Munich is the capital of Bavaria and it is the third biggest city in Germany. This city is very famous and it is especially known for the celebration of Bavarian culture which is an annual Oktoberfest. Munich is set along the banks of River Isar and it is a city that is rich on interesting historic sites, magnificent architecture, and cultural attractions. All these attract a large number of visitors from every corner of the world who are looking for adventure and fun in Germany.
Are you looking for the best neighbourhoods to stay for a first time or for tourists in Munich, Germany? Here is a complete guide to the best neighbourhoods and to stay in Munich. Over the years Munich has been home to so many students and immigrants who are the highest percentage of residents in the city.
There is so much to do in this city, delicious food and drinks that are served in small streetside cafes, in upper scale restaurants and along the river banks. As for nightlife, this is city is just perfect with the numerous clubs and bars that heat up the area. These clubs and bars are known to be lively and best attractions for visitors who are looking for a fun night out.
When you visit Munich, you will experience so many new things ranging from a large art collections to dense history. There are also good hotels where you can book the best Munich accommodation during your stay in the city.
There are several districts and areas that are perfect; for example if you love culture, Maxvorstadt is perfect for you, Pinakothek which is quite famous, there are also other sites you can visit such as the modern Museum Brandhorst. If you prefer visiting historic squares or churches, you will find Baroque, and Neo-Gothic buildings in Munich especially in the Altsadt. If you are looking for accommodation in a more laid-back area then Schwabing will a great neighbourhood for you. It has so many cafes and bistros.
What’s the best area to experience the city as a local or when visiting the first time, what’s the best district for shopping or for nightlife, or where to stay on a budget? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Munich Germany.
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What is the Best Area to Stay in Munich Germany?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Altstadt-Lehel
Altstadt is the centre of Munich and it is a beautiful district that attracts so many visitors. One of the main attractions in this neighbourhood is the pleasant streets and the historical architecture. You can stay in this area if you are a first-time visitor. It is more expensive than the other districts of this city. The hotels are a little costly and you can stretch your budget a little since this area is more convenient.
Where to Stay in Munich City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels in Munich
Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel • BEYOND by Geisel - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Hotel Metropol • Motel One München-Olympia Gate - Best Cheap Hotels in Munich
Ibis München City Arnulfpark • Hotel Eder - Best Bed & Breakfast in Munich
Pension Prinz (Guest House) • Müller Inn B&B - Best Budget Hostels in Munich
CVJM Jugendhotel München • wombat’s CITY Hostel – Munich
Best Areas to Stay in Munich
What’s the best district in Munich for local experience? Schwabing-West – Au-Haidhausen – Nymphenburg
If you would like to have a little silent time in Munich then you should stay in areas such as Schwabing, Nymphenburg and Au-Haidhausen are perfect for you. These are good areas for unwinding and laying back. They are far from the city centre which means they are more silent. You can find attractions in these areas too such as beer gardens. There are also great foods and drinks that you can take as you relax in a quiet area.
Stay in Munich Cultural District? Maxvorstadt
There are several hotspots in Maxvorstadt and it offers some historical gems. There are several museums and cultural centres in this district. For novice travellers who want to try new places, Maxvorstadt is ideal for them. You can find a landmark like Siegestor which is less visited; this building was built in the 19th century. It is architectural and historical centre. There are also hotels that you can book in this area though they are not so great compared to the city hotels.
What’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Munich for Oktoberfest? Ludwigsvorstadt (near Theresienwiese) – Schwanthalerhöhe
In case you are wondering where to stay in this amazing city and look for accommodation in Munich for the Oktoberfest then you will be lucky to know that Ludwigsvorstadt is perfect for you. Munich is popular for this cultural festival and this town is specifically home to the Oktoberfest. This means that there is no better neighbourhood to stay in during the Oktoberfest other than the Ludwigsvorstadt, which is close to Theresienwiese, the located of the annual beer festival. There are so many beautiful hotels that you can stay in. Another option is to stay in Schwanthalerhöhe district, located just near Ludwigsvorstadt.
Where to stay in Munich for best nightlife? Au-Haidhausen – Maxvorstadt
If you are looking to go for a shopping spree, these three neighbourhoods make great places to visit. You will find famous Spanish brands and high-street fashion here. Gran Via area, for example, is home to El Corte Ingles, a traditional Spanish store that houses famed labels like Dior, Chanel and Carolina Herrera. You can also take advantage of mega sale days where you buy fashionable brands at affordable prices.
What’s the best neighbourhood for Football Fans? Schwabing-Freimann – Unterföhring
Schwabing is more of a bohemian neighbourhood in Munich. This district is home to so many restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and beautiful sites. It is a neighbourhood that has a mixture of a traditional Bavarian life and an urban twist. But more interesting, is that there is something for football lovers; you can visit the Allianz Arena where you will get to watch matches as they happen live. This is for sure one of the best areas to stay in Munich.
Where to stay in Munich on a budget? Au-Haidhausen – Maxvorstadt – Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
It is very obvious that areas and districts found near the city centre are a little expensive for people who have a tight budget. If you want to have a taste of what Munich has to offer and you don’t want to starin your pockets, then you should look for neighbourhoods further from the city centre. Some of these neighbourhoods include Au-Haidhausen, Maxvorstadt, Ludwigsvorstadt and Isarvorstadt where you will find budget hotels and nice restaurants.
The 5 Best Areas in Munich for Tourists (First Time Visit)
1. Altstadt-Lehel (near Marienplatz)
If you are a first-time visitor Altsadt is the best area to visit. It is the heart of the city, and you will be captivated by the charming streets and the historical buildings in this area.
You will find more tourist attractions in this area, which makes it more expensive and crowded compared to the other neighbourhoods. Transport and shopping is made easier in this area of the city and you can have a good time as a tourist.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Mandarin Oriental, Munich
- Best Cheap Hotels: Hotel Blauer Bock • Acanthushotel
2. Munich Main Train Station area
One of the most important things you should consider as a tourist is transport. This is because you have to move from one place to another as you stay in Munich.
Tourists who treasure the value of having good transport systems should book for accommodation near the Munich Train station; this way you will be able to move around freely to wherever you want to go.
- Best Hotel: 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value : Europäischer Hof • Hotel Bayer’s
3. Maxvorstadt
Maxvorstadt is referred to as “the brain of Munich” and this is one of the best areas you can stay while in Munich. There is so much to do in the neighbourhood especially if you love adventure. You can visit the numerous museums in the area, art galleries which have so much content in store for you. It is also ideal for tourists who are on budget since it is close to the university where life is much cheaper.
- Best Hotel: Hotel im Hof
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: BATU Apart Hotel • VI VADI HOTEL downtown munich
4. Schwabing-West
This is part of the bohemian neighbourhood and it is more upscale. You can find so many beautiful cafes, shops and restaurants in the neighbourhood. It is home to the famous Vladimir Lenin, Toman Mann among others. It has a mixture of traditional Bavarian and an urban taste. For those who are looking for a more upmarket area Schwabing is perfect for them.
- Best Accommodation: Artist Residence Schwabing (Apartment)
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Frederics München City Schwabing • Motel One München-Olympia Gate
5. Au-Haidhausen
Au-Haidhausen is a good neighbourhood for visitors who are looking for a non-touristy neighbourhood. You will find a great mixture of nightlife and residential life in this area.
There are several clubs and bars where you can party the night away. Haidhausen is great if you want a local taste of Munich.
- Best Hotel: Design Hotel Stadt Rosenheim
- Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels: Motel One München – Deutsches Museum • Marias Platzl
