Wondering Where to Stay in Munich? [December 2024!]

Munchen, or Munich, is the city with more beer, bratwurst and Bavarian charm than you could shake a stick at! It’s got an energetic charm, embracing its traditions while keeping up with modern times.

The problem is, the only thing most people know about Munich is ‘Oktoberfest!’ So our savvy team of travel experts have put together this insider guide for where to stay in Munich. This way you can choose your neighbourhood based on what’s important to you.

We’ve got your accommodation sorted, so all you need to work out is where your next pretzel is coming from!

So here we go: your new travel bible that will have you wandering the city like a pro, confident you know exactly where to stay in Munich!

Quick tips – Where to stay in Munich

Where to stay in Munich

Not worried about where you’ll be and just looking for a fit for you? Check out our top picks for Munich in general!

Best Airbnb overall – Sonja’s Airbnb

This stylish Artist studio can accommodate up to two guests and is situated in Munich’s city center. Plenty of restaurants and bars are in walking distance from this quaint studio. It come with a little seating area to unwind on with a book and the kitchen also comes with a Nespresso coffee machine. This is a fantastic place to stay while exploring Munich.

 

Best budget hotel overall – Cocoon Hauptbahnhof

Guests at this 3-star hotel can soak up the sun on the terrace or enjoy a beverage at the bar. The front desk operates around the clock and the friendly staff can recommend places to visit and provide other tourist information. Minutes from the central station, this is an ideal base.

 

Best mid-range overall – Novotel Munchen City

Staying at the 4-star hotel is fun for the whole family, as kids will love the play area and adults can plan sightseeing trips with the help of the friendly staff at the hotel’s tour desk. The front desk operates around the clock and the friendly staff can recommend sights to visit and provide other tourist information.

 

Best luxury overall – Roomers Munich Autograph Collection

This unique 5-star Munich hotel is situated within a 10-minute stroll of Munchen Hackerbrucke Station. It also offers a beauty centre, valet parking and an indoor pool.
Roomers Munich Autograph Collection features an all-hours reception, as well as a library and a limousine service.

 

Munich’s neighbourhood guide

Munich is the capital of the province of Bavaria and is located in southern Germany. It’s the third largest city in the country and was settled way back in the 12th century!

While a lot has changed since then, there are still many buildings hundreds of years old, just chilling in town alongside newer stores.

The cultural scene in Munich has taken off too, with many considering it to outrank Berlin in the sophistication stakes these days!

And though there is much, much more to the city than the two-week-long beer festival that happens every September, Oktoberfest truly is one heck of a party! “Disneyland for adults” is worth a day or two of your attention if you happen to be around at the right time.

As far as neighbourhoods go, it can be a bit confusing. The easiest classification is the ‘quarters’ of the city, so that’s what is meant from here on. Got it? Good.

For the sports lovers, Allianz Arena in Frottmaning is the home of the famous Bayern-Munich football team. Or Giesing for the rival 1860 Munchen. For history lovers, Bogenhausen may be your scene as it is home to centuries-old small castles and villas of the aristocracy. Or maybe the beautiful Thalkirchen, with its many green spaces and beer gardens!

Whatever you’re into, Munich has a quarter that will be just right!

Munich’s five best neighbourhoods to stay in:

Neighborhood #1 - Aldstadt

(Where to stay in Munich first time)

Right in the middle of Munich, and at its heart, is Aldstadt. This is simply the German word for Old Town and indicates the area encircled by the old city walls and bordered by the River Isar to the east.

Rebuilt after its destruction in WW2, Aldstadt is where most of the attractions of Munich are located, so it is perfect for people on their first visit to the city. Tourists can easily access the sites on foot and save the hassle of sorting their transport. If it is needed though, you won’t have any problems as the suburban trains and subways all have their centre here at Marienplatz. For the less mobile, Tram 19 takes you on a scenic route through the city centre, so you won’t miss a beat!

The centre of the centre is Marienplatz, a square and pedestrianised area that doubles as a shopper’s paradise! Here is where you can find souvenirs, clothes stores, and traditional food stalls. If you’re after a lederhosen or dirndl for Oktoberfest, here is where you’ll find plenty. It’s also where the Neues Rathaus is located, the new town hall with the magnificent Glockenspiel. Every morning, the bells begin to sound and the life-sized figures emerge to do their dance. Invented before much of the technology and machinery we would assume necessary today, the Munich Glockenspiel is truly a sight to behold!

Five things to do in Aldstadt: 

• Marvel at the intricate manoeuvres and music of the Glockenspiel.
• Have a stein at the Hofbrauhaus, the largest and most famous beer hall in the world!
• Try to spot the Devil’s Footstep in Frauenkirche, Munich’s largest church.
• Sample local food and drink at the Viktualienmarkt.
• Crane up at the golden Mariensaule monument to the Virgin Mary.

