The Best Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Munich

Throughout Bavaria, beer is a vital part of life, and nowhere is this more evident than Munich, the state capital, and home to Oktoberfest. Beer is embedded into the very fabric of the city, rooted in its culture and tradition. During the summer months, you'll find the locals in a sun-dappled beer garden sipping a Maß, or a litre of beer for the uninitiated. Whilst the enjoyment of the local tipple is for adults only, many of the city’s beer gardens are geared towards families enjoying a sunny afternoon together. From the best shady spots to those with supervised playgrounds, here are a few of our favourites. Prost!

Königlicher Hirschgarten

As far back as 1780, the sprawling Hirschgarten park was used by nobility to hunt wild game. Now, it’s home to Bavaria’s largest beer garden, Königlicher Hirschgarten, which aptly translates to ‘Royal Deer Park’. The nobility may have moved on, but the deer remain and can be enjoyed by families at the neighbouring nature reserve. For a guaranteed interaction with these furry friends, be sure to buy some feed pellets beforehand. In the beer garden, children can delight in homemade ice cream while parents swap stories over a Maß of locally brewed lager and traditional Bavarian fare.

Augustiner-Keller

A favourite amongst locals, Augustiner-Keller takes the crown as Munich's oldest beer garden. Steeped in history, it is also a picturesque place to enjoy a taste of Bavaria under a canopy of chestnut trees - perfect for a moment of cool shade or enjoying the twinkling of fairy lights strung between the boughs come nightfall. With 5,000 seats, families will find ample space for little ones to roam, and there’s even a large playground for them to let off steam while parents enjoy a refreshing stein of Augustiner Lagerbier Hell, their signature double-fermented lager.

Chinesischer Turm

You might think that an Asian pagoda, in an English Garden, in the heart of Bavarian Munich might seem like an odd place to house one of the best beer gardens in the city, but you would be wise to think again. The Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) was originally constructed in 1790 but was destroyed during the Second World War and subsequently restored to its five-tiered glory. At weekends, a brass band sets the tone whilst beer lovers sip in the sunshine and children run around the city’s largest park. For extra entertainment, take a spin in one of the traditional horse-drawn carriages that have been picking up guests just outside the beer garden since 1945. 

Hofbräukeller

As one of Munich’s most historic squares, it seems only fitting that Wiener Platz plays host to one of the city’s best beer gardens. Spend a summer afternoon sipping their world-famous Hofbräu beer under the shade of towering chestnut trees while a local band playing Bavarian classics will see you foot-tapping in no time. Their Obatzda – a traditional beer cheese dip – is the natural accompaniment, while the kids can run around in the playpark, which is often supervised by members of the Hofbräukeller team. 

Plan a tour of the best beer gardens in Munich with the help of our knowledgeable concierge team during your stay at The Charles Hotel.