Where to Stay in Munich For the First Time: Munich Neighborhood Guide
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Munich is where old meets new. For those looking to get lost in cobblestone streets or explore trendy boutiques, Munich has it all. It can be overwhelming to know where to stay in Munich first time!
While each neighborhood in Munich has its own personality, there’s so much to explore. Whatever your travel style is, you’ll find a neighborhood to match the experience you’re looking for.
In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about Munich’s neighborhoods so that you can have a memorable experience in one of Europe’s most loved cities. Here is where to stay in Munich for the first time!
Altstadt
✨ Best for: Travelers who want to soak up the history of Munich. This neighborhood is also great for the foodie travelers who also want to enjoy the city nightlife.

The Altstadt neighborhood is a great part of the city for travelers who want to explore on foot. It’s centrally located, which is, in part, what makes it such a sought-after spot to spend your time exploring.
This neighborhood is full of cobblestone streets that are sure to take you back in time. Even if you’re not into all the history of Alstadt, this area has great access to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is even close to public transportation.
There’s even plenty of shopping, museums, and festivals that make this one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Munich.
Where to Stay in Alstadt:
Schwabing
✨ Best for: This neighborhood is best for the artists and creatives! Travelers who love schwabing enjoy the beautiful mix of history and artistry. For those who want to throw themselves into Munchi’s cultural beauty, this neighborhood is perfect for the creative nomads.

Schwabing gives travelers a chance to explore the trendy parts of the city. From boutiques to nightlife, you’ll find that the historic streets are bustling! This neighborhood is known as a place for everyone and everything creative.
Even if you’re not into the creative and trendy vibes of Munich, this neighborhood is perfect for nature lovers. The English Garden, which is one of the biggest urban parks, is located in Schwabing.
Whatever you are looking to get out of your trip to Munich, spending it in Schwabing will give you an escape.
Where to Stay in Schwabing:
Glockenbach
✨ Best for: This neighborhood is best for younger travelers looking for inclusivity in a creative environment. Glockenbach is also a great neighborhood for travelers who are foodies and want to be surrounded by creatives and hipsters.

The Glockenbach neighborhood is a great place for those wondering where to stay in Munich for the first time. It’s a neighborhood that’s known for being inclusive, diverse, and young.
This part of the city is lively and is where many travelers choose to spend their nightlife. It’s in this neighborhood where history meets modernity.
Where to Stay in Glockenbach:
Lehel
✨ Best for: This neighborhood is best for travelers who want a more upscale Munich experience. You’ll enjoy the Lehel neighborhood if you’re ready to ditch your backpacking days and say goodbye to hostel life.

Lehel is one of the best areas to stay in Munich because of its atmosphere. This neighborhood is perfect for those looking to relax. Whether it’s enjoying an evening out at a nice restaurant, shopping, or a stroll through some art galleries, Lehel is an almost perfect area of Munich.
This neighborhood is more quiet and elegant than any neighborhoods we’ve covered so far. It’s known for its beautiful streets, buildings, and sophistication. It’s in this neighborhood that you’ll find high-end stores and restaurants that just about anyone will love. It’s the perfect blend of status and historical vibes.
Where to Stay in Lehel:
Bahnhofsviertel
✨ Best for: Bahnhofsviertel is perfect for travelers who enjoy the liveliness of city life. This neighborhood is filled with energy and can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a central city location.
One of the best areas to stay in Munich has to go to the Bahnhofsviertel neighborhood! It’s a lively part of the city that’s also close to public transport. This neighborhood makes it really easy to explore other parts of Munich.
In this area you’ll find plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, and incredible nightlife. If you’re looking for a central location that’s also exciting, Bahnhofsviertel is the place to be!
Where to Stay in Bahnhofsviertel:
Nymphenburg
✨ Best for: The traveler who wants a more relaxed and refined Munich experience. For the traveler who wants to explore the history of Munich in a peaceful way, this neighborhood is for you.

If you’re not interested in the more edgy and lively parts of the city, the Nymphenburg neighborhood is where to stay in Munich for the first time. Especially if you’re a nature lover, you’ll love Nymphenburg! It’s in this neighborhood that you’ll find gardens and natural beauty to fill your time.
This neighborhood is also where you’ll be able to explore beautiful and polished streets. Here you’ll find a quieter and more elegant way to experience Munich.
Where to Stay in Nymphenburg:
Haidhausen
✨ Best for: Travelers who want to experience both history and modern city life.

The Haidhausen neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Munich because of its mix of the old and new city. This neighborhood is close to the city center which makes it full of markets, restaurants, stores, and nightlife.
This area of Munich is where you would go to meet up with friends! There are a variety of cafes and bars that are great for catching up in the center of the city. If you’re craving local food, this is where to get it!
The Haidhausen neighborhood is a great mix of all things historical Munich with modern city life.
Where to Stay in Haidhausen:
Ludwigsvorstadt – Isarvorstadt
✨ Best for: The traveler who wants to be at the center of everything happening in Munich.

If you’re never been, the Ludwigsvorstadt neighborhood is where to stay in Munich for the first time. This neighborhood is bustling! Here, you’ll be thrown into a lively neighborhood that also has a mix of modern city life and historical elements.
Ludwigsvorstadt – Isarvorstadt also features architecture that you can explore for hours!
You can’t go wrong staying in this neighborhood! You’ll be close to the heartbeat of Munich, although you’ll find plenty of things to do in this section of the city!
It’s also where Oktoberfest is hosted each year. When you’re planning your trip to Munich, make sure to keep in mind that some of the biggest festivals in Europe are hosted here!
Where to Stay in Ludwigsvorstadt – Isarvorstadt:
Maxvorstadt
✨ Best for: Travelers who are into the art scene.

Maxvorstadt is one of the best neighborhoods in Munich Germany because of its amazing museums, academic vibe, and historic architecture. The Maxvorstadt neighborhood is perfect for those searching for where to stay in Munich for the first time.
This area is trendy, fashionable, and full of boutiques you’ll fill your suitcases with. For a culturally rich destination, Maxvorstadt is perfect.
Even if you’re not into art museums, this neighborhood is home to one of the country’s oldest universities waiting for you to explore!
There’s even plenty of restaurants to try out local cuisine! If you want to get lost in the academic side of Munich, add this neighborhood to your bucket list.
Where to Stay in Maxvorstadt:
It’s easy to see why Munich is a top European destination. From neighborhoods that prioritize art to neighborhoods that love vibrant nightlife, there really is something for every kind of traveler.
No matter when or where you choose to visit in the city, you now have a good idea of where to stay in Munich for the first time.
Save this post for later:
Check out these posts next:


