Gay Munich City Guide

 

Munich | München

Munich is the capital and the largest city in the German state of Bavaria. It is also the third largest city in Germany (behind Berlin and Hamburg).

About 1.4 million people live within the city limits and more than 5 million within its metropolitan area.

Munich is famous for its stunning architecture, fine culture and the annual two-week Oktoberfest beer celebration when 6 million visitors consume more than 7 million litres of beer.

 

Gay Scene

Munich has an extensive gay scene comprising of bars, clubs, saunas and cruise clubs. Most of the city's gay venues are located in the city centre district of Glockenbachviertel (also known as GBV), near the Sendlinger Tor subway station.

The gay scene in this more conservative federal state capital may be smaller in size than in Berlin or Cologne - but it will not disappoint.

Annual gay highlights include the leather and fetish meeting at the Starkbierfest in March, several street fairs in the summer (June till August), the Christopher Street Day Parade (Gay Pride Weekend) in July, the Verzaubert Queer Film Weekend and the gay Sunday at the world-famous Oktoberfest in September.

 

CSD (Christopher Street Day) / Gay Pride Weekend in Munich 2016

 

 

Getting to Munich

Munich International Airport (MUC) is the second busiest airport in Germany and the seventh in Europe. Located 35 kms to the northeast of Munich, the airport has two terminals and is a major hub for Lufthansa, its partner airlines as well as other international carriers. In 2011, Munich Airport won the "Best Airport in Europe" award for the third year in a row.

The airport connects to central Munich by the ultra efficient S-Bahn (suburban train) on the S1 and S8 line. The trains runs every 5 - 20 minutes and takes about 40 minutes to reach the central station (Hauptbahnhof). The Airport-City-Day ticket costs €12.80 but is a good investment as it allows you unimpeded transport throughout Munich.

There is also the Lufthansa Airport bus leaving every 20 minutes between 6:20am-9:40pm costing €10.50 for a one way ticket.

Taxis take approximately 40 minutes and cost around €50.

By train

Munich's central station (Hauptbahnhof) is conveniently located in the center of Munich. The central station is well-connected to the city's dense public transportation network.

By car

Munich is well-connected via the German Autobahn network with other cities in Germany and Austria.  Traffic in the city can be a challenge at peak hours. Due to the shortage of parking in the city centre, it is recommended to leave the car at a Park & Ride car park in one of Munich's suburbs close to a S-Bahn station and use public transportation within the city.

Getting around Munich

Public transportation

The best way to travel around Munich is using the public transportation system consisting of the Tram (street car), buses, S-Bahn (suburban trains) and U-Bahn (underground trains). There is one integrated ticket system called MVV. This enables you to use all of the public transport using the same ticket. Day tickets start from €6.60.

Of particular note is the Queer City pass which not only acts as a day ticket but offers discounts and special offers in over 60 LGBT establishments in Munich. Prices start from €11.90.

By bike

Munich has over 200 km of bike trails which makes cycling one of the best ways to explore the city.  Guided tours are available, and maps can be obtained at the central train station (Hauptbahnhof) and other areas of the city.

By taxi

Metered taxis can be found at taxi stands throughout the city, at train stations and at the airport. You can also stop a taxi (if it is not occupied) or call one of the many taxi companies of Munich.

By car

It is not advisable to explore Munich by car Traffic is heavy, especially during rush hour, and parking is nearly impossible and expensive.  Besides, many landmarks and tourist attractions are located in the inner city which is partially closed for car traffic.

 

Where to Stay in Munich

Popular areas for gay tourists are around the Glockenbachviertel (GBV) and the near the Central Railway Station (Hauptbahnhof).

For our list of recommended Munich hotels for gay travelers, visit the Gay Munich Hotels and Gay Munich Luxury Hotels pages.

 

Things to See & Do

Old Pinakothek - museum that contains the city's most famous artworks including international works from the 14th-18th centuries.

Asam's Church (Asamkirche) - Rococo church built in the mid 1700's.

Marienplatz - largest public square in Munich with bells chiming and the figures dancing at 11am and 5pm.

Deutsches Museum - one of the world's largest science museums.

English Garden - popular scenic park containing a Greek temple, Chinese pagoda and Japanese tea house.

Bayerische Staatsoper Opera House - best place to see opera and ballet.

St. Peter's Church (Peterkirche) - beautiful church with fantastic views and shopping around the area.

Munich Botanischer Garten - botanical garden with lovely surroundings.

Residenz Royal Palace - former residence of the Bavarian Wittelsbach kings and now a museum, open to the public.

Nymphenburg Palace - historic palace that includes the famous Nymphenburg Porcelain Factory, gardens, and magnificent public rooms.

Theresienwiese - huge park that hosts the popular Oktoberfest.

Munich Zoo - large zoo with museums and much to see.

 

Money

Germany is part of the Eurozone. Cash dispensers are widely available. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted (and in many places, preferred).