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Planning a trip to Munich and wondering where to stay? You’re in the right place!
We’ve explored this vibrant Bavarian city to bring you the ultimate guide to the best areas and hotels in Munich. Whether you want to be surrounded by historic charm, trendy nightlife, leafy parks, or boutique-lined boulevards, there’s a neighborhood here to suit your style.
Best of all, Munich is incredibly well-connected. Every time we’ve visited, we’ve been so impressed with how easy the trains, metro, and trams make it to get around. So just choose an area that suits your vibe, and you’ll have no trouble exploring everything Munich has to offer. Keep on reading for the lowdown on all of the best areas.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the hotel and area we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE area to stay in Munich is Altstadt-Lehel. We love being right in the heart of the city and close to Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and all the best shops and cafés.
Hotel MIO by AMANO is our go-to here! It’s modern, super clean, and has that effortlessly cool style.
Where to Stay in Munich Map
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Munich
Each neighborhood in Munich has its own distinct vibe, from the historic charm of Altstadt-Lehel to the trendy nightlife of Schwabing. However, one of our favorite things about Munich is how easy it is to get around, so staying in one area doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on exploring the others. The city center is very walkable, and for longer distances (or when you just need a break), Munich’s U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams make getting around a breeze.
- Altstadt-Lehel – This is Munich’s historic core, packed with cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, and great shopping. Hotel MIO offers a comfortable and affordable stay right in the heart of the action.
- Glockenbachviertel – A hip and artsy district with vibrant nightlife, indie boutiques, and a strong LGBTQ+ scene. The stylish Hotel GIO captures the spirit of the area really well and won’t break the bank!
- Haidhausen – Munich’s “French Quarter” has Parisian-style architecture, leafy parks, and a relaxed vibe. Motel One München – Deutsches Museum is a great mid-range option around here.
- Schwabing – Known for its lively nightlife and artsy feel, Schwabing is perfect for those who love music, clubs, and café culture. Das Nikolai Hotel is our top pick for a trendy stay in the heart of it all.
Important Tip
Multiple Munich trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking Munich accommodations is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
Where to Stay in Munich
Altstadt-Lehel
If it’s your first time in Munich or you want to stay in the heart of the action, Altstadt-Lehel is our top pick! This historic district is packed with iconic landmarks, charming cobblestone streets, and grand architecture. Staying here means you’ll be just steps away from Marienplatz, the city’s main square, where you can watch the famous Glockenspiel in action and explore the stunning New Town Hall.
Altstadt-Lehel is also home to the Munich Residenz, a sprawling palace complex that once housed Bavarian royalty. We also love this area because there are some fantastic museums around, including the Kunsthalle, as well as the Bavarian State Opera! And for those who love to shop, the bustling streets of Kaufingerstraße and Maximilianstraße are right at your doorstep.
Despite its central location, Altstadt-Lehel still has plenty of quiet corners where you can escape the hustle and bustle. This is especially true of the Lehel area, where you’ll find leafy parks and historic churches.
All in all, we think that Altstadt-Lehel is a fantastic area for anyone who wants to be within walking distance of Munich’s top attractions while soaking up plenty of old-world charm. Plus, the area is well connected by U-Bahn and trams, making it easy to explore the rest of the city.
Pros
- Centrally located with lots of major attractions
- Excellent public transportation links, with multiple U-Bahn and tram stations
Cons
- Can be quite crowded and touristy, especially around Marienplatz
- Pricier than other neighborhoods
Luxury – $$$
Platzl Hotel – Superior is a charming 4-star-superior hotel in the heart of Munich’s historic center. It’s just a 2-minute walk from Marienplatz Square and the iconic Hofbräuhaus Brewery, so you’re perfectly positioned for sightseeing. But what we love the most about this hotel is the way it blends traditional Bavarian style with modern comforts, including soundproof windows to keep the city buzz at bay.
We think that this is the ultimate Munich hotel for foodies. There is a fantastic pub, the lively Wirtshaus Ayingers, on site, as well as an upscale Bavarian restaurant. Meanwhile, there’s a gym, steam room, and sauna to help you relax amid all of the sightseeing! Rooms typically range from €250 to €500 per night.
Book this luxury stay here if there’s still availability!
