Areas and Suburbs in Munich

Expats moving to Munich will find the majority of affordable accommodation available in areas and suburbs just outside of the city centre. Like most European cities, Munich’s core is home to many shops, museums, parks and theatres, and thus offers limited scope in terms of property for rent or for sale. Being a hub for much business and cultural activity, if you do find accommodation in the city centre, expect to pay premium rates.

Areas and suburbs in Munich

In the city centre

The following districts are central to Munich and therefore expensive; on the upside, they have excellent access to underground connections, and a wide variety of facilities and amenities:

• Altstadt: the centre of Munich, mostly characterised by shopping areas
• Lehel: posh, very close to the Isar River and the English Gardens 
• Isarvorstadt & Ludwigvorstadt: a village-like atmosphere, 'gay friendly'
• Schwabing: buzzing nightlife, restaurants, art galleries and old buildings
• Haidhausen: very trendy, located by the Isar River
• Neuhausen: chic residential area with high quality housing
• Maxvorstadt: desirable area to live due to its close proximity to the city centre
• Glockenbachviertel: a popular gay area with many 'gay friendly' restaurants and bars

On the edge of the city centre

Slightly less expensive and only a short U-Bahn or S-Bahn trip into town is:

• Giesing: located along the Isar River, features a number of good restaurants
• Berg am Laim: a pleasantly quiet neighbourhood, great for families
• Freimann: on the north-eastern edge of Munich, favourable due its close proximity to the English Garden
• Sendling: home to Europe's third-largest grocery market, as well as Siemens AG; many foreigners live here     
• Feldmoching: has a strong rural character, although modern apartments and houses are found outside the village centre
• Bogenhausen: just across from the Isar River and English Garden, some of the highest quality housing in Munich

On the periphery

For those who wish to live in the suburbs and don't mind travelling into town via the S-Bahn, the following are suitable options:

• Neuperlach: home to many non-German foreigners, safe and well kept
• Trudering: a middle to upper middle class suburb
• Pasing: features a large concentration of shops and restaurants in its main square; near to the University of Applied Sciences