Munich at night: The best things to do after dark

With a vibrant nightlife scene and a spooky history entwined with tales of witches, warlocks, and dragons, Munich boasts as much to do after dark as it does throughout the day. Maybe you are beer hall hopping from Hofbräuhaus to Augustiner-Keller or enjoying an evening of culture and music at the Cuvilliés Theatre or the Bavarian National Theatre. Or perhaps you’re taking a step back in time to wander the streets of the Old Town with the night watchman. Whatever you choose, there are plenty of things to do in Munich at night for everyone.

Top ranked: Munich at night

Best attractions to visit at night: Munich’s iconic Beer Halls and Concert Halls.

Best neighborhood for nightlife: Glockenbachviertel has a fantastic array of restaurants and bars.

Best sunset spot: The Olympic Tower offers panoramic views to witness the day turn to night.

1. See the sights after sunset

Wander the streets at night with an experienced local guide who can answer all your questions about the city as well as show you the best Munich neighborhoods. Or why not book one of the many private tour experiences during which you can learn all about the local culture, history, and the city’s best-kept secrets?

Why do this at night?

Throughout the day, the city center is packed with tourists exploring the sights and locals going about their daily business. So, exploring the streets after dark with a local guide is one of the best things to do in Munich at night, as you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience of the city.

2. Learn secrets with the night watchman

Discover what life was like in Munich during the Middle Ages as you wander the streets with a costumed night watchman. Guided by a lantern, halberd, and horn, you’ll explore the old city walls and shudder as you listen to tales of life in 12th-century Munich and learn about what took place on the very sites you pass along the way.

Why do this at night?

Taking the tour after sunset allows you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s dark side as you listen to tales of torture and wander through hidden alleyways guided by lantern light.

3. Soak up Munich’s spooky side

One of the most fun things to do in Munich at night for the entire family is exploring the city’s spooky side. Meet the devil and demons, heretics and the damned as you wander through the Old Town, the posh Kreuzviertel district, Promenade Square, and the Graggenau district.

Why do this at night?

Exploring the city by night as you listen to tales of horror and doom will add to the eerie allure of a spooky city tour.

4. Enjoy a performance at the Cuvilliés Theater

Munich is a city rich in culture and music. There’s no better way to embrace this cultural heritage than by enjoying an enchanting musical performance at one of the most beautiful rococo theaters in Europe, the Cuvilliés Theater. As you listen to the concert, admire the opulence of the venue where the first performances of Mozart’s “Idomeneo” took place in 1781.

Why visit this at night?

Most performances take place in the evening, making them the perfect way to wind down for the evening as you enjoy a delicious meal followed by some classical music.

Address

Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München

Opening hours

Concerts begin at 8:00 PM. Theaters open for daily tours from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

5. Immerse yourself in Bavarian food culture

From meats and cheeses to Bavarian sausages, pretzels, and Spätzle, Bavaria's food is hearty and delicious. Spending the evening exploring the vibrant food culture is the perfect way to enjoy Munich at night. Take a food tour to explore the city’s local street food vendors, or dine at one of the top restaurants to taste the best food in Munich.

Why do this at night?

After a long day of exploring the sights and sounds of the city, you’re sure to have worked up quite the appetite. Satisfy your hunger before winding down for the evening by sampling some delicious Bavarian cuisine.

6. Browse Bavaria’s breweries

As the home of Oktoberfest, Munich is regarded among the world’s best beer destinations. So, you really can’t visit this German city without sampling some of its iconic brews. Once the sun goes down, enjoy an evening exploring the city’s top bars, beer halls, and breweries. Make sure to add iconic spots such as Hofbräuhaus to your bucket list.

Why do this at night?

Munich’s bars and beer halls come alive after dark. With music, costumed waiters, and a vibrant atmosphere, exploring the city’s beer culture is one of the best things to do in Munich at night.

Address

(Hofbräuhaus) Platzl 9, 80331 München

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM-12:00 AM.

7. Go on a classic Munich night out

Believe it or not, Munich is one of the best cities to party in Europe. Sink a few Bavarian beers and soak up the city’s vibrant nightlife scene after the sun goes down at one of the many clubs, bars, and entertainment venues. Head to Glockenbachviertel, a bustling district that comes to life after the sun goes down.

Why do this at night?

A classic Munich night out is the perfect way to let loose after a day of adventuring in the city.

8. Discover Nymphenburg Palace Park

One of the most romantic places to see in Munich, Nymphenburg Palace, is best explored at night. Built in the 17th century and the birthplace of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this place oozes history. Plus, they often host evening concerts, creating a memorable way to experience this incredible palace.

Why visit this at night?

As one of the city’s most popular attractions, you can escape the daytime crowds of tourists by visiting the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich after dark. At night, the brightly lit archways reflect off the lake in front, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Address

Schloß Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München

Opening hours

January-March, November, December: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM

April and October: 6:00 AM-8:00 PM

May-September: 6:00 AM-9.30 PM

9. Appreciate classical music

From the Bavarian National Theater to the Residenz Palace to the Prinzregententheater, Munich is home to many marvelous concert halls and music venues where you can relax and enjoy a breathtaking live performance.

Why do this at night?

Most concerts take place at night, and soaking up the classical music culture of this historic European city is an idyllic way to wind down for the evening in Munich.

10. Take in the views from Olympic Tower

For some of the most breathtaking views in the city, head up Olympic Tower at night. A world-famous landmark overlooking the central city and the surrounding mountains and countryside, Olympic Tower has been a popular attraction since its opening in 1968.

Why visit this at night?

The views from Olympic Tower are amazing, no matter what time you visit. However, there’s a certain kind of magic to witnessing Munich lit up after dark.

Address

Olympiapark München, Spiridon-Louis-Ring 7, 80809 München

FAQs

What are some top nighttime attractions in Munich?

The Nymphenburg Palace, Hofbräuhaus, and Munich’s concert halls and theaters are some of the city’s best nighttime attractions.

What are the best areas for a nighttime walk in Munich?

If you want to soak up the vibrant nightlife scene of the city, head to Glockenbachviertel. Otherwise, the Old Town takes on a different feel after the sun goes down, making it the perfect place to explore and discover a new perspective.

What are the most popular night tours in Munich?

Some of the most popular night tours in Munich include private or group walking tours that offer insights into the city’s history. If you prefer alternative tours, choose from bike or Segway tours visiting Munich’s top attractions, or spooky tours that provide an overview of the city’s dark side.

What are some fun activities to do with kids in Munich at night?

Some of the best things to do with kids in Munich at night include taking in the views from Olympic Tower, a spooky walking tour of the city, or a night watchman tour for children.

What are the best spots for a romantic night out in Munich?

There are plenty of romantic things to do in Munich. Some of the best ideas for a romantic night out include a sundowner in Englischer Garten or a stroll through the Nymphenburg Palace as it lights up. A candlelit concert or a cocktail at one of the city’s top rooftop bars is also a great way to feel the romantic atmosphere after dark.