Looking for a quieter, more authentic Munich experience away from the immediate city hustle and tourist hordes? Neuhausen district offers a delightful blend of residential calm, local charm, beautiful parks and excellent connectivity to Munich’s Old Town. It’s a fantastic choice for those who appreciate good living, green spaces, and easy access to Munich’s major attractions without being right in the thick of it.
Neuhausen: The Vibe & Location
Neuhausen as subpart of the “Neuhausen-Nymphenburg” district is a lovely residential quarter situated in the western part of Munich, not very far from Munich’s Old Town. It strikes a perfect balance: you’re just a short, 10-minute subway ride from the city center (Marienplatz, Hauptbahnhof) thanks to excellent U-Bahn (subway) connections at stations Stiglmaierplatz, Maillingerstrasse, Rotkreuzplatz and Gern.
This district is known for its safety and a slightly more affluent, mature demographic, making it particularly appealing for families and those seeking tranquility. As you stroll around, especially near the “Gern” subway station, you’ll notice beautiful villas and elegant residential streets. While generally serene, “Rotkreuzplatz” (Red Cross Square) serves as the vibrant heart of Neuhausen, bustling with a diverse mix of people, shops, and eateries.
While Neuhausen between the subway stations Stiglmaierplatz and Rotkreuzplatz is foodies heaven with restaurants serving every flavour form all over the world, Gern quarter is an airy wealthy residential area with villas, gardens and beautiful parks.
Eat & Drink: Neuhausen's Culinary Scene
Neuhausen, particularly around Rotkreuzplatz and along Nymphenburger Street, boasts a fantastic array of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. You won’t struggle to find a delicious meal here!
Around Subway station “Rotkreuzplatz”:
- Großwirt: For a taste of traditional Bavarian cuisine without breaking the bank, Großwirt is a solid choice. Expect hearty dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Bonus: Großwirt honors the Bavarian-Jewish heritage and serves a small selection of items like Shakshuka, Hummous and Falafel.
- Neuhauser: If you’re a fan of huge (I mean really huge!), delicious Italian pizzas, look no further. This spot offers generous portions at moderate prices.
- Sappralott: Another excellent option for traditional Bavarian fare, but also featuring international dishes. Expect good quality and below-average prices. A well visited pub/restaurant, especially by locals.
- ZAPATA: Craving Mexican food? ZAPATA offers a vibrant atmosphere and tasty dishes, though it tends to be on the pricier side.
- Jagdschlössl: A classic for traditional Bavarian food, directly at Rotkreuzplatz, known for its friendly prices and authentic feel.
- Quan Com: For something different, Quan Com serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine at moderate prices.
- Il Galeone: A great spot for Italian food at very, very reasonable prices. To get this right: This is not the top notch Italian with fancy-shmancy dishes. Here you will see good portions, good taste and low prices. A good choice for budget-sensitive travelers.
Other Notable Spots:
- Café Neuhausen: Offers international dishes in a nicely designed interior with moderate pricing.
- Sumi Pan Asian Kitchen and Bar: (As reviewed here on yourmunichstay.com) – a modern option for Asian fusion cuisine.
- Trattoria San Benno: Hidden in a calm residential area, San benno is a gem for Italian cuisine.
Nauhausen can easily be called foodies heaven. There are dozens of really good pubs, bars, restaurants and coffeeshops here. I will have to make another article just about the food culture in Neuhausen :-).
Hotels & Accommodation: Finding Your Perfect Stay in Neuhausen Quarter
Neuhausen offers a range of accommodation options, primarily concentrated around Rotkreuzplatz, catering to different needs and budgets.
Around Subway station “Rotkreuzplatz”:
- Vienna House Easy München: A relatively new hotel with a stylish design. It is built in an old cinema and remembers this heritage through the room design.
- Hotel Nymphenburg: A charming, family-run hotel with a bit of history, located directly across from the Vienna House Hotel.
- Hotel New Orly: A private run hotel between the subway stations Rotkreuzplatz and Maillingerstrasse with (according to internet-reviews) excellent restaurant.
Hint for Budget-Conscious Travelers:
Near the urban rail station “Donnersbergerbrücke” (Donnersberg Bridge), just a short distance from Neuhausen, you’ll find a cluster of hotels including Novotel München City Arnulfpark, ibis Hotel München City Arnulfpark, and Citadines Arnulfpark München. While this can be a viable option, be aware that the walk to Rotkreuzplatz might bore kids, and the area around Donnersbergerbrücke can feel a bit gritty late at night. Be also aware, that these hotels next to each other are there for one purpose: housing the tourist masses for Oktoberfest, because it is possible to walk to the Oktoberfest grounds from there.
