This is the classic way to see Munich from a saddle. The tour leaves from Marienplatz at 11:30am and runs for three to four hours, ending at the operator's shop near the Hofbraeuhaus, where you return your bike and helmet. The route links the old town with the great parks: from Marienplatz and the Platzl it goes to the Hofgarten, the Residenz, Max-Joseph-Platz and Odeonsplatz, then into the English Garden, past the Chinese Tower, along the Isar and by the Friedensengel to the Isartor and the Maximilianeum. Entry to the Residenz courtyard is included. In the English Garden the guide points out the spot where river surfers ride the Eisbach wave, though sightings cannot be guaranteed. The centrepiece is about an hour at the Chinese Tower beer garden, with food and drink at your own expense, which makes the tour a late-morning ride that doubles as lunch. The guide, who speaks English only, tells the history as you go, and the relaxed pace suits most fitness levels. With a 4.9 average from more than 1,300 reviews, it is one of the most popular activities in the city. Reviewers who liked it mention the guides, the English Garden ride and the lunch stop; the criticisms are that groups can be large and that there is a lot of standing and talking.
How to plan your visit
Meet at the Juliet statue at Marienplatz 15, where the guides identify themselves. The tour description advises that if you are more than 10 minutes late and cannot find the group, you should go to the shop on Hochbrueckenstrasse 10. The tour ends at the operator's rental shop near the Hofbraeuhaus, so you do not need to return to the start. A bicycle and helmet are included, though helmets are optional.
When to go
The tour runs in all weather, and ponchos are sold for a small price, but the beer garden hour is best on a dry day from spring to early autumn. Surfers on the Eisbach are most likely to be there in good weather, though they ride all year round when conditions allow. Because the departure is at 11:30am, you have the morning free for a church tower or the Viktualienmarkt, and the afternoon is free after the ride.
Things to know
Group sizes vary and can reach 20 or more, so if you prefer a smaller group, consider the private-group bike tour listed here. Less confident riders may find the traffic in the old town challenging, so say so to the guide at the start. The cancellation policy allows a full refund up to 24 hours before the start. For a calmer view of the same park from the saddle of a different vehicle, the Segway tour is the alternative.
What to expect
The experience
A guided group bike ride from Marienplatz at 11:30am, with the Residenz courtyard, the English Garden and about an hour at the Chinese Tower beer garden.
Best time
Dry days from spring to early autumn.
How long
Three to four hours.
Tips
Meet at the Juliet statue, Marienplatz 15. Bring money for the beer garden. Tell the guide if you are an unsure rider.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a classic half-day tour with a beer garden lunch in a group.
- Families
- Fine for older children who can ride in city traffic. Check with the operator about equipment.
- Couples
- A lively, social tour that works well for couples.
- Pair with
- An afternoon in the English Garden or at the Eisbach to watch the surfers.
- Time needed
- Three to four hours.
Good questions
What time does the classic Munich bike tour start?+
At 11:30am from the Juliet statue at Marienplatz 15.
How long does it take?+
About three to four hours, including roughly an hour at the Chinese Tower beer garden.
Will I see the Eisbach surfers?+
The guide points out the wave in the English Garden, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Is a bike and helmet included?+
Yes. A bicycle and helmet are included, though helmets are optional.
What if it rains?+
The tour runs in all weather and ponchos are sold at a small price. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start.
