Last Updated on January 1, 2026 by Ioana
Munich is a city that blends old-world charm with modern energy. It has grand squares, cozy beer gardens, world-class museums, and offers access to Bavaria’s countryside. Whether you’re here for culture, food, shopping, or Oktoberfest, where you stay can make all the difference. In this blog post I’ll share the best area to stay in Munich, along with hotel recommendations to help you plan your stay in the Bavarian capital. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
Planning your next trip? Check out these helpful resources:
1. Altstadt-Lehel (Old Town): best for first-time visitors
Altstadt-Lehel is one of Munich’s best neighborhoods and the historic heart of Munich. This is where you’ll find Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, and dozens of cafés and shops on cobbled streets. It’s perfect if you want to walk everywhere.
Platzl Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.9/10 (3,027 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here
Platzl Hotel is a 4 star superior hotel located in the heart of Munich’s Old Town, just steps from Marienplatz and Hofbräuhaus.
The location is excellent since it’s an easy walk to the main attractions. In addition, you’re surrounded by shops, museums, and cafés.
Here the hotel rooms combine Bavarian charm with modern comfort and it has a distinct character. You’ll find warm wood tones, comfortable beds, and spacious bathrooms, which makes the stay feel cozy.
The hotel also has several dining options, including a traditional Bavarian restaurant and a more modern brasserie. Breakfast is especially good according to reviews and offers a wide selection.
If you want a classic Munich experience with a central location and great service, then Platzl Hotel is a fantastic choice.
Louis Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.8/10 (936 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here
Louis Hotel is a 4 star boutique hotel located directly at Viktualienmarkt. The location is excellent since you can step outside and immediately be surrounded by food stalls, cafés, and Old Town charm.
The rooms feel modern and stylish, with natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows, and very comfortable beds. Many rooms also offer views over the market or the city rooftops.
The hotel also has a Japanese-inspired restaurant and a sleek bar, which makes it a nice place to spend evenings.
If you love design and want to stay in the heart of Munich’s food scene, then Louis Hotel is a perfect choice.
Cortiina Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.0/10 (1,074 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here
Cortiina Hotel is a 5 star design hotel located close to Marienplatz and the Isar river. The location is great since you can walk to historic sights, galleries, and shopping streets with ease.
Here the spacious rooms have a contemporary, artistic feel, with clean lines, warm lighting, and thoughtful details. They feel calm, stylish, and very comfortable.
The hotel has a popular café and lounge in the lobby, which is a great spot for breakfast, coffee, or a relaxed drink later in the day.
If you want a modern hotel with a creative atmosphere and an excellent central location, then Cortiina Hotel is a standout.
Hotel Schlicker
⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.8/10 (2,344 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here
Hotel Schlicker is a 3 star family-run hotel located right in Munich’s Old Town. The location is perfect since you’re only a short walk from Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt.
Their rooms are comfortable and well kept, with a mix of classic and modern design. Everything feels welcoming and practical, especially for sightseeing-focused trips.
Breakfast is included and is very well reviewed, with fresh bread, local products, and good coffee.
If you want a friendly, reliable hotel in a prime location without paying luxury prices, then Hotel Schlicker is a great pick.
Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.5/10 (1,894reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here
Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München is a 5 star luxury hotel located on Maximilianstraße, Munich’s most elegant shopping street.
The location is ideal since you can walk to the Old Town, museums, and luxury boutiques in just a few minutes.
Their rooms feel refined and timeless, with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and elegant decor. Everything feels very high-end and thoughtfully designed.
The hotel also offers several dining and bar options, including a stylish lobby lounge that’s popular for afternoon coffee or evening drinks.
If you’re looking for classic luxury in one of the best locations in Munich, then this hotel is hard to beat.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.1/10 (245 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here
Mandarin Oriental Munich is a 5 star luxury hotel located in the Old Town, close to Maximilianstraße and Marienplatz. The location is ideal if you want to explore Munich on foot.
It is one of the most luxurious hotels in Munich. The rooms feel elegant and serene, with high-quality materials, spacious layouts, and beautiful bathrooms. Service here is very attentive and personal.
One of the highlights is the rooftop terrace, which offers lovely views over Munich and is a great place for drinks in warmer months.
If you’re looking for understated luxury and top-level service in a central location, then Mandarin Oriental Munich is an excellent choice.
2. Schwabing: best for cafés, boutiques & bohemian vibe
Schwabing is a boho-chic neighborhood with cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops. It has a youthful feel but remains relaxed and classy. If you’re into this vibe, then this neighborhood is a great choice.
Steigenberger Hotel München
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.2/10 (2,372 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here
Steigenberger Hotel München is a 5 star hotel located near the Schwabing area, just outside the very center. The location is convenient since you can reach the Old Town quickly while enjoying a slightly quieter setting.
Their rooms are modern and spacious, with comfortable beds, large bathrooms, and a clean, elegant design.
The hotel also has a spa and wellness area, plus a restaurant and bar where you can relax after sightseeing.
If you want comfort, space, and a refined atmosphere close to the Old Town, then Steigenberger is a solid option.
3. Near Main Train Station: best for transport
This area is a great location if you plan on taking day trips while in Munich and want to be close to the train station. This is where I stayed when I visited because I took day trips to Salzburg and Nuremberg.
I loved it because I was very close to the train station and Munich’s Old Town was only about a 15-20 minute walk from my hotel.
Bayer 89 Vi Vadi Hotel (not recommended)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.6/10 (3,701 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here
I stayed at Bayer 89 Vi Vadi Hotel, about a 10-minute walk from the train station. I picked it because it had great reviews and an affordable price. And I also wanted to be close to the train station since I had planned 2 day trips during my stay.
But unfortunately the hotel did not live up to its reviews online. The room needed a new coat of paint as the walls had black marks on them, probably from luggage.
The shower area was full of mold. When I told them the bathroom had mold, they just said they would look into it and never got back to me.
In many places they would have apologized, offered me to switch rooms, or try to smooth things over by giving me a little gift or a discount. At this hotel I was just dismissed.
There was no kettle in the room. I wasn’t expecting a Nespresso machine based on the price per night, but all cheaper hotels I ever stayed at offered at least a water boiler and some tea and instant coffee. Here there was nothing.
I didn’t eat breakfast at the hotel, so I can’t comment on the quality of the food.
Overall, this was one of my most underwhelming hotel stays. So I don’t recommend you stay here unless no other Munich hotels have availability.
Hotel Adria München
⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.4/10 (2,605 reviews)
💲 Budget • 👉 Check current prices here
Hotel Adria München is a 3 star hotel located near the Isar river and not far from the city center. The location is pleasant since you’re close to green areas and still well connected.
Their rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
Breakfast is available daily, and the hotel offers friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
If you want an affordable and quiet place to stay while still being close to Munich’s sights, then Hotel Adria is a smart choice.
Ruby Rosi Hotel Munich
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.3/10 (3,527 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here
Ruby Rosi Hotel Munich is a 4 star hotel located near Munich Central Station and within walking distance of the Old Town. The location works well since public transport connections are excellent.
The rooms are compact but very well designed, with comfortable beds, good soundproofing, and a modern boutique feel.
The hotel has a lively bar and lounge area, which creates a fun social atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
If you want a stylish hotel with good value and a central base, then Ruby Rosi is a great pick.
Charles Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.1/10 (707 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here
Charles Hotel is a 5 star hotel located near the Old Botanical Garden, right between the Old Town and Schwabing.
The location works very well since you get easy access to sights, museums, and quieter residential streets.
Here the rooms are spacious and modern, with large windows, comfortable seating areas, and luxurious bathrooms. Many rooms overlook the garden, which adds a calm feel to the stay.
The hotel has an excellent spa with a large indoor pool, sauna, and fitness area. Dining is also a highlight, with a refined restaurant and a relaxed bar.
If you want a peaceful luxury hotel that still feels central, then Charles Hotel is a great option.
✈️ Heading to Munich soon? Check out these guides:
Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other articles.
Capri one day itinerary: how to spend a perfect day
The best Ischia one day itinerary for first-timers
Amalfi one day itinerary: the best day trip guide
Amalfi lemon farm tour & tasting: the best experience
The ultimate Ravello itinerary for an epic day trip
Paris solo travel: everything you need to know
Andorra itinerary: everything you need to visit
Warsaw itinerary: ultimate guide for your first visit
Barcelona 3 day itinerary: the best things to do
Doha itinerary: the best guide for your first visit
Tallinn in 2 days: everything you need to know
Beginner’s guide to NYC: everything you need to know
The best guide for solo travel to Amsterdam
Solo female travel to London: the ultimate guide
The best Oradea 3 day itinerary: a native’s top picks
Istanbul solo travel guide: is Istanbul safe for women?
Helsinki in 2 days: everything you need to visit
Solo travel in Vienna: how to have the best trip
Florence 4 day itinerary: the best guide for solo travelers
Athens 4 day itinerary: ultimate guide for your first visit
4 Day Dublin itinerary: everything you need to know
Solo travel to Toronto: the ultimate 2 day itinerary
Ioana was born and raised in Romania, lived in NYC for 14 years, and has since returned to Romania. She began traveling solo at 30 and has now visited 25+ countries. Ioana is a full time travel blogger and content creator. Her blog gets 100K+ views per month and her Instagram community has 80K+ people. She loves to share practical travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations for fellow travelers. Her story and insights have been featured in The Daily Express, Euronews, Bored Panda, Yahoo, MSN and more.