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The capital of Bavaria, Munich is framed by snow-capped peaks of the Alps. It’s known for its many museums, distinctive architecture, and of course, its endless varieties of beer. Germans say Munich has the country's best quality of life, making it the city where they'd live if they could. Most gay people here would agree. They greet newcomers with a smile and a hearty Grüss Gott.

The Isar River is among Munich's greatest charms. Allowed to run naturally, its tributaries create little islands edged with sand or pebble beaches. All kinds of people come out to the water on warm summer days: families with children, tattooed teens, and gay couples. Nude sunbathers turn golden brown, kids and dogs frolic, and lovers — straight or gay — get wrapped up in their own private worlds.

Englischer Garten, bigger than New York's Central Park, is another sprawling park in the middle of the city. Modern visitors flock to the Greek temple by Leo von Klenze (a distinguished local architect), the Chinese tower with its adjacent beer garden, and the Japanese teahouse and garden on its own small island.

Munich's single biggest party is the annual Oktoberfest, held each September and October. A subway ride to Theresienwiese or Goetheplatz U-Bahn stations will get you to the festival's giant tents with costume parades and carnival rides. There are many gay events, including Gay Sunday in the Bräurosl beer tent, and OktoBEARfest, a party for Munich’s bear community - both in September.

Munich's Christopher Street Day, held in mid-July, includes a parade through the gay neighborhood and a street festival at Marienplatz. The annual celebration has party after party, including a blowout at the historic city hall. In August, the Hans-Sachs Schwules Strassenfest is an annual community street festival specific to this very gay area.

 

Getting here

Munich Airport, about 18 miles northeast of the city, is Germany's second largest by passenger count, and one of Europe's best. A shopping, business and recreation area that connects the two terminals is full of people from around the world as flights here originate from most every corner of the globe.

The S-Bahn S1 and S8 trains will get you to both the Hauptbahnhof or Ostbahnhof central rail stations in 33-53 minutes, depending on which train you take. Each takes a different route, so for points in-between consult their website.

There's also bus service to various destinations. The main information desk is staffed 24-hours at Central Area level 3. Information desks are also located in each terminal building, from at least 5:30am to 10pm.

 

Getting around

Munich’s historic center, largely closed to traffic, is very walkable. It’s great for bikers because most major streets have designated lanes. There’s a network of buses, trams, and U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains at your disposal. Trams offer late-night service, making the perfect for getting home after a night on the town. Inexpensive one- and three-day visitor passes are available at the stations and at many tram stops. See MVV for public tranportation info in both German and English.

To get around in the principal gay area, around Müllerstrasse and Hans-Sachs Strasse, you needn't stray far from stops on tram routes 17 and 18, or the vicinity of the Sendlinger Tor U-Bahn station.

 

Neighborhoods

A number of gay bars, clubs, restaurants, bathhouses, hotels, and shops are located in the areas between Karlspatz /Stachus, past Sendlinger Tor, down Müllerstrasse and along streets that intersect it, such as Hans-Sachs Strasse. Most locals are either somewhat or completely competent in English, but don't be shy in trying some German, people are happy to help.

 

Currency and Money

Germany is part of the Euro Zone, so the euro is the accepted currency. There are plenty of ATMs in the downtown area.

 

Cruising

The gay cruising trails along the Isar River aren't hard to spot. They’re among the trees of the larger island just beyond the footbridge. The Schönfeldwiese ("Beautiful Meadows") area of Englischer Garten is famous for its nude sunbathers, and it can be quite cruisy, too.

 

Media and resources

The local gay glossy magazine for Bavaria is Leo, with an informative German-language website.

To get locally oriented, try the LGBT center, Sub (Müllerstrasse 43), open daily from 7pm. This all-volunteer operation has flyers, maps, free guidebooks, and friendly advice. Sub also has a large library (much of it in English) and a cafe.

Muenchen.de has visitor information, both general, and of specifically gay interest.

Queerfilmnacht is a monthly screening series of LGBTQ films from around the world, at Arena Filmtheater, and in 30 other German cities - shown in OV, the film's original language, with German subtitles.

For map locations and website links to the businesses below, and more, see our gay Munich listings pages.

 

Accommodations

Deutsche Eiche (Reichenbachstraße 13; 49-89-231-1660), 30 modern, comfortable rooms and five-star suite near gay district, Viktualienmark, beer gardens and Marienplatz;  reasonable rates, delicious breakfast, indoor/out restaurant seating, traditional Bavarian food, huge gay basement sauna. Once a hangout of Werner Fassbinder and other Munich glitterati, the Eiche ("Oak") has friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff; maps, guides, and gay mags.

Nearby gay-friendly hotels:

Arthotel Munich (Paul-Heyse-Straße 10; 49 89-592-122), modern rooms at the center; cable TV, WLAN, fitness club, bar, parking.

