When I was planning my first trip to Munich, choosing where to stay felt way harder than it should have… or maybe I was just overthinking it, haha.
The city is quite spread out, and while public transport is really good, where you stay can completely change how your trip feels day to day.
On my last trip, I wanted to be close to the Old Town but still have somewhere easy to park, as we were travelling by car. That ended up shaping my decision more than I expected.
If it’s your first time visiting Munich, getting this right makes everything else easier, so I’ve broken it down no matter the reason for your trip, sightseeing, Oktoberfest, couples, budget, or your first time visiting.
⏰ Before you arrive...
👉 Save money by using this Munich City pass (includes free public trasport)
👉 Book these activities in advance
- Third Reich & WWII Walking Tour
- Beer and Food Tour with Dinner
- City Bike Tour with Beer Garden Stop
- Old town Walking tour
👉 Day trips we recommend
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
How to Choose the Right Area in Munich
Before getting into specific neighbourhoods, it helps to know what actually matters here.
Munich is very well connected, so technically you can stay almost anywhere and still get around easily.
But in reality, staying closer to the centre means:
- You can walk to most sights
- You don’t need to rely on public transport as much
- Evenings are easier (which I always think about)
If it’s your first trip, I’d prioritise convenience over saving a bit of money by staying further out.
Best Areas to Stay in Munich
If it’s your first time in Munich, this is the area I’d recommend.
This is the historic centre, where you’ll find Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and most of the main sights you’re probably planning to visit.
Being able to walk everywhere makes a big difference, especially if you only have a couple of days.
When I stayed nearby, I noticed how much easier it made the whole trip. I could head out early, come back for a break, and go back out again without thinking about transport.
The only downside is that it’s one of the more expensive areas, and hotel options can be limited.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays, convenience
Staying here also puts you right in the middle of the action, making it one of the easiest areas for joining walking tours and exploring Munich’s historic centre.
Where to stay in Munich Old Town
($) 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian
($$) Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor
($$$) Hotel Bayerischer Hof
This is honestly what I’d recommend if you want the best balance.
On my last trip, I stayed at Bob W Munich just on the edge of the Old Town, and it ended up being one of those locations that made everything really easy.
I could walk to all the main sights you’d want to see on a first trip, but it didn’t feel as busy or expensive as staying right in the centre.
One of the main reasons I chose it was because we were on a road trip and needed somewhere with easy parking.
There was a large parking garage right across the road, which made it really straightforward coming in and out of the city without having to deal with tight streets in the Old Town.
If you’re travelling with a car, this is something I’d definitely think about. Staying right in the centre can be tricky for parking, so being just outside it is a much better option.
If I was booking again, I’d look for something in this same kind of location.
Best for: First-time visitors with a car, easier parking, still walkable
Just Outside Munich Old Town (What I Did)
($) Hotel Metropol by Maier Privathotels
($$) Schwan Locke
($$$) Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection
Watch our hotel review staying at Bob W in Munich
If you can’t find something in or near the Old Town, Maxvorstadt is a really solid second choice.
It’s still close to the centre, but it feels a bit more local and less touristy.
There are a lot of museums in this area, along with cafés and quieter streets, which makes it a nice place to stay if you don’t want to be right in the middle of everything.
You’ll probably use public transport a bit more here, but it’s still very easy to get around.
Best for: Culture, museums, quieter stays
Where to Stay in Maxvorstadt
($) Hotel Antares
($$) Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich
($$$) Rocco Forte The Charles Hotel
This area feels more residential, but in a good way.
It’s just across the river from the Old Town, so you’re still close, but it has a more relaxed, local feel.
If you’re staying a bit longer or want something that’s not as busy, this is a good option.
For a first trip, I’d still lean towards staying closer to the centre, but this works well if you want a bit more space and a quieter environment.
Best for: Longer stays, local feel
Where to Stay in Au-Haidhausen
($) Motel One München-Haidhausen
($$) JAMS Music Hotel Munich
($$$) MOMA1890 Boutique Hotel
If you’re visiting Munich for Oktoberfest, this is where I’d stay.
It’s right next to the festival grounds (Theresienwiese), which makes a big difference when you’re coming and going throughout the day.
Trying to get transport back during Oktoberfest can be hectic, so being within walking distance makes things much easier.
Outside of Oktoberfest, this area is still good for nightlife, but it doesn’t have the same polished feel as some of the other neighbourhoods.
So I’d mainly prioritise it if your trip is focused on the festival.
Best for: Oktoberfest, nightlife
👉 Check availability near Oktoberfest here
If beer culture is one of the reasons you’re visiting Munich, you can also join a guided beer and food experience while you’re in the city.
Where to Stay in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt
Schwabing is a bit further out, but it’s a really nice area if you want something a bit different.
It’s close to the English Garden, which is one of the largest parks in Europe, and the whole area has a more relaxed, café-style atmosphere.
You’ll need to use public transport to get into the centre, but it’s quick and easy.
If you’ve already been to Munich before, I’d consider staying here. For a first trip, I’d still stay closer in.
Best for: Cafés, green space, longer stays
Where to Stay in Schwabing
($) Motel One München-Parkstadt Schwabing
($$) Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor
($$$) The Westin Grand Munich
Should You Stay Near the Train Station?
This is something a lot of people look at when booking.
It can seem convenient, especially if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips.
But in reality, it’s not the nicest area in Munich, and it doesn’t have the same atmosphere as the Old Town or the nearby neighbourhoods.
If it’s your first visit, I’d skip this and stay closer to the centre.
How Many Days to Stay in Munich
For a first trip, I’d recommend 2 to 3 days.
That gives you enough time to explore the main sights, visit a few beer halls, and maybe do a day trip.
If you’re planning to visit places like Neuschwanstein Castle or the Bavarian Alps, staying a bit longer makes things easier.
If you have three or four days, I’d definitely consider using one of them for a day trip. Munich is one of the best bases for exploring more of Bavaria.
👉 Browse the most popular day trips from Munich
Then underneath, you could add three direct links:
🏰 Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle – best for a first trip to Bavaria
👉 Check tour availability
🇦🇹 Salzburg – an easy way to add another city and country to your trip
👉 Check Salzburg day tours
🏔️ Eagle’s Nest – best for mountain scenery and history
👉 Check Eagle’s Nest tours
Getting Around Munich
Munich is very easy to get around.
You’ve got the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses, and everything connects well.
You don’t need a car in the city, and in most cases, it’s easier without one.
If you’re staying centrally, you’ll probably end up walking a lot anyway.
FAQ on Where to Stay in Munich
Altstadt-Lehel (Old Town) or just outside it is the best option because it makes everything easy to reach.
Yes, especially around the Old Town. Most of the main sights are within walking distance.
For a first trip, the city centre is a much better experience than staying near the train station.
Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt is the best area because it’s within walking distance of the festival grounds.
Yes, Munich is generally very safe, but it’s still worth being aware of your surroundings.
No, public transport is very efficient, and you can easily get around without a car.
Altstadt-Lehel, Schwabing, and Maxvorstadt are all great options depending on your travel style.
Areas just outside the Old Town or near public transport connections tend to offer better value.
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