Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is the third largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. It is one of the most touristy and unfortunately also one of the most expensive cities for accommodation. In this post we tell you which are the best areas to stay in Munich so you can make the right choice.
The best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Munich
As is often the case in many cities, the best place to sleep in Munich when you’re on a sightseeing trip is the city centre. The problem: it’s more expensive than other neighbourhoods.
Considering that the Bavarian capital is easily “walkable” and well connected by public transport thanks to its extensive network of trams, subways and buses, there are many neighborhoods that are an excellent alternative to the center.
Munich Centre – Altstadt (the Old Town)
Altstadt corresponds to the historical centre of Munich. The Old Town stands out for its historical architecture, pleasant streets and atmosphere. This area is home to many of the city’s historical attractions, making it the best option for staying in Munich if you are visiting and have only a few days to spare.
If you choose it you have to be aware that in Altstadt everything is more expensive including your accommodation. However, if the extra cost is not a problem for you, you will enjoy exploring the old streets, admiring the architecture, shopping and the atmosphere of the bars and restaurants without having to travel.
In this district you can visit the centrally located Marienplatz square with its gothic architecture, the Frauenkirche cathedral, and St. Peter’s church among other attractions. The Chinesischer Turm is also in the area: the second largest “beer garden” in the city, a visit not to be missed.
In short, it is the most practical area to stay in Munich since you will be a stone’s throw away from most of the tourist attractions, you will save yourself the need to use public transport, it is a very safe area with excellent communications, and you will not lack in atmosphere.
On the other hand, it is difficult to find accommodation for less than 90 euros. More or less decent hotels are from 125 $ and a good five star hotel is hardly below 200 $.
Accommodations in Altstadt
Maxvorstadt
Maxvorstadt is the “culture” district of Munich. Its streets are lined with museums, art galleries, and libraries. It is also located very close to the city’s universities, making it a favorite among students.
Thanks to this, this neighborhood offers a good number of affordable accommodation options, as well as a wide range of restaurants with different cuisines at affordable prices.
Königsplatz, Munich’s museum district, is also located in the district. With its characteristic neoclassical architecture it is an excellent place to get lost in its museums.
The great Siegestor Gate, with its unmistakable three arches, is one of the most iconic places in the district. Amalienpassage with its glamorous boutiques is also worth a visit. And when night falls, there are plenty of lively restaurants, bars and cafés around Schellingstraße where you can dine and drink.
Public transport is easy to find in this neighbourhood, but the Altstadt is also easy to reach on foot. It is an interesting option to sleep in Munich as you will find cheaper hotels and still be centrally located.
Maxvorstadt Accommodations
Ludwigvorstadt
The famous Oktoberfest is held on Theresienwiese in Ludwigsvorstadt, so if you visit the city at this time this is the best neighborhood to stay in Munich. The neighborhood is also known as Little Istanbul. It is a very immigrant and multicultural neighborhood that is characterized by its restaurants and shops of the Middle East.
This district is located south of Munich’s central station and is easily accessible if you arrive in the city by train. Ludwigsvorstadt is well connected to Munich’s public transport system with many U-Bahns, S-Bahns and trams connecting the area, making it easy to travel around the city.
Accommodations in Ludwigvorstadt
Isarvorstadt
Isarvorstadt is a residential area also very close to the center. It is much quieter than its neighbour Ludwigsvorstadt. It has a relaxed atmosphere, a lot of lively cafes, great restaurants, and a fun nightlife.
The Gärtnerplatz is well worth discovering, with its cosy bars and restaurants, and a show at the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz.
The area is also well known as the epicentre of Munich’s gay scene. Most of the gay-friendly bars and clubs are located along Müllerstrasse.
In Isarvorstadt there is less choice of accommodation than in other districts, however you can find some hotels at more reasonable prices compared to the more touristy areas.
The fact that it is so close to the center also means that Isarvorstadt has excellent public transport connections and many of Munich’s tourist attractions can be reached in less than 30 minutes.
Hotels in Isarvorstadt
Haidhausen
Haidhausen, located east of the Isar River, is characterized by its urban layout of large boulevards that coexist with picturesque streets where you can discover old houses that have hardly been touched in centuries.
The neighborhood is well known for its vibrant nightlife and nightclubs. Kultfabrik is a reference point for Munich’s nightlife with its many bars and clubs. Another hot spot is the nearby Optimolwerke which also has its own nightlife, with a good offer of restaurants and bars.
Haidhausen is a great place to stay in Munich and experience life as a local, being only 20 minutes walk from Marienplatz. It is also possible to find accommodation at a good price.
The proximity to the center, its prices, its offer of nightlife, and that it is well connected by S-Bahn and U-Bahn make it a very interesting option to stay in Munich.
Haidhausen Hotels
Schwabing
Schwabing is a very lively middle and upper-middle class neighbourhood with an atmosphere that combines traditional Bavarian with the metropolitan modernity of a big city and a very bohemian touch. It is ideal for enjoying its trendy cafés, trying handcrafted beers, and shopping in its boutiques.
Leopoldstraße is a main street in the district that is famous for its attractive architecture, cafés and local shops, and together with Hohenzollernstraße that buzzes with life, they form the two main streets where all the action takes place in the district. You can also go shopping at the Elisabeth Markt market in western Schwabing.
Schwabing has good connections to the U-Bahn with stations throughout the neighborhood as well as tram connections. The neighborhood covers a large area but if you are in the areas closest to the center you will reach Marienplatz by taking a pleasant walk through the Englischer Garten park.
Accommodations in Schwabing
Nymphenburg
Nymphenburg is one of the quietest districts of the Bavarian capital. The famous Nymphenburg Palace, which is one of the city’s main attractions, is located in this district and the city’s botanical garden is nearby.
It is also home to the city’s largest brewery, with a capacity of over 8,000 people. The Königlicher Hirschgarten is a must for a beer and lunch next to the Deer Park
It is further from the city centre but is well connected by trams through the public transport network. Because this is a less central area there are fewer hotels to choose from. However, the prices are interesting.
Hotels in Nymphenburg