Beer Tastings in Munich

German beers have reached legendary status worldwide. With brewing traditions that predate the German state by hundreds of years, there’s been plenty of time to perfect their pils, weissbier and helles.

For beer lovers, there’s no better place in Germany to take in the flavors and history of brewing than Munich.

Beer tastings in Munich provide you with a glimpse - and taste - of the city’s beer heritage. With six major breweries, numerous craft brewers, perhaps the world’s best-known beer hall and festival grounds that throw Oktoberfests that can’t be missed, there are countless facets of this drinking culture to discover.

Here's your guide to beer tastings, one of the most quintessential gastronomic experiences in Munich.

What are the best beer tastings in Munich?

Munich's beer and brewery tours

The most popular beer-themed tours in Munich take you to prime breweries, beer halls and even a museum.

You’ll get a walking tour of some of the city’s landmarks while you follow your local guide to famous locales and off-the-radar watering holes. If you’re feeling independent, choose a self-guided tour that you can access on your smartphone.

Bavarian beer and food tours of Munich

What better way to enjoy German brews than with classic Bavarian dishes? Make a meal of it with a beer and food tour that fills you with snacks and a dinner spread of meats, cheeses, veg and iconic giant pretzels.

Beer and segway tours in Munich

Cover more ground on two wheels without breaking a sweat. Even if you’ve never stepped onto a segway, you’ll learn the ropes in minutes and be ready to zip to breweries and beer gardens in the furthest points of the city.

Oktoberfest tours in Munich

Just minutes from Old Town, the setting of the world’s most famous celebration of beer lies dormant. Oktoberfest in Munich is much more than beer drinking. The festival grounds serve up the obligatory beer but add layers of fun with rides, traditional garb and dances and plenty of Bavarian culture. Guided tours get you into the action faster and provide vouchers for beer and food.

Private beer tours of Munich

If you want to avoid crowds and indulge in a perfectly personalized experience, a private tour is for you. Stick to the city for beer hall hopping or a biking outing with stops at “biergartens,” or hop into a car for a trip outside the city limits for beers by lakesides and mountains.

Are there any combos available with beer tours in Munich?

Neuschwanstein Castle and brewery tours

Southern Germany boasts some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. As if it were possible to improve on nature, Neuschwanstein Castle seems to make its mountain surroundings commonplace in comparison.

Skip the long lines for castle tours with a guide just for you and yours. Marvel at the mystifying, magical world that King Ludwig II created at Neuschwanstein before contemplating it all over a beer or two in a nearby brewery.

Hiking tours plus beer tastings

Bavaria is criss-crossed with historic paths long trodden by artists and pilgrims. Embark on the 6.5-kilometer trek along the Dragon Slayer Way, a trail in nearby Murnau, that inspired artists like Wassily Kandinsky.

Build up a thirst on the 2-hour hike along Staffelsee Lake, through wooded groves and over boardwalks with alpine views. Finish your outing with beers and a meal at renowned restaurant Griesbrau zu Murnau.

Which places are visited on a Munich beer tour?

Hofbrauhaus

Quite possibly the world’s most famous brewery is a must on any Munich beer tasting tour. While some tours only pass by for a quick history and photo ops, some take you inside for a beer you’ll always remember.

Hofbrauhaus has seen drastic ups and downs during its nearly 500-year reign as Munich’s premier beer hall. The 16th-century building is stunning both inside and out. Snap photos of its arched facade and colorful vaulted ceilings while savoring a brew and Bavarian dinner.

Beer and Oktoberfest Museum

Housed in one of Munich’s oldest buildings is a collection of displays and artifacts that take you deep into the world of German beer. The small museum takes about 1 hour to tour, but most guided beer tastings forgo the exhibits for a chance to empty a stein of beer in its lively beer hall.

