Where to Stay in Munich, Germany: The Best Hotels & Areas

Visiting the beer-swilling, sausage-chomping, and lederhosen-wearing capital of Bavaria? One of your biggest hurdles will be choosing where to stay in Munich. Germany’s third-biggest city is jam-packed with interesting areas and neighborhoods for travelers, from its tourist-friendly center to its leafy residential districts.

Many of the best hotels in Munch lie within Altstadt (Old Town), home to many of the city’s most popular attractions. If you’re planning to attend the city’s world-famous Oktoberfest, set your sights on Ludwigvorstadt-Isarvorstadt to get close to all the action. (Just be sure to book your reservation months in advance!)

To escape the central tourism buzz, expand your lodgings search to districts like Maxvorstadt, Au-Haidhausen, and Schwabing. These neighborhoods are quieter than the touristy Altstadt and avoid its high price tags—without getting too far away from the action.

Ready to start your Munich accommodations search? Get your travel plans settled and find the perfect hotel for your vacation with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Munich, Germany!

Best places to stay in Munich

For travelers starting their quest to find accommodations in Munich, there’s no better launching point than its beautiful Altstadt (Old Town). Much of the city’s tourist action revs up in its touristic city center. Choosing the areas in & around Altstadt (Old Town) will put all of the most popular things to do in Munich at your fingertips.

If saving a few Euros in your travel budget is a high priority, expand your search to other central neighborhoods like Maxvorstadt, Ludwigvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, and Au-Haidhausen. Although you’ll be a tad further from the main tourist sights, these areas are still excellent options to experience the city to its fullest. In them lie plenty of beautiful parks, cool cafes, trendy restaurants & bars, and leafy beer gardens.

For an even more subdued experience, head a little further out to districts like Schwabing, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, and Sendling. While these neighborhoods are mostly residential, they’ve still got plenty of their own charms. Take a break from the city buzz in relaxing parks, sip pints of Augustiner in beer gardens, or enjoy delicious food at local restaurants.

The best areas to stay in Munich are:

Altstadt-Lehel

✔ Best area to stay in Munich for first-timers & for sightseeing

The at-times-sky-high prices of Altstadt-Lehel might knock it down a notch or two in the minds of some travelers. If you can squeeze out a couple extra Euros though, staying in Altstadt-Lehel will make your experience in the Bavarian capital unforgettable.

Munich’s historical Altstadt area radiates from beautiful Marienplatz, a Gothic-tinged central square that’s undoubtedly the finest in the city. Plying through a list of things to do in Munich, a good number of your checkboxes will be ticked off without ever leaving the tourist bubble of Altstadt-Lehel.

Even with its more sanitized Disneylandish vibe, walking about Altstadt is always mesmerizing. I’d be doing you an injustice not to recommend grabbing a room here—if it’s within your budget.

Recommended hotels in Altstadt-Lehel

Don’t expect to find bargain basement hotel rooms in Altstadt-Lehel. In the touristy center of Munich, property owners know they’re sitting on a tourism gold mine. And they won’t be afraid to charge you for the privilege! Here are a couple of ideas to start your search…

Maxvorstadt

✔ Recommended area to stay in Munich for a central district with great parks, cafés & restaurants

Located just north and northwest of Altstadt, Maxvorstadt is a fantastic area to base yourself when traveling in Munich. The district is Munich’s hub for art, culture, and education, hosting a number of the city’s most popular museums and art galleries, as well as several universities.

A strong student presence gives the Maxvorstadt area a buzzing vibe. The district is strewn with cafes, bars, and restaurants. Grabbing a late-night döner kebab in Maxvorstadt is one of the finer pleasures of resting your head here.

Maxvorstadt’s central location means that you’re never far from the pleasures of Altstadt. From nearly everywhere in the district, you should be able to reach the fringes of the old town within 30 minutes or less by foot—and even quicker with public transportation. The Englisch Garten, one of Europe’s finest urban parks, is equally accessible.

Recommended hotels in Maxvorstadt

Staying in Maxvorstadt instead of Altstadt-Lehel should shave a couple of Euros off of your accommodations. Here are a few great options…

Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt

✔ Best district to stay in Munich for day-trippers & experiencing Oktoberfest

Along with Altstadt-Lehel and Maxvorstadt, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt rounds out the three most suitable districts for travelers. The area sprawls to the southwest of the Altstadt.

For backpackers with a rail pass, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is the most convenient location in Munich for finding accommodation. The area clings to the Hauptbahnhof to the north, a prime location for those wanting to tackle some awesome day trips.

