When it comes to church bells and beer halls, Munich’s city center will certainly deliver, but it's the neighborhoods beyond its core that offer a real insight into daily life.
Thanks to the city's reliable public transportation and extensive bike lane network, it’s possible to include a number of the most exciting districts in your trip. From village vibes to student hangs, each area has its own flair, local crowd, and different hot spots for food and drink.
Get to know Munich one must-visit neighborhood at a time with this guide.
Find your way around with our guide to Munich's transportation
1. Schwabing
Best area to stay near the park
Once the artistic heart of the city and later a center for youth and protest culture, Schwabing has changed significantly in recent decades, with gentrification pushing up rents and pulling in a new demographic, but its appeal remains. Come for grand art nouveau architecture, attractive streets, and fantastic shops and restaurants, before heading over to Englischer Garten, one of the world’s biggest inner-city parks that sweeps through the north of the city.
Accommodation-wise, you’ll find a number of comfortable hotels here, including a couple of stylish new builds to the north; choose a high-rise option for excellent city views.
2. Haidhausen
Best neighborhood for families
East of the Isar River is the village-like neighborhood of Au-Haidhausen. Popular with young families, the area is full of strollers and playgrounds, as well as coffee shops to fuel the sleep-deprived population. Head to concept store Bazaar Noir for a cappuccino and high-quality kids toys and clothing, or join others gathered in sun-filled square Wiener Platz.
Staying in this area provides easy access to the city, on public transportation or on foot, and proximity to landmarks such as the Deutsches Museum and the Gasteig Cultural Centre. The latter is currently being renovated, but there are some fun interim projects to discover, including happening food spot Munch Market located on the ground floor.
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3. Glockenbachviertel
Best area for bars at night and brunch the next day
Just south of the city center is one of Munich’s trendiest districts. Known as the Glockenbachviertel, this is the place to come for local designers, late-night cocktails and weekend brunch. Spend the night sipping cocktails at the High, then book a table at Botanista Café Club for mimosas, sweet bowls, and healthy platters the next day. The area is also a hub for the LBGTIQ+ community and has a number of gay bars.
Staying in the Glockenbachviertel provides the best of both worlds, with walkable distances to many of Munich’s main sights and lots of low-key hangouts to discover when you’re touristed out.
4. Altstadt-Lehel
Best area to stay in for sightseeing
No trip to Munich is complete without a stroll around the attractive old town (Altstadt). It is here you’ll find historic sights and squares, such as the Frauenkirche and Marienplatz, not to mention the famous beer hall Hofbräuhaus.
This neighborhood is also good for shopping with designer boutiques, fashion chains and department stores, as well as the mouthwatering displays at upmarket delicatessen Dallmayr. Head to Viktualienmarkt for more regional produce and great lunch options, such as creative Turkish meze from Gürmet Wein & Meze am Markt or an overflowing panini from Marinas Feinkost.
One of the busiest and more touristy parts of town, you’ll find a lot of hotels in this area, both budget boltholes and luxury lodgings, including five-star celebrity favorite Hotel Bayerischer Hof.
5. Westend
Best neighborhood for Oktoberfest
Bordering the grounds of the city’s famous beer festival and home to the city’s oldest brewery Augustiner Brauerei, Westend (Schwanthalerhöhe) actually meets fewer Bavarian stereotypes than you’d expect. This ever-evolving part of town is one of Munich’s most diverse, with places serving eggs benedict and specialty coffee sitting alongside longer-standing taverns, kebab shops, and other international establishments. One of the best spots for people watching is the sidewalk terrace at cafe/bar sehrwohl.
There are a number of hotels in this area, especially if you venture closer to the main station. Stay here if you want an edgier neighborhood, and book early if you're coming for Oktoberfest.
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6. Maxvorstadt
Best for museums
The former stomping ground of novelist Thomas Mann, painter Franz Marc and other intellectuals, central Maxvorstadt is sometimes referred to as “the brain of Munich.” This vibrant neighborhood south of Schwabing is a buzzing cultural hub of universities, museums, libraries and other educational establishments.
At its heart is the Kunstareal, a cluster of museums, art collections and cultural institutions, including modern-art haven Museum Brandhorst and the world-renowned Pinakothek museums.
Head to nearby streets such as Türkenstraße, Barer Straße, or Augustenstraße for a good mix of cafes, shops and student hangouts, including vegan cafe Das Metta or coffee shop Peet and the Flat White.
7. Giesing
Best neighborhood for beer and breweries
A little off the beaten track, this laid-back neighborhood is home to the city’s second football club and many places for a pre-match drink. Central to the beer scene is brewery Giesinger Bräu and its connected pub, serving their creations on tap and Bavarian dishes such as roasted pork with gravy and bread dumplings.
In recent years, a number of new gastronomic hot spots have also opened up here including Australian-inspired breakfast location Poppi Farmer and Italian bistro Ambar, offering Naopolitan cuisine and a large selection of local craft beers.
You will find a few places to stay here, but this neighborhood is perhaps better visited for a drink and bite to eat rather than serving as a base for the whole trip.
