Areas to avoid in Munich and where to live instead

Find out if Munich is safe and what its safest neighborhoods are, and whether there are any areas to avoid in Munich.

Ivandzhelin

9 minute read

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Updated on 9 Jun 2026

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Living

With a low crime index of 21.74 and high safety index of 78.26, Munich is one of the safest major cities in Europe and best cities in Germany. But if you're considering Munich as your next home, you're probably asking yourself, "Which areas should I avoid?"

Well, like all metropolitan cities, the Bavarian capital has some less safe areas than others. So, before you begin to explore homes for rent in Munich, let's walk you through the areas to avoid in Munich to help you narrow down your choices, where to look instead, and what to do to feel safe. Let's dive in!

Key takeaways:

• Munich ranks as the 3rd safest city in Germany with rare violent crimes. The safest neighborhoods are Glockenbachviertel, Berg-Am Laim, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, Altstadt-Lehel, and Au-Haidhausen.
• The only areas to avoid are south of Hauptbahnhof (Bahnhofsviertel) at night due to the Red Light District and drug activity near the Alter Botanischer Garten, and Moosach.
• Hasenbergl and Neuperlach carry "rough" reputations, but both are actually calm, affordable residential areas.
• Schwabing is flagged for noise, not crime. It's a poor fit if you need a quiet neighborhood.
• Munich's vacancy rate is at just 1%, meaning good listings disappear within days. Avoid rental scams by using a trusted platform like HousingAnywhere.

Technically, Munich has no areas you should avoid living in. The residents here have a high quality of life and social security, leading to low crime rates. Yet, some areas are less safe than others, where you should be more mindful of your belongings or avoid being alone at night.

1. South of Hauptbahnhof: pickpocketing and the biggest tourist traps

Some locals advise avoiding the area south of Munich's central station at night because of the lively crowds out for a night on the town. This side of the Hauptbahnhof is also known as the Red Light District. This area is visually gritty, with overpriced souvenir shops, low-quality restaurants, and adult entertainment venues. While Munich's Red Light District is pretty safe compared to others around the world, it's wise to avoid walking through it alone at night. It's also an area to avoid if you're moving to Munich with your family as it can be quite noisy.

Around the Alter Botanischer Garten, close to the station, drug dealers are regularly visible after dark. The stretch along Schillerstraße, nicknamed "Schillicon Valley", draws a mix of tourists, nightlife crowds, and opportunistic petty thieves, so keep your bag zipped and avoid flashing expensive devices. But during the day, the neighborhood is perfectly fine and extremely well-connected.

Better alternative nearby:

Westend Schwanthalerhöhe is a historically working-class neighborhood with a strong community, quiet backyards, historic buildings, and the Augustiner Bräu brewery nearby. It has a direct ride to the Hauptbahnhof and old town, and rooms in Schwanthalerhöhe are around €600-€900 per month. If you are willing to go a bit far, Sendling-Westpark is just south via U6. It's another option for you who want calm surroundings and direct transit. Rooms in Sendling-Westpark are around €825 to 1,125.

2. Moosach: a neighborhood with higher crime rates

Small post-industrial areas near the Moosach S-Bahn station have slightly higher rates of petty crime and are less safe at night.

However, Moosach has become increasingly popular with middle-income families. The broader neighborhood away from the station is quiet, residential, well-connected, and more affordable than the center.

Better alternative nearby:

Milbertshofen-Am Hart, located just south of the U2, is a more settled residential neighborhood with closer proximity to the Olympiapark and the BMW headquarters area. You can expect to pay around €825-€1,750 per month for a room in Milbertshofen-Am Hart.

3. Schwabing: party scene to avoid at night

If you're looking for a quiet neighborhood, avoid Schwabing. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively nightlife. There are many things to do here, its streets are lined with some of the best cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists. As such, the neighborhood is busy at all times of day, and is not ideal for light sleepers or those wanting a tranquil environment.

