Visit the Villa Stuck Museum. The beautiful villa built by painter Franz von Stuck hosts a collection of the artist’s painting as well as temporary modern and contemporary art exhibitions
Where to stay in Neuhausen/NymphenburgBudget (less than euro 100) – Laimer Hof am Schloss Nymphenburg – Medium (euro 100-150) – Hotel Kriemhild am Hirschgarten – – Novotel München City Arnulfpark – – Holiday Inn Express Munich City West –
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As mentioned at the beginning, deciding where to stay in Munich depends on what the main purpose of your trip is, and also on the season.
There are countless accommodation options in Munich, and I selected some of the best by district. Despite the wide selection, you have to take into account that some periods of the year are very busy. This is particularly true if you wish to visit Munich during Oktoberfest and at the time of the Christmas Markets. In that case, I strongly advise to book your hotel as early as possible, otherwise you risk to pay more and are unlikely to find the best accommodation.
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Original article: Where to Stay in Munich: Best Hotels by District (2019)
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