H'Otello B'01 (Baaderstraße 1; 49 89-4583-1200), moderately-priced, casually upscale Glockenbach business hotel near Isartor with Grey's Bar. Also see their downtown hotels: H’Otello F’22, Schwabing West (Fallmerayerstrasse 22; 49 89-4583-1200), and H’Otello H’09 (Hohenzollernstraße 9).

The Hotel Olympic (Hans Sachs Straße 4; 49 89-231-890), individually designed ensuite rooms next to Cafe Nil; WiFi, TV.

The Carat (Lindwurmstraße 13; 49-89-230-380), close by Sendlinger Tor; 70 rooms, inner courtyard terrace, breakfast buffets, WiFi, daily papers in 5 languages, daily English papers, bar, terrace, WiFi. Their Hotelmüller München (Fliegenstraße 4; 49 89-232-3860) has 44 more rooms nearby.

Other convenient hotels:

Seibel's Park-Hotel (Maria-Eich-Straße 32; 49 89-829-9520), 40 rooms by Munich-Pasing Park, guest laundry, parking, beer garden, restaurant, sauna, WiFi, buffet breakfasts.

The Hotel Seibel (Theresienhoehe 9; 49-89-540-1420), 50 affordable rooms near the Oktoberfest site, Oktoberfestwiese views, breakfast buffets.

Pension Seibel (Reichenbachstrasse 8; 49-89-231-9180), inexpensive, central ensuite rooms near the Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz; guest laundry, WiFi.

The Hotel Viktualienmarkt (Utzschneiderstraße 14; 49-89-2311-0955), 26 bright, comfortable and inexpensive rooms, breakfast buffet; general-clientele hotel near the Deutsche Eiche.

 

Going out
Some bars are effectively men-only zones, including, but not limited to those into leather, fetish, uniforms, and bears. Others are quite mixed, gay/staight and men/women. Smoking is restricted at all establishments that serve food.

Cafes & pubs

Andy’s Krablergarten (Thalkirchner Straße 2), gay-friendly restarant/bar, summer beer garden; hearty Bavarian meals, grilled meats, daily specials

Aroma Kaffebar (Pestalozzi 24), cozy mainstream/queer cafe/coffeehouse and bar; teas/coffees, breakfast/brunch, cakes/pastries, sandwiches. TUESGAY classic queer porn video nights with DJs.

Café Glück (Palmstraße 4), bar and cafe, mainly lesbian/gay crowd, breakfast, salads, light fare, veggie options, home-style cakes and pastries.

Cafe Nil (Hans-Sachs-Straße 2), gay favorite lounge, red and sand decor, all ages and types; host and crew pamper, entertain, and tempt with homemake goodies.

Bar Rendez-Vous (Müllerstraße 24), unassuming sidewalk bar and cafe, great spot to watch comings and goings of Müllerstrasse.

Kraftwerk Bistro (Thalkirchner Straße 4), cool and casual, youth-favored, straight-friendly central bar, restaurant and cafe; omelets and Mediterranean inspired fare, reasonable prices, internet access for customers.

Moro (Müllerstraße 30) restaurant and bar, eclectic menu, local favorites such as schweinebraten, pastas, salads, Thai and other international fare, daily specials, sidewalk tables, Sunday brunch.

Queerkafe at Kafe Marat (Thalkirchner Straße 102), queer movie screenings, open mics, workshops, community events, drinks and snacks.

Rostiger Pudel (Pestalozzistraße 20), gay mixed crowd, beer and cocktail bar, light foods, late weekend hours.

Trisoux (Müllerstraße 41), mixed basement cocktail bar, MLC men's nights, food. Former Bau location.

Zur Feuerwache (Blumenstraße 21a)  around for 26 years, at heart of gay scene, cosy, friendly neighborhood bar, good prices. Open until 3am weekends, re-opens 6am for after dance club nightcap, or breakfast.

CLOSED: Eden Bar (Sonnenstraße 25, Stachus), young mixed crowd; Jennifer Parks (Holzstraße 14) - see Jenny TANZT periodic dances.

For other restaurant options, plus locations and website links for businesses on this page, see our maps & listings tab.

 

Men's bars

Camp (Reisingerstraße 15), Levi-leather, men-only cruise bar, large dark room, porn videos.

Edelheiss Cafe (Pestalozzistraße 6), bears, beards, Levi-leather bar men's neigborhood bar with rustic ambience, outdoor tables.

Ochsengarten (Mühlerstraße 47) men's fetish bar: spanking, bondage, naked, leather, sneaker, rubber, uniform and dance nights. Many from the old Teddy Bear crowd moved here.

Underground (Machtlfinger Straße 29), MLC men's weekend leather/fetish/naked parties for members only - register online; Bavarian Mr. Leather events.

CLOSED: Alexander's (Utzschneiderstraße 4), older guys/ younger admirers; Bau (Müllerstraße 41), levi-leather, rubber, uniform, fetish parties, dark basement.

