Where to Stay in Munich Germany: My Top Areas & Hotels 2025

If you’ve read any of my other travel guides for Munich (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?) then you probably already know that I’m a big fan of Munich itself.

From a tourist’s perspective, I honestly think Munich might just be the best city to visit in Germany. It’s exactly the Germany most people picture before they come: fairytale castles, lederhosen, oversized beers, sausages, Oktoberfest, basically the whole Bavarian starter pack. 

Personally, I love it because the city feels so rich in culture and history, possibly more than anywhere else in Germany.

Since I know many of you are planning to visit Munich in the next year, whether that’s for Christmas markets, a summer Euro trip, or the chaos that is Oktoberfest, I figured it’s the perfect time to put together this guide on where to stay in Munich. 

I’ll share my favorite areas in the city, as well as a few hotels I’ve either stayed in myself or would happily book tomorrow.

Where to Stay in Munich – My Experience

I’ll be honest: I haven’t been to Munich nearly as much as I’d like. So far it’s been three visits, once as a kid growing up in Germany, and then again more recently, one trip in the summer and one during Christmas.

Whenever I travel (Munich or anywhere else), my favorite way to explore is simply by walking. I think you really get to know a city best when you’re on foot. Because of that, I usually choose to stay somewhere central and in Munich that means the Altstadt (Old Town). 

Both of my more recent trips I stayed right in the Old Town, and honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better spot. From there I could stroll to so many highlights: the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Frauenkirche, even the English Garden. 

At Christmas, it was also ideal because all the best Munich Christmas markets were just steps away. I loved being able to wander back to my hotel after a few mugs of mulled wine instead of figuring out taxis or public transport in the cold.

That said, there are other great neighborhoods too if you want something a bit more local and possibly more affordable. Maxvorstadt and Au-Haidhausen are both fun areas to stay in, with a less touristy, more “Munich local” feel, and they’re still well connected to the city center by public transport.

Best Areas to Stay in Munich Germany

Old Town (Altstadt-Lehel)

As I mentioned above, the Old Town (or Altstadt in German) is my go-to area when I’m in Munich. It’s basically the heart of the city, packed with gorgeous old buildings, historic landmarks, and more than a few beer gardens and beer halls. 

Since I’m a big walker when I travel, staying here was perfect since I could wander to almost everything, including the English Garden. The only time I needed public transport was to get out to Nymphenburg Palace, which is a little outside the city center. Other than that, exploring on foot was such a refreshing change compared to constantly hopping on trains or buses.

Maxvorstadt

Right next to the Old Town, you’ll find Maxvorstadt, another super central area, but without being right in the middle of the tourist hustle. This is Munich’s student district, home to several universities, so the vibe is younger, livelier, and full of great cafés, restaurants, and hangout spots.

I haven’t stayed here myself, but I’ve spent plenty of time in the neighborhood. My main reason for visiting is that it’s home to my favorite coffee shop in Munich: Peet and the Flat White. If you’re into a slightly more local, artsy vibe, Maxvorstadt is a fantastic choice.

Au-Haidhausen

I absolutely love Au-Haidhausen. I’ve never actually stayed here overnight, but I always find myself coming back whenever I’m in Munich. The neighborhood is beautiful, way less touristy than the Old Town, and has a much more local feel. It’s also right by the river, which makes it extra charming. 

Some of my favorite beer gardens are located here, and it’s also home to my favorite rooftop bar in Munich: Frau im Mond. The vibe is quieter than in the city center, but there are still plenty of cozy bars and beer gardens to keep you entertained so basically, this is where the locals go.

Munich South

Munich South covers the neighborhoods just below the Old Town, and while it’s mostly a local residential area, it does have a few cute spots though. One of my favorite summer spots here is Café Gans am Wasser, a cute little café right by a lake where you can grab lunch in the sunshine. 

That said, the area isn’t packed with major tourist attractions, so I wouldn’t recommend it as your first choice for sightseeing. The one big exception is Oktoberfest. The festival takes place at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in this part of town, and staying nearby makes life so much easier. Trust me, after a few giant beers, you’ll thank yourself for not having to squeeze into a crowded tram or pay for an overpriced taxi ride back to your hotel.

