Munich offers a plethora of fabulous hot spots to please even the most finicky of travelers. In the next few paragraphs I'll elaborate on some of Germany's most exciting clubs, theaters, cafes and bars.
Nowhere in Europe, with the exception of London, possibly even Paris, will you find so many choices of theatrical and musical performances as in Munich. The prices are good, and even the cheap seats have a great view. Munich offers twenty such theaters, and if you speak German, you're in luck. You'll find anything from classic, comical, musical, contemporary to even experimental plays. You'll want to visit your closest theater-ticket agency to find out what's playing. One of the best and most convenient is the Marienplatz at the entrance of the S-Bahn. Or you could just purchase a local newspaper.
Once you have figured out which play or event you would like to attend, getting the required tickets can be a snap if your theater deals with ticketing agencies. All you have to do is ring up one of the three ticket agents in Munich. Munchen tickets at 089/54.81.81.81 or Hieber am Dom at 089/29.00.80.14 or lastly WOM (World Of Music)089/21.5.19.20 or visit them at Kaufingerstrasse 15. There is a surcharge added to the ticket price for using your credit card with WOM, so it might be a bit pricier than the others. All three ticket agents have access to the same computer database and handle the same plays, musicals and sporting events within Bavaria so it basically comes down to a matter of convenience.
The people of Munich adore their opera, and if you share the same convictions, the Bayerischen Staatsoper also known as the National theatre, (Bavarian State Opera and ballet ensemble) is for you. It is one of the World's greatest opera companies with fabulously presented productions and some of the finest singers around. Tickets may be purchased at the box office Monday through Friday 10 am to 1 PM and 2 PM through 6 PM and an hour before the performance. On Saturday 10 am to 1 PM. Max-Joseph-Platz 2. You may ring up WOM for tickets at 089/21.85.19.20. Remember, the Bavarians give their hearts and souls for their opera, so tickets may be scarce.
If you are in the mood for a musical, ballet, or an operetta, the Deutches Theater offers you a wide range of venues to choose from. The Deutches Theater is the only theater in Germany that is both a theater and a ballroom. During the months of January and February the seats are replaced with tables and chairs for their lovely black tie festivities and costume balls of Carnival. The Deutches Theater is located at Schwanthalerstrasse 13. ph. 089/55.23.42.41
The Münchner Kammerspiele offers contemporary plays as well as some performances of the classics during their season of early October to the end of July. You can reserve tickets over the phone Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 PM. If you are ordering your tickets by phone, you must pick your tickets up two days before the performance. Or you may get them from the box office Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 PM and on Saturdays 10 am to 1 PM. You may also get them one hour before the performance. The Munchner Kammerpiele also has a second theater called The Werkraum which mainly focuses on the works of new authors and directors.
Hildegardstrasse 1 ph. 089/55.23.42.41
The Altes Residenztheater (Cuvillies Theater) is worth seeing in it's own right. The "Residenz" was the official residence of the Wittelsbach family, the rulers of Bavaria from 1385 to 1918. It has been rebuilt and added on to for centuries, the last being a complete restoration after WWII when it was nearly destroyed. The Residenz now houses a museum, the Residenz Treasury, and a concert hall, The Cuvillies Theater. The Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel and the Bavarian State Opera perform smaller works here as the theater itself is rather small. Tickets are available Monday through Friday 10 am through 6 PM, Saturday from 10 am to 1 PM and an hour before the performance. Residenzstrasse 1 ph.089/29.16.06.61
If you're in the mood for a bit of classical music, The Münchner Philharmoniker (Munich Philharmonic Orchestra) is for you. Founded in 1893, the orchestra makes it's home in the Gasteig Cultural Center, where it performs in the Philharmonic Hall. The Center houses five performance halls, the Munich Municipal Library, and the Richard Strauss Conservatory. Tickets may be purchased on the ground floor Monday through Friday 9 am to 6 PM and 9 am to 2 PM on Saturday. Philharmonic season is from mid September to July.
Rosenheimerstrasse 5 ph. 089/54.81.81.81
After enjoying a night out at the opera you may find yourself in need of a bit of light refreshment. Munich offers quite a few bars and cafes that are sure to please.
The Cafe Extrablat is a fabulous place to sit back and relax while you enjoy its decor of celebrity photos and momentos or sit outside and enjoy the warm weather in one of the sidewalk tables. Its owner, a prominent Munich newspaper columnist, Michael Grater created this sanctuary for writers and artists and is a top hot spot for local regulars and celebrities alike. It's open from 7 am to midnight Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 1 am Friday and Saturday, and Sunday 9 am to midnight.
Leopoldstrasse 7, Schabing ph. 089/33.33.33
Cafe Puck plays various roles to a diverse crowd of people. It is a retreat for wearied students, a restaurant serving, Chinese, American, German and Mexican food for the locals, and a bar for the general population. The people are friendly and more than willing to try out their English language skills on willing tourists. It is also a great place to catch up on the news with their assortment of German and English language newspapers.