Mid-range – $$
Hotel MIO is my favorite place to stay in Munich! The vibe strikes the perfect balance between cool and comfortable, and it always feels like a little retreat in the middle of the city. It’s modern, stylish, and perfectly located just steps from Sendlinger Tor and a quick walk from, so it puts you in the heart of all the action.
The rooms are sleek and comfortable, and I love the chic bar and cozy terrace here. Both are ideal for relaxing with a drink after a day of exploring! I definitely think that this place really offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially by Munich’s standards. Rooms here typically range between €150 and €300 per night.
If Hotel MIO has openings for your dates, don’t hesitate to book it here!
Budget – $
Hotel Der Tannenbaum offers a convenient and budget-friendly stay, so it’s a great choice if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring Munich. This cozy hotel is perfectly located, with plenty of top sights just a short walk away, including Frauenkirche and Marienplatz. The rooms are simple but super clean.
There’s an underground station just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, so getting around Munich from here really couldn’t be easier. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, affordable place to stay while you’re out and about, I think that Hotel Der Tannenbaum is a great choice! Rooms here typically range from €85 to €270 per night.
See if Hotel Der Tannenbaum has any availability for your dates here!
Related Read: To make sure you have a great Munich trip, check out our detailed Munich itinerary that covers everything from the hidden gems to the best restaurants!
Glockenbachviertel
Glockenbachviertel is a famously eclectic neighborhood. It boasts a rich history, as it was once the heart of Munich’s Jewish community, as well as a hub for the city’s millworkers. Since the 1980s, however, the area has undergone a bit of a transformation, and now it’s a fashionable hotspot where the city’s LGBTQ+ community thrives.
Despite being a very hipster area, Glockenbachviertel is also known for being very open, friendly, and welcoming. Nowadays, Glockenbachviertel is all about chic boutiques, cozy cafés, and buzzing bars. The main artery of the neighborhood is Müllerstraße, and here you’ll find no end of independent shops and hip watering holes.
There are also tons of galleries and craft shops dotted around, and we’ve stumbled into many art and culture events while exploring this area. What I really love about Glockenbachviertel is that it offers a look at the “real” Munich while still being within easy reach of the main tourist sites.
After all, Marienplatz is just a 20-minute walk away! It’s also the clear choice for anyone who’s keen to experience the best of the city’s nightlife because Glockenbachviertel is where it all happens!
Pros
- Vibrant, electric atmosphere with great nightlife
- Great food scene
- Easy to get to the main tourist sights in Altstadt-Lehel
Cons
- Can be noisy at night
- Often gets crowded on weekends
Luxury – $$$
The Flushing Meadows Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel in Glockenbachviertel that’s just a 12-minute walk from Viktualienmarkt and the Old Town. I also think that this property captures the spirit of Munich’s artistic quarter very well, as the rooms each feature unique interiors designed by different modern artists.
I also love the fact that there’s a rooftop bar here! It offers stunning views of Munich, so it’s ideal for enjoying an evening cocktail. Meanwhile, the hotel is also surrounded by great bars, restaurants, and shops, so it’s an excellent choice for those who want to experience Munich’s vibrant atmosphere.
And as if all of that weren’t enough, Fraunhoferstraße Underground Station is right outside, so the rest of Munich is your oyster! Rooms here typically cost between €150 and €300 per night, although you’re looking at a little more during Oktoberfest.
Check prices and book your stay at this stylish hotel here!
Mid-range – $$
Hotel GIO really delivers a lot of bang for your buck with its elegant Mediterranean-style rooms. Many have balconies or courtyard views, and the décor mixes soft colors with warm wood tones that feel both cozy and refreshing. It’s a 3-star hotel that offers all of the modern amenities and comforts you need, and its location is pretty hard to beat.
It’s just a 10-minute walk from the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest venue, so if that’s what brings you to Munich, then you’re in very good hands! Meanwhile, Goetheplatz Underground Station is only a 2-minute walk away, and from there it’s just two stops to Marienplatz.
Double rooms here usually range between €100 and €180 per night. You’ll also find extras like a garden and terrace for unwinding, plus a cozy bar and lounge area if you’re in the mood to stay in.
Hotel GIO is totally worth booking if your dates match up—check availability here!
