Where to stay in Munich: best areas and neighborhoods

Munich is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Germany. Known for the Oktoberfest celebrations, the city is a treasure trove of beauty, full of things to see and do. Usually a weekend is spent here, before exploring the surroundings and other attractions in Bavaria, such as Neuschwanstein Castle.

If you are planning your visit, you must choose where to stay carefully. So here are all our tips on where to sleep in Munich.

Is Munich safe? Munich is generally considered safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a well-organized public safety system. For tourists, it's advisable to stay central to avoid lengthy commutes on public transport and fully enjoy the city’s attractions.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Munich

Foto di wheresleep.

Not recommended areas: there are no real neighbourhoods to avoid, the city is very safe. Obviously, in the evening you have to be careful in the streets around the stations, as in any big city.

The best district is Altstadt-Lehel, which is the central one that includes the historic centre where the main attractions are located. The prices are higher here, but it is ideal if you are visiting Munich for the first time.

If you are traveling with your family, you should choose Lehel in the historic centre, Maxvorstadt, the bohemian and artistic district of Munich, or Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, which is 20 minutes away by tram from the Altstadt.

If you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, the best neighbourhoods to stay are definitely Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, the neighbourhood where the famous Oktoberfest is held, and Schwabing, north of the centre, which is the university area full of clubs. The latter is also an ideal district for those on a budget, together with Sendling-Westpark!

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Munich. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

If you are in Munich for 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

Altstadt-Lehel, best for first-timers

• Pros: Central location, excellent transport connections
• Cons: Expensive area, busy with tourists
• Main attractions: Munich Residence, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Hofbräuhaus München
• Average prices: From €85,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

The Altstadt-Lehel district is the best area to stay in Munich. Here you will find yourself in the city centre, within walking distance of the main attractions, such as the Munich Residence (Residenz München), Marienplatz with the town hall, Frauenkirche cathedral and the very famous Hofbräuhaus München brewery. Obviously, it follows that the prices here are among the highest, given the excellent location and the many services.

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 more traditional ones with a German atmosphere to more modern ones with all comforts. For families, it is better to look in the Lehel area, in the northernmost part of the historic centre, much quieter than Marienplatz and its surroundings.

Finally, by staying here, you can easily move between the main attractions on foot. Within walking distance you will also have the central station, München Hbf.

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €85,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, for nightlife

• Pros: Close to the historic centre, vibrant nightlife, Oktoberfest venue
• Cons: Prices spike during Oktoberfest, lively atmosphere may not suit everyone
• Main attractions: Deutsches Museum, Oktoberfest grounds
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Located south of the Altstadt is the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district, the place where Oktoberfest is held every year. Staying here, you will be a stone's throw from the historic centre, so it is a very strategic location. Among the main attractions, we find the Deutsches Museum.

This neighbourhood is ideal for young people and those looking for 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, the costs increase considerably, so it is better to book early if you want to find good offers, usually at least 3 months in advance!

Finally, staying here will allow you to move towards the centre on foot. The district also includes the central station, München Hbf, and several metro stations.

Recommended accommodation

Maxvorstadt, Best for Families and Art Lovers

Foto di Rufus46.

• Pros: Elegant and quiet area, full of museums and art galleries, close to Englischer Garten
• Cons: Less vibrant nightlife
• Main attractions: Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Königsplatz, Glyptothek
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

From the south, we move north: the first district we encounter moving north from the Altstadt is Maxvorstadt. It is an ancient, quiet and elegant district, full of museums and art galleries, large tree-lined avenues and numerous clubs. In fact, it is here that the museum district of Munich is located and the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek and the Pinakothek der Moderne are here. Also not to be missed is the wonderful Königsplatz, which overlooks the Glyptothek history museum.

This neighbourhood is ideal for families and those who want to be close to the main museums. You will find all services, such as restaurants, shops and clubs, but this is not a busy area. It is very quiet and within walking distance you will also have the famous Englischer Garten park, ideal for spending a few hours with the little ones.

Finally, staying here will allow you to easily reach the centre on foot. The area is also well served by the metro, trams and bus service.

Recommended Accommodation

Schwabing, To Stay on a Budget

• Pros: Artistic and multicultural vibe, affordable prices, vibrant nightlife
• Cons: Far from the city centre, requires public transport
• Main attractions: Olympiapark, BMW Welt
• Average prices: From €55,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

North of Maxvorstadt is the district of Schwabing, considered the artistic and multicultural district of the city. It is also a university area, therefore very young, full of bars, pubs, shops and cafes. But that's not all: here you will be within walking distance of attractions such as Olympiapark and BMW Welt.

