Munich should be near the top of anyone's list who is planning on visiting Germany. It is consistently voted as one of the most liveable cities in the world.
But where should you stay in Munich as a tourist?
The city has plenty of different neighbourhoods, and it is well worth investigating options outside the busy central area. This page should help you out by giving a few tips about some alternative districts in Munich as well as some accommodation options for each area to help pick the best hotel for your stay.
You'll learn about
This district is a gem on the east bank of the Isar river.
It's close to the city centre, but it feels like a world of its own. You'll love the historic charm of the narrow streets, the small shops and the green courtyards. It's like stepping back in time.
But don't worry, there's plenty of culture here too.
You can check out the Gasteig cultural center for some amazing shows and events. You can visit the Deutsches Museum for some fun and educational exhibits.
And you can treat yourself to a swim in the Müller'sches Volksbad, a stunning Art Nouveau pool.
What's not to like?
Well, there are some drawbacks.
It's not cheap to stay here, as it's a popular and central area. It can get noisy from the traffic, especially on the main roads.
But hey, you can't have it all.
And you can always hop on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn to get around.
Trust us, Au-Haidhausen is worth it.
S-Bahn
Rosenheimer Platz (all lines)
München Ost (all lines)
Leuchtenbergring (S2, S4, S6, S8)
U-Bahn
Kolumbusplatz (U1, U2, U7, U8)
Max-Weber-Platz (U4, U5)
Ostbahnhof (U5)
Here are a few of the hotels that users of accommodation booking platforms rate highly:
If you're looking for a place to stay in Munich that is hip, creative and full of surprises, you might want to check out the Werksviertel area.
It's a part of the Berg am Laim district to the east of Munich city centre.
This was once a run-down industrial area near the Munich East train station.
Now it has been transformed into a lively cultural hub, where you can find art galleries, music venues, street food markets and quirky attractions like a container pool and a giant Ferris wheel.
You'll never get bored in this neighbourhood, as there is always something new and exciting to discover.
The Werksviertel area is also well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport, so you can easily explore other sights and attractions.
What are the downsides?
There is plenty of building development still underway in this part of Munich. That means there might be more dust and noise than you are comfortable with.
More sedate visitors may also find the atmosphere of some of the accommodation and dining options more suited to younger and more adventurous travellers.
S-Bahn
München Ost (all lines)
Leuchtenbergring (S2, S4, S6, S8)
Berg am Laim (S2, S4, S6)
U-Bahn
Ostbahnhof (U5)
Innsbrucker Ring (U2, U5, U7, U8)
Michaelibad (U5, U7, U8)
Josephsburg (U2)
Kreillerstraße (U2)
Here are a couple of hotels (and a hostel!) that users of accommodation booking platforms rate highly:
This district is a modern oasis to the northeast of the old town.
It's built around a large park, where you can enjoy some fresh air and nature.
It's also full of high-rise buildings. This is where you will find offices, shopping centres and, more importantly, plenty of hotel accommodation.
And, if you want more greenery, you can always head across the Isar to the Englischer Garten.
The advantages of staying here are the modern and spacious accommodation options, in green surroundings where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The disadvantages are the distance from the city centre and any real sights and landmarks. There is certainly a lack of nightlife and cultural activities. If you are staying here you are going to have to head over to the Werksviertel or across the river.
And you will be dependent on public transport to get around easily and quickly. But you shouldn't let that put you off the area. There are some good connections to the city centre by bus or tram.
Arabellapark is perfect if you're looking for a modern and tranquil neighbourhood.
S-Bahn
München Daglfing (S8)
Englschalking (S8)
U-Bahn
Böhmerwaldplatz (U4)
Richard-Strauss-Straße (U4)
Arabellapark (U4)
Here are two hotels that users of accommodation booking platforms rate highly:
So far we've been to the east of Munich city centre.
But now we had back over the river Isar to an area that many people will tell you is the place to be if you want to experience the best of Munich.
Schwabing is located to the north of the city centre on either side of the long Leopoldstrasse boulevard.
It's a busy student area which means there are plenty of interesting bars and restaurants.
Schwabing is also where famous artists and intellectuals used to hang out, such as Lenin, Kandinsky and Thomas Mann.