Budget – $
Living Hotel Prinzessin Elisabeth is a convenient choice in Munich’s trendy Glockenbachviertel district. It’s close to the River Isar, and the Oktoberfest grounds are a 20-minute walk away. The rooms are comfortable, and the hotel’s communal spaces are gleaming and modern. There’s even a Finnish sauna and a 24-hour gym on site, which is not bad for a budget-friendly hotel!
And in terms of dining, the on-site restaurant serves French cuisine with tropical and Creole influences, and during the summer months, you can dine al fresco on the terrace. Sounds pretty good to me! Rooms here tend to cost between €100 and €150 per night, and you can usually snag a good deal by booking in advance.
Reserve your stay at this budget hotel here before rooms fill up!
Haidhausen
Haidhausen is a charming, laid-back neighborhood located just east of Munich’s city center. It’s known as the “French Quarter” because of its Parisian-style architecture and leafy boulevards, so as you can imagine, this area oozes charm and sophistication!
We think that it’s the perfect spot for travelers looking for a quieter, more residential vibe while still being close to major attractions. It’s especially well-suited to families.
One of Haidhausen’s main draws is the cultural hub of Gasteig, which is home to the Munich Philharmonic and various music and arts events throughout the year. The neighborhood also boasts the charming Weißenburger Platz, lined with cafés, bakeries, and boutique shops, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Meanwhile, nature lovers will really appreciate staying so close to the Isar River, because this affords lots of opportunities for scenic walks and picnics. But despite this being a mostly calm and scenic area, it still boasts two awesome nightlife hubs: Kultfabrik and Optimolwerke.
These spots were once industrial complexes, but now they’re packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues. So you could say that Haidhausen has a little bit of everything!
Pros
- Relaxed, residential vibe
- Scenic area with lots of green space
Cons
- Not as central as other neighborhoods
Luxury – $$$
Hotel München Palace is an elegant 5-star hotel located on the banks of the River Isar, just a short walk from the English Garden. This boutique luxury hotel offers beautifully designed rooms with parquet floors and marble bathrooms, as well as an on-site spa and gym.
The property itself is super tranquil, but the hotel is still well-connected. Max-Weber-Platz Underground Station is just a 5-minute walk away, offering quick access to Marienplatz and Munich Central Station, so it’s still a convenient base for exploring the city.
Rooms here cost between €300 and €400 per night.
Book this popular luxury stay in advance over at Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
Motel One München – Deutsches Museum is a chic but budget-friendly hotel located in Haidhausen. It’s a great base for exploring Munich’s cultural attractions, and its comfy, modern rooms are the perfect place to rest your head after a busy day of sightseeing. I think that it’s perfect for travelers seeking comfort without the high price tag!
I also love the 24-hour One Lounge on-site, which is a trendy space serving coffee and/or cocktails, depending on the time of day! Meanwhile, the München Rosenheimer Platz City Rail Station is just a 5-minute walk away, providing quick access to Marienplatz and Munich’s main shopping streets. Rooms here typically cost between €100 and €150 per night.
Rooms here go quickly—check availability for your dates here!
Budget – $
Holiday Inn Munich – Leuchtenbergring is a fairly modest but very comfortable hotel in Haidhausen. It’s clean and contemporary, with a chilled-out atmosphere, and there’s a relaxed bar in the lobby where you can enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a light snack.
Meanwhile, Leuchtenbergring S-Bahn Station is just a 3-minute walk away, which makes it easy to get to Marientplatz, Munich Airport, and the Messe exhibition grounds. I think that this hotel really strikes the sweet spot between style, comfort, and convenience!
There’s even a small fitness center, plus a sunny terrace and garden if you want some downtime away from the bustle. Rooms here start at about €85 per night, depending on the season and room choice.
Check availability for your travel dates and reserve your stay here!
Related Read: Don’t miss out on Munich’s top activities. Check out the 10 best ones here!
Schwabing
Schwabing is the bohemian heart of Munich. It’s a vibrant, artsy neighborhood that has long been a magnet for creatives, intellectuals, and free spirits in general, so if that’s you, then I think you’ve just found your ideal place to stay!
This area is located north of the city center. It’s very lively and is packed with buzzing bars and trendy boutiques, especially along the bustling Leopoldstraße boulevard. You’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants here, too!
