Munich is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations. Known for its Oktoberfest celebrations, the city is a veritable treasure trove of sights to see and do. One usually dedicates a weekend to this destination and then explores the surroundings and other attractions in Bavaria, such as Neuschwanstein Castle.
If you are planning your visit, you should definitely choose carefully the best area to stay! So here are all our tips on where to stay in Munich!
Useful tips: the best districts to stay in
The best district is Altstadt-Lehel, i.e. the central district including the old town, where the main attractions are located. Prices are higher here, but it is ideal if you are visiting Munich for the first time.
If you are travelling with your family, in the old town you prefer the Lehel area, or choose Maxvorstadt, Munich's bohemian and artistic district, or Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, the latter being a 20-minute tram ride from the Altstadt.
If you're looking for nightlife and fun, the best districts to stay in are definitely Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, the district where the famous Oktoberfest is held, and Schwabing, north of the city centre, the university area with plenty of clubs. The latter is also an ideal district for those who want to save money, along with Sendling-Westpark!
Suggested areas for saving money: Sendling-Westpark, Schwabing
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Altstadt-Lehel, Maxvorstadt, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg
Recommended areas foryoung people: Altstadt-Lehel, Schwabing, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
Bestaccommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Munich. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Munich on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Munich area guide
Munich is a very large city, with an area of 310.71 square kilometres and a population of almost 1,500,000 inhabitants. Administratively, the city is divided into 25 districts, called Stadtbezirk. The most interesting districts from a tourist point of view fall within the central districts.
Thestarting district is Alstadt-Lehel, the most central and also the best to stay in. The numbering of all the other districts then starts from here. Those of most interest to us from a tourist point of view are the following:
District 2 Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, where the annual Oktoberfest is held
District 3 Maxvorstadt, Munich's artistic and bohemian district
District 4 Schwabing, a young and lively district, also due to the presence of the famous university
District 7 Sendling-Westpark, including the Westpark, in summer the location of numerous festivals
District 9 Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, residential district where Nymphenburg Castle is located
Areas to avoid: there are no real districts to avoid, the city is very safe. Of course, care must be taken in the evenings in the streets around stations, as in any large city.
District 1 / Altstadt-Lehel
The Altstadt-Lehel district is the best area in which to stay in Munich. Here you are in the centre of the city, within walking distance of the main attractions, such as the MunichResidence (Residenz München), Marienplatz with the town hall, the Frauenkirche cathedral and the world-famous Hofbräuhaus München brewery. Obviously, it follows that prices here are among the highest, given the excellent location and the many amenities.
Staying here is ideal if you are visiting Munich for the first time or only have a few days to visit. You will find plenty of accommodation, mainly hotels, from the more traditional with a German atmosphere to the more modern with all the comforts. For families, it is best to look in the Lehel area, the northernmost part of the old town, which is much quieter than Marienplatz and its surroundings!
Finally, by staying here, you can easily get around the main attractions on foot. The München Hbf central station is also within walking distance.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Family-run 3-star hotel for over 100 years, 3 min walk from Marienplatz. Fabulous breakfast, WiFi, parking. Ideal for couples | |
Small hotel located along the elegant Maximilianstraße. Parking, pets allowed, family rooms available. Ideal for families | |
Modern hotel with all facilities, such as parking, restaurant, WiFi. View of courtyard or city. Ideal for young people and couples | |
5-star hotel opposite the City Hall, on Marienplatz. Large, elegant rooms and suites, large shared lounge on two floors, restaurant with chef, parking. Ideal for couples |
District 2 / Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
Situated south of the Altstadt is the district of Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, the site of the annual Oktoberfest! Staying here you will be within walking distance of the historic centre, so it is a very strategic location. Highlights include the Deutsches Museum.
This district is ideal for young people and those in search of nightlife. In fact, Oktoberfest aside, the district is active and lively all year round, with numerous clubs and restaurants, including ethnic ones, pubs and theatres. The only thing to keep in mind is that during the Oktoberfest period costs increase considerably, so it is better to book early if you want to find some offers, usually at least 3 months in advance!
Finally, staying here will allow you to walk to the centre. The district also includes the München Hbf central station and several metro stations.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 500 m from the Oktoberfest venue. Rooms with private bathroom and small lounge. Parking, room service, bar. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel 2 min from the central station. 24h reception, WiFi, parking and bar. Double rooms and dorms for up to 6 people. Ideal for young people | |
Apartment complex, from studios for 2 people to 3-room apartments for up to 6 people. Parking, restaurant, pets allowed. Ideal for families, young people and groups | |
4-star luxury residence with rooms and flats. Spa and wellness centre, gym, room service, parking, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
District 3 / Maxvorstadt
Photo by Rufus46. From the south, we move north: the first district we encounter on our way north from the Altstadt is Maxvorstadt. It is an old, quiet and elegant district, full of museums and art galleries, large tree-lined boulevards and numerous clubs. It is precisely here that Munich's museum district is located, with theAlte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne. Not to be missed is the beautiful Königsplatz, where the Glyptothek history museum is located.
