8 Must-See Munich Neighborhoods and How To Visit

In Munich’s historic center, learn about the city on a walking tour of all the highlights, such as the Marienplatz (founded in 1158 by Henry the Lion); the iconic Frauenkirche cathedral; and the Residenz, once home to the Wittelsbach royal family. For lunch, eat like a local at the Viktualienmarkt, an open-air market that has been serving food and selling produce since 1807. Then, visit the famous Hofbräuhaus tavern and sample Bavarian brews as you make your way to the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum.

Insider tip: During the winter, head to the Old Town for the Christmas markets.

Just beyond Munich’s Old Town lies the chic neighborhood of Schwabing, where you’ll find everything from upscale boutiques to cafés, art galleries, and more. This quarter is perhaps best known for the English Garden (Englischer Garten), a sprawling park where visitors can seek some respite from the city; watch surfers ride the human-made wave on the Eisbach River; or sip a drink at the Chinese Tower Beer Garden. Schwabing is also worth visiting after dark when it becomes a hip nightlife destination full of swanky bars and clubs.

In this quarter just northwest of Old Town, you’ll find some of Munich’s best museums (which you can tour independently) and most interesting cultural monuments, including the imposing Propyläen Gate, which you can reach from the U-Bahn stop at Königsplatz. Or get off at Universität and walk up Leopoldstraße to visit the Siegestor arch, a landmark that was originally erected to honor the Bavarian army, but was renovated after World War II to become a symbol of peace. Since there are two universities in Maxvorstadt, it’s often a gathering place for students and is home to many affordable cafés and pubs.

Bogenhausen extends from the edge of the English Garden and the Isar River out to the northeastern reaches of the city. Walk from the center to this quieter neighborhood where elegant houses and tree-lined streets are the norm. While you’re here, check out the Angel of Peace monument (Friedensengel); wander the opulent hallways of the mansion-turned-museum Villa Stuck; or check out a show at the Theaterfabrik. A stroll through Bogenhausen offers both the chance to get away from the tourist hot spots and the ability to get a glimpse at a different side of Munich.

Not far from Bogenhausen (accessible from the Max-Weber-Platz or Ostbahnhof U-Bahn stations) lies Au-Haidhausen, the best place to visit for a sense of local culture and community. This neighborhood has been around since the 10th century and comes alive at night when Munich residents flock to bars and eateries that spill out onto the street. Check out the offerings at the Wiener Platz market square; eat dinner at one of the favorite local restaurants; and—if you’re not tired of beer yet—stop by the Hofbräu Keller or Paulaner Brewery.

Glockenbach, perhaps Munich’s most eclectic neighborhood, challenges Bavaria’s reputation for being traditional and conservative. This chic quarter is the LGBTQ+ capital of the city, where you can have your pick of nightclubs and popular bars. Stay here during Oktoberfest to be within a convenient distance from the main event grounds while also paying less for accommodation. When visiting Glockenbach any other time of year, check out the neighborhood’s many small businesses and craft stores. Hans-Sachs-Straße (where the Gay Street Party takes place in the summer) is a highlight.

Related: Know Before You Go: Celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich

The Westend is the city’s most diverse and densely populated quarter. This is where the main Oktoberfest grounds are located, and where you can climb up the hill to the Bavaria statue for a unique view of the festivities. Wash down traditional Bavarian food with a local brew, or get some of the city’s best döner kebab before exploring on foot to see the area’s impressive street art.

Insider tip: To get to the Westend, take the tram to Holzapfel Street or the U-Bahn to the old part of the district, Schwanthalerhöhe.

Sendling is a multicultural neighborhood where locals go for a taste of nature. Here you can visit the Hellabrunn Zoo or head to Flaucher Island where there are plenty of opportunities to swim from “beaches” along the Isar River. If the weather is nice, catch a movie at the open-air cinema in Westpark or visit the Thai Sala temple, Nepalese pagoda, and Japanese Garden. During the colder months, ice skate on the park’s frozen lakes. In Sendling, you can feel like you’re taking a day trip without actually leaving the city.