Munich/Maxvorstadt

Maxvorstadt is Munich's arts and university district, just north of the historic city center. It is also often called the "Brain of Munich", due to its extraordinary large number of artistic and educational institutions. The district was one of the first extensions when the city of Munich grew beyond its old city fortifications. Designed in the beginning of the 19th century, construction began in 1825 in a classicistic style, which is still visible in a few streets. It is in the area are seven universities (among which you find Germany's two top universities, LMU and TUM) and several museums and art galleries, comparable in Germany only to Berlin's Museumsinsel. Because there are more than 100,000 students, during daytime there are four times as many people in the district than live here. Many well-known people have lived in the district at some point in their lives: Bertholt Brecht, Georg Elser, Adolf Hitler, Wassily Kandinsky, Thomas Mann, Franz Marc, Wolfgang Pauli, Joseph Ratzinger (former Pope Benedict XVI), and Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (better known as V.I. Lenin). There are also several locations connected to the Third Reich era in the area, especially around Königsplatz. The Maxvorstadt area roughly is bounded by the English Garden to the east, Georgenstraße to the north, Lothstraße to the west, and the main railtracks and Altstadtring to the south.

Propylaea at Königsplatz

Get in

The Hackerbrücke

By car

There are next to no signs indicating the areas within Munich. Coming from autobahn A 9 in the north or autobahn A 8 in the west, just follow the signs to the city center and you will automatically get to Maxvorstadt.

The main arteries crossing the area in north-south direction are Ludwigstraße in the east of the district, and to a lesser degree Schleißheimerstraße in the west. The main connections between those are the one-way streets Gabelsbergerstraße in western direction and Theresienstraße in eastern direction. However, it is definitely not advisable to go to the Maxvorstadt area by car. Though there is not too much traffic outside rush-hours, parking is notoriously scarce and usually only allowed for residents of the district with a special parking permit.

By suburban train (S-Bahn)

• S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, S8, and S27 all run along the southern boundary of the Maxvorstadt area with stops at Donnersbergerbrücke, Hackerbrücke (for the Central Bus Station ZOB), Munich Central Station, and Karlsplatz (Stachus).

By subway (U-Bahn)

• Subway lines  U1  and  U7  run from Munich Central Station in western direction and stop at Stiglmaierplatz and Maillingerstraße in western Maxvorstadt.
• Subway line  U2  runs from Munich Central Station in northern direction and serves several stops at Königsplatz, Theresienstraße, and Josephsplatz.
• Subway lines  U3  and  U6  run from Marienplatz and follow Ludwigstraße to the north to stop at Odeonsplatz and Universität.

By tram

• Tram lines 16 and 17 runs along Arnulfstraße in the very south of the area.
• Tram lines 20, 21, and 22 run from Munich Central Station along Dachauer Straße with several stops in western Maxvorstadt, including Stiglmaierplatz.
• Tram lines 27 and 28 run from Karsplatz (Stachus) through the district from south to north with a large number of stops along Barerstraße, including Karolinenplatz and Pinakotheken.

By bus

• Munich's Central Bus Station ZOB (Zentraler Omnibus Bahnhof) is located in the very south of district near Hackerbrücke suburban train station. All long distance buses arrive and depart here.

By bicycle

As Maxvorstadt is very bike-friendly, with bikeways along every larger street, and generally not too much traffic, going by bike is probably the fastest way to get to the area. There are a plethora of bike rentals around the city.

On foot

Given that the area's very central location just north of the city center, it is extremely accessible by foot. From Marienplatz, just walk north for a few minutes and you will get to Odeonsplatz on the southern edge of Maxvorstadt.

Get around

Because of the compact size, the best way to explore the area is on foot or by bike. There are sidewalks and bikeways along nearly every street,so you don't have to be afraid of traffic dangers. If you prefer public transportation, the best option to get around is by tram 27, which covers most of the main sights along its way.

See

Museums and galleries

• 🌍 Alte Pinakothek, Barer Straße 27 (Tram 27, 28: Pinakotheken), ☎ [phone]. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, Tu 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Contains hundreds of great European masterworks dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including the largest Rubens collection in the world. The Alte Pinakothek underwent a major four-year closing and renovation, but reopened in 2017. Adults: €7, Concessions: €5, Sundays: €1.  

A masterpiece of Roman sculpture in the Glyptothek

• 🌍 Glyptothek, Königsplatz 3 (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz), ☎ [phone]. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, Th 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Another of King Ludwig's large collections is contained in the Glyptothek: one of the greatest Greek and Roman sculpture collections in all of Germany. The collection is based around a core of sculptures, the Aeginetes, excavated by English and German explorers at the island temple on Aegina early in the nineteenth century. It was built by imperial architect Leo von Klenze for the King and completed in 1830. Though almost entirely destroyed in World War II, the museum was heavily renovated and opened again to the public in 1972. There also is a very nice cafe located here that extends to the lovely courtyard, weather permitting. Adults: €3.50, concessions: €2.50, Sundays: €1.  

