Nightlife & After Dark

Best things to do in Munich at night

Written by Andressa Hoese (Munich)

9 Mar 2022

Edited by Holly Jenson

When people think of Munich, it’s usually history, beer, and food that springs to mind. What you might not know is that our city has a diverse nightlife that everyone needs to experience! With so many bars, nightclubs, beer houses, and landmarks, there are always plenty of things to do in Munich at night. I have noted all my favorite places that my three years in the city have shown me into the best Munich nightlife guide so you can see the best side of the place I call home.

Nymphenburg Palace

A great way to kick-start your trip in this beautiful city is with a Munich nightlife experience. Nymphenburg Palace is bound to be one of the key landmarks on your Munich attractions map and is a great place to start. Built in 1675, the palace was the summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria and features stunning architecture and historic pieces to be explored.

Although you should also make sure to see this place in the day, the time Nymphenburg Palace comes alive is when the sun goes down. Lit from corner to corner, the rows of archways have become a true spectacle as the light reflects in the lake in front of the palace. Enjoying this view is a great way to do some Munich sightseeing at night and provides a relaxed alternative to the busy city.

Munich Distillers Bar

With everything that you’ve heard about beer in Munich, I bet you didn’t know that Munich Distillers Bar is at the center of our nightlife. Offering a variety of Gin, Vodka, and German rum, all of their spirits are distilled in-house; it’s the best local experience you can have!

There is always a large crowd of happy locals enjoying themselves in and around this bar, and you won’t be able to resist having a peek through the glowing arches. This place has a quirky feel, with the inside full of lots of cozy corners lit with candles and funky lighting fixtures.

The Distillers Bar is known for its list of quirky cocktails made with its own spirits. It is one of the best bars in Munich and a great alternative to the beer and Bavarian food you’ll be consuming during your visit.

Hofbrauhaus

A key part of Munich nightlife is starting with a few drinks in one of our famous beer halls. There is a reason why everyone Hofbräuhaus. The oldest beer hall in Munich, this place is filled with history and is always home to crowds of people having a great time. Constructed almost 500 years ago, this building has some amazing architecture.

As you take a seat, spend some time studying the ornate ceilings for an experience of Munich’s culture. The band on the first floor play traditional folk music to transport you to old Bavaria and keep the atmosphere fun and upbeat. This is a great place to enjoy our Bavarian delicacies before continuing your Munich night tour!

Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental offers an alternative option to the usual Munich nightlife and is a must-see while in our diverse city. This bar is well known across the globe for its Asian-inspired cocktails and décor. There is a huge variety of Bavarian and international delicacies on their food menu, all created with local ingredients, which showcase our multicultural city.

In the winter, the lounge is cozy and inviting with a relaxed atmosphere, and in the summer, they open up the terrace where you can sit in the sun and enjoy an al fresco dining experience. Whenever you decide to go, this is the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon or evening with friends, and it is one of the best bars in Munich.

Glockenbachviertel

One of the best free things to do in Munich at night is to explore the fun-filled streets of Glockenbachviertel. This area is famed for its nightlife and alternative culture and is a vital stop on your Munich night tour!

Legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury made Munich his home in the 1980s, and Glockenbachviertel was soon home to the wildest parties the city had ever seen.

Mercury celebrated in some of the most famous bars in the district; Deutsche Eiche, Frisco (now Padres), and Old Mrs. Henderson (now Paradiso Tanzbar). Today the quarter celebrates individuality and is still the number one place for a memorable night in Munich; Glockenbachviertel will rock you!

Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File

Jahreszeiten Bar

Jahreszeiten Bar is another one of the best bars in Munich for a classy and sophisticated evening. World-class cocktails are served along with a selection of light bites.

The pastries and cakes here are made by the hotel’s specialist patissier and always have an amazing standard. The dessert display case is one of the most eye-catching parts of the lobby, always filled with elaborately decorated petit gateaux and tarts.

All of the desserts here are created with a modern twist and are always delicious. The ceiling features a huge stained glass window that allows light to cascade into the center; it’s a true masterpiece. Come to the Jahreszeiten Bar for a taste of the high life Munich has to offer.

Backstage Club

Backstage is one of the best mixes of Munich nightlife. Every week a huge variety of artists will host concerts at the venue; it’s one of the best places to see live music in the city!

Their beer garden ensures you can enjoy some of our Bavarian delicacies while you wait for the show to start; it’s the perfect way to get in the party spirit! Backstage also run several ‘regular parties’ where they’ll play a different genre each night.

From rock to garage, electro, and pop, there’s something for everyone here! They always have incredible light shows to accompany the music, and everyone has a great time; it’s like you’re all celebrating together. No matter what music you’re into, come to Backstage for the amazing atmosphere.

Photo credit: asterisk.brdk.de/2018/10/augustiner-kelle

Augustiner Keller

Augustiner-Keller at Arnulfstrasse is the best beer keller in Munich and a must-see if you only have a short time in our city. The long tunnel glows in the candlelight, and the kegs and traditional benches give this place an authentic feel.

This place also encompasses a huge part of Munich's nightlife, with an assortment of Bavarian beers on tap. Augustiner-Keller also has a varied restaurant menu including, a lot of the local must-try specialties.

They brew their beer here, and you can drink it straight from the keg. The beer is refreshing and one of my personal favorites. The food is delicious, and there is always a chilled-out vibe; this is by far one of the best things to do in Munich.

Schumann’s Bar

Schumann’s Bar is another place in Munich that is great for all occasions. Famed for their variety of traditional and unique cocktails, the bar staff are passionate about what they do. They serve delicious food here; with their American-Italian style, you can try anything from steak to salad, pasta, and risotto.

Everything is simple, laid-back, and it’s perfect as a cozy place after a busy day spent sightseeing in the center. Open from 8am to 3am on weekdays, this is also a great place to bring your family in the early evening; there’s always a relaxed atmosphere. Situated near the beautiful Hofgarten park, Schumann’s is perfectly located for you to continue your Munich night tour around the city.