Where to stay in Munich – What You Need to Know
Munich (München in German) is the third largest city in Germany and capital of the federal state of Bavaria (Bayern). It is located in the south of the country, not far from the border with Austria.
Munich is famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture and for its modern economic and industrial centre. It is also known as the city with the best quality of life in Germany.
Being one of the most prosperous and tourist cities in Germany, Munich has very good rail links with the rest of Europe.
Munich also has one of the busiest airports in Europe, which works as the secondary hub of the German airline Lufthansa.
Public transport in Munich consists of metro (U-Bahn), buses, commuter trains (S-Bahn) and trams.
Munich’s location next to the Isar river fills the city with a cool breeze, especially during the summer, (May-September), which is the best time to visit Munich. Due to its continental climate, winters (December-March) are very cold, and it rains throughout the year.
Each autumn, the Bavarian capital dresses up to receive the Oktoberfest, a gastronomic, cultural festival and, above all, brewer that brings thousands of tourists to the city. For those looking for where to stay in Munich during the Oktoberfest, here’s a tip: book as early as possible to avoid running out of accommodation in Munich.
The white sausages and beer are Munich’s main gastronomic representatives, which also offers all the combinations of Bavarian food: pork, roast potatoes, flour and mushrooms.
Among the best areas to stay in Munich Altstadt-Lehel is a great choice (See accommodation in Altstadt) and so is Ludwigvorstadt-Isarvorstadt (See accommodation in Ludwigvorstadt-Isarvorstadt).
Accommodation Options in Munich
Hotels in Munich
The best hotels to stay in Munich
Hostels in Munich
Hostels and cheap stays in Munich
Apartments in Munich
Would you like independence? Book an apartment in Munich
Bed & Breakfast in Munich
Inns, B&Bs and guest houses in several areas around Munich
The Best Areas to Stay in Munich
1. Recommended Area: Altstadt-Lehel
Altstadt (which in German means “old city“) covers the area of the entire historic city of Munich.
This area gathers art galleries, boutiques and museums, great attraction for both tourists and locals. Altstadt is the best area to stay in Munich for tourists.
It is the most important area for tourists, thanks to its sites of interest such as the Marienplatz (main square of the city), the Town Hall, the Bavarian Opera House, the Kaufhof department store, the Museum of the Five Continents, the Isartor, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the famous churches of Frauenkriche and Peterskirche.
Several transport stops are in this area, such as Lehel metro station (U4 and U5) and Marientplatz (S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7 and S8, in addition to the U3 and U6). Other important stations in the area are Isartor, and Sendlinger Tor.
Altstadt-Lehel is definitely the most central district and the best area to stay in Munich and it’s no wonder, since it’s an area that has it all, shops, bars and restaurants.
However, the Old City is not the cheapest area to stay in Munich, but being close to the best attractions is well worth staying here.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Our Top Choice
Hotel ADRIA München is located in the elegant Lehel district of Munich, a 4-minute walk from the English Garden. Hotel ADRIA München offers rooms with a colorful design and a flat-screen TV.
- Budget Option
Hotel Sendlinger Tor enjoys a central location just a 1-minute walk from the Munich pedestrian zone, the historic center and the Sendlinger Tor underground station. It offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
- Mid-range option
Hotel am Markt is located in the pedestrian zone of Viktualenmarkt in Munich, just a 1-minute walk from Marienplatz. The public transport services (metro and train) will take you directly to the airport, the central train station and the Riem fairgrounds.
- Luxury option
Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München has an elegant spa with swimming pool and panoramic views of the city. The hotel is located in the center of Munich, a 5-minute walk from the Marienplatz square. –
2. Ludwigvorstadt – Isarvorstadt
Ludwigvorstadt – Isarvorstadt is located southeast of Munich’s Old Town and northeast of the Islar River, both forming the city’s number 2 district, divided into smaller neighbourhoods.
This area hosts the huge and popular Oktoberfest every autumn.
Isarvorstadt is a very vibrant residential area with many bars, pubs and nightclubs, around the beautiful Gärtnerplatz square
The area is always dressed in colorful nightlife and, In addition, it is the centre of gay life.
Yuppies, bohemians, students and locals are present in this busy area.
Ludwigvorstadt – Isarvorstadt is connected by metro lines U3, U6, U1 and U2 and, as it houses train stations and public transport, getting around the neighbourhood and the rest of the city is simple.
This district offers many luxury and boutique-style hotels. Ludwigvorstadt – Isarvorstadt is definitely one of the best areas to stay in Munich.
Ludwigvorstadt – Isarvorstadt is also the best area to stay in Munich during the Oktoberfest.
What makes this the best area to stay in Munich
- Central area
- Connected by metro
- LGBT-friendly
- Best area for young travellers
- Best area for nightlife
- Best area to stay for Oktoberfest
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Our Top Choice
Hotel Metropol is located in a quiet side street in Munich, a 5-minute walk from the central station. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with air conditioning.
- Budget Option
Hotel Dolomit is located just 200 meters from Munich Central Station and 350 meters from the Deutsches Theater. It offers soundproofed rooms with a flat-screen TV and large windows. The reception is open 24 hours.
- Mid-range option
Schiller 5 Hotel has a black granite facade and offers soundproofed rooms with free Wi-Fi and minibar. It is only 100 meters from Munich Central Station and a 15-minute walk from the Oktoberfest venue.
