Where to stay in Munich: the best areas for your trip

In short: for a first visit, stay in the Old Town, around Marienplatz. For museums, Maxvorstadt; for the English Garden and local life, Schwabing; for a quieter neighbourhood feel, Haidhausen; for trains and Oktoberfest, the area around the main station. Munich is compact and very well served by the S-Bahn and U-Bahn.

Understanding Munich in two minutes

At the heart of Munich, the pedestrian Old Town is built around Marienplatz, the New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche. To the north lie Maxvorstadt (museums, university), then Schwabing and the vast English Garden. To the west is the main station and, to the south-west, the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place. East of the Isar is Haidhausen. Nymphenburg Palace lies to the west.

The right area for your trip

First visit: the Old Town

The historic, pedestrian heart, between the town hall and its glockenspiel, the churches, the Viktualienmarkt and the traditional beer halls. Everything is walkable, but hotels here are among the most in demand.

Culture: Maxvorstadt

The district of the Pinakotheks and museums, the university and student cafés. Lively and central, a few stops from Marienplatz.

Local life: Schwabing

Cafés, shops and the English Garden, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, in a residential setting. Ideal for couples or longer stays.

Calm and character: Haidhausen

Across the Isar, Haidhausen charms with its squares, old streets and restaurants, with a neighbourhood feel and good links to the centre.

Trains, day trips and Oktoberfest: around the main station

Handy for trains to Salzburg, Neuschwanstein or the lakes, and close to the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place. Less charming, but very practical.

Getting to Munich

From the airport, S-Bahn lines S1 and S8 reach Marienplatz in about 35 to 45 minutes, with trains roughly every 10 minutes. A booked transfer drops you right at your hotel.

Our booking tips

1. During Oktoberfest (usually from late September to early October) and major trade fairs, book several months ahead.
2. Check the nearest station: a hotel near the S-Bahn or U-Bahn beats a “central” hotel with poor connections.
3. Look at the total price: taxes and breakfast are not always included.
4. Read recent reviews about noise, especially near the station.
5. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.

Once you’re there

For the rest of your trip (Berlin, the Rhine Valley, the Romantic Road), see our guide Travel in Germany. To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Munich. The areas and useful services are on our Munich page.