Where to Stay in Munich
Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips
Quick Answer
Stay in Maxvorstadt
Offers a good selection of hostels and is slightly more affordable than the absolute city center.
See full Munich neighbourhood guideTop 3 Areas to Stay in Munich
Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation
Maxvorstadt
Munich's intellectual and artistic hub, filled with museums, galleries, and universities.
Our top picks in Maxvorstadt
Glockenbachviertel
A trendy and bohemian district known for its vibrant nightlife, independent shops, and LGBTQ+ scene.
Our top picks in Glockenbachviertel
Schwabing
A bohemian and upscale neighborhood known for its leafy streets, historic architecture, and proximity to the English Garden.
Our top picks in Schwabing
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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
#1Altstadt-Lehel | Luxury | The historic heart of Munich, buzzing with iconic landmarks and traditional Bavarian charm. | first-timersculture |
Maxvorstadt | Mid-range | Munich's intellectual and artistic hub, filled with museums, galleries, and universities. | culturedigital nomads |
Glockenbachviertel | Mid-range | A trendy and bohemian district known for its vibrant nightlife, independent shops, and LGBTQ+ scene. | nightlifecouples |
Schwabing | Mid-range | A bohemian and upscale neighborhood known for its leafy streets, historic architecture, and proximity to the English Garden. | couplesfamilies |
Find budget-friendly hostels in Munich
Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas
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Tips for Backpackers in Munich
Book Hostels with Kitchens
Self-catering saves significant money in Munich. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.
Walk Where Possible
Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.
Find Free Activities
Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.
Carry a Water Bottle
A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.
Find free walking tours in Munich
Budget-friendly ways to explore
Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers
Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Munich
Altstadt-Lehel
LuxuryThe historic heart of Munich, buzzing with iconic landmarks and traditional Bavarian charm.
- +Central location for sightseeing
- +Abundance of historical sites
- +Excellent public transport connections
- -Can be very crowded
- -Expensive accommodation
Maxvorstadt
Mid-rangeMunich's intellectual and artistic hub, filled with museums, galleries, and universities.
- +Rich cultural offerings
- +Lively atmosphere with many cafes and bars
- +Good transport links
- -Can be busy with students
- -Accommodation can be pricey
Glockenbachviertel
Mid-rangeA trendy and bohemian district known for its vibrant nightlife, independent shops, and LGBTQ+ scene.
- +Excellent dining and bar scene
- +Unique boutiques and shops
- +Lively and diverse atmosphere
- -Can be noisy at night
- -Accommodation is often booked in advance
Schwabing
Mid-rangeA bohemian and upscale neighborhood known for its leafy streets, historic architecture, and proximity to the English Garden.
- +Direct access to the English Garden
- +Charming atmosphere with many cafes
- +Good balance of residential and lively areas
- -Can be more expensive than other areas
- -Further from the absolute city center
Daily Budget (Budget)
EUR 80/day
Hidden Gems in Munich
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden
While the market itself is well-known, the beer garden within is a local favorite for its authentic atmosphere and diverse crowd. Grab a MaΓ (liter of beer) and some traditional Bavarian snacks like Obatzda.
Hofstatt
FREEA charming, lesser-known shopping street with independent boutiques, cafes, and a lovely courtyard. It's a great place to discover unique local designs and enjoy a relaxed stroll.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Munich
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Munich Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Munich on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Munich Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Munich with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Munich: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Munich's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Munich: Scenic Excursion
Escape Munich for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Munich Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Munich's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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1 area to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Munich
Backpackers in Munich: FAQ
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