The modern wing of the Lenbachhaus

• 🌍 Lenbachhaus, Luisenstraße 33 (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz), ☎ [phone]. Tu 10:00-21:00, W-Su 10:00-18:00. A very important stop for Expressionist art lovers, this impressive collection in the former villa of Munich aristocracy includes numerous famous examples of the artistic group known as Der Blaue Reiter ('The Blue Rider'). A must see if you have time in the museum district, this gem is located just across the street to the left of the Glyptothek (Königsplatz). Across the street, there is an underground gallery (entrance through the underground station across the street) that often exhibits seldom seen works by renowned names. Make sure to see the outdoor exhibits that are found on the lots facing the Propyläen. Adults: €10, concessions: €5. (updated Oct 2017)
• 🌍 Museum Brandhorst, Theresienstraße 35a (Tram 27, 28: Pinakotheken), ☎ [phone]. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, Th 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Most recent addition to Munich's museum district. A collection of modern and contemporary art including paintings, sculptures and installations with a focus on the artists Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly. Adults: €7, concessions: €5, Sundays: €1.  
• 🌍 Neue Pinakothek, Barer Straße 29 (Tram 27, 28: Pinakotheken), ☎ [phone]. Th-M: 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00, closed on Tuesdays and major holidays. The Neue Pinakothek's collection includes 19th-century European paintings and sculptures, and was also renovated. Perhaps the most popular of the Pinakotheks, there is also a very nice cafe here. Closed for renovation until 2025. Adults: €7, concessions: €5, Sundays: €1. 

A skeleton in the Palaeontological Museum

History of palaeontology in the Palaeontological Museum

• 🌍 Palaeontological Museum Munich (Paläontologisches Museum München), Richard-Wagner-Straße 10 (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz), ☎ [phone]. M-Th 08:00-16:00, F 08:00-14:00. The museum features several skeletons of dinosaurs, e.g. Archaeopteryx, Triceratops or Saber-toothed Cat, and other special exhibitions. Another attraction is the beautiful architecture of the museum itself. Free. (updated Oct 2017)
• 🌍 Pinakothek der Moderne, Barer Straße 40 (Tram 27, 28: Pinakotheken), ☎ [phone]. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, Tu 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays.. Features 20th- and 21st-century art. Frighteningly modern art. The building's architecture is quite interesting. If the exhibition is too modern for your tastes, the other two Pinakotheken are just across the street. Adults: €10, concessions: €7, Sundays: €1.  
• 🌍 State Collections of Antiques (Antikensammlung), Königsplatz 1/1a (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz), ☎ [phone]. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Ludwig I and his architect Leo von Klenze built a large square, Königsplatz, in classical style, including the Antikensammlung. Formerly an exhibition venue (for the first 60-plus years of its life), then a museum of modern art, the Antikensammlung swung back in the exact opposite direction by the 1960s. At that time, the building was restored to hold Ludwig I's vast collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. It has the largest Greek and Etruscan vase collection in the world after the British Museum and the Louvre. Facing the classical arch (Propyläen), the Antikensammlung is on the left and the Glyptothek is on the right. Adults: €3.50, concessions: €2.50, Sundays: €1. 
• 🌍 State Collection of Egyptian Arts (Staatliches Museum ägyptischer Kunst), Gabelsbergerstraße 35 (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz), ☎ [phone]. W-Su 10:00-18:00, Tu 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays. This museum which used to be in a part of the Residenz has been moved to an underground location. The quality of the collection is very high, and an audio guide in English is available. Adults: €7, concessions: €5, Sundays: €1 (includes audio guide, Sundays €1 extra). (updated Oct 2017)

The steps of manufacturing electronic components from sand on display in the Mineralogical Museum

• 🌍 State Mineralogical Collection (Museum Reich der Kristalle), Theresienstraße 41 (Tram 27, 28: Pinakotheken), ☎ [phone]. Tu-Su 13:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. The collection shows minerals, including diamonds, emeralds and other gemstones as well as some meteorites. Moreover, the museum describes the development and characteristics of certain minerals. The public part of the collection is free and can also be visited on Mondays when the mineralogical collection is closed. Adults €1.50, concessions €1. (updated Oct 2017)

