5 Must-See Munich Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Explore the best of Munich with our guide to the city's top neighborhoods.

2 min read•Aug 21, 2019•By Zoë Smith

5 Must-See Munich Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Hi, I'm Zoë!

Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.

From medieval monuments and prestigious art museums to leafy urban parks and chic riverside bars, Munich’s neighborhoods have something for everyone. Discover the many faces of the Bavarian capital with this guide to Munich’s most interesting districts.

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Old Town (Altstadt)

Ancient landmarks and plenty of history.

Munich’s historic center—home to the highest concentration of medieval landmarks—is generally the first port of call for travelers. Explore on a walking tour, stopping to admire sights such as the Munich Residence (Residenz München), the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), and St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche); browse the stalls at the open-air market, Viktualienmarkt; and then tuck into Bavarian food and beer at the famous Hofbräuhaus brewery.

Munich's Old Town Hall is a highlight of the Old Town. | Photo Credit: Galina Savina / Shutterstock

Schwabing

Artsy boutiques and cool cafés.

North of the Old Town, bohemian Schwabing is Munich’s artistic quarter, where the streets are lined with chic cafés, independent boutiques, and contemporary art galleries. Most visitors come to enjoy the greenery of the English Garden (Englischer Garten), one of the largest urban parks in Europe, but it’s worth sticking around for dinner and drinks after sunset—the district boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Maxvorstadt

Museums galore, ideal for culture fiends.

Stretching northwest of downtown, Maxvorstadt is a cultural quarter home to some of Munich’s best museums. Hop off the U-Bahn at Universität and walk to the landmark Siegestor triumphal arch; visit the three Pinakothek art museums; and check out Königsplatz, where you’ll find the Glyptothek Museum. Home to two universities, Maxvorstadt is also frequented by students and its numerous bars and restaurants are a great option for budget travelers.

Konigsplatz is one of the main sights in Maxvorstadt. | Photo Credit: Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

Bogenhausen

Laidback and residential.

Bordering the English Garden on the left bank of the Isar River, Bogenhausen offers a relaxing break from the busy urban hub of downtown. An affluent and largely residential area, Bogenhausen—with its historic buildings and leafy parks—is undeniably picturesque. Head to Prinzregentenstrasse to shop at designer boutiques, people watch at one of the terrace cafés, visit the Villa Stuck museum, and admire the Angel of Peace monument.

Au-Haidhausen

Culture and local life combine.

South of Bogenhausen, Au-Haidhausen is one of Munich’s oldest districts and a great place for visitors to get a feel for local life. It’s most atmospheric in the evening—join locals for a drinks at a riverside bar; attend a concert at the Gasteig cultural centre, home to the Munich Philharmonic orchestra; or opt for beer tasting at the legendary Paulaner Brewery.