Enjoy a refreshing cold beer alongside Bavarian songs, dance routines and food at the Hofbräuhaus. The famous beer hall was initially founded in 1589 with the mission of brewing a special beer for the royal court, after Bavarian Duke Wilhelm V had become disenchanted with other local brews. In 1828, the hall was opened to the public. Over the years, famous political figures, from Communist and Fascist dictators to American presidents, have frequented the bar. Now, you can drink and eat on the same historic site in the centre of Munich.
The history of the Hofbräuhaus is littered with various patrons of notoriety or fame. Russian communist leader Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was a regular at the bar alongside his fellow party members. Nazi leader Adolf Hitler famously crafted a watercolour tableau of the hall when he was an art student and later the Nazi Party held meetings in the beer hall. More recently, American presidents John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush have enjoyed drinks at the Hofbräuhaus.
The restaurant is divided into four main sections. Make your way to the spacious Schwemme (taproom) to experience a traditional beer hall experience with live music from popular Bavarian genres, such as folk music. The grand chamber seats up to 1,300 guests. Admire the vaulted ceilings and chandeliers of the elaborate Festival Hall. Here, dance and folklore exhibitions fill the room. Relax in the shade of one of the chestnut trees in the garden with a cool glass of beer.
Around 4 million people visit the Hofbräuhaus each year. The crowds generate a fun and communal atmosphere, as locals and visitors get to know each other at shared tables. Talk to the friendly staff, who are dressed in traditional dirndl and lederhosen, about the traditions of Munich. Try local dishes such as veisswurst (white sausage), which is usually eaten with breakfast. Veal schnitzel, pork knuckle and potato salad are typical Bavarian dinner dishes.
The Hofbräuhaus is a short walk from the Marienplatz and is open daily from morning until late. Take streetcars, buses or the metro to reach the beer hall. Entry is free.