But Schwabing isn't unsafe. It is described as Schickimicki (snobbish and posh) rather than dangerous. If you enjoy a buzzing social life and can handle weekend noise, it's actually one of Munich's more enjoyable neighborhoods to live in, with solid connections and a 10-minute ride to the city center.

Better alternative nearby:

If you want to live in the center without the noise, Maxvorstadt (which borders Schwabing to the south) is a more academic, bookshop-lined neighborhood at comparable rent prices. It's home to LMU and TUM. Rooms in Maxvorstadt are around €995 to €1,350/month.

4. Hasenbergl and Neuperlach: a neighborhood with a bad reputation

Hasenbergl and Neuperlach are relatively remote suburbs of Munich. Both have a bad reputation for being rough around the edges.

In the north of Munich, Hasenbergl is one of the city's more residential and affordable neighborhoods. Although it had a reputation for vandalism and theft in the past, the Munich government has taken steps in recent years to address these issues, resulting in a significant decrease in crime.

Similarly, Neuperlach, located in the southern part of Munich, has had past incidents of violence and theft. Yet such occurrences have become rare thanks to the city's efficient police.

Since Hasenbergl and Neuperlach are the outer neighborhoods in Munich, this means you'll have longer commuting times and fewer easily accessible amenities. However, both offer affordable housing options that may better suit your budget.

Better alternative nearby:

Feldmoching, which shares a boundary with Hasenbergl, has a village-like atmosphere, and direct access to the city center in around 15 minutes and Munich Airport. Milbertshofen-Am Hart, just south of Hasenbergl on the U2, is another option with immediate proximity to the Olympiapark. Near Neuperlach, you can look for housing in Berg am Laim to the north.

Munich is the 13th safest city in the world. Munich's high safety level is one reason to move to Munich.

To add to that, Munich's crime rate is the lowest of any large German city. Strong social infrastructure, high employment, and a well-resourced police presence all keep crime low. The most common offenses are bike theft, pickpocketing around the central station, around Oktoberfest in late September and October, and tourist zones, and occasional vandalism in peripheral neighborhoods.

At night, as in any city, it's wise to take precautions and avoid walking alone in parks, the Red Light District, or less crowded areas after dark. Munich's public transport or different ride-sharing services are available during the night for a safe journey home. If you're out late and feel uncomfortable, use the MVV app for planning. Munich's central areas are also well-lit and pedestrianized throughout. In general, the likelihood of encountering hate or violent crimes is low, and women can walk at night without worry.

Here're some of the Munich neighborhoods with their safety notes:

Check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Munich for students and young professionals.

1. Glockenbachviertel is a lively neighborhood in the heart of Munich. The area has excellent public transportation and proximity to several universities. It's ideal for students moving to the city for the first time and wanting to meet new people.
2. Berg-Am Laim is one of Munich's outer and safer neighborhoods, perfect for families with young children.
3. Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, with its tranquil vibe and upscale apartment buildings and houses, this neighborhood is ideal for families with children.
4. Altstadt-Lehel is Munich's Old town. This is a safe and central neighborhood with various accommodation options, amenities, and public transport connections.
5. Au-Haidhausen is a suburban and trendy neighborhood ideal for young professionals.

Check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Munich to learn more about these and other similar areas in the Bavarian capital.

Munich's MVV network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses) is safe, well-monitored, and runs reliably late into the night. It's one of the better public transport networks in Germany.

For students and young professionals, the MVV network is often more reliable than having a car. The U-Bahn is usually punctual, while the S-Bahn has a reputation for delays on suburban routes. If you're commuting from Berg am Laim, Hasenbergl, or Neuperlach, lean on U-Bahn connections over S-Bahn wherever possible.

A standard monthly transit pass costs €71.40, and the national Deutschlandticket covers all regional public transport across Germany for €63 per month.

However, pickpocketing on public transport is Munich's most common crime, especially during peak hours. Always stay aware and keep an eye on your belongings.

