Bar
Augustiner-Keller
One of Munich's classic beer gardens, near the main station, with thousands of seats under chestnut trees and Augustiner Edelstoff from the wooden barrel.
Hofbräuhaus
Munich's most famous beer hall, on the Platzl in the old town, serving Hofbräu beer and Bavarian food to live brass music every day from 11:00 to midnight.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic beer hall
- Area
- Altstadt, Munich, Germany
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily · 11:00–00:00
- Official site
- hofbraeuhaus.de
Good to know
- Free seating in the Schwemme
- Live Bavarian music
- Beer garden
- Festsaal
- Shop
Why we recommend it
The Hofbräuhaus is probably the best-known beer hall in the world and, for many visitors, an essential Munich experience. The ducal court brewery was founded in 1589, and the tavern on the Platzl was opened to the general public by King Ludwig I in 1828. In 1897, when brewing moved out to the suburbs, the architect Max Littmann remodelled the building into the beer palace that stands today.
The heart of the house is the Schwemme on the ground floor, a huge vaulted hall of long wooden tables where seating is free and you simply find a space and share. Bavarian bands play live music, and staff carry armfuls of one-litre mugs, the Mass, between the tables. Other rooms include the Bräustüberl, the Erkerzimmer, the Münchner Zimmer and the Wappensaal, and the large Festsaal on the third floor is used for events and shows. In summer the Wirtsgarten, the beer garden, is one of the most pleasant corners of the building.
The beer is Hofbräu, served as Original lager, dark, wheat beer and seasonal specials. The kitchen serves Bavarian dishes made with regional, seasonal ingredients, in portions designed to go with beer. Some tables are reserved for Stammtische, the groups of regulars, so look for the signs before you sit down.
The Hofbräuhaus opens every day from 11:00 to midnight; the kitchen closes at 22:00 and last orders for drinks are at 23:30. Reservations are only needed for groups of four or more, and the ground floor works on free seating. It suits first-time visitors, groups and anyone who wants to see the full beer-hall tradition, though it is loud and very busy, especially in the evenings and during the Oktoberfest. Come in the early afternoon on a weekday for a calmer visit.
The building also has a darker chapter: the Festsaal is where the Nazi party held its first major meeting in February 1920, when Hitler presented its 25-point programme. Today the hall is used for concerts and events. The Hofbräuhaus is a five-minute walk from Marienplatz, and the Platzl Hotel, Maximilianstraße and the Residenz are all close by. The house also has its own shop for souvenirs and sells vouchers.
Hofbräuhaus FAQs
What are the Hofbräuhaus opening hours?
Daily from 11:00 to midnight. The kitchen closes at 22:00 and last orders for drinks are at 23:30.
Do I need a reservation?
Only for groups of four or more. Seating in the Schwemme on the ground floor is free.
Is there live music?
Yes. Bavarian bands play in the beer hall, and the house lists its musicians on its website.
What beer is served?
Hofbräu beers, including Original, Dunkel, Weisse and seasonal specials.
Can I sit anywhere?
In the Schwemme, yes, but avoid tables marked for Stammtische, the regulars' groups.
Is there a beer garden?
Yes, the Wirtsgarten courtyard beer garden.
How old is the Hofbräuhaus?
The court brewery was founded in 1589, the tavern opened to the public in 1828 and the current building dates from 1897.
Where is the Hofbräuhaus?
On the Platzl in the old town, about five minutes' walk from Marienplatz.