And who could forget that Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is home of the Theresienwiese, the venue for Munich’s most festive time of year, Oktoberfest! (Just keep in mind: If you’re visiting during Oktoberfest, you’ll need to book your rooms several months in advance.)

Ludwigsvorstadt, the area south of the Hauptbahnhof where most of the hotels are located, has a strong international vibe. The area is often called Little Istanbul for the heavy concentration of Middle Eastern shops and eateries. If you need a break from the meat-and-potato-heavy German diet, you’re sure to find some tasty street eats to satisfy your cravings here!

The selection of accommodations in Isarvorstadt, the district’s other neighborhood, is slimmer. Isarvorstadt is, however, one of the more interesting areas in central Munich. It’s even more residential than Ludwigsvorstadt, giving it an interesting local vibe. The Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatzviertel in Isarvorstadt are particularly vibrant areas, full of cafés, restaurants, and bars.

Walking to the edge of Altstadt at Sendlinger Tor should take no more than 20-30 minutes from nearly anywhere in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt. Hopping on one of the many U-Bahns, S-Bahns, or trams scattered throughout the district will make the trip even quicker.

Recommended hotels in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt

Compared to Altstadt-Lehel and Maxvorstadt, the value of hotels in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is excellent. Hotels of the same (or better) quality here could require an extra handful of Euros in the other two central districts. Start your search with these recommendations…

Au-Haidhausen

✔ Great neighborhood in Munich for nightlife & more budget-friendly central accommodations

Although a little further afoot, Au-Haidhausen is one of the most popular residential neighborhoods among Münchners. Younger people especially love living in the Au-Haidhausen area, thanks no doubt to the two raucous party zones, Kultfabrik and Optimolwerke, emanating around the Ostbahnhof.

The insanity of the nightlife is offset by finer moments in Au-Haidhausen, like chillin’ along the Isar River with a radler or grabbing a Paulaner or a pint of Augustiner in a local beer garden.

The Au-Haidhausen area is well connected to the city center by both S-Bahn and U-Bahn via the Ostbahnhof, making it one of the most convenient choices for your trip to Munich.

Recommended hotels in Au-Haidhausen

Prices for hotels in Au-Haidhausen gravitate towards the more reasonable end of the spectrum, though they still couldn’t be considered “cheap” in most worlds. Here are a few ideas to start your search…

Schwabing

✔ Top area for great amenities in a quieter residential neighborhood

North of Maxvorstadt, the borough of Schwabing is one of the most coveted residential areas in Munich. In many ways, Schwabing continues where Maxvorstadt leaves off, co-mingling the student crowd to the south with more mature bohemianism.

The two main avenues of Schwabing—Leopoldstraße, and Hohenzollernstraße—are lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and bars that seem perpetually in motion.

Of all the reasons to stay in Schwabing, there’s none more compelling than its proximity to the Englischer Garten. Munich’s token urban park is less than a 30-minute walk from most of Schwabing. Spending a sunny afternoon in the Englischer Garten, walking among the breezy greenscapes and sipping brews in the shade, is one of the truest pleasures of visiting Munich.

Several U-Bahn stations as well as tramways criss-cross Schwabing. Connections to the rest of the city are quick and plentiful.

Recommended hotels in Schwabing

The prices in Schwabing will provide little relief from other central districts, but the unique combo of both quiet quarters and lively action nearby could sway your decision. Check out these top-rated hotels in Schwabing…

Neuhausen-Nymphenburg

✔ Top neighborhood in Munich for quiet palaces & beer gardens

Just far enough to be quiet and just close enough to avoid being inconvenient, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg is a lesser-known corner of Munich among tourists. The area’s famous namesake, Nymphenburg Palace, is one of the most important cultural attractions in the city. One that, unfortunately, gets ignored because of its further-flung location.

Staying in Neuhausen-Nymphenburg might save you a couple of Euros on your room, but the real reason is to escape the bustle of central Munich. Many corners of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg are quiet residential areas where you can experience the city’s tamer side.

Besides Nymphenburg Palace, the district is also home to the Königlicher Hirschgarten, the largest beer garden in the city, an 8,000-seater set under the shade of chestnut trees beside a deer park.

Recommended hotels in Neuhausen-Nymphenburg

Compared to the more central areas of Munich, there isn’t a huge selection of hotels to choose from in Neuhausen-Nymphenburg. Here are a few ideas…

Sendling

✔ Top district to stay for longer-term travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodations

If all else fails when searching out your Munich accommodations, there’s always Sendling. Not that Sendling is bad. Like most of Munich, it’s got lovely moments. But as a mostly residential neighborhood, Sendling tends better towards those looking to settle down rather than travelers just passing through.

