Beer Halls in Munich: Legendary Spots and Traditional Hospitality

Munich is a place where the beer flows and the city-centre atmosphere hums with excitement. From the iconic Hofbräuhaus bierkeller to hidden local gems like the Weisses (Schneider) Bräuhaus, the beer halls in Munich provide a unique glimpse into Bavarian culture and history. Discover how the beer halls evolved, explore the city's most famous establishments and learn more about the lesser-known spots that deliver an equally memorable experience. The huge variety of beers, exceptional traditional cuisine and popular seasonal visits like the world-famous Munich Oktoberfest welcome you with open arms. As you enjoy all that Munich's beer halls have to offer, remember to plan your return to your hotel ahead of time so that you'll stay safe while having fun.

Munich's beer halls date back to the 16th century when brewing was regulated by the city's authorities. The Reinheitsgebot, or Beer Purity Law of 1516, dictated that beer could only be made using barley, hops and water, which helped ensure that Bavarian beer was of the highest quality.

In the early days, beer was brewed and stored in cool cellars beneath shaded gardens, the latter of which became social hubs where the locals met to enjoy freshly brewed beer. These beer gardens evolved into the bustling beer halls we know today, places where friends, families and travellers come to enjoy a stein of beer and hearty Bavarian food. For the last 500 years, they have played a central role in Munich's social, political and cultural life.

Many of Munich's beer halls survived the Second World War and subsequent drive for modernisation, preserving their traditions while welcoming a new generation of beer enthusiasts. Today, these beer halls are enjoyed by the locals as well as tourists looking for the authentic Bavarian experience.

Munich is home to some of the most famous beer halls in the world, each with its own unique character and history. Here's a shortlist of the best alehouses in the city that every beer lover should visit.

Arguably the city's most iconic beer hall, Hofbräuhaus has been a symbol of Bavarian beer culture since 1589. Originally established as Munich's brewery for the royal family, it soon became a public venue serving possibly the best German beer, Hofbräu. The hall’s grandiose interior with its vaulted ceilings, long wooden tables and historical murals make it a must for any visitor to Munich. Oompah bands fill the air with traditional Bavarian music and create a lively atmosphere that perfectly complements the litre steins of Hofbräu Original or Dunkel (dark beer). The Hofbräuhaus also offers a full menu of traditional Bavarian dishes, including the obligatory pretzels, sausages and roasted pork knuckles. While its fame tends to draw in the tourists for a Munich beer hall tour, Hofbräuhaus remains at the heart of the city’s beer traditions.

• Hofbräuhaus München, Platzl 9, 80331 München
  
• Opening hours: 11am until midnight seven days a week; the kitchen closes at 10pm
• An adult ticket (€28) gets you a 90-minute guided tour of the Hofbräuhaus on a Friday morning at 11:15am plus a litre of beer or a non-alcoholic drink
• What to expect: a vibrant atmosphere with exquisite food, from high-quality roast pork and smoked meats to traditional sausages and dumplings, all washed down with world-famous Hofbräu Original beer

If Hofbräuhaus represents the grandeur of Munich’s beer halls, Augustiner-Keller embodies the charm and authenticity that locals cherish. First listed on the city map in 1812, it is the oldest brewery-owned beer hall in Munich, and many consider Augustiner to be the best beer in Bavaria. The hall is known for its rustic interior and extensive beer garden (biergarten), which is shaded by chestnut trees. Augustiner-Keller serves Augustiner Edelstoff, a crisp golden lager, alongside traditional Bavarian cuisine. Unlike Hofbräuhaus, this popular beer hall attracts more locals than tourists so it has a relaxing and authentic atmosphere. The hall becomes particularly lively on summer evenings when locals gather to enjoy fresh beer under the stars.

The Löwenbräukeller near the Stiglmaierplatz dates back to the 19th century. Known for its lion logo and rich beer, the Löwenbräukeller has a delightful festive ambiance and a wide range of beers, including classic Löwenbräu Original and seasonal specialties like Löwenbräu Oktoberfestbier, which is brewed specifically for the Oktoberfest. Perfect for a lively night out, the beer hall has plenty of indoor seating with a traditional Bavarian vibe as well as a large outdoor beer garden. With its city-centre location and mix of Bavarian and international dishes on the menu, it’s a great stop for tourists.

While the famous beer halls may hog the headlines and trap the tourists, Munich is home to a number of more intimate establishments that deliver unique experiences.

