Discover Munich's most beautiful beer gardens

Munich without beer gardens? Unthinkable! When the first rays of sunshine bring the chestnut trees to life and the warm days invite you to sit outside, there is nothing better than enjoying Bavarian cosiness with a cool beer and a hearty snack. Beer gardens in Munich are much more than just places to drink – they are a way of life, a tradition and a social meeting place all at once. Here you can sit under centuries-old chestnut trees, listen to the cheerful babble of voices, and experience authentic Munich culture up close. Whether you're exploring the city as a tourist or looking for new favorite places as a local, Munich's most beautiful beer gardens can be perfectly combined with a hop-on hop-off city tour. Not only will you discover the most important sights of the Bavarian capital, but you can also hop off spontaneously at the most picturesque beer gardens and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Join us on a journey to the coziest spots under Munich's chestnut trees! 

The 10 most beautiful beer gardens in Munich 

We'll tell you which beer gardens in Munich are worth visiting and how best to get there! 

Accessible from the city center 

Beer garden at the Viktualienmarkt 

Right in the middle of things – that's the best way to describe the beer garden at the Viktualienmarkt. What makes it special is that this beer garden does not belong to any particular brewery; instead, the six major Munich breweries take turns every few weeks. Sometimes it's Augustiner, sometimes Hofbräu, sometimes Löwenbräu – a democratic solution that ensures variety. Under the shady chestnut trees in the midst of the lively market setting, you'll encounter a colorful mix of tourists and locals who stop by for a quick beer after work. With around 1,000 seats, it may not be the largest, but it is definitely one of the most atmospheric beer gardens in the city. When hunger strikes, you can choose from Bavarian delicacies and the delicious specialties of the surrounding market stalls. From our hop-on hop-off stop at Marienplatz/Tal, you can reach this most central of all Munich beer gardens in just 3 minutes on foot.  

Hofbräukeller at Wiener Platz 

The Hofbräukeller at Wiener Platz is a real insider tip for anyone who wants to experience authentic Munich off the beaten track. This beer garden in Haidhausen impresses with its perfect size and the many chestnut trees that provide welcome shade even on hot summer days. From our Marienplatz/Tal stop, you can get there in about 15 minutes on foot or with a short tram ride. Until the end of the 1980s, the famous Hofbräu beer was still brewed here – today, the cozy beer garden remains, which is much more relaxed than its famous brother, the Hofbräuhaus. Families especially appreciate the large playground, while in the evening the romantic fairy lights create an atmospheric setting. In rainy weather, you can quickly move into the rustic tavern with its traditional atmosphere and regulars. 

Augustiner-Keller 

Just a 10-minute walk from our hop-on hop-off stop Karlsplatz/Stachus is Munich's oldest beer garden: the Augustiner-Keller. Here you can drink your beer in the traditional way from a wooden barrel – naturally the delicious Augustiner, which comes from Munich's oldest brewery. With over 100 majestic chestnut trees and 5,000 seats, this is a place where tradition and coziness come together perfectly. The Augustiner-Keller has one invaluable advantage: its convenient location. It is just a few steps away from the tram, S-Bahn, and the main train station. If you get too warm even under the shady chestnut trees, simply descend a few steps into the former beer cellar and enjoy your freshly tapped beer in the converted vault – it is pleasantly cool there even in the height of summer. There is a lovely playground for younger guests.  

English Garden – the city's green oasis  

Beer garden at the Chinese Tower  

The beer garden at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden is the second largest in Munich after the Hirschgarten. Here you can experience Munich at its most typical: when the weather is good, there is even live music in the form of a brass band sitting in the 25-meter-high tower, which was built at the end of the 18th century in the style of an Asian pagoda. This beer garden is ideal for showing visitors something authentically Munich. Hofbräu flows freely here, and when the sun is shining, long lines form in front of the bar—a sure sign of this place's popularity. Children can take a spin on the historic carousel while adults watch the hustle and bustle over half a chicken, grilled fish, and pretzels. Once a year, the famous Kocherlball takes place here, where Munich residents meet early in the morning for folk dancing. This beer garden is easily accessible from our hop-on hop-off stop Schwabing/Englischer Garten.  