1. Munich Hotels in Old Town (Altstadt-Lehel)

Cortiina Hotel Munich // My Personal Favorite Hotel in Munich

On my last summer trip to Munich, I stayed at the Cortiina Hotel Munich, and honestly, it was gorgeous. 

The hotel sits inside a beautiful old German building, which definitely felt pretty familiar since I grew up in Germany, but then you step inside and it’s all chic, modern, and a little upscale and fancy.

From the second we arrived, the staff couldn’t have been friendlier or more helpful. And here’s a bit of luck for you, we even got a free upgrade to the Deluxe Double. That meant not only more space, but also a kitchenette with a proper coffee machine. As someone who needs coffee before facing the day, this was basically life-saving.

All in all, my stay here was a solid 10/10. If you’re looking for a classy boutique hotel right in Munich’s Old Town, this is the one I’d recommend.

Book Here: Cortiina Hotel Munich

Maximilian Munich Hotels // Fantastic Studio Apartments in Munich

On my most recent trip to Munich, when I came for the Christmas markets in Munich (which were absolutely magical, by the way), I stayed at the Maximilian Munich Hotel.

Compared to the Cortiina, the Maximilian is in a more modern building, but it still has that traditional German charm. Think a nice mix of classic and contemporary, never outdated, just polished and upscale. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm and welcoming, and the location couldn’t have been better. Everything, sights, restaurants, Christmas markets in Munich, was all within walking distance.

But let me tell you, the real star here was the bed. I don’t know what kind of mattress sorcery they’re working with, but it was hands down the most comfortable bed I’ve slept in for years. I should have asked them what brand it was because honestly, it was heavenly.

Book Here: Maximilian Munich Hotels

Do & Co Hotel Munich // Best Luxury Hotel in Munich

One of my absolute favorite hotels in Munich, at least in theory, is the Do & Co Hotel Munich. I say “in theory” because I haven’t actually stayed here myself (it’s a little outside of my budget… unless, of course, the lovely folks at Do & Co feel like sponsoring me, call me!).

I first stumbled across this hotel while planning a trip last year, and honestly, it was love at first scroll. The place just looks gorgeous, sleek, chic, and basically my dream boutique hotel. The reviews on both Google and Booking.com are glowing, with people raving about everything from the design to the service.

It’s definitely on the more luxurious end of the spectrum, but if it’s within your budget, I’d say it’s 100% worth considering. Personally, I’ve already decided that next time I win the lottery, this is where I’m checking in.

Book Here: Do & Co Hotel Munich

2. My Favorite Accommodation Munich Maxvorstadt

Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich // Top Cheap Hotel in Munich

Ruby Lilly has a modern, boutique vibe that immediately reminded me of some hotels in New York City that I’ve stayed at. It’s sleek, stylish, modern, and a little trendy.

What I really love about it though is the rooftop. Rooftop bars in Munich don’t get nearly enough credit in my opinion, and the one here is perfect for sunset. You get beautiful views over the red roofs of the old town in Munich. Even if you don’t stay here, I would totally stop by for a drink in the evening.

Book Here: Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich

Elaya Hotel Munich

If you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still sleek and modern, then I think Elaya Hotel Munich is a great value option.

I would stay here if I was on a longer (2–4 week) Europe trip and trying to travel more budget-conscious instead of splurging on the fancy hotels in Munich’s old town. Rooms usually start around €100 a night (depending on the season), which is very good for Munich. It’s modern, spacious, and spotless, with a convenient location for sightseeing.

Book Here: Elaya Hotel Munich

3. Best Munich Hotels in Au-Haidhausen

Motel One Munich Haidhausen // Best Place to Stay in Munich for Good Value

Not sure if you knew this, but I’m actually a big fan of Motel One. And for my readers from the US, don’t worry, this is nothing like a Motel 6. 

Motel One is a German chain (it actually started in Munich) and now has hotels all over Europe. They’re stylish, modern, and surprisingly affordable. I love the chic design, and the value for money is honestly hard to beat. 

I’ve stayed at quite a few, including one in Amsterdam recently, and it was fantastic and just so cheap. If you’re looking for a hotel that feels cool and comfortable without blowing your budget, Motel One is usually my go-to in Europe.