You’ll often hear Sendling described as somewhere between chilled-out and dull. By far, the most compelling feature of this neighborhood is Sendling West Park, a relaxing greenspace replete with some shady beer gardens.

Although it’s a little outside of walking distance from Altstadt, getting from most main areas in Sendling to Marienplatz in central Munich is no more than 20 minutes by metro or commuter train.

Recommended hotels in Sendling

As it’s mostly a residential neighborhood, there’s a limited selection of tourist accommodations in Sendling. Here are a few options…

The best hotels in Munich

Budget

Few cities in Central Europe inflate your accommodation budget like Munich. It’s a perennial traveler favorite, poking its way onto most Central European itineraries, and the beefed-up prices reflect it.

If you stick within the most interesting districts in central Munich, private rooms at “budget” hotels will run up to about $110. There’s generally a trade-off between price and location: the closer your area is to the touristic center during your visit, the more you’ll expect to pay.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean your budget binds you to a bad hotel experience. Here are a few recommended budget hotels in Munich to check out…

Hotel Jedermann

Address: Bayerstrasse 95, Ludwigsvorstadt

Conveniently located between Hackerbrücke and the Hauptbahnhof, Hotel Jedermann is hard to beat for central accommodations on a budget. The hotel is decidedly no-frills but offers clean and comfortable rooms that are a cost-effective alternative to the more mid-range offerings elsewhere in Ludwigvorstadt.

Another bonus at Hotel Jedermann is the fantastic breakfast included with the cost of your room.

After a long day of sightseeing and beer-drinking approaches its twilight, the laid-back Jedermann’s bar provides the perfect excuse for a relaxing nightcap.

Derag Livinghotel am Deutschen Museum

Address: Rablstr. 10, Au-Haidhausen

The three-star Derag Livinghotel am Deutschen Museum straddles the border between the budget and mid-range. Extra amenities such as a sauna, steam bath, and fitness center are available to all guests, adding huge value for those who choose one of the hotel’s economy rooms.

All the rooms at the Derag Livinghotel am Deutschen Museum are comfortable and clean, from the economy single rooms to the family rooms.

The prime location in Au-Haidhausen near the Deutsches Museum makes exploring a cinch. Marienplatz in Altstadt is a picturesque 20-minute walk or a 3-minute S-Bahn ride from the nearby Rosenheimer Platz station.

Cocoon Sendlinger Tor

Address: Lindwurmstr. 35, Ludwigsvorstadt

When you book yourself in a Cocoon hotel, always expect some fun. The Cocoon Sendlinger Tor doesn’t disappoint, featuring a wickedly modern and quirky design aesthetic that catches your attention from the first second you walk in.

The rooms are decked out with slightly space-age contemporary fittings and well-kept private bathrooms at prices surprisingly reasonable for Germany’s most expensive city. A cozy lobby bar and lounge is the perfect place to unwind and meet other travelers.

Although the property is located in Ludwigvorstadt, Altstadt is a pleasant 15- to 20-minute walk up Lindwurmstraße and Sendlinger Straße from Cocoon Sendlinger Tor.

Alternatively, the U-Bahn will zip you to Marienplatz in 3-4 minutes from the nearby Goetheplatz station.

Mid-Range

With a mid-range travel budget, more accommodation options open up. Most of the top Munich hotels fall into this price range, especially when you start looking at the most central districts.

Expect most of the recommended mid-range hotels in Munich to stretch between $110 and $180 per night.

Hotel Bayer’s

Address: Bayerstraße 13, Ludwigsvorstadt

Located between the Hauptbahnhof and Karlsplatz, Hotel Bayer’s is a modern hotel that spars among the top hotels in Bavaria’s capital. Besides the central location, one of the most convenient in Munich, rooms at Hotel Bayer’s feature airy yet colorful contemporary designs.

Comfort extends beyond the bedding and furniture to the staff, who work tirelessly to ensure a pleasant stay. There’s no restaurant on-site, but the area around Hotel Bayer’s teems with the tastiest international food selection in Munich.

Not far from the hotel is the area of Ludwigvorstadt called Little Istanbul. Steal a taste of a döner kebab, a street food that seems as common in Germany as bratwurst, on the way back to your room.

Novotel München City Arnulfpark

Address: Arnulfstrasse 57, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg

There’s a predictable pleasure when staying at a Novotel. And the Novotel München City Anrulfpark easily falls into that line. While this is hardly the most central among the mid-range hotels, the value of the rooms here is impressive. It’s unlikely you’ll find the same amenities at these prices elsewhere in Munich.

