Nightlife · Munich · Germany
Munich nightlife
Where the evenings happen in Munich, from early drinks to late nights.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 2015 Michael 2015, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Munich nightlife ranges from beer halls and beer gardens to cocktail bars and clubs. Evenings start early in beer gardens, which close relatively early, before people move on to bars in the Glockenbachviertel, Maxvorstadt or the Werksviertel. The main areas are Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatz, Maxvorstadt, Werksviertel and Altstadt beer halls.
Key facts
- Nightlife areas
- 4
- Stay near the action
- Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatz
- Local drink
- Munich beer
Where to go out
Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatz
Cocktail bars, wine bars and the centre of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Maxvorstadt
Student bars and pubs around Amalienstraße and Türkenstraße near the university.
Werksviertel
A former factory district near Ostbahnhof with clubs, event venues and a large Ferris wheel.
Altstadt beer halls
The Hofbräuhaus, Augustiner Stammhaus and other historic halls for long evenings of beer and brass bands.
Nightlife tips
- Beer gardens in residential areas usually close around 11pm; bars and clubs keep going later.
- Many clubs have strict door policies; dress smart-casual.
- U-Bahn and night buses run late at weekends, so getting home is easy.
Evening sights
Historic site · Altstadt
Hofbräuhaus
Look for the regulars' tables (Stammtisch) marked with signs; don't sit there unless invited.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Food
- After dark
- History
Architecture · Fröttmaning
Allianz Arena
Book a tour on a non-match day, or watch the arena light up from the U6 station after dark.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Architecture
- Kids
- After dark
What to drink
- Munich beer — Munich's six big breweries — Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten — brew pale Helles lager and cloudy wheat beer (Weißbier). A Radler mixes beer with lemonade.
Evenings through the year
Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. July has the warmest evenings, with lows around 14°C (57°F).
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Overnight low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 16:47 | -3°C (27°F) | 10 |
| April | About 20:03 | 4°C (39°F) | 10 |
| July | About 21:10 | 14°C (57°F) | 13 |
| October | About 18:25 | 6°C (43°F) | 9 |
Getting home late
- Metro — Validate paper tickets in the blue stamping machines before boarding; inspectors fine passengers without valid tickets.
- Tram — Trams are useful for Nymphenburg (tram 17), Haidhausen and the Isar bridges, and give a scenic view of the city.
- Walking — The Altstadt sights from Karlsplatz to the Hofbräuhaus and Odeonsplatz are within 15 minutes' walk of each other.
- Taxi — Cream-coloured taxis are metered and reliable but expensive, especially to and from the airport.
Late-night bites
- Obatzda — Every beer garden and beer hall.
- Leberkäse roll — Butchers' shops and snack counters across the city.
- Grilled fish on a stick — Larger beer gardens such as the Chinesischer Turm and Hirschgarten, and festival stalls.
Staying safe at night
Munich is generally safe and orderly. Pickpockets operate in crowds at Marienplatz, the Hauptbahnhof and Oktoberfest, and festival crowds can become very dense late in the day. In winter, watch for icy pavements.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
Where to stay for nightlife
$$$ · Best for nightlife, food lovers, couples and shopping
Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatz
South of the Viktualienmarkt, the Glockenbachviertel and the roundabout of Gärtnerplatz are Munich's most fashionable going-out area, with independent boutiques, brunch cafés, cocktail bars and the Gärtnerplatztheater. The Isar riverbanks, where locals sunbathe and grill in summer, are a short walk away.
- Good
- Best bar and restaurant density; Walk to the Altstadt; Lively but relaxed atmosphere
- Watch out
- Few large hotels; Weekend noise around Gärtnerplatz
- Nearby
- Gärtnerplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Isar riverbanks, Deutsches Museum
Questions travellers ask
+Where is the best nightlife in Munich?
Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatz, Maxvorstadt and Werksviertel. Cocktail bars, wine bars and the centre of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife.
+Which area of Munich is best for nightlife?
Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatz: Stylish streets of cafés, cocktail bars and the city's LGBTQ+ scene by the Isar.