Chinese Tower Beer Garden

The Chinesischer Turm beer garden in the Englischer Garten is Munich's most famous outdoor drinking venue and one of the largest in the world. Brass band oompah music plays from the tower during weekends and holidays. The beer is Hofbräuhaus Märzen served in litre steins; the food (pretzels, Obatzda cheese spread, roast chickens, Weisswurst) is solid beer garden fare.

Tables without tablecloths are unreserved — sit anywhere and a waiter will find you. Bring a sweater even in summer; the shade from the trees and the proximity to the Isar river channels make evenings cool. The self-service counter near the entrance is faster than waiting for table service. Closes at 11pm.

bars and cafes sight
A story
Munich has about 100 beer gardens. The Chinese Tower is the second-largest, with 7,000 seats — but unlike the Hofbräuhaus, it's a place where locals actually go. You can bring your own food (Bavarian law permits this in beer gardens) as long as you buy the beer there. The Chinese Tower itself, a five-storey wooden pagoda, has nothing to do with China — it was built in 1790 and modelled on a royal tower in Kew Gardens.

Other places in Bars and Cafes