Churches

• 🌍 St. Benno's Church (St. Benno), Ferdinand-Miller-Platz 1 (Tram 20, 21, 22: Hochschule München). No sightseeing during services; services (Catholic): Tu W F 08:00, Th 18:30, Su 10:00. Constructed at the end of the 19th century, St. Benno is one of most perfect examples of a neo-romanesque sacral building. free of charge. 
• 🌍 St. Boniface's Abbey (Abtei St. Bonifaz), Karlstraße 34 (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz). Daily 07:00-19:00 (no sightseeing during services); services (Catholic): M-F 18:00, Sa 18:00, Su 10:15 (in English language) & 11:30 & 19:00. The Benedictine abbey was founded in 1835 by Bavarian King Ludwig I. to re-strengthen the country's spiritual life. Destroyed during World War II, it was only partially rebuilt. The abbey contains the tomb of King Ludwig I. free of charge. 
• 🌍 St. Louis' Church (Ludwigskirche), Ludwigstraße 20 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität). Daily 08:00-20:00 (no sightseeing during services); services (Catholic): M-F 19:00, Sa 18:00, Su 10:00 & 11:30 & 19:00. Ludwigskirche is across the street from the main building of the University of Munich. It is a monumental church in neo-romanesque style, which features the second largest altar fresco of the world. free of charge. 

Squares and boulevards

• 🌍 Karolinenplatz (Tram 27, 28: Karolinenplatz). Karolinenplatz is a circular square, which is dominated by the black obelisk in its center. Due to its location at the intersection three wide avenues, it is visible from afar. The obelisk was erected in 1833 in commemoration of the soldiers who were killed participating in the Napoleonic invasion of Russia in 1812. 

Propyläen on the Königsplatz

• 🌍 Königsplatz, Königsplatz (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz). The Königsplatz is a wide-open square, surrounded by European classicist buildings. Planned as the "Athens on the Isar", it was originally framed on three sides by the Doric Propylaea (Propyläen), the Ionic Glyphothek, and the Corinthian Antikensammlung. During the Third Reich in Germany several structures were added on the once open side of the square, some of which still exist today. The square is now used as a venue for open-air concerts and an open-air cinema during summer. (updated Oct 2017)
• 🌍 Richard-Wagner-Straße, Richard-Wagner-Straße (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz). Richard-Wagner-Straße is one of the few streets in Munich which were left nearly unharmed by Allied bombing during World War II. The houses along the street were built between 1896 and 1901 in the then hip style of historicism. 
• 🌍 Siegestor & Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität). The Siegestor, a triumphal arch originally dedicated to the glory of the Bavarian army, stands at the northern end of the Ludwigstraße boulevard. Heavily damaged during World War II, it was reconstructed as a reminder to peace. Just south of the arch is the Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, a square named after the founders of a resistance movement during World War II. The circular plaza, with two large fountains in its center, is surrounded by the buildings of the main campus of the University of Munich (LMU). 
• 🌍 Wittelbacher Platz (U-Bahn U3, U4, U5, U6: Odeonsplatz). Because of the homogenous classicistic facades of the surrounding buildings, this square is considered Munich's most elegant. Located in the center of the square is an equestrian statue of Elector Maximilian I. Today, the surrounding buildings house the Siemens headquarter and the Bavarian Treasury. 

Industrial landmarks

• 🌍 Löwenbräu brewery, Nymphenburger Straße 7 (U-Bahn U1, U7: Stiglmaierplatz), ☎ [phone]. Advance reservation required! Tours for individuals: Sa; tours for groups on agreement.. The history of the brewery dates back as far as 1383. 1827-1854 the brewery moved from the city center to its contemporary location and soon became Germany's number one beer. Although the company suffered during the 20th century, Löwenbräu still is one of Germany's best known beer brands. The brewery can be toured, with two beers and snacks inlcuded. €13.80. 
• 🌍 Spaten & Franziskaner brewery, Marsstraße 46-48 (S-Bahn & U-Bahn: Munich Central Station), ☎ [phone]. Advance reservation required! Tours for individuals: Sa; tours for groups on agreement.. Spaten brewery had a similar history to Löwenbräu. Founded in 1397, the brewing site moved to its present-day location in Maxvorstadt in 1854. Today the brewery's most famous beer is Franziskaner Weißbier. The brewery can be toured, with two beers and snacks inlcuded. €15.50. 

