Best hotels in Munich: where to stay by area

Munich blends tradition and comfort: historic beer halls, first-rate museums, huge parks and an elegant centre, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the Altstadt around Marienplatz, the handy station area, the museum quarter of Maxvorstadt, chic Schwabing, quiet Haidhausen. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn are efficient and the centre is walkable, so location matters. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Munich, area by area

Altstadt and Marienplatz

The historic centre around Marienplatz, with the town hall and its glockenspiel, the Frauenkirche and the markets. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants everything on foot, with the best atmosphere and the highest prices.

• Marienplatz and the New Town Hall with the Glockenspiel
• The Viktualienmarkt market
• The historic Hofbrauhaus beer hall
• The Residenz, palace of the Wittelsbachs

For monuments and centrality, look for hotels in the Altstadt.

Ludwigsvorstadt and the main station

Around the main station, it is the handiest area for arriving and leaving, near the Theresienwiese of the Oktoberfest. It is the practical choice for anyone after hotels of every class and excellent links.

• The main station and its trains
• The Theresienwiese, home of the Oktoberfest
• Hotels of every category and varied prices
• Metro and S-Bahn across the city

For convenience and transport, see hotels near the station.

Maxvorstadt

The museum and university quarter, cultured and lively, with the great picture galleries. It is the choice for anyone who loves art, cafes and a young atmosphere, steps from the centre.

• The Pinakothek galleries and the great art museums
• The neoclassical Konigsplatz
• The Deutsches Museum of science nearby
• Cafes, bookshops and university life

For art and culture, look for hotels in Maxvorstadt.

Schwabing

Once bohemian and now elegant, Schwabing is the district of cafes and tree-lined avenues, on the edge of the great English Garden. It is the choice for anyone after style, parks and a calm but fashionable base.

• The English Garden with its beer gardens
• The surfers' wave on the Eisbach
• The Leopoldstrasse boulevard
• Cafes, bistros and boutiques

For style and greenery, see hotels in Schwabing.

Haidhausen

East of the Isar, the charming French Quarter with quiet squares and trattorias. It is the choice for anyone after a local atmosphere, better prices and a more residential side, handy for the centre.

• The Wiener Platz with its market
• The Gasteig concert hall
• The banks of the Isar for strolling
• Neighbourhood trattorias and cafes

For local life and value, look for hotels in Haidhausen.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Munich is one of Germany's priciest cities, with big rises during the Oktoberfest.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 120-250 euros a night, far more during the Oktoberfest.
• A dinner for two: about 50-80 euros; a one-litre stein (Mass) of beer 12-15 euros, a coffee 3.50-4.50 euros.
• Transport: a single MVV ticket around 3.90 euros; a day ticket is worth it (about 9.20 euros).
• Tourist tax: Munich charges no tourist tax; in Bavaria municipal overnight taxes are banned and the ban remains in effect for 2026. VAT is already included in the price. Still, check at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Munich.

Getting there and around

The airport is Munich (MUC), about 35 km northeast, linked to the centre by the S-Bahn S1 and S8 lines in around forty minutes; there is also the Lufthansa Express bus. In town the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses cover everything and the centre is walkable.

A car is unnecessary and parking is expensive. With a good location, almost everything is on foot or a few stops away.

When to go

• April-June: a mild spring, with the beer gardens reopening, maybe the best window.
• July-August: warm and lively, with the beer gardens and swimming in the Isar.
• Late September-early October: the Oktoberfest fills the city and spikes prices: book well ahead.
• December: cold, but with the beautiful Christmas markets on Marienplatz.
• January-February: freezing, fewer crowds and lower prices.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The Altstadt around Marienplatz for the monuments, or Maxvorstadt and Schwabing for a calmer base.

Do I need a car in Munich? No, the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and trams cover everything and the centre is pedestrian; a car is unnecessary.

Is there a tourist tax? No, Munich has none; in Bavaria they are banned and the ban remains in effect for 2026.

When is the Oktoberfest? About sixteen days from mid-to-late September into the first weekend of October at the Theresienwiese: hotels sell out and prices multiply.

How far is the airport? About 35 km, with the S-Bahn S1 or S8 in around forty minutes.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the centre, a couple of museums and perhaps a trip to Neuschwanstein.

The best hotels in Munich

Below is a selection of real hotels in Munich among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.