This district is ideal for families and for those who want to be close to the main museums. You will find all amenities, such as restaurants, shops and clubs, but it is not an overly lively area, on the contrary it is very quiet and a stone's throw away you will also find the famous Englischen Garten, ideal for spending a few hours with the little ones.
Finally, staying here will also allow you to easily reach the centre on foot. The area is also well served by the metro, trams and city bus service!
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €380.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
4-star hotel within walking distance of the station. Rooms with panoramic city views and all amenities. Gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel with private rooms for up to 4 people or dorms with 5 to 12 beds, private or shared bathroom. Wifi connection and bar. Ideal for young people and groups of friends | |
Residence with private rooms or flats for up to 4 people, equipped kitchen. Family-run, parking and lift. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel overlooking the Old Botanical Garden. Spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples and families |
District 4 / Schwabing
North of Maxvorstadt is the Schwabing district, which is considered the artistic and multicultural district of the city! It is also a university area, therefore very young, full of clubs, beer gardens, shops and cafés! But that's not all: here you are just a stone's throw from attractions such as theOlympiapark and the BMW Welt!
This is an ideal district for young people but also for those who want to save money. Being far from the city centre, prices are lower and, if you book in good time, you won't be hard pressed to find a good offer! Despite the distance, there is absolutely no lack of amenities and a lively nightlife here.
To get to the centre, you'll need to take transport: the area is served by several metro stations, where the U2 and U8 lines run directly to the central train station in just ten minutes! Alternatively, you can opt for trams and buses, but with longer journey times (20 min on average).
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel within walking distance of the Olympiapark. 24-hour reception, parking, bar. Ideal for couples | |
Flats for up to 5 people, with lounge and equipped kitchen. Some with garden or terrace. Private parking. Ideal for families and small groups | |
Hotel with 24-hour reception, international restaurant, conference rooms and business centre. Ideal for business travellers | |
4-star hotel near the metro station. Gym, parking, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples |
District 7 / Sendling-Westpark
Always taking the Altstadt as a point of reference, to the west you will find the Sendling-Westpark district, a quiet and elegant district surrounded by greenery. Here, in fact, the main attraction is the beautiful Westpark München park, which in summer becomes a real meeting point with events and happenings.
Due to its characteristics, this area is mainly recommended for families and those who want some peace and quiet, or an authentic experience further away from the glitz and bustle of the Altstadt! It is also an area where you can save money: given the distance to the centre and the few attractions, prices here are lower, ideal for low-cost travellers!
Finally, to reach the centre you will necessarily have to use transport: the area is served by several railway stations directly connected to the central station and by the U6 metro line, which will take you very quickly to the centre (main stop Westpark, 10 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €180.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 500 m from the metro station. Modern rooms for up to 3 people, bar, parking, WiFi. Ideal for couples and families | |
B&B/Hotel 10 min from Munich city centre. Spacious rooms, breakfast buffet, parking, family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families | |
Apartment complex in front of the bus stop. Availability for up to 5 people, living room, equipped kitchen, in some cases balcony. Ideal for families and small groups | |
4-star hotel with fitness area with sauna, parking, restaurant and room service. 4 km from Munich city centre. Ideal for couples |
District 9 / Neuhausen-Nymphenburg
Finally, to the west of the Schwabing and Maxvorstadt districts, lies the large Neuhausen-Nymphenburg district, a very quiet residential area. Besides including part of the Olympiapark, one of Munich's most visited attractions is located here: the wonderful Nymphenburg Castle with its large park and the Botanischer Garten München gardens.
It is an ideal area for families and those seeking peace and quiet: large green areas, an elegant and quiet neighbourhood, hotels with all amenities, shops, clubs and restaurants. But that's not all, given the distance from the centre, here you can also find some good offers to save money, especially for flats, ideal for no more autonomy!
Finally, to reach the centre you will necessarily have to take the means of transport. The castle area, for example, is perfectly connected to Munich central station by tram 17 (20 min), while as far as the metro is concerned, the district is served by the U1 and U7 lines.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €150.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with 24-hour reception, pets allowed, family rooms and parking. Ideal for couples and families | |
Residence of flats with equipped kitchenette and private bathroom. Car park. Ideal for families and young people | |
Residence with elegant flats. Kitchenette, safe and parking. Ideal for families and couples | |
4-star hotel with gym. Pets allowed, parking, family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
Countries near Munich where to stay
The best solution is to sleep in Munich, as we have seen there are many different districts, ready to satisfy the needs of every traveller; furthermore, many hotels also have parking facilities for those arriving by car and you can find great deals by booking in advance, especially during the Oktoberfest.
But in case you want to stay outside the city, to save money or to enjoy nature a bit more, there are some perfect places to stay that are directly connected to the city centre:
Augsburg (80 km / 1 h): one of the oldest cities in Germany, ideal especially for families, as a base if you are looking for a quiet and special location. Connected to Munich by direct train (30 min) - compare accommodation on booking
Starnberg (27 km / 34 min): small town surrounded by nature and overlooking the Starnberger See lake. One hour from Neuschwanstein Castle. Connected to Munich by direct train (17 min) - compare accommodations on booking
