The capital of Bavaria and home to Oktoberfest, Christkindlmarkt and Helles – München.
Hotels
Deutsche Eiche
Reichenbachstraße 13, 80469 München
http://www.deutsche-eiche.com/
Really nice hotel with a rooftop bar, restaurant and a basement entertainment complex.
Bars
NiL
Hans-Sachs-Straße 2, 80469 München
Friendly LGBT cafe bar. With an outside terrace and friendly staff and a younger crowd.
Kraftwerk
Thalkirchner Str. 4, 80337 München
Gay-friendly café, bistro & bar serving brunch, coffee & cocktails.
Edelheiss
Pestalozzistraße 6, 80469 München
Traditional bar with an older crowd.
Prosecco
Theklastraße 1, 80469 München
Small bar with a big crowd. Expect it to be busy and crowded but fast bar service and friendly customers.
CAMP
Reisingerstraße 15, 80337 Munich
Cruise bar. Men only.
Hofbräuhaus
Platzl 9, 80331 München, Germany
A tiny bit of Oktoberfest any time of year in this 3-floor beer hall dating back to the 16th century, with a Bavarian restaurant, shows & beer drinking vibe.
Culture
Marienplatz
Begin your Munich tour in the city’s vibrant center at Marienplatz, also known as the Square of Our Lady. This bustling square is home to the striking neo-gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), one of Munich’s top photo opportunities. Be sure to visit at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m. when the enormous Glockenspiel comes to life. As the largest carillon in Germany, it draws a crowd, and the lively atmosphere during these times is not to be missed.
The Residenz
Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München
The Münchner Residenz served as the seat of Bavarian kings, prince-electors, and dukes for nearly 400 years. Spanning from the Renaissance to Neoclassicism, this grand palace showcases a variety of architectural styles across its 130 staterooms, which you can explore on an extended tour. Among the most popular highlights are the stunning Antiquarium and the Ancestor Gallery.
Alte Pinakothek
Barer Str. 27, 80333 München, Germany
Did you know that Munich is one of the world’s leading art capitals? The city boasts nearly 100 museums in and around Bavaria’s capital. While not all of them are globally famous, a visit to the Alte Pinakothek in Munich’s art quarter, the Kunstareal, is a must. As the city’s oldest museum, it houses an exceptional collection of German, Italian, and Flemish Old Masters.
BWM World/Museum
Am Olympiapark 2, 80809 München
Munich is renowned not only for its beer, fairy tale castles, and traditional leather trousers but also for being home to BMW’s headquarters in the northern part of the city. While you can’t tour the iconic cylindrical BMW towers as a visitor, you can explore BMW Welt and the adjacent museum, both located nearby.
BMW Welt is an architectural marvel and one of the few free attractions in Munich. Essentially a vast car showroom, it showcases current models, futuristic innovations, and racing cars, making it a must-visit for car enthusiasts. The museum next door, while not free, is equally impressive, offering a comprehensive journey through the history of Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW).
For those looking to indulge, the third floor of BMW Welt houses a 3-star Michelin restaurant called Esszimmer (see food). Note that the museum is closed on Mondays, while the showrooms are open all week, closing at noon on Sundays. Additionally, the nearby Olympic Park (see below) is worth a visit.
Nymphenburg Palace
Schloß Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München
A 200-hectare palace estate with rococo interiors, coach display & symmetrical baroque gardens. Can be visited as part of a bus tour easily.
The English Garden
Looking for a picturesque retreat in the heart of the city? Head to the Englische Garten, located just behind the Munich Residenz Palace. This expansive park is a favorite spot for locals, especially during the summer, so expect it to be bustling on weekends. It’s a popular place for walking, jogging, and playing sports.
In the center of the park, you’ll find the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm), a charming wooden pagoda surrounded by a lively beer garden. Here, you can savor a traditional stein of beer and some authentic local cuisine. On weekends, the atmosphere is enhanced by live music, typically from a Bavarian brass band. If you’re in the mood for a quieter spot, stroll to the artificial lake Kleinhesselohe, where another beer garden awaits. You can even rent a pedal boat for a romantic outing on the water or book a horse-drawn carriage ride for an extra touch of romance during your visit to Munich.
The Englischer Garten stretches for several kilometers. While you don’t need to explore it all, be sure not to limit yourself to the small Hofgarten behind the palace. Try to visit the Monopteros temple, which offers a particularly scenic viewpoint. Also stunning in the snow!
Olympiapark München
Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 München
Olympiapark München, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, is a sprawling recreational area that has become one of Munich’s most iconic landmarks. The park features a unique mix of modernist architecture and natural landscapes, with its futuristic tent-like stadium roofs and serene lake. It’s a hub of activity throughout the year, offering everything from sporting events and concerts to festivals and open-air cinema. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Olympic Stadium, enjoy panoramic views from the Olympic Tower, or explore the Sea Life aquarium. The park’s vast green spaces and picturesque walking trails also make it a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax, exercise, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic site.
Food
Cotidiano Gärtnerplatz
Gärtnerpl. 6, 80469 München
https://www.cotidiano.de/speisekarte
Nice breakfast and brunch spot and close to the Eiche if you are not having breakfast there.
Faun
Hans-Sachs-Straße 17, 80469 München
https://www.faun-muenchen.de/
Nice lunch spot.
EssZimmer by Käfer (BMW Welt)
Am Olympiapark 1, 80809 München, Germany
https://www.feinkost-kaefer.de/pages/esszimmer-muenchen
Yes a 2 star restaurant in a museum. What could be better? Reservations required well in advance. Pricey but nice.
Shopping
SpeXter
Müllerstraße 54, 80469 München
http://www.spexter.com/
All your fetish and pride needs under one roof.
See Also
Amsterdam | Barcelona | Gran Canaria | Lisbon | Munich | Paris | Porto | Randstad | Sitges
Welcome to the vibrant city of Munich, Germany, where the beer flows freely and the LGBTQIA+ community flourishes! If you’re a queer traveller, Munich offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with numerous sights to explore, delicious food to savour, and exciting events to enjoy. This LGBT friendly travel guide will give you an insight into the city’s top eateries, attractions, and accommodations. We’ve only been a few times so I’m sure there is plenty more to see and you can also check out the google maps list too. While Munich is renowned for its hearty Bavarian cuisine, you’ll also find a great selection of international dining options if hearty and meat heavy isn’t for you. (MUC, EDDM)