In Munich and Bavaria beer is an important part of life. Housing some of the country’s best beers and breweries, the city is also understandably home to some of the best beer halls and gardens. Visitors can treat themselves to a hearty German feast and beer in a famous beer hall or soak up the sunshine with a Maß, or litre-mug of beer, in one of the city’s picturesque beer gardens. With plenty of great brews and authentic vibes on offer, we’ve uncovered the best beer halls and gardens in Munich.
A large beer hall and restaurant, Augustiner-Bräustuben is one of those off-the-beaten-track places that’s really worth the detour. Full Bavarian charm, this beer hall has a warming interior, with high, amber ceilings and a stylish bar, adorned with copper and dark wood. Best of all is its jovial atmosphere, and the air is often bustling with loud German conversations, the hoppy smell of locally-brewed Augustiner, and, if you’re lucky, an eruption of traditional singing.
Home to another locally brewed beer, Löwenbräu, the Löwenbräukeller is a beloved beer hall, restaurant and beer garden. Known for its regular Bavarian music and traditional dances and events, it’s a popular watering hole and restaurant in Munich. The large building also includes roof terraces, ideal for overlooking the nearby, lively beer garden, which is popular during the warmer months.
Located in the park that bears the same name, Hirschgarten beer garden and restaurant is where the locals and in-the-known visitors flock to during warmer months. With an impressive 8000 seats, it’s the largest beer garden in Bavaria and surrounded by greenery and lush lawns. Offering a menu of international and Bavarian treats, as well as huge, cold beers and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great spot to enjoy traditional treats.
Augustiner Keller is a central, popular beer hall, complete with a large, traditional interior and a lively garden. The restaurant-pub boasts an impressive wooden ceiling, finely polished tables, hand-crafted timber chairs and a large stage area adorned with rows of curious hunting trophies. The menu features fantastic baked pretzels, perfectly roasted ribs, and high-quality, local Augustiner brews.
Steeped in roughly five centuries of history, Hofbräuhaus is unquestionably one of the most well-known beer halls in Munich. It all started when Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria, decided to build his own brewery in 1589. Today, the place is an impressive combination of breathtaking interiors, vaulted ceilings and a rustic, timber charm. Offering classic Bavarian food, huge Maß of beer, and a rowdy, authentic energy, it’s a must-try when in Munich.
If you’re craving craft beer when in Munich, Tap House is the place to head. Boasting over 200 varieties of craft brews, including local names like Camba Bavaria, their philosophy is great, unique beer. Housed in a basement-style bar, it’s a modern take on the traditional beer halls and breweries of Munich and offers something a little different.
Located in Kapuzinerplatz, Paulaner Brauhaus, is the brewery and beer garden restaurant that combines a traditional German brew house atmosphere with a dash of classy Bavarian modernism. Housed in a reconstructed building dating back to 1892, the interior is complete with vaulted ceilings, arched windows and colossal pillars. The beer garden offers plenty of picnic-style tables and chairs, perfect for enjoying a beer or two in the sun. This locally brewed beer has been made in Munich since 1989, a relative newcomer, but it still remains one of the most widely consumed in the city.
Located in the lush, sprawling English Gardens, Chinesischer Turm is the beer garden and restaurant at the Chinese Tower. Visitors can tuck into freshly made, tasty Chinese food and refreshing beers in the sunshine, while enjoying the animated atmosphere at one of Europe’s most monumental parks. Head to this popular beer garden to soak up the picturesque surroundings and enjoy the unique view.
Located in the culinary centre of Munich, Biergarten Viktualienmarkt, is one of the most central beer gardens in the city. Nestled between market stalls from the surrounding produce market, this bustling beer garden invites guests to enjoy a range of Munich beers and Bavarian treats.
Braunauer Hof is a classic Bavarian-style restaurant, with a pleasant beer garden, serving up perfectly poured beers and traditional Bavarian feats. The charming garden is complete with a mini hedge maze and 250 seats sheltered by chestnut and cherry blossom trees, while the restaurant offers a cosy, authentic vibe. A beloved local haunt, it’s well worth a visit when in Munich.