Where to Stay in Aldstadt

Best Airbnb in Aldstadt – Emanuel’s Airbnb

This light-filled apartment is located in the heart of the city. You’ll feel right at home with the cosy space that’s been recently furnished with a new box spring bed and sofa. The apartment comes with a washing machine and you’ll also receive complimentary drinks along with breakfast staples during your stay.

 

Best budget hotel in Aldstadt – Motel One Munchen

The front desk of this 2-star hotel operates 24/7 and the friendly staff can suggest sights to visit and provide other tourist information. Motel One has 241 cosy rooms with wonderful views that are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite/cable channels, as well as a private bathroom.

 

Ready to book? We’ve put together our favorite places to stay in Hamburg so you don’t have to stress!

Best mid-range hotel in Aldstadt – Maximilian Munich

Maximilian Munich offers easy access to Munich’s popular hot spots. It provides a gym, as well as a Turkish steam bath, a sauna and massage services.
The 4-star hotel’s large rooms are stylish and feature a kitchenette and comfortable beds, as rated by guests.

 

Best luxury hotel in Aldstadt – Mandarin Oriental

Guests of this 5-star hotel can make the most of the outdoors on the terrace or have a beverage at the fantastic bar. All of the elegant rooms at Mandarin Oriental Munich feature underfloor heating, an iPod docking station and a mini bar.

 

Let’s simplify this! Here are our favorite areas to stay in Berlin!

Neighborhood #2 - Maxvorstadt

(Where to stay in Munich on a budget)

Just north of the city centre, and far more spread out, is the ‘Brain of Munich’. The neighbourhood of Maxvorstadt is so-called as it is the university quarter and is home to many artistic and educational institutions.

The seven universities that reside within the bounds of the neighbourhood mean that there are far more people in the region during the day than actually live here; up to 100,000 visitors each day!

As it always the case in student-villes, it’s a bit easier on the wallet to camp out here for a few days. Also, it’s very close to the city centre so walking in between all the sights won’t cost a cent and will actually help you see the area much better.

There are so many galleries and museums here, you could spend days exploring them if that’s what you’re into. They are mostly free to enter, which is another bonus for the pocket! If you don’t need more than a morning of art or history, have a look at a specific guide to the cultural buildings here in Maxvorstadt, to find one or two that suit you.

In terms of architecture, there’s a whole lot to see here, with surviving buildings from hundreds of years ago nestled against more modern additions.

For atmosphere, simply head along to a university campus nearby, and get lost in the crowds pursuing their education. Nothing like student-city to get the intellectual juices flowing!

Five things to do in Maxvorstadt:

• Pick up a new novel at the Readery, Germany’s largest collection of second-hand English titles.
• Soak up the artistry of the Grand Masters at Alte Pinakothek.
• Refresh yourself at Alter Simpl, where thinkers and writers Thomas Mann and Herman Hesse used to drink.
• Take a breath at the Old Botanic Gardens.
• See the Georg Elser installation, a memorial to the man who tried to assassinate Hitler.

Where to Stay in Maxvorstadt

Best Airbnb in Maxvorstadt – Bayram’s Airbnb

This Aparthotel is situated in the heart of Munich and comes with a comfortable double bed. A separate private bathroom is available on the same floor and  everything you could possibly need is in walking distance from the Aparthotel. There’s also complimentary internet within the room along with a refrigerator.

 

Best budget hotel in Maxvorstadt – 1st Creatif Hotel Elephant

1st Creatif Hotel Elephant is surrounded by a range of popular shops and is within a 10-minute walk of Munich Central Station. The 3-star hotel features a 24/7 reception, plus a tour desk and a ticket service. For added convenience, it offers a concierge, luggage storage and a safe. Rooms are brightened by cleverly installed pops of colour.

 

Let’s simplify this! Here are our favorite areas to stay in Cologne!

Best mid-range hotel in Maxvorstadt – Anna Hotel

The various facilities this 4-star stylish hotel offers include laundry facilities, a safe and an airport shuttle. This modern hotel provides babysitting/child services, a concierge and a 24-hour reception. In sunny weather, an outdoor terrace offers an ideal place to relax.

 

Best luxury hotel in Maxvorstadt – Rocco Forte

The 5-star hotel features an indoor pool and a rooftop terrace, as well as a beauty centre. Multilingual staff can assist with reservations or dining recommendations, and an express check-in feature is offered. It also has a gym with a swimming pool.
The contemporary, air conditioned rooms are rated highly by past guests.

 

Haven’t Booked for Hamburg? Read up on our favorite hotels in Hamburg (for any budget)!

Neighborhood #3 - Schwabing

(Best area to stay in Munich for nightlife)

Further north again, you’ll find the pricey residential region of Schwabing. Bordered by Olympic Park in the west and the English Garden to the east, Schwabing is a buzzing, lively part of town.