On of the big advantages of staying in this area is the vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Schwabing is where you can meet people from all backgrounds and nationalities.
Add to that the rich cultural heritage, where you can learn about the history and art of Munich.
And those who prefer the outdoors will love the proximity to the Englischer Garten, where you can jog, run or surt - or just relax and enjoy the nature.
Prices aren't cheap here, as this is a very popular and trendy area.
The number of attractions and sights, as well as the buzzing bars and restaurants, help to make this a very busy and lively district. Which might not be your scene if you are aiming for a quiet relaxing city break.
But, if you're looking for a little bit more life in your city stay, Schwabing could be the best place for you.
U-Bahn
Giselastraße (U3, U6)
Münchner Freiheit (U3, U6)
Dietlindenstraße (U6)
Nordfriedhof
(U6)
Here are some hotels that users of accommodation booking platforms rate highly:
This district is the heart and soul of Munich. Choose Altstadt-Lehel if you want easy access to some of the city's most famous sights and attractions.
The Altstadt-Lehel area has the Isar river to the east. And to the west, one of the inner ring roads.
It's where you can find some of the most iconic sights, such as Marienplatz, where you can watch the famous Glockenspiel show; Frauenkirche, where you can admire the twin domes;
Viktualienmarkt, where you can shop for fresh produce and local delicacies;
and the Hofbräuhaus, where you can sample some authentic Bavarian beer.
The central location is one of the main advantages of staying here. You can walk to just about anything of interest in the old town and its surroundings.
Almost everywhere you turn there is a historic building or monument with its own story to tell.
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping and eating. You can choose between markets and a beer garden, chain stores and upmarket boutiques.
Of course, those advantages are precisely thing that draws the tourist crowds, making this a very popular and busy area.
Noise can be a real problem in the central area, so try to get accommodation with decent soundproofing.
That shouldn't be too much of a problem, as the accommodation around here tends to be at the premium end of market. This is a very expensive and exclusive area.
But don't let that stop you choosing the Munich old town area. If you want to experience the essence of the city, Altstadt-Lehel is the district for you.
S-Bahn
Karlsplatz (all lines)
Marienplatz (all lines)
Isartor
(all lines)
U-Bahn
Karlsplatz (U4, U5)
Marienplatz (U3, U6)
Sendlinger Tor (U1, U2, U3, U6, U7, U8)
Odeonsplatz (U3, U4, U5, U6)
Lehel
(U4, U5)
Here are some hotels that users of accommodation booking platforms rate highly:
This district is the melting pot of Munich, with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
It's where you can find some of the most diverse and multicultural neighborhoods.
Ludwigsvorstadt is south of Altstadt-Lehel, stretching from Karlsplatz to the Theresienwiese.
The area is popular with students and has a large LGBQT+ community.
The Theresienwiese is also where Oktoberfest takes place every year. That's the biggest and most famous beer festival in the world. (As well as the lesser-known and less-crowded version each spring.)
You can find some cheap and cheerful accommodation around here. The area also includes the Munich central station (München Hauptbahnhof). And it's an easy walk or a short train trip to the main long-distance bus station.
As you might expect for an area around a big railway station, there is a good variety of cuisines with some delicious and exotic food and drinks.
There is also some lively nightlife, where you can party and have fun until dawn.
But this can be a rough and edgy area, especially at night.
However, not all of the Ludwigsvorstadt district is like that.
Just a little bit further around to the south is the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich with its large student population.
And further around towards the river Isar, the Glockenbachviertel is a trendy up-and-coming area.
If you're looking for a vibrant and colourful district, Ludwigsvorstadt could be just the thing for you.
S-Bahn
München Hauptbahnhof
Karlsplatz (all lines)
Hackerbücke
Isartor (all lines)
U-Bahn
München Hauptbahnhof
Karlsplatz (U4, U5)
Goetheplatz (U3, U6)
Sendlinger Tor (U1, U2, U3, U6, U7, U8)
Poccistrasse (U3, U4, U5, U6)
Fraunhoferstrasse (U4, U5)
Here are some hotels that users of accommodation booking platforms rate highly:
