Your choice of a neighborhood in Munich can define your entire trip. Should you stay in the heart of the action near Marienplatz, or find a quieter, more authentic local base? This guide on where to stay in Munich makes it easy by breaking down the best areas and hotels for sightseeing, luxury, nightlife, and family-friendly travel.
The Best Areas to Stay in Munich
If you’re deciding where to stay in Munich, start with these central neighborhoods that balance sightseeing, transit, and value.
- Best for first-time visitors: Altstadt-Lehel
- Best for a local vibe: Au-Haidhausen
- Best for culture and art: Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
- Best for business travelers: Milbertshofen-Am Hart
- Best for young travelers: Schwabing-Freimann
Au-Haidhausen – District 5: Best Area to Stay in Munich for a Local Vibe
Separated from the Altstadt by the Isar River, Au-Haidhausen offers a perfect mix of city life and natural escapes. Here, you’ll find locals picnicking and cycling along the river, a lively bar and restaurant scene, and a distinct character that sets it apart from the city’s more tourist-filled areas.
Why Stay in Au-Haidhausen, Munich
Staying in Au-Haidhausen lets you experience the genuine rhythm of Munich without sacrificing convenience. You can easily walk to sights like the Deutsches Museum or stroll along the Isar.
- Authentic Munich: Explore the district’s ‘French Quarter’ with its charming squares like Bordeauxplatz and grab a beer at a traditional beer garden.
- Green spaces on your doorstep: Beyond the city’s famous parks, you’ll have the Isar River and green oases like Maximiliansanlagen right there for morning runs, bike rides, or lazy afternoons in the sun.
Best Hotels in Au-Haidhausen, Munich
JAMS Music Hotel Munich ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Music Themed • Retro Vibe • Record Players
A unique rock-music-themed hotel where every room has a record player and a selection of vinyl to choose from.
MOMA1890 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Period Building • Unique Rooms • Easy Transit
With clean, art-filled rooms and instant access to trains, MOMA1890 is a practical yet stylish base for exploring Munich and beyond.
Hotel München Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooftop Terrace • Courtyard • Boutique Luxury
An elegant boutique hideaway with a beautiful summer courtyard, chic rooms, and a rooftop terrace with peaceful views.
Altstadt-Lehel (Old Town City Center) – District 1: Best Area to Stay in Munich for First-Time Visitors
As Munich’s old town and city center, Altstadt-Lehel is where neo-Gothic churches and historic monuments stand shoulder to shoulder with modern boutiques. You’ll find iconic landmarks like Marienplatz and St. Peter’s Church setting a majestic backdrop for the constant flow of shoppers, sightseers, and street performers.
Why Stay in Old Town Munich
Staying here puts you in the center of the action, with instant access to the city’s major attractions and traditional Bavarian charm.
- Walk everywhere: From your hotel, you can effortlessly stroll to the Residenzmuseum, grab a pretzel at the Viktualienmarkt, or take a moment to reflect at St. Peter’s Church. No need for a car or public transit here.
- Endless things to do: Beyond the famous squares and churches, you’ll find plenty to explore, including the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) with its fascinating toy museum and the high-fashion shops lining Maximilianstraße.
Best Hotels in Old Town Munich
Mandarin Oriental, Munich ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fine Dining • City Views • Luxury Service
Grand suites, skyline views of the Frauenkirche, and top-notch dining at Matsuhisa make Mandarin Oriental ideal for high-end Munich stays.
Mercure Hotel München Altstadt ⭐⭐⭐
Affordable • Central Location • Breakfast Included
An affordable, no-frills hotel with fun, distinct rooms and an unbeatable location near Old Town Munich’s key sites.
Platzl Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Central Location • Wellness Room • Classically Modern
Set beside Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus, Platzl offers comfortable rooms, Bavarian charm, and wellness perks like a sauna and steam bath.
Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt – District 2: Best Area to Stay in Munich for Art and Nightlife
Southwest of the Altstadt, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is as diverse as Munich gets. The Glockenbachviertel brings trendy cafés and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, while Fraunhoferstraße is a hotspot for restaurants that rank among the city’s best. Add in the massive Theresienwiese fairgrounds and a lineup of museums and theaters, and you’ve got a neighborhood that never runs out of things to do.
Why Stay in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Munich
Staying in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt means you’re never far from food, nightlife, and cultural action, with quick access to the Hauptbahnhof München for easy transit.
- Culture at your doorstep: Visit the Deutsches Museum, Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz, and the Jewish Museum Munich.
- Festival central: Theresienwiese hosts Oktoberfest, SpringFest, and the Tollwood Winter Festival.
Best Hotels in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Munich
Living Hotel Prinzessin Elisabeth ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Apartment Style • French Cuisine • Isar River
Perfect for long-term stays, the apartment-style rooms and French restaurant are steps from the Isar River.
25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lobby Bar • Sauna • Bicycle Rentals
A stylish, newly refurbished hotel with a lively lobby bar and sauna, perfect for solo travelers wanting to meet others.
Le Méridien Munich ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Indoor Pool • Central Location • Work Spaces
Steps from Munich’s central station, Le Méridien offers large rooms, a spa, and plenty of work-friendly spaces for business travelers.
