Flowerbed at Gärtnerplatz in Munich.

Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach

Glockenbachviertel and Gärtnerplatz: trendy and nightlife neighborhood

The Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach neighbourhoods are known as trendy quarters. Their independent labels, hip bars, pubs and cool inns attract the young and the young-at-heart.

These two districts between the Altstadtring road and Isar River are often lumped together. Separated only by Fraunhoferstrasse, Gärtnerplatzviertel stretches to the east while Glockenbachviertel spans to the west. The districts are named after Friedrich von Gärtner, the architect to King Ludwig I in the 1800s, and the Glockenbach stream, which now runs underground.

Gärtnerplatz square itself is dominated by the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz theatre, which is one of the city’s top spots for operettas and musicals. The other sides are lined by three and four-storey buildings, carefully colour-coordinated in various shades of red, known to residents as “Gärtnerplatz red”.

With its unique circular layout, lush, colourful flower beds and fountain in the centre, Gärtnerplatz exudes an atmosphere like nowhere else in the city, making it the ideal place to hang out and relax. Cafés and restaurants are scattered amongst small boutiques and grocery stores. The leisurely shoppers that stroll the streets in the day turn into theatre-goers at night.

The square reflects the philosophy of the entire neighbourhood: a colourful community. Singletons and large families, young and old, straight and LGBT – everyone feels equally at home here. In summer, Gärtnerplatz is an especially popular spot for meeting friends, watching the world go by, having a chat or even a flirt.

The square reflects the philosophy of the entire neighbourhood: a colourful community. Singletons and large families, young and old, straight and LGBT – everyone feels equally at home here.

Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel are famous for their nightlife and alternative culture. Their hip bars, pubs and hangouts draw in the crowds. It's a chic place to chill, and is quite popular among the young and the young at heart.

The traditional all-night kiosk on Reichenbachbrücke bridge is on hand to serve drinks and small snacks, while a few curry joints also do their best business between 2 and 3 in the morning. This district is also still home to a fixture of German life that has all but disappeared: the "Steh-Kneipe", a corner pub where guests are required to stand.

Video: Districts of Munich

The latest trend is a cross between a restaurant and a dance club. You can spend the whole night at an establishment like this, without having to seek out a new location for all your various entertainments.

Taking a glimpse behind the façades reveals peaceful, idyllic courtyards and gardens, workshops and shops that date back to the 1950s and 60s, dotted between small, pleasant and unique pubs and cafés.

Individuality is a big priority. This is reflected by the huge array of independent labels, where traditional Bavarian dress meets Africa, and the miniature artisan workshops, such as tailors, hardware stores and textile shops. Creative names like “Blutsgeschwister” (Blood Siblings), Café “Herzschmerz” (Heartache Café), the hardware store “Schrauben-Mutter” (Mother of Screws) and “Götterspeise” (Food of the Gods) spark the interest of passers-by.

The neighbourhood is closely tied to the origins of institutions like the convent of the Niederbronner Sisters, which also houses a girls’ home, and a local Munich bakery and pastry shop that still bakes its products in the heart of the city. Another neighbourhood institution is the priest at Maximilianskirche church, Rainer Maria Schiessler. His creative services and events are legendary, like his vehicle blessings, for instance, or mass for animals.

The first gay pubs and initiatives for promoting sexual equality launched here back in the 1960s. Life in Munich’s LGBTQ community also plays out here in the trendy Glockenbach and Gärtnerplatzviertel neighbourhoods with their alternative bars, clubs and stores, the majority of which are based around Müllerstrasse.

Members of the LGBTQ community have found both their home and their freedom here. Proudly declaring yourself to be gay or lesbian has not raised any eyebrows around here for a long time.

Local Love Tour for Groups

Munich's neighbourhoods are worth a journey of discovery. Immerse yourself in the individual neighbourhoods and experience the charm and special features that make each of them so special and unique. Further information about the tour with an official guide from the city of Munich can be found here.

The scene’s wildest period came during the 1980s. Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, who chose the Bavarian capital to become his second home, threw legendary parties in the hottest spots of the day, like Old Mrs Henderson (now home to Paradiso Tanzbar), Deutsche Eiche, or Frisco (now Vertigo). He loved Munich so much that he even moved into a flat on Hans-Sachs-Strasse for a short period of time.

Rainer Werner Fassbinder, one of the biggest names in the Neue Deutsche film scene of the 1970s and 80s and founder of Munich’s Antitheater group, also lived on Reichenbachstrasse for four years – with a view over his local pub Deutsche Eiche.

The district’s message to visitors to the city is clear: Munich shines – in all the colours of the rainbow!

 

Become curious? In our format "Out and about with..." our author walks with the jewelry designer Saskia Diez through the Glockenbachviertel. She not only gives tips, but also tells us what she particularly likes about the area.

 

 

Text: München Tourismus; Photos: Frank Stolle, Dominik Morbitzer; Illustration: Julia Pfaller; Video: Redline Enterprises
People at the Siegestor in Munich

Maxvorstadt

A district full of life and adventure

Maxvorstadt is a bustling district: education, culture and business meet a colourful urban offering.

Maxvorstadt is a bustling district: universities, cultural temples and business meet small cafés, bars, restaurants and colourful shops.

Weissenburger Platz in Munich photographed from above with a drone.

Haidhausen and Au

A village in the city

Haidhausen and Au have developed from working-class quarters into popular residential areas.

When strolling along the narrow streets of the districts Haidhausen and Au with small shops and green courtyards, it almost feels like being in a village in the middle of the city.

The Academy of Fine Arts in Munich in autumn.

Schwabing

From artists and writers

Around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.

In the heyday of the Schwabinger Bohème around 1900, it was the artists and writers who settled around the university and the art academy and shaped the spirit of Schwabing.

Towers ot the St Luke's Church in Munich photographed from the air.

Lehel

A beautiful spot

Lehel is considered one of Munich's most popular and exclusive residential areas. But it wasn't always the case.

Lehel is considered one of Munich's most popular and exclusive residential areas. But it wasn't always the case.

View of Nymphenburg Palace in Munich across the canal and its bridge.

Nymphenburg-Neuhausen

Around Schloss Nymphenburg

Neuhausen-Nymphenburg offers a wealth of things to discover besides the palace.

In addition to the palace, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg also has the Botanical Garden, numerous museums and the vibrant neighbourhood of Neuhausen with its vibrant shopping and café scene.

Various house facades in the sunlight in Munich.

Giesing

A district full of variety

Giesing may be famous for soccer and beer, but what the locals value most is the neighbourhood’s lively diversity.

Giesing may be famous for soccer and beer, but what the locals value most is the neighbourhood’s lively diversity of architecture, culture, and people.

Flowerbed at Gärtnerplatz in Munich.

Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach

Where the night begins

Independent labels, hip bars, pubs and cool inns attract the young and the young-at-heart.

The Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach neighbourhoods are known as trendy quarters. Their independent labels, hip bars, pubs, cool inns and calm backyards attract the young and the young-at-heart.

Panoramic view of Karlsplatz / Stachus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background photographed from the air.

Munich's city centre

Classical and curiosities

Numerous Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.

Numerous interesting Munich stories can be told along the roughly one-kilometer-long route between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz square. A city walk.

Maximilianeum in Munich at sunset.

Bogenhausen

Once a village, now a noble district

The Bogenhausen district in the northeast of Munich captivates with many green areas, old villas and its proximity to the river Isar.

There's a lot to discover here: the Bogenhausen district in the northeast of Munich captivates with many green areas, old villas and its proximity to the river Isar.

Panoramic view of the Olmpic Park with Olympic Tower, Olympic Swimming Hall, Olympic Lake and the headquarter of BMW in Munich in the background.

Munich's north

Masterpieces of architecture and entertainment

BMW Welt, Allianz Arena and Olympic Park - Munich's north has much to offer.

With the Olympiapark, BMW Welt and Allianz Arena and the city's oldest church, the north of Munich has a lot to offer.

A group of humans is tasting Baklava in front of a vitrine in a shop in the station district in Munich.

Bahnhofsviertel

Many cultures, one neighborhood

The charm of the oriental Bajuvaric microcosm in the quarter to the south of the main train station gives you that holiday feeling.

The aroma of mocha and black tea fills the air: the charm of the oriental Bajuvaric microcosm in the quarter to the south of the main train station gives you that holiday feeling.

Café Gans am Wasser in Westpark in Munich.

Sendling

From Westpark to Harras

The district of Sendling is divided into different areas, with each offering its own charm and special highlights.

The district of Sendling is divided into the areas of Untersendling, Mittersendling and Obersendling, with each area offering its own charm and special highlights.

Merchant with dried fruit on the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.
Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Book now for 40 €!

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Three copies of the official Munich city guide are slightly stacked on top of each other so that the image of the Frauenkirche remains visible on each one.
Official Munich City Guide

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides - from sights to hidden highlights. Order now free of shipping costs!  a

Order now for 8,90€ incl. shipping!

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides.

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides - from sights to hidden highlights. Order now free of shipping costs!

Panoramic view of the Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz.
Christmas Market Tour

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Book now for 30 €!

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

View of a residence serenade with candles in the court chapel.
Residenz Serenades

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Book now from 38 €

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Exterior view of the Munich Palace of Justice on Prielmayerstraße in Maxvorstadt.
Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for 20 €!

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich
New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 22 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.
Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich
Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.
Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".
Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

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Street Art-Tour

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

Experience the city's diverse art & exciting graffiti on our street art tour!

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

View of the Salzach river and the castle in Salzburg.
Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Book now from 58 €

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

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Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich
Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

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Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.