The rooms at the Novotel München City Anrulfpark are clean and with a simple elegance. Among the most compelling features of the hotel are the fitness center and a sauna that’s free for all guests.

From the closest S-Bahn stop, Donnersbergerbrücke, Marienplatz is just 6 minutes away.

Cocoon Hauptbahnhof

Address: Mittererstraße 9, Ludwigsvorstadt

If Munich doesn’t feel enough like Bavaria for you, Cocoon Hauptbahnhof should tip the scales. Designed with the rusticity of a Bavarian ski chalet mixed with European modernity, this hotel sits among Munich’s most unique.

A number of room styles are offered, from cozy doubles to split-level studios and suites. Aesthetic touches like ski-lift patterned bathroom doors and rustic reclaimed wood paneling add countryside air to this central property.

For connections to the rest of Munich, Germany, and beyond, the Hauptbahnhof is just a block away. Walking to the historic center from Cocoon Hauptbahnhof takes less than 20 minutes.

Luxury

As you’d imagine, the upper end of Munich’s accommodations market starts a tad higher than many other world cities. When 4- and 5-star properties start popping up in your search, expect your minimum budget to drift upwards to about $180-200 per night.

Need some classy ideas? Here are a few recommended luxury hotels in Munich…

Platzl Hotel Superior

Address: Sparkassenstraße 10, Altstadt-Lehel

Getting front and center in Munich doesn’t get easier than staying at the lovely 4-star Platzl Hotel Superior. Located just minutes from Marienplatz, Hofbräuhaus, Viktualienmarkt—and plenty of other top attractions—Platz Hotel Superior occupies one of the finest locations in Altstadt.

Rooms include all the usual amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel: free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, soundproofing, and modern bathrooms.

The hotel’s historic restaurant, Restaurant Pfistermühle, serves up Haute Bavarian cuisine, while the traditional Bavarian pub, Wirtshaus Ayingers, pours sudsy home-crafted beers along with classic Bavarian favorites to soak it all up. There’s even a beer garden to chill out in!

For pure relaxation, end your day in the Platz’s spa, featuring a sauna and a steam room. A fitness center is also available for guests who want to sweat out their Weißbier intake.

Hotel Torbräu

Address: Tal 41, Altstadt-Lehel

Even if it weren’t one of the most popular Munich luxury hotels, Hotel Torbräu would stand out. The hotel is situated in a beautiful historic building outside of Isartor that’s impossible to slide past without a second glance. And this impeccable family-run boutique hotel answers to every need during your trip to Munich.

Rooms at Hotel Torbräu are decorated with both classic and modern German touches. If you’re lucky, some rooms feature incredible head-on views of Munich’s most recognizable landmarks, like the Frauenkirche. What a sight to behold as you lay your head down for the night!

All reservations throw in a free German buffet breakfast to fuel yourself for the day ahead. The on-site Schapeau Restaurant serves up fresh and tasty local cuisine and drinks just in case you’re in the mood for a quiet night in.

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost

Address: Bayerstraße 12, Ludwigsvorstadt

The grace of the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost goes well beyond its beautiful historic façade. Stationed in the stunning former Royal Bavarian Post Office building, this luxuriant 5-star hotel always leaves guests with an overwhelming desire to return for more.

Whether you’ve settled on one of the smaller superior doubles or the chic prestige suite at this top-rated Munich hotel, the experience is much the same: memorable.

All the rooms come standard with air conditioning, cloud-like European beds, TVs, and extra amenities like Nespresso coffee makers.

Relaxing beyond your room is as easy as dipping into the indoor pool or sweating out some toxins in the sauna. A fitness center is also available for those who want to kick the cardio up a notch while visiting Munich.

If the French specialties at the on-site Délice La Brasserie or the Bavarian bent of brunch at Schwarz & Weiz don’t interest you, the areas south and east of the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost offer an excellent selection of international cuisine.

Final recommendations

• Need a funky hotel on a budget? Step into the futuristic/modern Cocoon Sendlinger Tor located just outside Altstadt in the Ludwigvorstadt area.
• Fancy a quirky hotel for a short, memorable stay? Transport yourself to the countryside with the Bavarian alpine charms of the rustic and hip Cocoon Hauptbahnhof.
• Looking for a spectacular luxury hotel in the heart of Munich? Splurge for a prestigious suite at the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost and spend your vacation like a rock star.