It is an ideal neighbourhood for young people and those who want to stay on a budget. In fact, being far from the centre, the prices are lower and, by booking early, it will not be difficult to find some good offers. Despite the distance, there is no shortage of services and there is a lively nightlife here.

To reach the centre you will need to use public transport: the area is served by several metro stations, where the U2 and U8 lines pass, leading directly to the central railway station in about ten minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for trams or buses, but with longer travel times (20 min on average).

Recommended Accommodation

Sendling-Westpark, For Nature Lovers

• Pros: Quiet and green, affordable prices
• Cons: Far from the city centre, limited attractions
• Main attractions: Westpark München
• Average prices: From €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Always taking the Altstadt as a reference point, to the west you can find the Sendling-Westpark district, a quiet and elegant neighbourhood surrounded by greenery. Here, the main attraction is the beautiful park Westpark München, which in the summer becomes a real meeting point, with events and demonstrations.

Due to its characteristics, this area is recommended mainly for families and those who want a bit of tranquillity, or an authentic experience further away from the glitz and confusion of the Altstadt! It is also an area where you can stay on a budget: given the distance from the centre and the few attractions present, prices are lower here, ideal for travellers on a budget.

To reach the centre you will have to use public transport: the area is served by several railway stations directly connected to the central station and by metro line U6, which will take you to the centre very quickly (main stop Westpark, 10 min).

Recommended Accommodation

Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, Elegant and Quiet

• Pros: Quiet and elegant neighbourhood, large green areas, great for families
• Cons: Requires public transport to reach the city centre
• Main attractions: Nymphenburg Castle, Botanischer Garten München, Olympiapark
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Finally, west of Schwabing and Maxvorstadt, lies the large district of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, a very quiet residential area. In addition to including part of Olympiapark, one of the most visited attractions in Munich is here: the wonderful Nymphenburg Castle, with its large park and the Botanischer Garten München.

It is an ideal area for families and those seeking tranquillity: large green areas, an elegant and quiet neighbourhood, a hotel with all services, shops, clubs and restaurants. But not only that, given the distance from the centre, you can also find some good offers, especially for apartments, ideal for having autonomy.

To reach the centre you will have to use public transport. The castle area, for example, is perfectly connected to Munich central station by tram 17 (20 min), while in regards to the metro, the district is served by lines U1 and U7.

Recommended Accommodation

Places to stay near Munich

Foto di wheresleep. The best solution is to sleep in Munich, as we have seen there are many different districts, ready to meet the needs of any traveller. In addition, many hotels also have parking for those arriving by car and you can find excellent offers by booking in advance, especially during Oktoberfest.

But in case you want to stay outside the city, to save money or to enjoy nature a little more, there are some perfect places to stay, connected directly to the city centre:

• Augusta (80 km / 1 hour): one of the oldest cities in Germany, ideal especially for families, and to use as a base if you are looking for a quiet and unique 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 Lake Starnberg. One hour from Neuschwanstein Castle. Connected to Munich by direct train (17 min) - compare accommodation on booking

Munich accommodation price map

Booking.com

Travel tips

1. Transports: Munich's extensive public transportation, including the S-Bahn and U-Bahn, provides efficient city connections. Cycling is a popular and scenic option with ample bike lanes. For convenience, avoid cars in the city center; use Uber or taxis instead. The Munich Airport connects via S-Bahn S1 and S8 to the central station in about 40 minutes.
2. Wifi: Most major public areas in Munich, including Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and English Garden, offer free wifi access. Look for networks named like "M-WLAN (official)" to stay connected without the need for a data sim.
3. Best areas/clubs for nightlife: Munich offers a vibrant nightlife with hotspots in Gärtnerplatz and Maximiliansplatz, and lively Schwabing. Clubs like Pacha and Harry Klein cater to electronic music fans, while traditional Bavarian beer gardens like Hofbräuhaus provide a more relaxed atmosphere.
4. Bavarian Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes like Weisswurst (white sausage), pretzels, and Apfelstrudel at a local beer garden or restaurant. The Viktualienmarkt is perfect for tasting fresh local produce and specialties.
5. Day Trips: don't miss top excursions to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, a poignant and educational experience, and to Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.