Considered by many to be a creative hub of Munich, Schwabing is home to many boutiques and high-end stores during the day, then hosts a wide range of nightlife options after-hours!

This is also where the Englischer Garten stretches. Munich’s main park is larger than Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London! It attracts tourists and locals alike, especially on sunny days when the legs and the weissbier come out at the beer gardens within its leafy confines!

In the English Garden, you’ll find the Eisbach wave, a river wave created by that rarest of things, a miscalculation in German engineering! Here you’ll find wetsuit-clad people, surfboard tucked under their arm, headed to what is probably the most famous urban river surf-spot in the world. Up to 100 surfers converge here on a summer’s day and it’s a fun place to while away an hour, watching the pros hang-ten and the amateurs have a go.

After the sun has gone down, you can head into the central district of Schwabing, to find yourself steins of beer, contemporary cocktails, or even visit the restaurant Tantris, proud owners of not one, but two Michelin stars!

Five things to do in Schwabing:

• Watch the surfers dominate the Eisbach wave.
• Stretch out in the sun at the English Garden.
• Go for a spin on a bike, the only way to cover all the ground of the Garden.
• Immerse yourself in history at Nordfriedhof memorial.
• Shop-til-you-drop on Leopoldstrasse.

Where to Stay in Schwabing

Best Airbnb in Schwabing – Timehouse’s Airbnb

This luxurious Smart apartment is spacious with high-quality and modern equipment. There’s a queen-sized bed along with a fully-equipped kitchen to make you feel right at home. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops surrounding the area as well.

 

Best budget hotel in Schwabing – H’Otello F22

The hotel features a restaurant and a bar where guests are able to unwind of an evening. Alternatively, there is a large selection of international restaurants nearby. The rooms at H’Otello are bright and airy, with splashes of colour to liven them.
H’Otello F22 is an ideal place to explore Oktoberfest and Englischer Garten.

 

Have your dates picked? Read up on hotels in Munich before you book!

Best mid-range hotel in Schwabing – Hotel Altschwabing

The outdoor patio/garden is a lovely place to prepare for the day ahead or wind down after the one gone. After settling into their room, guests can explore the local area with the use of Munchner Freiheit Underground Station, which is a brief stroll from the hotel.

 

Best luxury hotel in Schwabing – Pullman Munich

This modern 4-star hotel offers an in-house fitness centre, a 24-hour reception and a concierge. It also provides a Jacuzzi, 24-hour room service and a sauna.
The classy air-conditioned rooms at Renaissance Hotel Munich are elegant and spacious. They provide a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and a mini bar.

Need more info? Here’s a rundown of things to do in Munich to fill your time there!

Neighborhood #4 - Ludwigsvorstadt

(Coolest place to stay in Munich)

Slightly to the south of Aldstadt is the region of Ludwigsvorstadt. A larger sub-section of the city, it contains the achingly cool neighbourhood of Glockenbachviertel, formerly the Jewish quarter of Munich. It is here that the city’s LGBT scene thrives, with many gay bars and home to pride events.

There is also a huge range of independent eateries, bars and bookstores that are the hallmarks of a trendy district. Everyone is welcome in this district, even the street artists. Make your way to Tumblingerstrasse, to see an eye-popping lineup of graffiti murals loaning the street. The colours and creativity make for a very Instagrammable backdrop!

It is here in Ludwigvorstadt that Theresienwiese lies, the great grounds that house Oktoberfest every year. Though you’d be hard pressed to find accommodation in this area at that time, as over 7 million people visit each year (and about that many litres of beer are drunk)!

You won’t have any trouble getting in and out of this district, as subway lines U3-U6 service the area from two main stations. There are a few tram lines to help you get about as well.

Get in quick, though, as its status as a hip and happening neighbourhood is being gently threatened by the inevitable gentrification that comes with an area being known and sought-after!

Five things to do in Ludwigsvorstadt:

• Gape at the colourful artworks on Tumblingerstrasse.
• Dance the night away at Prosecco, the late-night gay bar.
• Eat organic at the stylish Das Kranz.
• See an event at Schlachthof, the converted slaughterhouse.
• Get Bavarian at Oktoberfest. Prost!

Where to Stay in Ludwigsvorstadt

Best Airbnb in Ludwigsvorstadt – Bayram’s Airbnb

This gorgeous Airbnb is uniquely designed and comes with floor to ceiling windows. There’s a spacious bedroom and living area along with a kitchenette and a modern bathroom. This is a great space to truly unwind at while exploring the rest of Munich. Public transportation is only five-minutes away and this apartment isn’t too far away from the main square.

