Situated to the north of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is the biggest city in German Bavaria. It is the third-largest in Germany and there are many things to do and see in this lovely city both during day or night.
Munich is a city that stays up till the wee hours of the morning, despite the fact that some activities are available only during the day.
Munich’s thriving nightlife welcomes all tourists and is a fantastic city to visit at night because of all the clubs, beer, and cuisine available, as well as the well-known Oktoberfest festival.
Don’t miss out on these 11 top things to do in Munich at night if you will soon be there.
1. Explore Munich’s eerie side
Do you want to see Munich’s eerie and dark side and learn more about the city’s ghostly past?
Well, let me tell you that, Munich is like other medieval cities in having a ghostly past and it is one of the cities with the bloodiest histories from the Middle Ages. Munich’s past is thrilling and scary, ranging from beheadings and executions to punishing people and horrifying tortures in medieval jails.
You can join a tour that visits locations in the old town to learn more. You will go to some of the fanciest neighbourhoods, Kreuzviertel and Graggenau, but the devil himself will be waiting for you at the Frauenkirche. Stories about ghosts and crimes, devils, and heretics are there right from the beginning.
The Old Town of Munich is an interesting trip that you may take on your own, even though there are numerous guided tours available to experience this darker side of Munich. As you approach Marienplatz, the city’s central square, you will see unusual and eerie characters everywhere.
In the dark, some of the places are undoubtedly eerie. If your children are in their teenage years and you are taking a family vacation, you will definitely enjoy it.
2. Have fun at Munich’s palaces at night
There are other places than bars and beer gardens where you may enjoy Munich’s nightlife. The Nymphenburg Palace, a location that comes alive at night, is one of Munich’s most well-known historical sites.
King Ludwig II of Bavaria was born at the Palace and he was known as the Mad King or the Swan King and ascended to the throne at the age of eighteen.
Beautifully lighted, the Nymphenburg Palace and the Residenz shed an ethereal glow across their massive façade and exquisitely maintained gardens.
You could plan to visit the Schleissheim Palace and its gorgeous gardens during the day, but attending a performance there at night certainly seems like a lot of fun.
At Munich’s Schleissheim Palace, let yourself be mesmerised by the melodies of classical music. Enjoy a special concert presented to you by the soloists from the Residency Programme and musicians from the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra.
The music performances in these palaces typically begin around 7:30 PM and run for almost two hours. The event schedule is released well in advance, allowing you to make reservations before you travel to Munich.
3. Learn about the city’s musical past
Munich has a rich musical history to explore at night. To see an opera or a classical concert, go to the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz or the Cuvilliés-Theater.
You may discover more about the musicians who have worked and lived in Munich throughout the years by taking a tour, which is available in both private and group formats. Hear the tales and music of composers including Mozart, Wagner, Richard Strauss, Wagner and Orlando di Lasso.
Take a break standing in front of the National Opera, where all of these musicians formerly performed. Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner are two composers worth listening to.
As you stroll down the beautifully lit Marienplatz, keep going until you reach Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s old home in Munich.
Intimate settings like this make it possible to fully appreciate Munich’s musical talent and its contributions to the classical music genre.
4. Try out Bavarian food and beer
Munich is famous for its lager beer, particularly the steins associated with Oktoberfest, although it is also available every day without miss.
Joining a group tour that visits some of the greatest restaurants and bars is a terrific way to gain a general overview of the city’s food and drinks.
On this guided tour, learn why Munich is regarded as the world’s beer capital. You will discover the history of brewing in Bavaria along the journey, which goes back much farther than the monastery breweries of the sixteenth century. Enjoy a special private tour of the stunning fresh Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, which is situated in one of Munich’s oldest buildings.
Visit authentic beer halls such as the Hofbräuhaus or the Augustiner Bräustuben for vibrant ambiences, notable delicacies like pork knuckles and schnitzels, as well as, of course, world-famous Bavarian beers.
The variety of Bavarian beers pairs beautifully with the region’s world-famous meats and cheeses.
Stay close by if you want to continue spending the evening listening to Bavarian Oompah bands.
5. Go on a pub crawl
Places like Schwabing are thriving hubs of Munich’s nightlife. Explore a range of venues on a pub crawl excursion, from comfy taverns to stylish cocktail lounges to the hippest and coolest bars in the city’s heart.
Head on this tour to get welcoming shots at each bar, free access to several pubs and clubs and one drink on the party bus. An amazing night out is created by the lively environment and friendship among other pub crawlers.
