Munich: Beer & Schnapps Day Tour with Local Bars & Food

Summary

Munich’s beer halls and schnapps in daylight with locals

You’ll taste Munich’s best local beers and unique schnapps alongside traditional pub food on this daytime adventure through Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and hidden beer halls. With stories from your guide and laughter shared over games and snacks, you’ll feel part of Munich’s living history—right down to that last sip.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to Marienplatz already buzzing—people everywhere, pigeons dodging feet, that faint yeasty smell from somewhere nearby. Our guide Max grinned as he handed out tiny wooden dice for a drinking game right there in the square. I was terrible at it (blame nerves or excitement), but nobody cared. First sip of Bavarian beer before noon felt both rebellious and perfectly normal here. Max told us how this wasn’t just about drinking—it’s history in a glass, he said, and I actually believed him.

The next stop was a beerhall tucked behind Viktualienmarkt, not one of those touristy giants but a place where old men argued over cards and the barmaid called everyone “Schatz.” The light inside was golden and sticky somehow, clinging to the wooden tables. We tried a schnapps that tasted like apples and something herbal—Max explained the recipe came from his grandmother’s village. I couldn’t pronounce it; Li laughed when I tried to say it in German—definitely butchered it. The pretzels were warm, salty, perfect with the second round of beer (the “light fare” turned out heavier than expected). I liked watching locals nod at each other as they came in—there’s a rhythm to it.

Later we wandered past Müller’s Public Bath—never thought I’d see such an Art Nouveau building on a beer tour—and ducked into another centuries-old hall where monks still brew their own stuff. The Benedictine beer was darker and smoother than anything I’d had back home. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet for a bit, sipping slowly while outside bells rang somewhere. Maybe it was the schnapps or just Munich doing its thing.

The last stretch took us through streets lined with little craft bars—Max pointed out which ones had started pushing against tradition (“the uprising,” he called it). My head felt fuzzy but good. It was only mid-afternoon but honestly? Felt like we’d been part of something older than any clock tower or cathedral around us. Still think about that golden light on the table sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Munich beer and schnapps tasting tour

• Start at Marienplatz with drinking game
• Visit nearby historic beerhall
• Enjoy Bavarian pub fare and beers
• Go to local bar at Viktualienmarkt
• Learn brewery history and taste schnapps
• Visit centuries-old beerhall near cathedral
• Drink Benedictine monk-brewed beers
• Have final schnapps of the tour
• Stroll Munich's craft beer neighborhood

Top questions

Is this Munich beer & schnapps tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

How much beer is included on the Munich day-drinking tour?

The tour includes six 500 ml Bavarian beers per person plus four German schnapps tastings.

Does the tour include food or snacks?

Yes, traditional Bavarian food, snacks, and desserts are included along with drinks.

Where does the Munich beer & schnapps day tour start?

The tour begins at Marienplatz in central Munich.

Are children allowed on this Munich drinking tour?

Infants and small children can join if in a pram or stroller; however, alcohol is only for adults.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Marienplatz.

How long does the Munich beer & schnapps day-drinking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including multiple stops.

What’s included

Your day includes six half-liter Bavarian beers, four kinds of German schnapps, plenty of traditional Bavarian food (snacks and desserts too), plus all stories shared by your professional guide as you wander between Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Müller’s Public Bath area and some of Munich’s favorite local bars—all in a relaxed small-group setting.