Summary
Munich is regarded as one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. While it may be synonymous with the exuberance of Oktoberfest, the city offers a wealth of attractions year-round. With a population of 1.4 million, Munich is a bustling metropolis with diverse experiences.
As the capital of Bavaria, Munich boasts a remarkable collection of 18th-century architecture. Nature enthusiasts, as well as urban dwellers, will appreciate the city’s extensive green spaces available for public enjoyment.
Situated on a prominent route for European inter-railing travelers, Munich presents a broad spectrum of accommodation choices. From luxurious five-star hotels to cozy hostels, and contemporary apartments to practical couch-surfing options, there is something to meet diverse preferences.
Given the industrious population and a prestigious university, it is evident that Munich’s residents enjoy various outlets for relaxation and socializing beyond the Oktoberfest festival. Numerous opportunities abound throughout the week to engage with locals and immerse oneself in authentic Munich culture.
Let us explore the recommended areas to stay in Munich.
Altstadt
Known as ‘Old Town’ in German, Altstadt serves as Munich’s historical core, appealing to both brief visitors and those seeking to discover the city’s heritage.
Brimming with charm and romance, Altstadt provides a picturesque atmosphere with a leisurely pace. As the principal tourist district, it often allows for a peaceful exploration, as locals tend to avoid the area.
The neighborhood centers around Marienplatz, Munich’s most famous square, featuring the stunning St Peter’s Church and the New Town Hall, an iconic Neo-Gothic building that draws countless photographers.
Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the availability of authentic Bavarian cuisine throughout Altstadt.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Aspiring Architects, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Dwellers, Culture Enthusiasts, Food Lovers, Whistle-Stop Visitors, First-Time Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Marienplatz, St Peter’s Church, New Town Hall, Marienhof Park, Rathaus-Glockenspiel, Heiliggeistkirche, Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art, Munich Residenz Palace.
Hotel Suggestions:
Platzl Hotel – Located just a two-minute walk from Marienplatz, this hotel features a fitness center and an intimate bar. Airport shuttle services are available upon request, and rooms offer a cozy ambiance with classic wooden decor.
CORTIINA Hotel – Each elegant room at CORTIINA boasts luxurious ensuite bathrooms, flat screen TVs, and mini bars. Additional amenities include an espresso machine and hypoallergenic bedding, alongside a delightful complimentary breakfast buffet.
Hotel Blauer Bock – Situated within a historic 400-year-old building, this charming hotel is just a five-minute walk to Marienplatz. Its bright, modern rooms offer a minimalist design, contrasted by the more traditional decor in its lounge area.
Au-Haidhausen
Located across the Isar River from Altstadt, Au-Haidhausen offers diverse experiences for every type of traveler, featuring both local homestays and hotels.
A great starting point is the historical Mariahilfplatz, surrounded by a variety of international restaurants, including notable Turkish cuisine at Keko.
To the north, Vienna Square is another intriguing area, offering a flower market and a lively food scene, perfect for an afternoon visit.
The standout landmark in Au-Haidhausen is Maximilianeum, home to the Bavarian State Parliament. Its impressive architecture is complemented by guided tours of its interior.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Aspiring Architects, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Dwellers, Culture Enthusiasts, Food Lovers, Whistle-Stop Visitors, First-Time Travelers, Luxury Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Mariahilfplatz, Vienna Square, Maximilianeum – Bavarian State Parliament, Deutsches Museum, Frühlingsanlagen Park, Lothringer13 Art Space, Üblacker-Häusl.
Hotel Suggestions:
Holiday Inn Munich City – Situated just 500 meters from Deutsches Museum, this modern hotel offers free WiFi and 24/7 accessibility, making it perfect for all needs.
Novotel München City – At Novotel, guests are treated to spacious rooms with small seating areas and work desks. Amenities include an indoor pool and a restaurant with an extensive menu.
Hotel Prinz – This four-star hotel strikes a balance between comfort and style, with amenities such as a work desk, satellite TV, and an in-house restaurant.
Maxvorstadt
For those looking to escape the bustling crowds of Altstadt while still visiting key attractions, Maxvorstadt, located northwest of Altstadt, offers a more authentic experience.
Home to numerous museums, this area is ideal for culture seekers and travelers aiming to expand their experiences.
Among the lesser-known landmarks is Siegestor, a 19th-century triumphal arch adorned with four bronze Bavarian lions.
Historians will appreciate Glyptothek, a grand museum housing an impressive collection of Roman and Greek sculptures.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Aspiring Architects, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Dwellers, Culture Enthusiasts, Localized Travelers, Relaxed Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Siegestor, Glyptothek, National Graphic Arts Collection, Egyptian Museum Munich, Odeonsplatz, Natural History Museum of Munich, Kindermuseum München.
Hotel Suggestions:
Carlton Astoria – A welcoming, family-run hotel with simple wooden decor and city views, featuring an outstanding Bavarian-inspired breakfast buffet.
