Munich: Beer Halls, Oktoberfest Museum & Bavarian Food Tour

Summary

Munich beer halls by night, local brews and bites with stories

You’ll walk through Munich’s lively beer halls with a local guide, sample classic Bavarian beers and hearty snacks, peek inside the Oktoberfest Museum’s hidden stories, and end your evening among locals in the city’s buzzing bar quarter. Expect laughter, new friends, and maybe a sticky ice cream cone along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clatter—glasses, laughter, that low hum you get in Munich’s old beer halls near Marienplatz. Our guide Max (he wore lederhosen, but said he only does it for tours) handed me a wheat beer that tasted almost creamy, which I didn’t expect. The smell of pretzels and something smoky hung in the air. We squeezed around a wooden table already nicked from years of use, and someone tried to teach me “Prost!” properly—my accent made them laugh, but they meant it kindly.

After that first half-liter, we wandered cobblestone streets to the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum. It’s tucked inside this creaky old townhouse—I hit my head on a beam (not hard), which Max said is practically tradition for tall visitors. Inside, you see these ancient mugs locked behind glass; apparently families have their own steins kept there for generations. There’s something about seeing those names etched into pewter that makes the whole Oktoberfest thing feel less like a party and more like a family ritual.

We tried three more beers—one dark and malty, one golden and sharp—and ate slices of cheese and sausage that honestly tasted better than any bar snack back home. I remember standing outside later with the group, bottle in hand like locals do, watching people drift past Frauenkirche as church bells echoed off the stone. Someone bought ice cream from this chef who apparently has a Michelin star (didn’t expect that either). My fingers were sticky from melted vanilla but I didn’t really care.

The last stop was somewhere near Müller’s Public Bath—a bar district where everything felt louder and closer together. I’m not sure if it was the strong monastery beer or just being out in Munich at night with strangers who’d become friends after four rounds. Either way, I still think about that view of the city lights as we finished our drinks and wandered off into the noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Munich beer halls and local bites

• Begin tour at Munich city centre
• Visit traditional Bavarian tavern
• Sample local pub food and beer
• Tour Oktoberfest museum
• Taste three iconic local beers
• Match beers with Bavarian dish
• Stop at famous beer hall for photos
• Enjoy street food and bottled beer
• Take ice cream from Michelin chef
• Drink strong beer near Frauenkirche
• Enter Munich bar quarter
• Visit bustling evening bar

Top questions

How many beers do you taste on this Munich beer tour?

You’ll sample five different brews throughout the evening—including three iconic local beers at the Oktoberfest Museum.

Is food included during the Munich beer & bites tour?

Yes, traditional Bavarian snacks like cheese, meats, regional dips and pretzels are included to pair with your beers.

Does this tour include entry to the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum?

Yes, you’ll receive exclusive access to the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum as part of your experience.

Where does the Munich beer tour start?

The tour begins in Munich's famous city centre near Marienplatz.

Is this small-group or private?

This is a small-group tour capped at 12 travelers for an intimate experience.

Are stag groups allowed on this tour?

Stag groups need to book privately or contact Fork & Walk Tours directly to arrange participation.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

No transport is needed—the tour is a walking route through central Munich with public transit options nearby if needed.

Is this Munich beer tour wheelchair accessible?

The experience is wheelchair accessible; public transportation options are also nearby if required.

What’s included

Your evening includes all five beer tastings (three full pours plus three tasters), hearty Bavarian platters with cheese and meat, regional dips and fresh pretzels. You’ll get exclusive entry to the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum plus time exploring Munich’s nightlife—all led by a local guide before you head off into the night on your own schedule.