Where To Stay In Munich: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
The first thing that comes to mind when we mention Germany is Berlin. While yes, Berlin is the capital and the largest city in Germany, and the most populous city in the European Union, Munich is a solid runner-up. This vibrant and bustling city is filled with rich history, magical castles, and cultural attractions, that you can't skip on your trip to Germany.
The famous Oktoberfest Festival and the countless beer halls, breweries, and beer gardens are a haven for all beer lovers out there! Munich is made of 25 districts or “Stadtbezirke” in German divided into two halves by the Isar River. Each neighborhood has its own charm, pros and cons, and so choosing the right one for you will make all the difference in your stay in Munich.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular tourist, knowing where to stay in Munich will save you lots of time and money. This ultimate neighborhood guide is exactly what every tourist needs to have in handy when walking around the beautiful Bavarian city. But before you head to explore Munich's neighborhoods, make sure to keep all your belongings safe at one of our secure luggage storage spots in Munich.
Where to stay in Altstadt-Lehel
Altstadt, or the Old Town, is the most popular neighborhood in Munich. Not only it is located in the heart of Munich but it is filled with historical sights, museums, large markets, charming cobblestone streets, and of course the best luxury hotels. Being in the center of the city means luxury shopping, public transport and landmarks are within easy walking distance.
You can go shopping in the open-market Viktualienmarkt, walk around Marienplatz the main square or relax in the 17th-century Hofgarten Court gardens. This historic town is a must-see for everyone coming to stay in Munich, from families and young professionals to retired people, but ideal for first-time visitors! Here are some of the best hotels to stay in Altstadt:
Mandarin Oriental Munich
This 5-star hotel may as well be the best hotel to stay in Munich. The grand hotel offers luxurious and elegant rooms and suites with marble bathrooms. Enjoy some of their cake specialties at the 360 view outdoor terrace, get your heart rate up in the fitness center, or relax in a Finnish sauna or a Turkish steam bath.
There is everything to love about this luxury hotel, from its central location and great concierge service to the rich breakfast and on-site bar. If you want to feel like a VIP during your stay in Munich, then check in the Hotel Mandarin Oriental.
Hotel Blauer Bock
If you don't have the budget to splurge on 5-star hotels, this middle-priced hotel is a great option. The clean and spacious rooms overlook either the old town's magnificent architecture or an inside garden. You can't beat the price and location of this hotel.
Bonus: This lovely accommodation has an on-site restaurant and a lounge bar, a coffee bar, and offers bike rentals.
Hotel Adria Munchen
Located in the very center of the town, this beautiful 3-star hotel makes one of the best hotels to stay in Munich if traveling on a budget. All the rooms include free WiFi and a flat-screen TV and there is a buffet breakfast in the on-site restaurant. Getting around the city is easy as there are direct trains that run to Munich Central Train Station every 5 minutes.
Where to stay in Isarvorstadt
If you are visiting Munich for the Oktoberfest festivities and looking for a less touristy area, this neighborhood is the best choice. Within only 30 minutes walk from the old city of Altstadt, the convenient location of Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is the ideal home away from home for all budget travelers. If you choose this area, take a walk around Gartnerplatz, the town square filled with some of the best cafes and restaurants in Munich.
Head down to Theresienwiese Oktoberfest grounds, the fairground where Oktoberfest first took place in 1810 and still takes place today. Some of the best hotels in Munich are located in the area:
Hotel Herzog Munchen
This hotel features beautiful Mediterranean-style decor and modern rooms. All rooms are fully renovated and feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, free WiFi, a hotel bar and everything to make you feel like you are at home. The 3-star hotel is one of the best budget hotels situated on Goetheplatz Square, just a few minutes walk from the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest Venue.
Hotel Munchen City
In just 10 minutes walk from Munich Central Station and a 5-minute walk from Theresienwiese Oktoberfest grounds is the non-smoking Hotel Munich City. Besides rooms with modern furnishings, the hotel offers free WiFi, a breakfast buffet, a garden terrace and a spa, and air conditioning in all superior rooms.
Where to stay in Haidhausen
Located east of the city center, this quiet area is an ideal getaway for families. Haidhausen is filled with beautiful coffee places and restaurants that offer the best foreign food in Munich. The "French Quarter" as it is sometimes called, is home to Gasteig, Munich's most important cultural center as well as the Munich Philharmonic Opera.
It is also famous for the Munich Film Festival so make sure to have your camera ready and be a paparazzi for a day. Don't forget to stop by Wiener Platz for some fresh produce or have a glass of beer at the Hofbräukeller, a traditional Bavarian restaurant with a gorgeous large beer garden. Here are some of the hotels where to stay:
Hotel Prinz Munchen
Located in a quiet area close to the city center, this 4-star hotel is one of the best cheap hotels which offers clean and spacious comfortable rooms equipped with all modern amenities including fast free WiFi. The rich breakfast buffet will keep your energy levels high for a long time. The hotel is popular among business travelers but you will also see tourists and families who like to be in the city center but also away from the busy nightlife scene. The hotel is not too far from the fun things to do with the kids, so be sure to take a few in!