Hotel im Hof – This family-friendly hotel offers suites and double rooms with a cozy yet modern design, along with options for adjoining rooms.
Arthotel ANA Diva – This boutique hotel features stylish decor, appealing to couples and solo travelers alike, with available private parking and pet-friendly services.
Schwabing-West
Schwabing-West, a favorite among locals, is ideal for experiencing Munich’s lifestyle. It is rich with bars and pubs offering some of the region’s finest Bavarian brews, with X-Bar being a renowned venue for relaxation.
A key attraction in Schwabing-West is Luitpold Park, spanning 33 hectares of lush parkland that evokes the ambience of the Bavarian countryside. A hilltop hike rewards visitors with stunning views of the city, and a hedge maze adds a touch of whimsy.
Ideal For: Budget Backpackers, City Dwellers, Culture Enthusiasts, Localized Travelers, Relaxed Travelers, Nature Lovers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Luitpold Park, Olympic Park, Englischer Garten, Norbad Indoor Swimming Pool, Escape Game Munich, Petual Park, Segway Munich, Walking Man Statue.
Hotel Suggestions:
Hotel Leopold – This upscale hotel features a beautiful garden and is located near Englischer Garten, offering warm accommodations and a chic bar.
Hotel Altschwabing – A budget-friendly option between Luitpold Park and Englischer Garten, offering essential amenities and a satisfying breakfast experience.
Motel One München-Olympic Gate – This trendy hotel is just a short drive from Olympic Park, featuring bright, modern rooms and an inviting coffee bar.
Schwanthalerhöhe
Representing an upscale region in Munich, Schwanthalerhöhe is home to approximately 30,000 residents and provides a quaint, almost small-town feel.
This area is particularly convenient for those attending Oktoberfest, located adjacent to the festival grounds.
Famous for its terracotta-tiled roofs, Schwanthalerhöhe is as photogenic as it is charming. Beyond the festivities, the district features a mix of both historic and modern cultural experiences, exemplified by the Endless Staircase sculpture.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, City Dwellers, Culture Enthusiasts, Food Lovers, Whistle-Stop Visitors, First-Time Travelers, Oktoberfest Visitors, Luxury Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Oktoberfest Festival, The Endless Staircase Sculpture, Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum, Alte Kongresshalle Concert Venue, Bavarian Zugspitze Railway Museum, Bavariapark.
Hotel Suggestions:
Roomers Munich – An elegant hotel in Schwanthalerhöhe, offering luxurious amenities and a spa complex alongside a breakfast with vegetarian and vegan options.
Bavaria Boutique Hotel – Distinguished by its urban design blended with classical elements, this hotel features spacious rooms with modern comforts.
Hotel Seibel – Affordable yet charming, this boutique hotel provides cozy accommodations with private ensuites and hearty breakfast options.
Bogenhausen
More verdant than Schwabing-West, Bogenhausen is one of Munich’s northern neighborhoods, ideal for families and longer-term visitors.
Providing a balanced mix of local amenities such as supermarkets and cafes while maintaining convenient access to major attractions, Bogenhausen is an excellent home base.
The area is also adjacent to the peaceful Englischen Garten, with easy access to larger sections of this sprawling park.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Digital Nomads, Families, Nature Lovers, Long-Term Travelers, Localized Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Englischen Garten, Friedensengel, Zamilapark, Denninger Anger Park, St. Nikolaus Church, Hofreiter BeerenCafé, Golfpark München Aschheim, WIEDE Fabrik.
Hotel Suggestions:
Sheraton München Arabellapark Hotel – Featuring multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, a spa, and a beer garden, this hotel offers modern rooms and some with delightful views of the city.
Hotel Rothof – Nestled near Denninger Anger Park, this stylish hotel features its own lounge and an array of dining options from local to global cuisine.
The Westin Grand – This hotel offers diverse amenities, including restaurants, an indoor pool, and a fitness center, ensuring enjoyable leisure options without needing to leave the premises.
Munich International Airport
As one of Europe’s key business hubs, Munich attracts numerous business travelers daily, with Munich International Airport serving as a central transit point for international flights.
If you find yourself with a layover in Munich, consider the many quality hotels surrounding the airport, providing a comfortable retreat.
Thanks to Munich’s efficient public transport system, travelers can reach the city center from the airport in approximately 38 minutes for a nominal fare. Alternatively, taxis offer direct transport to desired locations for a higher cost.
Ideal For: Business Travelers, Whistle Stop Travelers, Long Layovers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Munich International Airport.
Hotel Suggestions:
Ibis München Airport Sued – Perfect for overcoming jet lag, featuring comfortable beds and accessible bathrooms, with 24-hour reception for late arrivals.
B&B Hotel München Airport – Basic yet cost-effective, offering soundproofed rooms, complimentary WiFi, and helpful staff to assist with transport arrangements.
Mövenpick Hotel München Airport – Providing four-star luxury close to the airport, with a serene conservatory and complimentary breakfast options.