Munich’s nightlife areas provide a variety of alternatives for every taste, whether you want to enjoy artisan beer, new cocktails, or classic schnapps.
6. Get the party started at Glockenbachviertel
Exploring the exciting alleys of Glockenbachviertel at night is among the best free things to do in Munich.
On a night out in Munich, Glockenbachviertel is a terrific spot to start the party. This buzzing neighbourhood is full with amazing restaurants and bars where you are able to explore Munich’s unique culture and try some Munich beer and local cuisine. This place is known for its thriving nightlife.
While living in Munich in the 1980s, Queen lead vocalist Freddie Mercury frequently partied in Glockenbachviertel, which had a significant impact on the LGBTQ community.
The Glockenbach neighbourhood should not be missed, no matter what you choose to do on your night out in Munich.
7. Enjoy live music at Backstage Club
In Munich, there are many options for enjoying live music. The Backstage Club is the perfect spot for you if you enjoy jazz or rock.
Here, a theatre, a beer garden, and clubs are combined into one. As you sit back for the entertainment to start, you may eat some of the traditional Bavarian cuisine in their beer garden.
Summer is the only time for outdoor concerts; however, the Club remains open all year round. Some sessions last almost all the night on weekends.
The Backstage Club hosts acts from all around the world. If you look at the schedule of events, you could find a show that suits your taste in music, making it an unforgettable night full of live music.
8. View the City lights of Munich from the Olympic Tower
For a breathtaking view of Munich’s cityscape at night, ascend the Olympic Tower.
One of Munich’s most popular tourist destinations is the Olympic Tower. Munich’s tallest point is 291 metres tall and was opened in 1968. Visit the observation deck for some breathtaking scenery and a glimpse of Munich’s nighttime skyline.
Take in the breathtaking vista of the Alps, and by paying a small fee you can purchase a drink at the best bar and restaurant or sample some delectable regional cuisine.
The highest café in Munich is called ‘Blue Sky Coffee Shop,’ and it serves the highest cappuccino, ice cream, and snacks with some great offers in the city.
9. Discover Munich in a walking tour with local
A guided night tour is the ideal way to begin your Munich after-dark excursion.
Locals in Munich are renowned for their love of the city. Get matched with a local host who will be happy to show you around, tell you stories, and guide you through the charming streets lit up by gentle lamplight.
You will get knowledge about the neighbourhood of your choosing, maybe the one where you are staying, during this 2–6-hour guided tour. You will receive guidance on the top neighbourhood bars and eateries as well as the tourist hotspots you ought to check out while in the area.
You may go anyway you like — by foot, public transportation, or taxi — and after the trip, you’ll know exactly how to spend the next few days and where to go for meals or to unwind in a bar.
So come ready for a customised and private walking tour of Munich to explore the city like a native.
10. Enjoy the tranquillity in the English Garden
One of Munich’s biggest urban parks is the English Garden. It is even bigger than Central Park in New York. Because of its size, some tourists explore by renting bicycles.
You can ride a bike there day or night. strolling to the English Garden, which is in the centre of the city, will take you past most of Munich’s top attractions. Enjoy a beer at the Beer Garden next to the Chinese Tower after you arrive and enjoy people-watching.
Indulge yourself in the serenity of the night as you stroll along moonlit paths and take in the sound of the nearby river’s leisurely flow.
The English Garden provides a tranquil haven away from the bustle of the city where you may think and unwind, bringing tranquillity to the end of your Munich experience.
11. Witness the Bavarian State Opera
Conclude your Munich evening with a touch of culture at the Bavarian State Opera.
There are performances at the Cuvilliés Theatre, the Prince Regent Theatre (Prinzregententheater), and the National Theatre (Nationaltheater München). All are deserving locations that present opera and classical concerts in stunning surroundings.
The National Theatre of Munich, which first opened its doors in 1818, has seen several restrictions and destruction over the years. With 2,500 square metres, it now has one of the biggest opera stages in the world. The auditorium can hold about 2,100 spectators.
Perhaps the Bavarian State Opera’s greatest claim to fame is the opera directors it has attracted. Here, performances have been staged by Richard Wagner, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Clemens Krauss, and Richard Strauss.
Summary
Munich’s nightlife is a tapestry of experiences that cater to every taste and interest.
Whether you’re an avid explorer, a music enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a memorable night out, Munich’s after-dark offerings promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Bavarian culture.
So, as the sun dips below the horizon, let Munich’s night reveal its secrets and enchantments, ensuring your visit is nothing short of magical.
Prost!
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