Munich is compact, so choosing an area is mostly about atmosphere. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn and trams connect every district quickly, and from the Old Town you can walk to most of the great sights.
The quick answer
- First trip: the Old Town (Altstadt), around Marienplatz.
- Romantic break: the Old Town, near Maximilianstraße.
- Families: Maxvorstadt or Schwabing, by the English Garden.
- Day trips and late arrivals: the main station area.
The Old Town (Altstadt)
The historic heart, with Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the Residenz and the Viktualienmarkt. Most of it is pedestrianised. Grand hotels such as the Bayerischer Hof and the Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski are here, as is the boutique Louis Hotel on the market.
Maxvorstadt
The museum quarter, with the Pinakotheken, Königsplatz and the university. Calm, green and close to the Old Town – The Charles stands by the Old Botanical Garden.
The main station (Hauptbahnhof)
Practical rather than pretty, but unbeatable for the airport S-Bahn and trains to the lakes and Neuschwanstein. The Sofitel Bayerpost is right next to the station.
Schwabing and the English Garden
Leafy streets, cafés and the English Garden on the doorstep: ideal for families and joggers. The Hilton Munich Park is right on the park.
Haidhausen and the Werksviertel
East of the Isar, with village-like streets in Haidhausen and the modern Werksviertel by Ostbahnhof, a few S-Bahn minutes from Marienplatz – home to the Adina Apartment Hotel.
Tips for choosing a hotel
- Check the dates against Oktoberfest and trade fairs before you book.
- Stay near a U-Bahn or S-Bahn station: the central S-Bahn line crosses the city in minutes.
- Ask about air conditioning if you travel in summer: not every hotel has it.
Ready to choose? See the 5 best hotels in Munich and the 5 best family hotels in Munich, and plan your days with Munich in 3 days.
