Munich’s reputation as one of the beer capitals of the world is well deserved and evidenced in the huge number of brewery and beer tours the city has to offer.
The Oktoberfest festival may only come along once a year, but the atmosphere of beer-fuelled conviviality endures in Munich all year round. Yet you could spend weeks in the Bavarian capital and barely touch the surface of Munich’s vibrant beer scene. But for a small taste of it, why not join a Munich brewery or beer tour? There are several companies based in the city providing such tours and we’ve chosen five of the best below.
Munich’s Beer Halls and Breweries
When it comes to drinking establishments in Munich, visitors are spoilt for choice. This 3.5-hour tour takes the decision-making out of your hands by taking you on a whistle stop journey around some of the city’s most acclaimed beer halls and breweries, including Germany’s oldest commercial brewery. Taking place on foot, your guide will navigate you through the city streets on your way to visit such notable institutions as the world-famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall. During each stop-off you’ll learn about the venue’s history and the secrets behind its beer-making techniques. There’ll also be time to sample the local brew as well as some traditional German dishes. The tour price includes your guide, all entrance fees and two complimentary beers. From Є35 per person.
Small-Group Munich Beer Tour and Bavarian Bites
Run and organised by renowned local company Fork & Walk Tours Munich, this small-group tour invites visitors on an intimate gastronomic odyssey complete with lashings of beer and food. During the 3.5-hour guided tour, you’ll receive personalised treatment as you hear stories and discover brews and traditional Bavarian delicacies dating back centuries. There’ll be stop-offs at various acclaimed drinking and dining spots, as well as the chance to look around the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, one of the city’s best cultural venues and an important protector of its long-standing beer-brewing legacy. The tour ends in the buzzing bar quarter of Munich, as you dive head first into the local nightlife scene. All alcoholic drinks, snacks and dinner are included in the tour price. From Є140 per person.
Munich’s Original Pub Crawl
If you’re struggling to decide where to settle down for a hard night’s drinking in Munich, then how about simplifying matters by embarking on a full-blown pub crawl? This 3.5-hour tour introduces visitors to the city’s legendary pub, bar and club scene in a fun and friendly atmosphere where you’re certain to make friends. Accompanied by a party-loving – but ever-the-professional – guide, you’ll take in three of the city’s hippest watering holes where you’ll sink some welcome shots and spend some time before moving on to the next. The revelry ends in a club where you’re welcome to party long into the night – and beyond. The tour price includes free entry to all venues and free shots. From Є25 per person.
Hofbräuhaus Tour
Of all Munich’s myriad of pubs, only one is internationally famous – the Hofbräuhaus. On this one-hour guided tour you’ll learn all about its history, including quirky facts and anecdotes, during an exclusive and behind-the-scenes visit. You’ll even gain access to the Hofbräuhaus ballroom, which is usually only open in the evening. At the end of the tour you’ll get to enjoy a “Mass” (one litre) of beer. The tour price includes your local guide, beer, and special Hofbräuhaus coin to take away as a souvenir. From Є25 per person.
An Evening of Bavarian Beer and Food Culture
Immerse yourself in Bavarian beer and culinary culture during this 3-hour tour, where you’ll get to sample some of the region’s best food and drink. In the company of a friendly, English-speaking local guide, you’ll discover why and how Bavaria became the beer capital of the world. You’ll join an exclusive private tour of the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, get to try out several different beer varieties, as well as traditional food including Weisswurst (white sausage), dumpling, roast pork and more. The tour culminates with a visit to the world renowned Hofbräuhaus. All venue entrance fees, plus food and drink, is included in the tour price. From Є43 per person.