 

Best budget hotel in Ludwigsvorstadt – Vi Vadi Hotel Bayer 89

Great value-for-money, all rooms at this 3 and a half-star hotel are air conditioned and equipped with cable/satellite channels, a mini bar and a flat-screen TV. All have slippers, bottled water and a spacious private bathroom with slippers. In the evening, guests can relax in the comfortable lounge bar.

 

Best mid-range hotel in Ludwigsvorstadt – Aloft Munchen

Aloft Munchen has 184 funky and contemporary rooms that are filled with all the essentials to ensure a comfortable stay. The 4-star hotel has its very own stylish cocktail bar, offering the perfect place to relax with a beverage after a long day of sightseeing. Guests are also able to enjoy a game of pool in the modern lounge bar.

 

Best luxury hotel in Ludwigsvorstadt – Sofitel Munich Bayerpost

Guests of this 5-star hotel can soak up the sun on the terrace or have a beverage at the bar. It also offers babysitting services, currency exchange and a reception that operates around the clock. All the modern rooms at Sofitel Munich Bayerpost provide a mini bar, an iPod docking station and slippers.

 

Have some time? Get out of the city with these epic day trips from Munich!

Neighborhood #5 - Haidhausen

(Best neighborhood in Munich for families)

The ‘French Quarter’ of Munich, due to its street names and layout pattern, Haidhausen is located to the east of the city centre. Though it was once considered a bad area, it’s been going up and up in recent decades and continues to do so. One of the prettiest regions in town, it’s home to large green areas that run alongside the River Isar, perfect for family picnics.

It’s here that you’ll see how the locals live, being a residential rather than a tourist area. This is often perfect for those with little ones in tow, as it’s a bit removed from the hustle and bustle, while still boasting plenty to keep them busy. Munich is a great city to visit as a family, as many cafes and restaurants offer a play area for wee ones, while parents can relax. Die Kinderkuche in Haidhausen is a great example of this.

Haidhausen is easy to navigate on foot, and you’ll find plenty of Bavarian treats sold at cafes on the way to keep your energy levels up!

You could all go for a swim in the stylish Müllersches Volksbad, which dates back to a time when having your own bathroom was uncommon!

To get here, you simply catch any S-Bahn train and it will whip you right in. There are trams and buses for a slower option, which can be fun for the kids to point out the sights on the way.

Five things to do in Haidhausen: 

• Spend an afternoon at Wiener Platz, sampling local foods, wines and artistry.
• Get cultural at Gastieg, home to the philharmonic orchestra.
• Hunt out the street art under the Ludwigsbrucke (bridge).
• Catch a classic film at the Museum Lichtspiele.
• Give yourself and the kids a sugar rush with handmade chocolate from Kozy’s cafe!

Where to Stay in Haidhausen

Best Airbnb in Haidhausen – Alex’s Airbnb

This modern apartment can accommodate up to four guests. Situated near central Munich it’s close to a range of transportation options and is located in an elegant Art Nouveau building. This quiet apartment has a modern open kitchen along with a cosy king-sized bed. If booked in advance, bicycles can also be provided for guests to discover the Bavarian metropolis.

 

Best budget hotel in Haidhausen – Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum

Living Hotel am Deutschen Museum by Derag offers guests a convenient base when in Munich. The 3-star hotel’s rooms are spacious and feature a kitchen that is equipped with a microwave. They offer wireless internet access, a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities – perfect for parents!

 

Best mid-range hotel in Haidhausen – Design Hotel Stadt Rosenheim

There are a range of facilities available to those staying at Hotel Stadt Rosenheim, such as a dry cleaning service, laundry facilities and an atm/cash machine. The multilingual staff will make sure guests have an enjoyable and comfortable stay at the 4-star hotel.

 

Best luxury hotel in Haidhausen – Hotel Munchen Palace

Hotel Munchen Palace has been recently refurbished and offers free Wi-Fi, a sauna and a rooftop terrace. It has child-minding services, currency exchange and a reception that is available 24 hours a day. The 5-star hotel also has several connecting rooms to accommodate families.

 

To sum up…

Munich is known for history and revelry, but there is much more to be discovered in its boundaries. Though there is a diverse range of neighbourhoods, districts and quarters in the city, thanks to our guide, you’ll be living like a local!

Once you’ve got your base sorted, take a day trip to check out some different regions and you might just discover something outstanding! Shout out to us if you do!

From the one-of-a-kind Roomers Munich Autograph Collection, our top hotel pick for Munich, you’ll be well-placed to explore all the Bavarian capital has to offer. Close to Circus Krone and Oktoberfest, it gives new meaning to ‘Centre of the action’!

So that’s it from our travel experts. You now know exactly what to do and where to stay in Munich. From here out, the rest, and best, is up to you!

*** Some of the links on Hotel Jules are affiliate links, which means if you do make a purchase, we may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you.) Thank you for using our links! Your support keeps the site going***