- Luxury option
Le Méridien Munich
is located in the Aussersihl district of Munich, in the immediate vicinity of the main train station. It offers a sauna and a fitness center. There is a restaurant.
3. Maxvorstadt
Maxvorstadt, also known as District 3, is located to the north of the old town of Munich.
Maxvorstadt is a cultural area, full of museums, universities and galleries.
This area is one of the Munich university districts par excellence.
Maxvorstadt, known as “the brain of Munich” hosts around seven universities, including the Ludwig Maximilian University and the Technical University, both among the most important institutions in Germany.
The elegant Königsplatz with its neoclassical style museums is the neighbourhood’s most important attraction. Other attractions in the area include a part of the Englischer Garten park and the central railway station of Munich (Hauptbahnhof).
You can also find cafes and shops among Maxvorstadt.
Maxvorstadt is very close to the city centre and is perfectly accessible on foot. Metro lines U2, U3, U6, U8 have several stations scattered around the area, as well as several tram stops. The Hauptbahnhof, located in the south-east of Maxvorstadt, offers connections for S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, S8 and S27.
Maxvorstadt has different accommodation options, including luxury hotels, economic pensions and university residences that, in the non-school period, serve as hotels.
What makes this the best area to stay in Munich
- Central area
- Connectred by metro and train
- Neoclassical architecture
- University area
- Museums and galleries
- Königsplatz
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Our Top Choice
Hotel Europa is close to the center of Munich, just 10 minutes by tram from Munich Central Station. It offers a restaurant bar and a peaceful garden terrace. It offers free WiFi.
- Budget Option
1st Creatif Hotel Elephant has bright rooms with wooden furniture. It is 150 meters from Munich Central Station and 650 meters from the Stachus / Karlsplatz pedestrian zone.
- Mid-range option
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Munich is located in the Schwabing district of Munich, it offers modern rooms, an elegant breakfast room and a Thai restaurant.
- Luxury option
Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel offers views of the ancient botanical garden, an exclusive spa with an indoor pool, soundproofed rooms with free Wi-Fi and an elegant Neo bistro with terrace and bar.
4. Schwabing-Freimann
Schwabing-Freimann extends from the old town and the north of Maxvorstadt to Freimann.
It is a quiet and expensive residential area.
Schwabing is considered the bohemian district of Munich.
Schwabing-Freimann has many fun and leisure options, such as the English garden.
Schwabing-Freimann is a lively area of bars, restaurants and upscale hotels.
In this area, there are many free concerts during the summer.
Schwabing-Freimann is connected by metro lines U2, U3 and U6. Tram lines 12, 27 and 28 also cross the district.
Schwabing-Freimann is among the best areas to stay in Munich, particularly if the budget is not a problem.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Our Top Choice
Steigenberger Hotel München is located in the Schwabing district of Munich, 1.3 km from the Englischer Garten and 15 minutes from the center of Munich. It offers a 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi.
- Budget Option
ibis München Parkstadt Schwabing has rooms with air conditioning, restaurant with terrace, and excellent communication with the A9 motorway. The center of Munich is 4 km away.
- Mid-range option
Pullman Munich offers modern accommodation with free Wi-Fi near the English garden of Schwabing, the bohemian district of Munich. It has an outdoor terrace, tavern and modern spa with sauna.
5. Trudering-Riem
Trudering-Riem, on the eastern edge of Munich is a popular residential area.
It is known as Trudering-Riem because, in the north, it joins Riem, a popular, residential neighbourhood that houses the Munich exhibition centre.
Trudering-Riem still retains the atmosphere of a small town.
Trudering-Riem has among its attractions Trudering Forest, the largest contiguous forested area of the city, very popular among athletes.
Other attractions in the area include the church of San Pablo and San Pedro, which dates back to the Middle Ages.
To move between this area and the centre of the city, you can use the metro line U-2 that runs through the district. The S-Bahn (light rail) stops are Riem (S2) and Trudering and Gronsdorf (S4) or the S6.
Trudering-Riem is a quiet area where to stay in Munich and in this district you can find cheap accommodation.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Our Top Choice
LetoMotel München City Ost is located in the Trudering district of Munich, opposite the Trudering metro station, 2.5 km from the ICM International Congress Center and 4 km from the Munich Ost Train Station.
6. Au–Haidhausen
Au-Haidhausen is the district that surrounds the station of Munich East (Ostbahnhof) and soothes of the Conservatory of Strauss and the Philharmonic.
It is located south-east of downtown Munich. Its core is the Mariahilfplatz square, which houses the Mariahilfkirche church.
This area was, for centuries, a proletarian area where the homes of day laborers and poor workers were located. Today, it is the Munich nightlife area par excellence.
In this district is the famous Kultfabrik, a complex of nightclubs, bars and restaurants.
This neighbourhood also has picturesque streets and houses.
The main hub of transport in the neighbourhood is the Ostbahnhof, one of the most important stations in Munich, with connections to the entire city. The metro U5, the tram line 19 and numerous urban buses also cover the area.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Our Top Choice
LetoMotel München City Ost offers free spa facilities, Italian cuisine and spacious rooms and apartments. The Marienplatz square is 3 minutes away by S-Bahn urban train.
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