Seehaus in the English Garden 

The Seehaus on Kleinhesseloher See is the most elegant of Munich's beer gardens and is also easily accessible from the Schwabing/English Garden stop. The most sought-after seats are the tables right on the shore, where you can enjoy the view of the lake with its colorful pedal boats. The Seehaus is known to be a little more expensive, but in return you get sushi served alongside the classic beer garden dishes. Paulaner beer is served here, and from Monday to Thursday there is even a happy hour between 5 and 7 p.m. The walkway along the beer tables on the shore provides entertainment – here you'll find those looking for a table or simply wanting to play the lake-and-be-seen game.  

Aumeister 

At the northern end of the English Garden, accessible from the Schwabing/English Garden stop by bike or a longer walk, lies the Aumeister. All bike paths lead here – at least those that run along the Isar to Hirschau. With 3,300 seats under chestnut trees, the listed hipped-roof house exudes a tranquility that invites you to relax. In the past, participants in royal court hunts used to gather here; today, it is mainly cyclists and city hikers who round off their tour of the Isar floodplains here. In the self-service area, you can choose between classic snacks and Bavarian-Mediterranean dishes, some of which are even prepared à la minute. In a separate hut at the edge of the forest, you can enjoy delicious charcoal-grilled fish on a stick. Hofbräu Hell beer is served here, and only the occasional traffic on the Föhringer Ring disturbs the idyllic atmosphere. 

Hidden gems  

Zum Flaucher beer garden  

Hidden away in the green Isarauen park lies one of Munich's most romantic beer gardens: Zum Flaucher. This beer garden can only be reached on foot or by bike – and that's exactly what makes it such a gem. The sound you hear comes from the Isar rather than the street. With 1,300 seats in this former Wittelsbach hunting lodge, you'll always find a free spot. Families appreciate the large playground and the backrests on the beer benches, which make sitting for longer periods more comfortable. The Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick) tastes particularly delicious here, and in addition to the classics, there are also vegetarian dishes. Löwenbräu and Franziskaner beers are served. When the benches empty in the evening and the fresh night air sets in, you might even see a stray hedgehog scurrying around under the tables.  

Taxisgarten  

The cozy Taxisgarten is located in the quiet neighborhood of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, about a 15-minute walk from the hop-on hop-off stop at Nymphenburg Palace. All visitors are happy here – whether they come for the legendary spare ribs, the tasty Hofbräu beer, the relaxed atmosphere, or the large children's playground. In summer, this beer garden under the old chestnut trees becomes a living room for neighbors and all other visitors. After a stroll through the palace gardens, treat yourself to a relaxing Radler and take a break from everyday life. In addition to Bavarian classics, the menu also features avocado salad and a range of vegetarian dishes – a sign that the beer garden tradition is also evolving.  

Modern interpretations  

Max Emanuel Brewery  

Within walking distance of the hop-on hop-off stop Kunstareal, the Max Emanuel Brewery offers a successful blend of tradition and modernity. Since 2022, Daniel, Oscar, and Konstantin have given the traditional tavern, which has been brewing in Maxvorstadt (link to the Maxvorstadt blog post) since 1880, a fresh new look. The stylishly renovated bar shines in a friendly yellow, while both classic and modern cuisine is served outside. In addition to a super crispy pork knuckle, you can also order a vegan Zurich forest mushroom stir-fry, an Obatzda burger in a pretzel brioche bun, or the particularly popular Ripperl burger. This modern interpretation of Bavarian beer garden culture shows that tradition and innovation can harmonize perfectly. Vegan guests also get their money's worth here. 

Königlicher Hirschgarten  

The largest beer garden in Bavaria, with an impressive 8,000 seats, is the Königlicher Hirschgarten, which has been a popular destination for Munich residents since 1791. You're guaranteed to find a free spot here, even if you arrive with your entire group of friends. Under the shade of chestnut trees, you can enjoy your delicious Augustiner beer on tap to the fullest. A special feature of the Hirschgarten: you can mix your own Radler! Visitors tap the lemonade, the bartender fills the mug with beer, and, in keeping with tradition, guests wash their own mugs. The self-service area offers spare ribs, grilled chicken, grilled fish, and oven-fresh pretzels. After visiting the beer garden, be sure to check out the neighboring fallow deer enclosure to see the real deer!  

Hop-on-hop-off: Your ticket to Munich's most beautiful beer gardens  

A hop-on hop-off city tour is the perfect way to combine sightseeing and beer garden hopping. Not only will you discover Munich's most important sights, but you can also hop off spontaneously at the most beautiful beer gardens and enjoy Bavarian hospitality. 