Famous and craft breweries

Munich is home to six major breweries whose creations are enjoyed worldwide. Your guided beer tasting may take you to the birthplace of Spaten, Lowenbrau, Augustiner, Paulaner or Hacker Pschorr. Accompany your guide to some of Muncih’s lesser-known microbreweries. The city is dotted with innovative craft breweries that are locals’ faves.

Oktoberfest festival grounds

If your visit to Munich falls within the short window of Oktoberfest, make a day of it at the Oktoberfest festival grounds. With food, drink, an amusement park and Bavarian pageantry, you may want to spend more than one day here.

How much do beer tastings in Munich cost?

Beer tastings in Munich cost from €30 per person to €45 per person, depending on group size and how many sites and samples are included.

Beer and food tours cost between €60 per person and €160 per person, depending on group size, amount of beer and food provided and whether a tour of the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum is included.

Segway beer tours cost around €85 per person and outfit you with the gear and beer to make the outing safe and fun. Private beer tours in the city cost from €70 per person to €450 per person, depending on group size, duration of the tour and whether a food or a tour of the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum is included.

What do beer tours in Munich include?

The most economical beer tastings in Munich provide you with several small tastings and about 1 liter of beer of your choice.

Many of these tours also include public transportation to get to more distant stops on the tour if weather makes foot travel inconvenient. Beer and food tours offer snacks, beer and a light dinner.

Also included are entry fees to the breweries and the assistance of a knowledgeable guide who will enhance your drinking with a wealth of interesting tidbits. Your guide will regale you with the history of the city steeped in beer culture while orienting you to Munich.

These tours often pass by Hofbrauhaus for a photo op and pause for a drink at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. While you won’t take a tour of the museum, having a beer in its traditional beer hall will make the brew taste even better. However, some tours do include museum entry and a guided visit.

Where do the excursions start?

Most tours meet at centrally-located landmarks in Munich. Common meeting places include Marienplatz, Karlsplatz or near the Botanical Garden. Oktoberfest tours either meet at a U-bahn station for travel as a group, or you will meet your guide outside the festival grounds. Private tours that involve travel outside of the city provide pickup from your Munich lodging.

How long do tastings last?

Most beer tastings in Munich last around 3 hours. Tours and tastings at Oktoberfest take 4 hours. Bike tours with tastings last around 6 hours. Private excursions that take you out of Munich can last from 7 to 10 hours.

Are tours wheelchair friendly?

Some beer tours are wheelchair friendly while others are not. Be sure to verify with your tour provider at the time of booking to make sure your needs will be met.

When is the best time for a beer tasting in Munich?

The best time for a beer tasting in Munich depends on your preferences. Oktoberfest, the world-famous beer festival, happens from late September to early October, offering a lively atmosphere.

Munich's charming beer gardens shine from late April to early September during the warmer months. Brewery tours are available year-round but may have varying schedules.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or weekdays to avoid crowds. Weather is a factor; spring and early fall offer mild temperatures, while winter is suitable for indoor tastings. Ultimately, the ideal time depends on your desire for festivals, outdoor venues, or historical brewery tours.

Are the tours safe?

Yes, beer tastings in Munich are safe, as they provide expert guides.

However, please note that some combined beer tours, such as those involving activities like hiking or a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or individuals with heart conditions, back problems, or other serious medical concerns.

Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness. If you have any doubts, it's advisable to check with the tour provider before making a booking.

Are children allowed?

The minimum age for beer tasting on some tours is 16 years and above. However, please note that Oktoberfest does not allow children under 18 years old, and the combined hiking tour is not suitable for small children; it is preferable for ages 18 and above. If you have any doubts, check with the tour provider before making a booking.

Top tips

• Choose from Munich's renowned beer gardens and breweries for authentic tasting experiences.
• Secure your spot on brewery tours in advance to learn about the beer-making process.
• Sample beers in moderation to savor the flavors without overindulging.
• Pair your beer tastings with traditional Bavarian cuisine to enhance the experience trying local dishes.
• To ensure safety after beer tastings use Munich's efficient public transportation system or designate a sober driver.