Milbertshofen-Am Hart – District 11: Best Area for Business Travelers and Families
Away from the historic buzz of the Altstadt, Milbertshofen-Am Hart is where you’ll find Munich’s modern side. Defined by its wide-open spaces and futuristic architecture, the district is home to the BMW headquarters and the expansive Olympiapark.
Why Stay in Milbertshofen-Am Hart, Munich
Stay in Milbertshofen-Am Hart for a convenient, quiet base with excellent transport links. You’ll have all the modern amenities you need, plus some of Munich’s most unique and family-friendly attractions on your doorstep.
- Relax and unwind: The district is home to some of Munich’s best green spaces like the vast Olympiapark and Panzerwiese, perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and outdoor activities.
- A taste of modern Munich: You get to explore the city’s corporate and innovative side with easy access to the BMW Museum and the impressive BMW Welt building.
Best Hotels in Milbertshofen-Am Hart
Arthotel Ana im Olympiapark ⭐⭐⭐
Family Friendly • Park Views • Easy Transit
With practical rooms and a great location near Olympiapark and a large mall, the hotel is ideal for a family stay.
Leonardo Royal Hotel Munich ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordable • Garden Terrace • Sauna
A top-notch hotel for its price, offering spacious rooms, a tranquil garden, and quick access to local transportation.
Schwabing-Freimann – District 12: Best Area For Young Travelers to Stay
Known for its bohemian past and trendy present, Schwabing-Freimann is the unofficial home of Munich’s artsy and international crowd. This northern district is defined by the lively hub of Münchner Freiheit and its easy access to the vast green space of the English Garden.
Why Stay in Schwabing-Freimann, Munich
For travelers who want to be near the city’s best nightlife, football culture, and most glamorous residents, Schwabing is the place to be.
- Endless entertainment: Whether you’re catching a football game at the Allianz Arena or taking a walk around the beautiful Schwabinger See, the district is full of things to do.
- Central but not crowded: You’re only a short underground ride from the main station and city center, but the area feels far more relaxed and residential than Altstadt.
- Less tradition, more modernity: While you won’t find medieval churches on every corner, you will find modern architecture and cultural hubs like Motorworld München and Turbine Fröttmaninger Müllberg, which offer a different kind of sightseeing.
Best Hotels in Schwabing-Freimann, Munich
Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooftop Bar • Fine Dining • City Views
High-end design, sweeping city views, and standout dining make Andaz a top pick for travelers wanting luxury in trendy Schwabinger Tor.
Steigenberger Hotel München ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa Hotel • Restaurant • Modern Design
A modern hotel with a spa, gym, and vegan-friendly restaurant, offering a tranquil base near the BMW Museum and English Garden.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Munich
Match the neighborhood to your travel style. Here’s how to decide where to stay in Munich:
- First-time visitors: Stay in Altstadt-Lehel for easy walking access to all the main sights, from Marienplatz to the Viktualienmarkt.
- Romantic couples: Choose Au-Haidhausen for its charming, local atmosphere, trendy restaurants, and scenic strolls along the Isar River.
- Families: Head to Milbertshofen-Am Hart for its relaxed vibe, spacious parks like Olympiapark, and family-friendly attractions like the BMW Museum.
- Luxury lovers: Check out Altstadt-Lehel for opulent hotels like the Mandarin Oriental, high-end shopping, and a grand, historic setting.
- Budget travelers: Consider Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt for its affordable hotels and hostels, lively nightlife, and convenient access to the central station.
Best Tours and Experiences in Munich
Book an expert-led tour to hear stories you won’t find in a guidebook, learn about the city’s history, and get access to the best places for food, beer, and hidden gems.
Where NOT to stay in Munich
For tourists, it is best to avoid the area around the Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station). The hotels are often older and the general atmosphere can feel a little gritty, especially at night. You should also stay away from neighborhoods that are far from the city center, such as Hasenbergl or Am Riesenfeld, which have very few hotels and require a long commute on public transport to see any of the main sights.
Where To Stay in Munich FAQs
Yes, Munich is one of Germany’s pricier cities, especially during Oktoberfest, but deals exist in non-peak months and outer districts.
Altstadt-Lehel is best for first-time visitors, thanks to its walkability and direct access to Munich’s major landmarks.
Yes, the central districts like Altstadt-Lehel are highly walkable, though public transport is excellent for longer distances.
Choose Altstadt-Lehel or Au-Haidhausen, both are central, walkable, and well-connected by train.
Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt has the best nightlife, with bars, clubs, theaters, and Oktoberfest grounds.
Milbertshofen-Am Hart offers large parks, Olympiapark, and kid-friendly attractions like Sea Life Munich.
Late spring and early fall are ideal—pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to peak summer or Oktoberfest.
Yes, districts like Altstadt-Lehel and Schwabing-Freimann have 5-star hotels, rooftop bars, and fine dining.
Base yourself in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt to be within walking distance of the Theresienwiese festival grounds.
Final Thoughts
Your choice of a hotel in Munich is about more than just a room; it’s about choosing your base for adventure. Whether you’re here for the historic grandeur of the Altstadt or the trendy nightlife of Schwabing, picking the right neighborhood means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the best of Bavarian life.
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