For visitors who want to see how Munich's beer is actually made, this tour goes behind the scenes at one of the city's great breweries. It lasts about three and a half hours and starts at Marienplatz, in front of the tourist information office in the Gothic town hall, where the guide carries a yellow sign. From there the group takes public transport, which is included in the price, to the Paulaner brewery, where you spend about an hour with the entrance fee covered, and learn about Bavaria's beer purity law and how the beer is brewed. The tour then moves to the Staatliches Hofbraeuhaus for around an hour, with free admission and a chance to sample wheat beer in the most famous hall in the city. The price includes two half-litre beers per person and a pretzel, while any further food and drink is at your own expense. The tour has 4.4 stars from about 160 reviews, a good score, though lower than the small-group tours, and some reviewers describe groups larger than the stated maximum of 24 people, so it is worth arriving early to stay near the guide. It is a straightforward, good-value introduction to the beer scene, which combines a working brewery with the city's best-known beer hall, and it suits those who prefer a lively group to a small one.
How to plan your visit
The tour starts and ends at Marienplatz, in front of the Munich tourist information in the Gothic town hall. Look for the yellow sign with the tour name in red. The journey to the brewery is by public transport, which the ticket covers, and the tour returns to the centre. Allow around three and a half hours, and consider eating beforehand or planning dinner afterwards, since the included food is only a pretzel.
When to go
The tour is an evening beer tasting, so it suits any season. In summer the Hofbraeuhaus is at its busiest, with long queues at weekends, and in winter it is warm and atmospheric. The operator offers full refunds up to 24 hours before the start.
Things to know
The tour is in English and the stated maximum group size is 24, though some reviewers have reported more than 30 people, so stay close to the guide to hear. Two beers and a pretzel are included. If you want a more intimate experience with more food, the small-group beer and bites tour listed here is the alternative, while the Hofbraeuhaus guide explains how to visit the hall independently. The Augustiner beer garden makes a good follow-up for another evening.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening tour with a brewery visit and a stop in the Hofbraeuhaus, with transport, entrance fees, two half-litre beers and a pretzel included.
Best time
Evenings, in any season. Weekends are busiest at the Hofbraeuhaus.
How long
About three and a half hours.
Tips
Meet at Marienplatz by the tourist information office. Stay close to the guide in the larger group.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beer fans who want to see a working brewery and the best-known beer hall in one evening.
- Families
- For adults. The programme is built around beer.
- Couples
- A fun, easy evening out with a good-value price.
- Pair with
- Another evening at the Augustiner beer garden.
- Time needed
- Three and a half hours.
Good questions
Where does the Munich brewery tour start?+
At Marienplatz, in front of the Munich tourist information in the Gothic town hall, where the guide carries a yellow sign.
What is included?+
Public transport to the brewery, the Paulaner entrance fee, two 0.5-litre beers and a pretzel.
Which places do we visit?+
The Paulaner brewery for about an hour and the Staatliches Hofbraeuhaus for about an hour.
How big is the group?+
The stated maximum is 24 travellers, though some reviewers report larger groups.
Is it in English?+
Yes.