But it’s not all shopping and fine dining here. The area is also home to the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world, where you can take a stroll, rent a paddleboat, or even watch surfers ride the man-made wave at the Eisbach. It’s one of my favorite parts of Munich to hang out in!
This neighborhood also fascinates me because it has a rich cultural history. In the early 1900s, it was a haven for artists and writers like Thomas Mann, and you can still feel that creative energy in the area today! I think that Schwabing is the perfect place to stay if you’ve been to Munich before and usual tourist hotspots.
Pros
- Vibrant, artsy vibe with lots going on
- Close to the famous English Garden
- Great for nightlife and dining
Cons
- Not as central as other neighborhoods
- One of the most expensive parts of the city
Luxury – $$$
Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor is a sleek and chic hotel located between the Olympic Stadium and the English Garden – what more could you want? It’s ideal for those who want to experience the trendiest part of Munich while remaining firmly in the lap of luxury. And don’t even get me started on the gorgeous rooftop bar here, where you can sip cocktails while enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline and the Alps!
King rooms here cost between €300 and €800 per night. You can get the best deals by
Reserve your stay in advance here to get the best deals!
Mid-range – $$
Das Nikolai Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located just a short walk from the stunning English Garden and only two underground stops from Munich’s city center. This makes it an excellent choice for visitors who want to experience both the serenity of nature and the convenience of being close to the heart of the city.
The rooms and suites are modern and well-equipped, and a very generous breakfast buffet is included, which is a HUGE win in my book! It’s a great way to fuel up for your city adventures, and it can help you to save money, too. Double rooms here generally cost between €200 and €300 per night.
See availability for your travel dates and book this hotel here!
Budget – $
Flemings Hotel München-Schwabing is both trendy and budget-friendly! It’s a short walk from Münchner Freiheit Underground Station, which makes it easy to explore Munich, with Marienplatz Square reachable in just 8 minutes by underground. Meanwhile, the serene Englischer Garten park is only a 20-minute walk away, and the BMW Museum is a 7-minute drive from the property, which is a win for motor enthusiasts.
The hotel offers soundproofed rooms, which is a big bonus, and there’s a sauna and gym on site. And with rooms starting at just €80 per night, I think that this place can be a total steal.
Book this hotel in advance here to secure the best prices!
Other Activities to do While in Munich
Now that you’ve found the best area to stay and booked your perfect hotel, it’s time to start planning your adventures in Munich! There’s so much to see and do here, from moving historical sites to fairytale castles and frothy Bavarian brews.
Below are some of our absolute favorite experiences from our time in Munich. I recommend booking these tours early—they’re popular and often sell out in advance!
Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site – This half-day tour from Munich was one of the most moving experiences we had during our trip. Our guide provided powerful insight into the site’s history, and traveling by train made it incredibly easy. It’s a sobering visit, but an important one.
See Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castles – Neuschwanstein is the inspiration behind Disney’s castle, and seeing it in real life is just as magical. We joined this full-day tour and visited both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof with plenty of time to explore the scenic countryside in between. The views alone made it worth it!
Explore Munich with a Local – For something more personal, we booked this private, customizable experience and explored Munich with a local guide. It was such a fun way to discover spots we’d never have found on our own—and our guide gave us great tips for places to eat and shop, too!
Take a Bavarian Beer & Food Tour – No trip to Munich is complete without diving into its beer culture. We joined this evening beer and food tour and had the best time tasting traditional brews and hearty Bavarian dishes. It was relaxed, fun, and way more than just a pub crawl!
Day Trip to Salzburg – Just a couple of hours away by train, Salzburg is a must if you have an extra day. This small-group tour offers a fantastic way to explore Mozart’s hometown—think baroque architecture, mountain views, and iconic Sound of Music filming spots along the way.
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
After a full day of wandering through royal palaces, historic neighborhoods, and leafy city parks, having a comfortable place to come back to makes all the difference. Whether you’re in Munich for the culture, the history, or just to soak up the atmosphere, choosing the right hotel can really elevate your experience.
If these hotels are available for your dates, I highly recommend booking them sooner rather than later! Before you go, check out our other Germany travel blogs here to help plan your trip! Here are a few related articles that I think you’ll find helpful:
How to Spend 3 Days in Munich – The Best 3-Day Itinerary
10 Exciting Things To Do in Munich, Germany