If you've ever feel unsafe, here're the emergency contacts for Munich:

• Police: 110
• Fire and ambulance: 112
• Non-emergency police (Munich): 089 2910

With over 130,000 students competing, it's easy to find housing that is too good to be true out there. We always advise you to be careful of housing that is well below Munich price markets. Rooms in Munich are typically cost around €808, studios €1,498, and apartments €1,815.

The rules of thumb: never transfer a deposit before signing a lease and verifying landlord identity. Never agree to a "booking" outside a secure, trustworthy platform. Be skeptical of any listing priced more than 30% below comparable housing in the same neighborhood.

Moving to a new city or country comes with enough unknowns and complexity, but finding a place to live shouldn't be one of them. Rather than piecing things together through classifieds, Facebook groups, or word of mouth, you can handle the whole process in one place: searching, comparing, booking, and paying securely in one safe platform like Housinganywhere.

If you're moving from abroad, you can lock in housing before arrival, with detailed listings and verified landlord profiles to help you feel confident before you sign anything. And if you don't have local references, a guarantor, or the ability to visit in person, that won't be a dealbreaker through HousingAnywhere.

Now that you're more informed about what to do, you're ready to search for Munich's houses for rent and find your next home. Good luck!

Is Munich safe at night?

Yes, Munich is safe at night. Most neighborhoods are well-lit, the U-Bahn runs until around 1am on weekdays, throughout Friday and Saturday nights, and violent crime is rare. The main exception is the area south of Hauptbahnhof, which is livelier and noisier after dark due to the Red Light District and drug activity near the Alter Botanischer Garten. It's not dangerous, but it's not the most comfortable place to walk alone late at night.

Is Munich safe for solo female travelers and renters?

Yes. Munich is consistently ranked among the safest European cities for women traveling or living alone. Most neighborhoods are safe to walk in after dark, and the extensive public transport network means you're rarely far from a lit station or bus stop. Glockenbachviertel is especially welcoming, with a strong LGBTQ+ community and an inclusive local culture, making it one of the friendliest place for women arriving solo.

Is Munich safe for students living alone?

Yes. Munich's student neighborhoods, including Maxvorstadt, Glockenbachviertel, Au-Haidhausen, and Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, are all very safe. However, Bicycle theft is common, so always lock your bike. Another one is to research your neighborhood and be careful of rental scams when looking for housing. Use a trusted platform so you're sure that you get the place you want once you arrive.

What are the most common scams in Munich?

3 common scams in Munich: fake MVV transport tickets sold near tourist sites, "petition" distraction scams near Marienplatz, and rental scams targeting incoming students who can't attend in-person viewings. The rental scam is the most financially damaging. It typically involves a below-market listing, a landlord who can't show the property online/offline, and a request to transfer a deposit before any contract is signed or identity verified. Never send money before signing a lease.

Is there a red light district in Munich?

Yes. The area south of Hauptbahnhof, known as the Bahnhofsviertel and nicknamed "Silicon Valley" by locals, is Munich's Red Light District. It features adult entertainment venues, sex workers, and visible drug activity around the Alter Botanischer Garten after dark. It's smaller and safer than comparable neighborhoods in other European cities, but if you're considering renting nearby, always be careful, especially when you're walking at night.

Is it okay to speak English in Munich?

Yes, absolutely. Munich has a large international and student population, and English is widely spoken, especially among younger people, in hospitality, and in university. In traditional Bavarian settings like older bakeries or local pubs, knowing a few German phrases helps a lot. You won't struggle to get by in English in your daily life, but a bit of effort with German is always appreciated.

How does Munich compare to other German cities for safety?

Munich is the safest city in Germany and 13th safest large cities in Europe. Berlin has a notably higher crime index and more troubled neighborhoods. Frankfurt's central station area is considered rougher than in Munich. Hamburg's Reeperbahn Red Light District has a higher rate of violent crime than Munich does. By any meaningful metric, Munich is among the top-performing large German cities in terms of safety.