The same applies for the a&o hostel. While often cheap, it’s known for being very lively with students and school groups, and Oktoberfest visitors.
Things to See and Do in Neuhausen
Neuhausen itself offers charming spots and activities worth exploring:
- Rotkreuzplatz: The lively heart of the neighborhood is perfect for people-watching from a café terrace. Browse local shops, especially for delicatessen, grab fresh produce at the weekly market (Thursdays from 10 AM, or simply soak up the neighborhood atmosphere.
- Take a Stroll Through the Residential Streets: Especially around the “Gern” area, you’ll discover beautiful turn-of-the-century villas and tree-lined streets that showcase Munich’s architectural charm.
- Explore Local Boutiques and Shops: Neuhausen features a nice mix of independent shops, bakeries, and cafés that give you an authentic taste of local Munich life away from tourist traps.
- Winthirplatz: A lovely neighborhood square with a small park, perfect for families with children to relax and play.
- Easy Access to Nymphenburg Canal: Take a peaceful walk or bike ride along the picturesque canal leading to Nymphenburg Palace – it’s especially beautiful during spring and summer.
- See Herz-Jesu-Church, a uniqely designed church and hidden gem.
- Visit Winthirkircherl (Winthir church), one of the tinyest working churches in Munich with tiny cemetary where you can find the grave of Oskar von Miller, founder of the Deutsches Museum.
- See the grave of Soraya, former Empress of Persia (if you’re a history buff) at Westfriedhof (Western Cemetary)
- Cool down yourself during summer at the “Dantebad”, a public swimming pool or relax during the winter in one of Dantebad’s Saunas and steambaths.
- Visit the World’s largest beer garden – the Hirschgarten (over 8.000 seats). Big fun also for children, as there is a deer enclosure. Children can buy treats from vending machines and feed the deer.
- Buy an ice-cream at “Sarcletti”. One of the oldest Munich ice cream parlors is Sarcletti at Rotkreuzplatz. Beloved by locals and other citizens who just come here to grad an italian gealto during summer.
- Grab a sundowner drink and watch the sunset behind Nymphenburg castle from “Gerner Brücke” (Gern Bridge, a small bridge over the Nymphenburg Canal)
- Visit the Widerstandsdenkmal (Memorial of the Munich Resistance againt the Nazis) at Platz der Freiheit.
- See the massive street art mural “Paint it Black” at Landshuter Allee 56 and the mural tunnel “Niwenhaus” at Dom Pedro Str. (or visit it here digitally)
Interesting Facts about Neuhausen
Neuhausen has a lot of stories to tell, but there are some facts that are really worth telling:
- The Hamlet Neuhausen was first mentioned in the year 1170
- Munich’s main pedestrian zone, the Neuhauserstrasse is named after the town where it formerly led to: Neuhausen
- A legend tells, that Neuhausen was founded by Winthir, a priest from Scotland or Ireland and until today worshipped as “local saint”. His grave is said to be under the Winthirkircherl.
- Nymphenburg Street leads straight to Neuhausen but makes an awkward turn to the north at Rotkreuzplatz. This because Nymphenburg Street was the private road for the roayal family going to or coming from Nymphenburg Palace. Inhabitants were not allowed to use the street and had to use Blutenburg Street.
- Blutenburg Street is not even near Castle Blutenburg, which is in the west of Munich.
- Neuhausen was the first town outside of Munich which was connected by a tramway in 1876
- The Oberwiesenfeld area in the east of Neuhausen was Munich’s first airport and nowadays is part of the Olympic Park.
Conclusion
Neuhausen is ideal if you’re looking to experience Munich like a local rather than a tourist. It’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone who values safety, tranquility, and authentic neighborhood charm over being in the immediate city center buzz. The excellent public transport connections (subway line U1) mean you’re never far from Munich’s main attractions, yet you return each evening to quiet, tree-lined streets and local eateries where you might be the only non-German speaker.
Plus: Nymphenburg Palace and also the Olympic Park are practically on your doorstep and ayou will find a fantastic selection of restaurants around Rotkreuzplatz and along Nymphenburger Street. In one word: you get the best of both worlds: residential peace and urban convenience.
Bottom line? If you want to see the “real” Munich while still having easy access to all the famous sights, Neuhausen deserves serious consideration for your home base.