Parks and monuments

Fountain of Neptune in the Old Botanic Garden and the Palace of Justice

• 🌍 Memorial for Georg Elser (8. November 1939), Georg-Elser-Platz (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität). This is a light installation in honor of Georg Elser, who tried to assassinate Adolf Hitler at 8 Nov 1939 during a speech at Bürgerbräukeller. However, this attempt on Hitler's life that might have changed history significantly failed, because Hitler was lucky and left the venue 10 min early. 
• 🌍 Old Botanic Garden (Alter Botanischer Garten), Sophienstraße (north of Munich Central Station). In 1804-1814 it was built to be a botanical garden. It was rearranged to serve as a park in 1914. It was the site of the Glass Palace (Glaspalast) from its construction in 1854 until this exhibition center burned down in 1931. Today, the main objects of interest are a classicistic gate and the Fountain of Neptune (Neptunbrunnen). Many rabbits live in the park. They seem to come out only at night. 

Do

Circus Krone

• 🌍 ARRI cinema, Türkenstraße 91 (Tram 27, 28: Schellingstraße), ☎ [phone]. The ARRI is a traditional repertory cinema in the facilities of world famous camera manufacturer ARRI. 
• 🌍 Cinema (Cinema München), Nymphenburger Straße 31 (U-Bahn U1, U7: Stiglmaierplatz), ☎ [phone]. Among Munich's leading motion picture houses, screening exclusively original version English language films. 
• 🌍 Circus Krone, Marsstraße 43 (U-Bahn U1, U7: Stiglmaierplatz). In summer Europe's largest circus travels around Germany, and different concerts and other events take place in its fixed arena in Munich. In winter the circus resides in the city and gives regular shows. 
• 🌍 Medieval Christmas fair (Mittelalterlicher Christkindlmarkt), Brienner Straße 6-10 (U-Bahn U3, U4, U5, U6: Odeonsplatz). End of November until Christmas Eve: daily 11:00-20:00. The Medieval Christmas Fair at Wittelsbacher Platz is a very special Christkindlmarkt. Here you can buy medieval food and see performences while getting up your Christmas spirit - and drunk on mulled wine. Mulled wine (Glühwein): €5. 

Streetlife Festival

• 🌍 Münchner Volkstheater (Volkstheater), Brienner Straße 50 (U-Bahn U1, U7: Stiglmaierplatz), ☎ [phone]. Why not jump in at the deep end and trying to learn German the hard way - watching a play? The Volkstheater is different from other Munich theaters inasmuch as the directors tend to produce classical plays in a very modern (sometimes shocking) way. Adults: €13-34, concessions: €8. 
• 🌍 Streetlife-Festival, Ludwigstraße 1-33 (U-Bahn U3, U4, U5, U6: Odeonsplatz & U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 1st weekend in June & 2nd weekend in September. The Streetlife-Festival is a mix of a street festival, art fair, and ecological awareness event. During the two weekends Ludwigstraße, one of Munich main boulevards, is closed for motorized traffic and people are strolling between stages and food stalls. Directly north, along Leopoldstraße the Corso Leopold is taking place in Schwabing. 

Buy

There are a lot of shops in the district. In the area around the universities, there are several little book stores and some small clothes stores, serving the studenty clientèle. Moreover, there are a number of shops selling luxury goods along Briennerstraße.

• 🌍 Daller Tracht, Schleißheimer Straße 6-10 (U-Bahn U1, U7 & Tram 20, 21, 22: Stiglmaierplatz), ☎ [phone]. M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-16:00. In this huge store you can get traditional Bavarian leather trousers (Lederhosn) and dresses (Dirndl). The assortment includes everything from the more economic choice to the top-notch model. 
• 🌍 Goldbraun, Schellingstraße 58 (Tram 27, 28: Schellingstraße), ☎ [phone]. Tu-F 11:00-18:00, Sa 11:00-14:00. Here you will find a nice assortment of jewelry, most from an own collection, combined with fine chocolate. 
• 🌍 The Munich Readery, Augustenstraße 104 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. M-F 11:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-18:00. The store is the largest second-hand book shop for English books in Germany. 
• 🌍 Quittenbaum Art Auctions, Theresienstraße 60 (Tram 27, 28: Pinakotheken), ☎ [phone]. If you want to have some fine art for yourself, or you are just interested in feeling the atmosphere of auctions, that regularly exceed €100,000, you should visit this auctioneer. 
• 🌍 Second hand Sports, Nymphenburger Straße 25 (U-Bahn U1, U7: Stiglmaierplatz), ☎ [phone]. M 12:00-19:00, Tu-F 10:30-19:00, Sa 10:30-16:00. As you might have deduced from the name, you can get second hand sporting goods in this store, especially used bikes, skis, and snowboards. 
• 🌍 Words' Worth, Schellingstraße 3 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-16:00. When it's time for you to leave Munich and you still need something to pass the time on the road, this English book store offers a huge selection of fiction and non-ficton. 

