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.

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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 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.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

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Munich's Palace of Justice

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 only 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!

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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 only 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...

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.

Bag on green background

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.