 

Dance Clubs and Parties

8 Below (Schützenstraße 8), live bands concert venue, special theme dance party nights include gay/lesbian and lesbian-only events; young crowd. Monthly queer Eurodance Party.

Café am Hochhouse at Senatore (Sendlinger-Tor-Platz 5), "Die schwule Sonntagsparty Queer Sunday Electro/House party." See facebook page for updates.

Garry Klein at Harry Klein (Sonnenstraße 8), top techno dance club, Wednesday night gay glam/trash party, singers, erotic male dancers, fetish performers.

Hochhouse at Senatore (Sendlinger-Tor-Platz 5), "Die schwule Sonntagsparty Queer Sunday Electro/House party." See facebook page for updates.

Jenny TANZT at Oberangertheater (Oberanger 38), or Isarpost (Sonnenstraße 22), popular monthly gay dance party, big crowd of guys, theme nights.

Luxuspop at NY.Club (Elisenstraße 3), Friday night monthly gay pop dance party until late, back at NY.Club; hottest guys of the Munich area, sexy bartenders and DJs. See FB updates.

Munich Again queer-friendly parties, "concert series showcasing local artists, musicians and performers ... who gather together to make music by music nerds, for music nerds" with mind-opening music, visual arts, and nightlife people who take over to transform various clubs.

NY.Club (Elisenstraße 3), long-popular Saturday gay dance/cruise night with hot guys and top DJs; Luxuspop Friday nights.

Prosecco (Theklastraße 1), cozy neighborhood bar, small dance corner, Schlager (German Pop) and dance music, jam-packed on weekends, mixed crowd, mostly guys, all ages.

Inactive: Candy Club at Milla Club (Holzstraße 28) and Bahnwärter Thiel (Tumblingerstraße 29), periodic gay/lesbian pop/retro/electro dance parties - not since May 2017. Sinners at Pacha (Maximilianplz 5), threw their last circuit-style dance party in August 2017.

 

Getting physical

Largest, busiest Munich tubs, Deutsche Eiche (Reichenbachstraße 13), complex on three levels, has large, clean whirlpool, maze-like layout, many cruisy areas; steam and sauna, cabins, TV, video screening lounges, cafe and bar, private therapeutic massage from talented pros.

Herrensauna am Hauptbahnhof (Dachauerstraße 9a), men's sauna, showers, lounge area; mature guys.

Massage Munich (Tal 3, 4th floor), foot reflexology, traditional Thai massage, pulsation and spinal coumn therapy, Nuru Body sensual massage; central studio, or at hotel, by appointment.

Schwabinger Men-Sauna (Düsseldorfer Straße 7), a bit out from the center, long-time locals' social hangout, Finnish sauna, steam, massage, darkroom playspace, cabins, TV lounge and snacks.

 

Shopping and more

Bruno's (Thalkirchner Straße 4), erotic DVDs for sale or rent, art-photo mags and books, tools and toys. One of a national chain of stores from folks at Bruno Gmünder, publisher of Spartacus Guide.

Buddy (Corneliusstraße 32), gay sex-shop near Reichenbachplatz; "kino" video arcades; leather, latex, magazines, toys, and other gizmos for sale; sex parties.

Cut Glass Piercing (Müllerstraße 54), some of the best perforators in Bavaria, plus Halloween Gore Store  with novelties, tricks, and treats.

Diburnium (Thalkirchner Straße 5),  fetish and SM emporium: leather, rubber, and army clothing for sale.

Duplexx (Theresienstraße 130), cruise space, sex parties, private cabins, glory holes; also DVD video sales and rentals plus toys.

Erotixx (Rosenheimer Straße 81, Rosenheimer Platz), sex shop DVDs, toys, lubes/condoms; cruise area cabins, video lounge, internet access.

Seba’s (Angertorstraße 7), men's designer underwear, swimwear, shirts, pants, accessories.

Spexter (Müllerstraße 54), made-to-order leather, rubber, uniforms, fetish and bondage wear, plus clothing for skinheads; jewelry, magazines, multi-region DVD sales - online store too.

CLOSED: Max & Milian gay bookshop (now see Eisenberz in Berlin); Savage Leather clothing, gear, fetish/ fantasy play items.

 

Out of town

An hour south of Munich, in Bavarian Alpine countryside, the secluded gay-owned country inn and restaurant Moosbeck Alm (Moos 38, Rottenbuch) offers affordable luxury, large, modern sauna, outdoor heated pool and hearty Bavarian meals. With a car, visit nearby Oberammergau and Garmisch. No car? -take the train. Staff will pick you up at the station. Tour by bicycle for peaceful, relaxing time-out. Wi-Fi access in the day-room.

A bit north of Munich, in Pleinfeld Bavaria, Riedel's (Nürmberger Straße 3) is a short walk from Brambach Lake. Their shady beer garden by a brook is perfect for a break in your travels. Homemade ice cream  is a specialty of the host. On cool or wet days it's warm and friendly inside. Summer swimming and bicycling and winter sledding make this a year-round attraction.