Eat

• 🌍 Alter Simpl (German), Türkenstraße 57 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. M-Th 11:00-03:00, F-Su 11:00-04:00. The Alter Simpl is a traditional restaurant not far from the university. During the early 20th century, it was one of the main meeting points of Munich's artistic community. Since then its significance declined, but it is still a nice place to grab some decently priced food, some beers and have a chat. Food is served until one hour before closing time. 
• 🌍 Atzinger (German), Schellingstraße 9 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. Daily 09:00-01:00. A Bavarian-style restaurant, where you can get traditional food as well as your standard burgers and fries. It is across the street from the University of Munich (LMU), attracts a lot of students, and has an according atmosphere and prices. 
• 🌍 Café Vorhoelzer Forum (International), Arcisstraße 21 (Top floor of the Technical University of Munich). M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 10:00-20:00. The café is on the top floor of the TUM's main building, with canvas chairs and live DJing at some afternoons on the big rooftop outdoor area. On a clear day you have a great panorama of Munich with the Bavarian Alps in the background. In combination with the student-friendly prices, it's a perfect place to hang out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. 
• 🌍 Electric Elephant (Indian), Katharina-von-Bora-Straße 8A, 80333 München (U-Bahn U1, U2, U8: Königsplatz), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 11:30 - 02:00. This minimalistic industrial-styled restaurant, within a former power plant, is run by the crew of the MMA techno club and offers Indian and vegan food as well as cakes. 
• 🌍 Frida (American), Steinheilstraße 10 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. M-Sa 18:00-01:00. Small restaurant, that serves snacks, good burgers and delicious desserts. 
• 🌍 Il Mulino (Italian), Görrestraße 1 (U-Bahn U2: Josephsplatz), ☎ [phone]. Daily 11:30-00:00. In this cozy Italian place is one of the favourite restaurants of the residents of the neighbourhood and students of the nearby universities. It provides good value for money. The chef focuses on pizza, pasta and grilled fish dishes. Pizza €8.50, pasta €8. 
• 🌍 Luise 49 (German), Luisenstraße 49 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. M-F 10:00-15:00. A very small soup joint, that barely holds ten people. However, the soups are delicious and the place is very popular with the students of the neighboring TUM. Prepare to wait a few minutes in line. €2.90-4.90. 
• 🌍 Nam Nam (Thai), Amalienstraße 25 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. Daily 10:00-01:00. The Thai restaurant, maybe the best in Munich, is housed in a former drug den. The most obvious decoration item in the restaurant is an original Thai tuk-tuk; otherwise, the interior is very simple. The servings are Thai-style spicy and big, and the prices are really reasonable. The restaurant has a lounge area, where you can get cocktails for €6.90 (happy hour 22:00-01:00: €4.90). €3.90-13.90. 
• 🌍 Okra Gemüsekebap (Turkish & Vegetarian), Schellingstraße 44 (Tram 27, 28: Schellingstraße), ☎ [phone]. M-Sa 09:00-20:00. This is not your run-of-the-mill kebap stall. This Turkish restaurant specialises in Vegetarian kebap and cuisine. They only use homemade bread and the vegetables are always freshly grilled. 
• 🌍 Pommes Boutique (Belgian), Amalienstraße 46 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. M-Sa 10:00-22:00, Su 12:00-20:00. A small restaurant where you can get real Belgian fries like they are supposed to be. You can choose from over 20 different dips. And of course you can have a burger with your fries. 
• 🌍 Rossini (Italian), Türkenstraße 76 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. M-F 12:00-15:00 & 18:30-00:00, Sa 18:30-00:00, Closed on Sundays. A movie once was dedicated to this restaurant, where the media in-crowd used to meet (then by the name of Romagna Antica, though). The name changed (to the movie's title), but the in-crowd (a little older and richer than average) still gathers here. The menu is focused on traditional Italian meat and fish dishes in the upper price range. 
• 🌍 Steinheil (German), Steinheilstraße 16 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. 10:00-01:00. The place has earned itself the reputation of serving the biggest cutlet (Schnitzel) in Munich - and the reputation is probably right. And the other dishes are sized to feed hungry students, too. The menu is down-to-earth, and the same is true for the prices. 
• 🌍 Takumi (Japanese Ramen), Heßstraße 71 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. M-F 12:00 to 15:00 & 17:00 to 22:00; Sa 12:00 to 22:00; Su holiday 12:00 to 21:30. Takumi is a Japanese restaurant specializing in Ramen noodle dishes with miso, shoyu and shio broth bases. They do not serve sushi; however, they do serve gyoza and other small dishes in addition to noodles. They do not accept reservations, and evenings can sometimes include a long wait for a table, as they are quite popular with locals and Japanese expatriates. 

