Munich is the capital of Bavaria, a city on the river Isar north of the Alps, known for its architecture, cultural venues, exhibitions and the annual Oktoberfest. It is a major centre for business, science and technology, and it is among the most expensive German cities for real estate and rents, which is worth keeping in mind when you choose where to base yourself.
For a visitor, the useful way to think about the city is not its administrative districts but its travel districts. Most of the key attractions sit in Altstadt and Maxvorstadt, while Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt and Haidhausen are the major night-life spots. The other areas are mostly residential but hold some worthwhile places to visit. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the accommodation picture changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Munich
1. Hauptbahnhof area
This area around the main station has the densest concentration of accommodation in the city, with hostels, budget hotels and upscale hotels all within a short distance of each other. It suits travellers who want the widest choice of places to stay and easy connections, including first-time visitors who would rather not commit to a single neighbourhood.
One practical point to weigh: there is major construction here until 2027, so expect some noise, mud and street disruption.
2. Altstadt and Lehel
Altstadt is where most of the key attractions are, and upscale accommodation sits close to it. There is little accommodation within the medieval centre itself, which is designed to keep out taxis and hire cars; the best upscale options are along its northeast edge in Lehel. This suits visitors who want to be within walking distance of the sights and are prepared to pay for it.
3. Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt and Haidhausen
These districts are the major night-life spots in Munich. They suit travellers who want bars, restaurants and evening activity on the doorstep rather than a quiet residential base.
4. Schwabing and the university quarter
Schwabing and the university quarter are one of the other main areas for budget to mid-range accommodation. They suit visitors who want a less station-focused base while staying within easy reach of the centre.
5. Around Ostbahnhof
The area around Ostbahnhof is the other main cluster for budget to mid-range places to stay. It suits travellers who want good transport links and a straightforward base away from the main station.
6. City fringes
There are four regular campsites around the city fringes, and during Oktoberfest several pop-up campsites appear around the city edges, particularly in the east and southwest districts. Prices drop as you move further out along the S- and U-Bahn routes, but all of these areas remain within the same inner city fare zone.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and budget hotels, concentrated in the Hauptbahnhof area, with further options in Schwabing and the university quarter and around Ostbahnhof. Camping is possible at the regular sites around the city fringes, with pop-up campsites on the city edges during Oktoberfest.
- Mid-range: the same areas as the budget bracket — Schwabing, the university quarter and around Ostbahnhof — offer the main budget-to-mid-range choice. Note that prices in these areas rise in summer, during trade fairs at Messe and during Oktoberfest.
- Splurge: upscale accommodation is close to Altstadt, with the best along its northeast edge in Lehel. The Hauptbahnhof area also has upscale hotels.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Hauptbahnhof area. It has the densest concentration of accommodation across all price levels, so you can match the area to your budget without changing neighbourhoods. It also puts you within easy reach of the rest of the city, though you should expect construction noise and street disruption until 2027.
Frequently asked questions
When should I avoid booking a stay in Munich?
Oktoberfest, in the last two weeks of September, fills accommodation in Munich at all price ranges and everywhere within an hour or two of travel, with overcrowded trains as well. If you are not aiming for the beer festival, come another time.
Why is there so little accommodation in the medieval centre?
The medieval centre is designed to keep out taxis and hire cars, so there is little accommodation within it. The best upscale options are along its northeast edge in Lehel.
Do I pay more to stay further out?
Prices drop as you move further out along the S- and U-Bahn routes, and all of these areas are within the same inner city fare zone. Prices in the main budget and mid-range areas also rise in summer, during trade fairs at Messe and during Oktoberfest.
Where can I camp near Munich?
There are four regular campsites around the city fringes. During Oktoberfest, several pop-up campsites appear around the city edges, particularly in the east and southwest districts.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.