Known as the Weisses Bräuhaus locally, the Schneider Bräuhaus near the Viktualienmarkt is the go-to beer hall for lovers of Munich weissbier (wheat beer). This cosy beer hall has been serving locals since the early 19th century and is famous for its top-fermented wheat beer, Schneider Weisse. With a more relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, Schneider Bräuhaus feels like your favourite local pub and the helpful staff are always on hand to serve you weissbier-paired dishes like weisswurst (white sausage) and the ubiquitous pretzels.

• Weisses Bräuhaus, Tal 7, 80331 München
  
• Opening hours: 9am until 11:30pm seven days a week; the kitchen closes at 10pm
• What to expect: distinctive wheat beer and authentic Munich Kronfleisch cuisine – meticulously prepared kidneys, spleen, sweetbreads, liver and lungs

The locals love Wirtshaus in der Au in its quiet spot in the east of the city. Known for its historic charm and homemade beers, this beer hall specialises in traditional Bavarian dumplings (knödel) made from organic local ingredients. Wirtshaus in der Au provides a modern twist on Bavarian dining while still embracing its beer-hall traditions.

For a true hidden gem, Max Emanuel Brauerei is one of the best beer halls in Munich. Popular with Munich's university students, the beer is brewed on site and the atmosphere is famously relaxed, even until the late closing time of 1am. The beer garden is particularly pleasant during the summer when it becomes one of the best places in the city to enjoy craft beer at reasonable prices. Carnivores are well catered for on the Munich beer-hall scene but Max Emanuel Brauerei bucks the trend and also serves vegetarian dishes.

Good to know: There are plenty of city-centre hotels to choose from if you're travelling to Munich for the Oktoberfest or indeed at any other time of year. If you're intending to sample one or two of the local beverages, it's helpful to have accommodation within walking distance of all the major beer halls. The delightful Aparthotel Adagio Munich City is in the heart of the city near the train station and Theresienwiese, the main venue for the Oktoberfest Munich.

No Oktoberfest beer-hall experience is complete without a plate of traditional Bavarian food. The menus are designed to complement the beers in each hall, so you’ll find hearty dishes that taste sublime when washed down with a cold stein of lager. Expect to pay €10 for a snack or €20 for a larger meal.

• Pretzels: perfect for a mid-afternoon snack, pretzels are often served with mustard or Obatzda, a Bavarian cheese spread.
• Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle): a Bavarian specialty, the pork knuckle is slow-roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat tender. It is often served with sauerkraut and dumplings.
• Weisswurst: this white sausage made from veal and pork is traditionally served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
• Sauerbraten: a pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices, sauerbraten is usually served with red cabbage and traditional dumplings.

One of the best things about Munich’s beer halls is the variety of beers they serve. Most halls are associated with specific breweries, and each offers a range of lagers, dark beers and wheat beers that typically cost from €9-€11 for a litre stein (the equivalent of approximately £6/pint).

• Helles (lager): this refreshing pale beer is probably the most popular tipple in the beer halls in Munich. Augustiner Edelstoff is a crisp malty lager that pairs perfectly with Bavarian food.
• Dunkel (dark beer): a richer, maltier beer like Hofbräu Dunkel has flavours of toasted caramel.
• Weissbier (wheat beer): top-fermented beers at the Schneider Weisse have fruity and yeasty notes so they are perfect for warm summer days.
• Oktoberfestbier: brewed especially for the Oktoberfest, this seasonal beer is slightly stronger and with a fuller body than regular lagers.
• Radler: a refreshing mix of beer and lemonade – much like a shandy in the UK – this is often the drink of choice on a hot afternoon or straight after work.

Munich’s beer halls are lively all year round but they enjoy a special significance during Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival. While many of the traditional beer halls erect enormous tents at the Theresienwiese, a 42-hectare open space in the city centre, Hofbräuhaus and many of the others host special events under their own roof. These events include music nights and concerts, while the wider festival is a buzz of parades, tapping the beers and traditional gun salutes.

Insider tip: Most beer halls open at around 10am and usually don't close until midnight or later. Beer gardens often close earlier, however, especially in residential areas. While Hofbräuhaus is known for its international crowd, smaller beer halls like Augustiner-Keller and Weisses Bräuhaus have a more local flavour. All the beer halls in Munich welcome tourists from around the world and many have English menus.

The beer halls in Munich are more than just places to drink and socialise, they are cultural institutions that offer a window into Bavarian life. Whether you’re sipping a stein at the famous Hofbräuhaus or discovering a hidden gem like Wirtshaus in der Au, you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience. For travellers in search of authentic local touches, the Mercure Hotel Munich Altstadt is just a 10-minute walk from the iconic Hofbräuhaus or the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum. 

Rich history, hearty cuisine, beers aplenty and a lively atmosphere, there's something for everyone in Munich. Prost!