The Best Munich Breweries & Taverns

With Oktoberfest coming around, Munich (along with a variety of other cities) is getting ready for a massive influx of beer enthusiasts, all ready to celebrate their favourite drink in the world. Of course, Munich is home to a vast selection of incredible beers. However, there are a few spots for beer enthusiasts that stand apart and can’t be missed during your visit. Today at Civitatis, we’re going to fill you in on the best Munich breweries and taverns, so that you don’t miss out on any of the essentials. Prost!

1. Agustiner Stammhaus

The oldest brewery in the city, the Agustiner Stammhaus was founded nearly 700 years ago, dating back to 1328. This brewery was established within an Augustinian monastery and even supplied beer to the Bavarian royal family until 1589. Augustiner is now the only brewery in the city that still uses wooden barrels, giving their beer subtle, woody flavours!

The opulent art nouveau and neo-baroque details inside create an enchanting ambience. If you arrive with an appetite, don’t miss out on ordering meatballs, pig knuckles, or a traditional Bavarian wurst. Obviously, you’ll swallow it down with a beer crafted under the Purity Law of 1516. To learn more about the city and the role of beer and breweries, check out this free tour of Munich!

2. Hofbräuhaus

Step inside the Hofbräuhaus, a charming 16th-century tavern that ranks among Munich’s best breweries. This establishment has a rich tradition dating back to 1589 and the Duke William V of Bavaria, designated it as the primary source of Weissbier beer for the Wittelsbach family.

Incredibly, Hofbräuhaus can rightfully claim to have saved the city of Munich during the Thirty Years’ War, when the brewery offered 23,168 litres (738,000 oz) of beer to the attacking Swedes, sparing the city from further destruction.

Within its vaulted chambers, traditional music often fills the air, enhancing the unique atmosphere. Experience this unique, historical venue for yourself by enjoying a dinner at the Hofbräuhaus and relish the finest German beers in style.

3. Biergarten Viktualienmarkt

The Biergarten Viktualienmarkt is one of the beer hotspots in Munich, offering an idyllic setting to enjoy a cold brew in the open air. Take a seat on one of the rustic wooden benches with your refreshing beverage, and, if hunger strikes, explore the diverse culinary offerings at the numerous food stalls in the park.

What sets this brewery apart and earns it a place among the best, in our view, is its rotation of Germany’s best types of beer. Here, you can taste a diverse range of Munich’s many beers, and choose which ones take your fancy!

4. Biervana

To be fair, Biervana isn’t a brewery, it’s a craft beer shop—but we just couldn’t leave it off of our list! This spot is an absolute must for beer enthusiasts. Home to a great selection of German beer, Biervana also features a great selection of beers from around Europe, Here, you can explore authentic craft beers from Austria, New Zealand, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, and beyond. Embark on a journey through the best craft beers in the world!

5. Paulaner Bräuhaus

For a delicious pint, a visit to the Paulaner Bräuhaus is another must during your stay in Munich. This establishment is dedicated to providing an authentic experience of one of Germany’s most famous beer brands, which has also been in the business for generations and has maintained authentic Bavarian brewing traditions.

As you enjoy a wonderful pint of beer which has become famous the world over, you’ll be able to enjoy some delicious traditional German food. What’s more, you’ll gain a deeper insight into the preparation of the beer’s ingredients and also into the history of brewing in this establishment, initially pioneered by the Order of Minima in 1634. You’ll learn how the Paulaner brewery faithfully preserves these time-honoured production methods, which is why it’s still one of Munich’s finest breweries.

Learn More About the Traditions of German Beer

Are you more of a Weißbier, Helles, Altbier, Märzen, Kellerbier, or Pilsner kind of person? Each German region has its own preferred beer style, with local traditions shaping the brewing methods and flavors. Germans are experts at pairing beer with meals, much like how wine is paired with food — for example, Helles might accompany a light salad, while Märzen complements heartier meats. In Munich, the preferred styles are generally Helles and Weißbier.

Germany boasts nearly 5,000 beer varieties and a vast number of breweries, and a good amount of them are in Munich. However, Munich is primarily known for its six major breweries (the Big Six): Augustiner, Hacker–Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten–Franziskaner. These Munich-based breweries are renowned globally for their quality and tradition, and they are especially celebrated during events like Oktoberfest. Whether you’re visiting a beer hall or a local pub, these brands offer a taste of Bavaria’s rich brewing heritage.

These six factories have a strong commitment to taste, quality, and tradition, which has earned them the privilege of participating in the Oktoberfest festival. Variations of these brands are available in a vast number of Munich’s taverns, restaurants, bars, and pubs.

There you have it, those are our five favourite establishments in the city. If you’re a lover of beer, don’t worry, you have plenty of options which you’re sure to enjoy. If you’re visiting Munich during Oktoberfest, be sure to check out tours & activities in Munich with Civitatis.