Drink

The Löwenbräukeller

Beer Gardens

• 🌍 Augustinerkeller, Arnulfstraße 52 (north-west of Munich Central Station), ☎ [phone]. Daily 10:00-23:00. Although Augustinerkeller beer garden is one of the biggest beer gardens in Munich with 5,000 seats, it still is very relaxed and serves the best beer in Munich. The restaurant in the center serves very good typical Baravian food in huge portions. It also was one of the first beer gardens in Munich. When the beer garden closes in winter, the adjoining beer hall still is open. Beer (1L): €7.80. 
• 🌍 Löwenbräukeller, Nymphenburgerstraße 2 (U-Bahn U1, U7: Stiglmaierplatz), ☎ [phone]. Daily 10:00-00:00. The traditional beer garden with an adjoining beer hall is one of the most famous among foreign travellers. It offers 2,000 seats. 
• 🌍 Max Emanuel Brauerei (MaxE), Adalbertstraße 33 (Tram 27, 28: Schellingstraße), ☎ [phone]. Daily 11:00-23:00. This hidden beer garden with only 750 seats in the heart of the Maxvorstadt district is very popular among the locals. It's the place where students and professors of the nearby universities gather to have a few beers and a friendly chat among the shade of chestnut trees. Beer (1L): €7.20. 
• 🌍 Park Café Freisitz, Sophienstraße 7 (S-Bahn & U-Bahn U4, U5: Karlsplatz (Stachus)), ☎ [phone]. M-F 11:00-23:30, Sa Su 10:00-23:30. In the back of Park Café and in the middle of the Old Botanic Garden, this is not your typical beer garden. Although you still are allowed to bring your own food, the place is a little bit mor stylish than normal. 

Bars & pubs

• 🌍 Alter Ofen, Zieblandstraße 41 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. 18:00-01:00. The pub can be called an institution in the district. It has a vintage interior and serves food and drinks for reasonable prices. Beer (0.5L) €3.30, long drinks €6. 
• 🌍 Bar Sehnsucht, Amalienstraße 26 (Tram 27, 28: Pinakotheken). A bar with a very unique interior - motorcycles on the wall, red velvet couches in the corners and bras hanging from the ceiling lights. It fills up pretty fast on weekends, so be heer early or expect to wait (or not to get in at all). 
• 🌍 Café Altschwabing, Schellingstraße 56 (Tram 27, 28: Schellingstraße), ☎ [phone]. 08:30-02:00. This place serves great, strong and relatively inexpensive cocktails and is a good location to start your evening in the vicinity. They serve food here, too (which actually tastes rather good), but it genuinelly takes ages. From 18:00 until closing time all cocktails are €5.20 only. Beer (0.5 L) €3.30, cocktails €7. 
• 🌍 Cafe Kosmos, Dachauerstraße 7 (close to Munich Central Station), ☎ [phone]. M-F 12:00-01:00, Sa Su 18:00-03:00. During the day Cafe Kosmos really is a café, but changes into a bar when it gets dark outside. Space is very limited (especially because it gets really full on weekends) and the interior looks as if it were collected at back yard sales. The staff is fluent in several languages, as the guests are a mix of locals and international backpackers from the surrounding hostels. Try the Liquid Cocaine! Beer (0.33L) €1.60, cocktails €5.50. 
• 🌍 FOX, Türkenstraße 52 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. M-Sa 18:00-3:00. This very hip new bar is still an insiders' tip. The interior looks intentionally incomplete. The place gets rather packed almost everyday after 22:00, but the atmosphere is great. Beer (0.33L): €3, long drinks €8. 
• 🌍 Mojo 91, Schellingstraße 91 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Tu W 19:00-01:00, Th 19:00-02:00, F 19:00-03:00, Sa 20:00-03:00. The British owner of the bar takes its slogan "Bringing a piece of London to Maxvorstadt" quite literally. The Mojo 91 has a close resemblance to a dockland pub with live football matches on screen and students drinking beer. Or shots out of hand granades. On weekends. On weekends the music of choice is deep house. 
• 🌍 Salon Irkutsk, Isabellastraße 4 (U-Bahn U2: Josephsplatz), ☎ [phone]. Su-Th 18:00-01:00, F Sa 18:00-03:00. The bar is a blend of a live club with an art gallerie, that looks like a drinking hole in a Siberian station. 
• 🌍 Sausolitos Schwabing, Türkenstraße 50 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. Su-Th 17:00-01:00, M 12:00-01:00, F Sa 17:00-02:00. Contrary to the name, this Mexican cocktail bar is not in Schwabing but in Maxvorstadt. The drinks of choice here are cocktails (which come in two different sizes), which are not that special but definitely strong enough. Beer (0.33L) €3.50, cocktails €8. 
• 🌍 Schall & Rauch, Schellingstraße 22 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. Su-Th 10:00-01:00, F Sa 10:00-03:00. This small bar close to the university is packed with students literally every evening. The place serves some of the strongest cocktails in town. Beer (0.5 L) €3.30. 
• 🌍 Stadion an der Schleißheimer Straße, Schleißheimer Straße 82 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. 19:00-03:00. The Stadion (German for stadium) is a typical football pub. It is packed to the last free spot, when Bayern Munich playes, especially when it comes to Champions League matches. However, they show games of other teams, too. The drink of choice obviously is beer, and they serve small dishes, that go well with it. 