The most important connections: 

• Marienplatz/Tal stop → Viktualienmarkt (3 min), Hofbräukeller (15 min)  
• Karlsplatz/Stachus stop → Augustiner-Keller (10 min)  
• Schwabing/Englischer Garten stop → Chinese Tower, Seehaus, Aumeister  
• Nymphenburg Palace stop → Taxisgarten (15 min)  
• Kunstareal stop → Max Emanuel Brewery (within walking distance)  

The flexible itinerary allows you to visit cultural highlights such as the Residenz am Odeonsplatz or the Kunstareal in the morning and relax in one of the nearby beer gardens in the afternoon. Particularly convenient: you can change your route spontaneously and choose the perfect beer garden for the day depending on the weather and your mood.  

Insider tips for the perfect beer garden visit 

Opening hours and regulations: What you should know 

Most Munich beer gardens are open from March to October, although the exact opening hours are highly dependent on the weather. When the weather is nice, many open at 11 a.m., some even as early as 10 a.m. Closing time in Bavaria is traditionally around 10 or 11 p.m., but in more central locations it is sometimes as late as midnight. One thing to keep in mind: when it rains or it's too cold, a lot of beer gardens close—after all, sitting outside under chestnut trees is the heart of beer garden culture. So, it's worth checking beforehand to see if your favorite beer garden is open. The season usually starts when the first warm sunny days arrive and ends with the first frosty nights in October.  

Traditional beer garden rules: When is it permitted to bring your own food and drink? 

One of the most delightful traditions of Bavarian beer garden culture is that you are permitted to bring your own snacks! This rule dates back to the original function of beer gardens, when breweries only sold beer and guests brought their own food. This is still allowed today – but only in the self-service areas. The perfect snack typically includes liver sausage, smoked trout, Obatzda (a spicy Camembert spread), radishes, pretzels, and, of course, the obligatory knife for cutting. Important: You are not allowed to bring your own drinks – you have to buy them directly at the beer garden. This way, you support the landlord and keep the tradition alive. In the service areas, where you are served at your table, you have to order your food on site. 

Beer guide: Which beers should you try in Munich? 

In Munich, there's no getting around Augustiner – many locals swear by “Gustl,” which is considered the best beer in town. The Augustiner brewery is the oldest in Munich and still brews using traditional methods. Hofbräu, world-famous thanks to the Hofbräuhaus, is also a classic, as are Löwenbräu, Franziskaner, and Paulaner. Each beer garden usually has a specific brewery affiliation – one exception is the Viktualienmarkt, where the six major Munich breweries take turns. An insider tip: Augustiner at the Hirschgarten or Augustiner-Keller often tastes particularly fresh because turnover is high and the beer comes directly from wooden barrels. Incidentally, a “Maß” (1 liter) is the standard size – if you want less, order a “Halbe” (0.5 liters).  

Prices: How much does a beer cost in Munich's beer gardens?  

A Maß of beer currently costs between 8 and 12 euros in Munich's beer gardens, with prices varying depending on location and exclusivity. The Viktualienmarkt and other central beer gardens are usually in the upper price range, while beer gardens in the suburbs are often cheaper. The Seehaus is known for its higher prices, but also offers happy hours on weekdays. A snack costs around €6–15, depending on whether you order just Obatzda with pretzels or a large Brettljause with various types of sausage and cheese. Vegetarian dishes usually cost between €8–14. A money-saving tip: bring your own snack – it's not only cheaper, but also authentically Bavarian! Many beer gardens also have family prices or offer smaller portions for children.  

Conclusion: Experience Munich's beer gardens – relax with hop-on hop-off  

Munich's most beautiful beer gardens are much more than just places to drink beer – they are lively cultural centers where tradition and modernity, locals and visitors, young and old meet. From the urban atmosphere at the Viktualienmarkt to the green idyll of the English Garden to hidden gems along the Isar River – each beer garden has its own character and special charms. With a hop-on hop-off city tour, you can discover this diversity in a particularly comfortable and flexible way. You can combine sightseeing with authentic beer garden experiences and decide spontaneously where you want to linger longer. Whether it's a cool Augustiner beer under old chestnut trees or a modern craft beer experience – Munich's beer garden culture has a lot to offer. Pack your sunglasses, bring a good dose of Bavarian cheerfulness, and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of Munich's beer gardens. Cheers, and have fun exploring!