Book Here: Motel One Munich Haidhausen

Novotel Munich City

Novotel Munich City is another fantastic hotel in Munich if you want comfort at a good price. It’s a 4-star hotel, but depending on the season, you can often find rooms around $150 a night, which is a steal for Munich. 

The location is excellent too: you can walk into the city center and old town, and it’s also right by the river and the Deutsches Museum. What I especially like about this spot is the neighborhood. It’s central, but it doesn’t feel hectic, more like a calm, residential pocket that still keeps you close to everything.

Book Here: Novotel Munich City

4. Best Hotels in Munich South (Where to Stay in Munich for Oktoberfest)

Cocoon Theresienwiese // Best Place to Stay in Munich for Oktoberfest

The Cocoon Theresienwiese is, in my opinion, the best hotel to stay in Munich for Oktoberfest. 

Personally, I couldn’t imagine anything worse than going to Oktoberfest and then having to deal with public transport afterward, trams and trains packed with drunk people, chaos everywhere… no thank you. 

What I’d do instead is stay somewhere calm and nice, but still close by. That’s exactly why Cocoon is perfect. It’s literally right next to the Oktoberfest grounds, but the hotel itself is lovely, with cozy rooms that even come with a little kitchen. Honestly, it’s the ideal base for an Oktoberfest trip.

Book Here: Cocoon Theresienwiese

One Bavaria Munich // Best Apartment in Munich for Oktoberfest

Actually… this might be an even better option if you’re looking for where to stay in Munich for Oktoberfest. 

One Bavaria is an aparthotel, which means you get the best of both worlds: the comfort of a hotel mixed with the space and independence of an apartment. The apartments are modern, beautifully designed, clean, and spacious, with a full kitchen and a queen-size bed. 

For me, this setup is perfect for a festival trip. I’d want a space where I can spread out, get dressed, leave all my stuff, and then after a day (and night) of beer tents, come back to somewhere comfortable to relax. There’s nothing worse than stumbling back sweaty, tired, or tipsy and ending up in a cramped little hotel room or worse, a hostel dorm. This apartment-style hotel? Any day of the week.

Book Here: One Bavaria Hotel Munich

FAQs About The Best Places to Stay in Munich Germany

Where to stay in Munich for first-timers?

If you’re visiting Munich for the very first time, I’d keep it simple, I stay in the Old Town (Altstadt). It’s the city center, which means most of the famous landmarks are literally on my doorstep. I can walk to Marienplatz, the New Town Hall, Viktualienmarkt, the English Garden… all without ever touching public transport.

What are the best 5 star hotels in Munich?

I’ll be honest, I haven’t splurged on a 5-star hotel in Munich myself, but from what I’ve seen, the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost is probably the most stunning and luxurious property in the city.

Where to stay in Munich with kids?

I’d recommend the Old Town again, just for convenience. It makes life so much easier when you can head out the door and already be in the middle of everything. For an actual family-friendly place to stay, check out Wunderlocke Munich. They offer apartment-style lofts with kitchens and multiple bedrooms, perfect for a family trip.

What are the best hotels in Munich overall?

There are so many great hotels in Munich. From my own experience, I can highly recommend Cortiina Hotel Munich which is stylish, central, and super comfortable. But if I ever won the lottery, I’d probably book myself straight into the Sofitel Munich, because it really does look that beautiful.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Munich Germany

All in all, Munich is hands down my favorite city to visit in Germany. I love how it ticks all the boxes of what people picture when they think of “Germany” though, truth be told, most of it is actually Bavarian culture. Castles, palaces, cobblestone streets, lederhosen, Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, beer gardens, hearty food… the list just goes on.

If I had to pick just one area to stay in, I’d personally always choose the Old Town. It’s not only the most beautiful part of the city with its stunning architecture, but it’s also the most convenient. Everything is right there, and it makes exploring Munich on foot a total joy.

I hope this guide on ‘Where to Stay in Munich’  helps you figure out the best places to stay in Munich for your trip. Trust me, no matter where you end up, this city will win you over.

Check Out My Other Munich Travel Guides

Is Munich Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Munich: My Munich Season Guide

Things to Do in Munich: My Favorite Activities

Is Munich Expensive: My Munich Budget Guide

3 Days in Munich Germany: Munich 3 Day Itinerary

Food in Munich: A Munich Restaurants Guide