Clubs and discos

Bob Beaman Club

• 🌍 Bob Beaman, Gabelsbergerstraße 4 (Tram 27, 28: Pinakotheken), ☎ [phone]. F Sa 23:00-05:00. Bob Beaman is considered one of the best clubs in town. The inerior of the club is minimalistic - everything is aimed at producing the best sound. The club has changing electro and house music bookings, which are actually always good. Beer (0.5L) €3.50. 
• 🌍 Call Me Drella, Maximilianplatz 5 (S-Bahn & U-Bahn U4, U5: Karlsplatz (Stachus)), ☎ [phone]. Th-Sa 21:00-06:00. The fancy and a little bit artsy club opened in 2012. There sculptures and paintings on display all over the club and a theatre performance is on all night long. Dress to impress. You have to be at least 22 years old to get in. The outside area is also quite nice if you want to have a more quiet chat with your friends or newly-acquired acquaintances. Beer (0.33L) €4, long drinks €9. 
• 🌍 Drunken Monkey, Lenbachplatz 1, 80333 München (U-Bahn: S-Bahn & U-Bahn U4, U5: Karlsplatz (Stachus)), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Small and cozy electronic music club decked with hundreds of colorful light bulbs in the basement of a Vietnamese restaurant called Enter The Dragon. 
• 🌍 Lost Weekend, Schellingstraße 3 (U-Bahn: U3,U6 Universität, Bus: 153,154), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Coffee shop 08:00-20:00, events from 20:00 or 21:00. Genuine pop-up location which is a vegan coffee shop and bookshop at daytime, and turns into a concert venue in the evening. Jazz, rock, blues, electro. 

MMA Club

• 🌍 MMA Club (Mixed Munich Arts), Katharina-von-Bora-Straße 8A, 80333 München (U-Bahn U1, U2, U8: Königsplatz), e-mail: [e-mail]. This techno club is one of the most renowned in Germany. It is in a decommissioned power plant, and is known for minimal techno. The British Guardian described it as "towering techno temple which rivals any in Berlin". The award-winning industrial venue also features a restaurant.  

Minna Thiel

• 🌍 Minna Thiel, Bernd-Eichinger-Platz 1, 80333 München (U-Bahn U1, U2, U8: Königsplatz), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This decommissioned railbus and former heart of the club Bahnwärter Thiel in Munich's Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district is a location on its own now. Located in front of the University of Television and Film (HFF), the venue consists of the railbus, a small canopied beer garden, a cargo container and a telephone booth and offers live concerts, electro DJs, readings and ping-pong. 
• 🌍 Pacha Munich, Maximiliansplatz 5, 80333 München (S1,S2,S3,S4,S6,S7,S8, U4,U5: Karlsplatz (Stachus)), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 23:00. This fashionable house club is the Munich subsidiary of the famous Pacha brand. It is run by people who had been involved in other legendary Munich nightclubs such as KW and Ultraschall. 
• 🌍 Palais Club, Arnulfstraße 16-18, 80335 München (S1,S2,S3,S4,S6,S7,S8, U1,U2, U4,U5,U7,U8: Hauptbahnhof), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 23:59. Popular techno club with plushy red charm and extended afterhous which is located right at the Hauptbahnhof. 
• 🌍 Park Café, Sophienstraße 7 (S-Bahn & U-Bahn U4, U5: Karlsplatz (Stachus)), ☎ [phone]. M-F from 11:00, Sa Su from 10:00. The Parkcafé is Munich's magnificent "dance temple", situated behind the picturesque Old Botanical Garden. It has a relaxing chill out area in the form of a beer garden (which closes at 23:00). The in-crowd, who appreciates and perpetuates the little refinements of this club, meets here. The bar in the rear is decorated bright red, in front are comfortable sofas and a golden chandelier in the entrance flatters the illustrious guests. The music stretches from black to house music. 
• 🌍 Rote Sonne, Maximiliansplatz 5, 80333 München (S1,S2,S3,S4,S6,S7,S8, U4,U5: Karlsplatz (Stachus)), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 23:00. The techno club Rote Sonne is one of the two inofficial successors of the legendary Ultraschall club (1994–2003). It is one of the most reputable techno clubs in Germany and has been awarded by the De:Bug magazine as being one of the best techno clubs in Europe.  
• 🌍 Sauna, Marsstraße 22 (100m north of Munich Central Station), ☎ [phone]. W-Sa 22:00-06:00. The Sauna is a new but already well established club in the local scene. Although it's incredibly hot in there, the music is 1980s and 90s trash, and the interior is subpar, the relaxed atmosphere is a warrantor for a fun night out. 
• 🌍 Tumult, Blütenstraße 4 (Tram 27, 28: Schellingstraße), ☎ [phone]. Daily 20:00-04:00. Tumult is one of the few (if not the only) underground punk clubs in Munich with according music and patronage. Beer (0.5L): €3.20. 

