This small-group evening tour is designed for people who want to understand Munich's beer culture and drink a good deal of it. It starts at 5pm at the Fish Fountain on Marienplatz and runs for about four hours, with a maximum of 12 people. You move through the old town and the Gaertnerplatz quarter, with stops at Marienplatz, the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, where admission is included, the Platzl, the Frauenkirche and the Gaertnerplatz district, and you pass the Staatliches Hofbraeuhaus without going in. The drinks and food are generous: three 500 ml beers, three Oktoberfest beer tasters, regional dips with a pretzel and a cheese and meat platter, with gratuities included. The guide explains how Munich's breweries, purity law and beer halls work, and the small group makes it far easier to ask questions than in a big hall. With 4.9 stars from about 176 reviews, it has earned praise for knowledgeable, friendly guides, generous food and a relaxed group atmosphere. You can book either a small-group place or a private tour, and some reviewers note that a tour became private when few people turned up. The museum stop can be busy with other groups, so expect a little queuing at times.
How to plan your visit
Meet at the Fish Fountain on Marienplatz 8, with the nearest station being Marienplatz on the U3 and U6, exit C. The tour ends back at the same spot, so you can walk straight into the old town for dinner, though the food on the tour is substantial. It starts at 5pm, so it is an early-evening activity rather than a late night.
When to go
The tour suits any season, since the museum and stops are close together and the Gaertnerplatz stretch is easy walking. In summer the evenings are long and the streets lively, while in winter the early darkness makes the beer halls feel more inviting. At busy times such as Oktoberfest and in December, the museum and the streets are crowded, so book in advance.
Things to know
The tour is in English, with a maximum of 12 travellers, and the price covers the beer, the tasters, the platter and gratuities. You pass the Hofbraeuhaus but do not stop there, so if you want to sit in the hall itself, plan a separate visit.
The booking allows full refunds up to 24 hours before the start. If you would rather combine the beer with a sit-down dinner and a brewery visit, the brewery tour listed here covers the Paulaner brewery, and the Hofbraeuhaus guide explains the best halls to visit independently.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening beer tour for up to 12 people, with three half-litre beers, Oktoberfest tasters, snacks and entry to the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum.
Best time
Early evenings in any season. The tour starts at 5pm.
How long
About four hours.
Tips
Meet at the Fish Fountain, Marienplatz 8. Book early for busy periods.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beer lovers who want guidance, tastings and a small group.
- Families
- Adults only in practice, as the programme is built around beer.
- Couples
- A sociable evening out with good food and drink.
- Pair with
- Dinner at a beer garden or hall on another night, or the Hofbraeuhaus.
- Time needed
- Four hours.
Good questions
What time does the Munich beer tour start?+
At 5pm, from the Fish Fountain at Marienplatz 8.
What is included?+
Three 500 ml beers, three Oktoberfest beer tasters, regional dips and a pretzel, a cheese and meat platter, admission to the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum and gratuities.
Do we go inside the Hofbraeuhaus?+
The tour passes the Hofbraeuhaus but does not stop there.
How big is the group?+
A maximum of 12 travellers. A private option is also available.
What language is the tour in?+
English.