Located close to the central district, connections to public transport are easy, with a tram station in just a 2 minutes walk.
Holiday Inn
Situated in the center of the trendy district of Haidhausen, this hotel is perfect for modern aficionados. Equipped with contemporary decor and stylish rooms with free WiFi and flat-screen TV, spacious bathrooms and hot drinks facilities, Holiday Inn is a great getaway for all travelers.
Where to stay in Glockenbach
Walking around Glockenbach you will hear the sounds of all kinds of music, from jazz programs to live rock gigs in some of the best clubs, bars and top-notch cafes in Munich. With an ideal location close to the city center but away from tourist traps, Glockenbach is within reach of the nightlife hub in Munich. It's also the heart of the LGBTQ community and home to some of the best hotels in Munich.
If you are looking for tourist attractions, you will not find many in this neighborhood. The only site that attracts visitors is the Deutsches Museum, located on an island in the River Isar. Here are some of the best hotels you need to check out:
Flushing Meadows
The Flushing Meadows hotel offers spacious rooms furnished with classic furniture. Located within a 10 minutes walk from Viktualienmarkt market and the Old Town, this boutique hotel will provide exactly what you need on your stay in Munich. The hotel boasts a gorgeous roof terrace from which you get a spectacular view of the Alps.
Enjoy the sunrise with a cup of tea, and marvel at the sunset with a delicious cocktail.
Hotel Olympic
Hotel Olympic is a charming little hotel in close proximity to all major landmarks and happenings in Munich. What sets this little hotel from the rest is the floor-to-ceiling windows that make the elegant rooms with extravagant decor much brighter. A breakfast buffet is served in a breakfast room with a winter garden.
On the way in and out of the hotel, stop by the lobby and the hallways to admire some great works of art.
Where to stay in Maxvorstadt
There are 80 museums in Munich and most of them such as the Museum Brandhorst, Haus der Kunst, and the Museum of Fine Arts are located in Maxvorstadt. Art lovers, academics and university students from all around the globe gather to share ideas, knowledge and impressions in this important cultural center. Situated northwest of the Old Town, this cultural hotspot is home to the famous Pinakothek trio that houses three of the oldest art galleries in Germany.
You will also see Siegestor, a three-arched victory gate commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, completed in 1852. If you like your cars, the BMW museum is just north of Maxvosrtadt, located in Olympiapark. The museum quarter, Konigsplatz attracts people from all around the world and that means there are many choices for budget accommodation.
Here are some of them:
Hotel Alfa Zentrum
One of the best family hotels is located in central Munich, just one mile from Marienplatz. This 3-star hotel features clean and cozy rooms with free WiFi and large bathrooms. Tourists from all over the world like to stay here, because it's hard to beat the price for the great location and a good night's sleep in this tranquil area.
Ruby Lilly
Ruby Lilly is one of those hotels where you feel like you are in a 5-star hotel, but you got a great deal on it! Each room is soundproofed and beautifully designed with wall wood-paneling and blackout curtains. Enjoy some of the best breakfasts with a variety of organic fruits and whole grain pastries.
If you like Italian food, you are in for a treat, as the Ruby cafe serves some tasty light Italian dishes. Besides its close proximity to a tram and underground station, Ruby Lily Hotel also offers bike rentals.
Where to stay in Schwabing
The artistic neighborhood of Schwabing is one of the wealthiest districts in Munich. If you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere with top-notch cafes and bars where you can drink craft beer and restaurants with traditional bavarian food, Schwabing is a safe bet.
Walk around and snap some photos of the gorgeous Jugegendstil or Art nouveau architecture. Don't be surprised if you see lots of young people, the area is attracted to students from all around the world.
Gastehaus Englischer Garten
Gastehaus Englischer Garten is the ideal hotel of choice if you want some peace and quiet. The rooms are quite simple but comfortable. Breakfast is served every day in the breakfast room or the garden.
Nearby landmarks include the Hofbrauhaus beer house, as well as the vast English Garden and plenty of incredible restaurants, shops and bars.
Ibis Munich City North
In just a short walk from Alte Haide Train Station, you can find one of the coolest hotels in Schwabing. Ibis Munich City Nord features 138 rooms, all equipped with AC and free internet access. This is the best hotel for all beer lovers!
It may not be the largest beer garden in Munich but the hotel has a beer garden that is certainly worth checking out on your stay in Munich. This modern hotel is within short walking distance to English Garden the world's largest inner-city park.
Spacious Rooms and Walking Distance to the Fun
Munich is a city that everyone should have on their bucket list. Munich hotels offer a variety of amenities, and although most of the rooms are small, they excel in other ways. From hearty breakfasts and stunning views of the Alps to luxury spa areas and indoor pools, there is a little bit for every tourist.
Whichever neighborhood and hotel you decide to stay in, make sure to book well in advance as the best hotels sell fast during the summer season and Oktoberfest. Now that you know where to sleep, take a short walk to the best shopping in Munich!