Sleep

Budget

• 🌍 4You Hostel & Hotel, Hirtenstraße 18 (100 m north of Munich Central Station). Clean hostel at a very good location near the central station. Included in the price is a breakfast and wireless internet access. The hostel has its own bar and bike rental. from €14 pp. 
• 🌍 Hotel Pension Am Siegestor, Akademiestraße 5 (U-Bahn U3, U6: Universität), ☎ [phone]. Cozy B&B next to the Siegestor and across the street from the Academie of Fine Arts (Akademie der Bildenden Künste München) in Munich's bustling university district. Double from €70. 
• 🌍 Hotel-Pension Theresia Regina, Luisenstraße 51 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. Budget hotel that delivers a clean and comfortable stay. Decor is a bit dated but for the rate and considering the location, it's good value. Double from €52. 

Mid-range

• 🌍 Hotel Königswache, Steinheilstraße 7 (U-Bahn U2: Theresienstraße), ☎ [phone]. Small hotel next to the Technical University of Munich, that caters mostly to business travellers and visitors to the nearby university. Double from €99. 
• 🌍 King's Hotel Center, Marsstraße 15 (north of Munich Central Station), ☎ [phone]. Three-star hotel, cheaper when online booking via the website, with or without breakfast, internet access and four poster bed in every room, friendly service, dogs allowed. Double from €140. 
• 🌍 NH Deutscher Kaiser, Arnulfstraße 2 (directly north of Munich Central Station), ☎ [phone]. Located at the across the street of the central station, this hotel wins points for location, but is quite a soulless hotel, although the staff is attentive. Double from €95. 
• 🌍 Top Hotel Erzgiesserei Europe, Erzgießereistraße 15 (U-Bahn U1, U7: Stiglmaierplatz), ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Luxurious six-story central hotel close to Stiglmaierplatz (home of Löwenbräu). This four star hotel offers quality standards of furnishing and amenities with a modern flair. During the summertime, you can dine in the garden in the courtyard in a quiet and beautiful surrounding. A private underground car park is available for guests arriving by car. Double from €80, Single from €64.80. 
• Citadines Arnulfpark Munich, Arnulfstrasse 51, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This apartment hotel is modern, comfortable and reasonably priced. While the location looks a bit remote on maps, it only takes 15 minutes to get into the center of the city by tram or S-Bahn. (updated Nov 2015)

Splurge

• 🌍 King's Hotel First Class, Dachauer Straße 13 (north of Munich Central Station), ☎ [phone]. 4-star hotel, very individual, no hotel chain, four poster bed and internet access in every room, friendly service, dogs allowed. Double from €160. 
• 🌍 The Charles Hotel Munich, Sophienstraße 28 (200 m north of Munich Central Station), ☎ [phone]. The Charles is a luxury hotel at the Old Botanical Garden and within walking distance to the historic center. If you want to give yourself a treat, like butler service and a spa, and bring big money, that's the place for you. Double from €360. 

Connect

• 🌍 Café Netzwerk, Luisenstraße 11 (U-Bahn U2: Königsplatz), ☎ [phone]. M 11:00-18:00, Tu 11:00-15:00, W-F 11:00-18:00. A stylish internet cafe, where you can rent desktop computers. It normally has a rather young patronage, because the owner focuses on teaching kids how to critically handle the media. 

Go next

Gärtnerplatz - If you are tired of visiting all those galleries and museum and want to experience Munich's nightlife, head to the Gärtnerplatz neighborhood for drinking and dancing.

Berlin's Museumsinsel - If you are still not tired of all the paintings and sculptures and are on a round trip through Germany, you should consider visiting Berlin's Museumsinsel. If there is a place in Germany that can keep up with Maxvorstadt in matters of art, you'll find it there.