Munich's Best Beer Gardens

Close to the picturesque Nymphenburg Palace, the Hirschgarten literally translated to "Deer Garden". The name might be a tribute to King Ludwig's stag-hunting parties which were supplied with 200 liters of beer, or the term may refer to the 200 liter wooden casks used to store the brew called Hirschen, or it may be because of the small deer park located on the site.

It claims the title as the largest beer garden in the world seating 8,000 people. Wet your whistles with Augustiner, Schloßbrauerei Kaltenberg, and Hofbräu Tegernsee beer.

Address: Hirschgartenallee 1, Munich
Phone: 089 17 25 91

Dating back to 1812, this beer garden is the oldest one in Munich and the second largest with space for 7,000 visitors. Off the beaten tourist track, this well-known beer hall takes the party outside in summer. And if it rains, the biergarten's cellar from 1807 stays open. 

Fresh Augustiner beer is served straight out of wooden barrels with a bell marking the arrival of each new cask. Hot, cheap German biergarten classics are served until 23:00, but visitors are welcome to bring their own food. You can spot the regulars as about 100 Stammtische (regulars tables) date back to 1847.

Address: Arnulfstraße 52, Munich
Phone: 089 59 43 93

The 82-feet high, 18th century wooden Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) is the signature landmark of Munich's park, the English Garden – and almost as famous as its adjacent beer garden. It also accommodates up to 7,000 people, serving up Lowenbrau beer and featuring traditional brass bands and breakfast buffet on Sundays.

Address: Englischer Garten 3, Munich
Phone: 089 383 87 30

Another great destination on the northern edge of the lush English Garden is the Aumeister beer garden. In the early 19th century, this used to be the waterhole for the duke and his royal hunting company. 

Enjoy your royal Hofbrau beer - Starkbier in March, Maibock in May, Sommerbier in summer, and Wiesnbier during Oktoberfest - under canopies of old chestnut trees with a view of a lovely pond and a Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick).  On Thursdays, there is even live music.

Address: Sondermeierstraße 1, Munich
Phone: 089 32 52 24

You'll find Munich’s most centrally located beer garden in the heart of the city’s oldest farmers market, the Viktualienmarkt. Established in 1970, it is one of the babies of the bunch with 600-seats for a mixed crowd of tourists and locals.

You can bring your own food, so buy some delicacies at the market and enjoy them here, while taking in the bustling market scene. Every brewery in Munich presents its beer specialties here with a rotation of about six weeks. These include some of the city's best breweries featured in festivals like Oktoberfest: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Hofbräu, Paulaner and Spaten.

Address: Viktualienmarkt 9, 80331 München
Phone: 089. 29 75 45 

The Hofbräuhaus Biergarten lies under centuries old chestnut trees and shares the same buoyant atmosphere as the world-famous beer hall. With room for 400 guests in the heart of downtown, this is the perfect summer escape from the claustrophobic atmosphere indoors.

As one of the most popular sites with tourists, it is sure to host an international crowd but still provides traditional eats, drinks and hospitality. Pass through the archway to a tiny Bavarian kingdom fit for 400 people at a time.

Address: Platzl 9, 80331 Munich
Phone: 089 29 01 36-1 00

Voted the city's most beautiful biergarten, Mentnerschwaige is located along the banks of Isar River. Up to 2,500 guests come to drink and lounge daily over Bavarian specialties. Finish up your gluttony with one of their seasonal cakes, or visit the crêpe stand. 

For younger visitors, there is a massive pirate ship and playground that are almost as fun as beer. And on Sundays from 13:00 to 17:00 there are crafts for the children.

Address: Menterschwaigstraße 4, 81545 München
Phone: 089.640732

A Bavarian restaurant in a 1930s building opens to a modern biergarten in the center of the city. Located within Alter Botanischer Garten, the vibe is cool, elegant, and electric with parties, DJs and live music throughout the night.  Word is, the venue is owned by Christian Schottenhamel, the same man behind Schottenhamel beer tent at Oktoberfest.

Address: Sophienstraße 7, 80333 München
Phone: 089 51617980