Türkenstrasse 33 ph. 089/2.80.22.80
If you are keen to rub shoulders with film celebrities and soccer stars, Nachtcafe is definitely the place for you. The fun starts with live jazz, blues, and soul concerts that begin around 11 PM in an ultra cool 1950's atmosphere and ends with a last call around 6 am. There is no cover charge.
Maximilianplatz 5 ph. 089/59.59.00
The Paulaner Brewery owns and operates The Tomato Sports bar, a traditional sports bar that caters to nearly every sport imaginable. From Rugby to baseball you will be able to catch up on the latest scores while you down a pint or two of fabulous Paulaner beer. Open Sunday to Thursday from 7.30 PM to 1 am, and 7.30 to 3 am on Fridays and Saturday.
Siegesstrasse 19 ph. 089/43.83.93
Schumann's is one of Munich's most fashionable bars. Owned by Charles Schumann, author of three books, Schumann's is popular with the film industry, publishers, and the artistic world. In summer months have a drink on the terrace and enjoy people watching on one of Munich's most popular shopping street, or snuggle up inside this "thinking man's bar" in colder months. Open Monday through Friday from 5 PM to 3 am and 6 PM to 3 am on Sundays. Interestingly enough it is closed on Saturday.
Maxilianstrasse 36 ph. 089/22.90.60
If a night out clubbing appeals to you, from funky to classy Munich offers quite a few nightclubs to choose from. The Parkcafe, once a Nazi hangout, is now home to one of the most bizarre dance clubs in Munich. Elevated on platforms, leather clad male dancers gyrate and swing their feather boas to the beat of rock music above the patrons. It is open Wednesday and Thursday 10 PM to 4 am and on Friday and Saturday 10 PM to 5 am.
Sophienstrasse 7 ph. 089/59.83.13
Nachtwerk is set within an old factory warehouse where patrons dance the night away to modern rock n' roll. It isn't nearly as pretentious as some of the more posh clubs and discos in Munich. It is basically a place where the average person comes to have a bit of fun. It's hours are Thursday 10 PM to 4 am, Friday and Saturday 10.30 PM to 4 am.
Landesbergerstrasse 185 ph. 089/ 5.78.38.00
The Bayerischer Hof Night Club is set within the cellars of the Bayerischer Hof Hotel. An assortment of music is offered from the piano bar in the main room to the live orchestra. Entrance to the piano bar is free, but there is a cover charge to the nightclub on Fridays and Saturdays. Both the club and the piano bar are open daily from 6 PM to 4 am.
Promenadeplatz 2-6 ph. 089/2.12.09.94
The Felerwerk is known for it's assorted variety of entertainment. It hosts independent theater as well as rock bands. In the summer months the already-roomy Felerwerk expands into several circus-like tents for fresh air dancing. They are open daily from 9 PM to 4 am.
Hansastrasse 39-41 Ph. 089/7.69.36.00
Beer Halls, or Bierhalle, are a traditional German institution. They offer entertainment, food, and of course, beer. Some of the best beer halls in Germany are located within Munich. One of the most famous of all German beer halls is the Hofbrauhaus am Platzl. It is state owned, and extremely popular with tourists. The Hofbrauhaus is as full of history as it is full of beer. The present Hofbrauhaus was built in 1897, and has been the site of beer halls since 1589. This was also the setting of the famous meeting between Hitler and his newly formed German Workers party in 1920. Today tourists and locals alike crowd within it's several rooms, one of which is reserved for dancing. Dirndl-clad servers offer ice cold mugs of beer between sing-alongs and strolling musicians entertain you with traditional German melodies. The Hofbrauhaus also hosts a Bavarian show nightly in the Fest-Hall 8 PM to midnight. Its hours are 9 am until midnight, daily.
Am Platz 9 Ph. 089/ 22.16.76
Another popular Munich beer hall is the Augustinerbrau. Located on a pedestrian-only street, it is claimed that The Augustinbrau now stands on the site where beer was first brewed in 1328. Its menu is not for those who wish to keep their figure. Their fare is hearty, starchy, heavy and changes daily. It is open daily from 9 am to midnight.
Neuhauserstrasse 27 Ph. 089/ 23.18.32.57
The Waldwirtschaft Grosshesslohe is located above the Isar River, in close proximity to the zoo. Although it has limited hours, due to complaining neighbors, it is still a charming place to bring your own lunch and have a lovely time in its gardens while you listen to the wide assortment of music ranging from Jazz to Dixieland to Polish. The Waldwirtschaft Grosshesslohe is open daily from 11 am to 11 PM.
George-Kalb Strasse 3 Ph. 089/ 79.50.88
Munich after dark is an experience you will not soon forget. I am sure you will have plenty of brilliant experiences to enthrall and enchant your envious chums back home.
