View of the city of Munich at sunset from Alte Utting.

Bars in Munich with live music

It can get loud here!

Every now and then you crave more – more entertainment, more variety, more volume. In these Munich bars, live acts offer a wide range of musical entertainment.

Jazz, indie, rock and pop, jam sessions and open mics await you at these unusual venues in Munich. If you want to dance spontaneously to live music or simply enjoy good entertainment with a delectable drink at the bar, keep an eye on the event calendars of these locations – because the small gigs also shine brightly in the jungle of the big concert halls.

Kongressbar: 50s ambience meets jam sessions

The round bar counter covered in red upholstery is the eye-catcher of the congress bar, which is entirely furnished in 50s style. With its cosy and aesthetic elements, the venue not only invites you to start the evening here, but also to linger until the last guitar riff. Besides its great drinks, the Kongressbar is also known for its jam sessions of different musicians and changing live acts.

Music style: blues, jazz, rock, Brit-pop or disco-funk – the acts here are as diverse as the musical tastes.
Dates: several times a month, see event calendar
Atmosphere: the louder the band, the louder the audience. Dancing, partying or just chatting at the table – the choice is yours.
Special features: the tarte flambée

Also interesting: Kooks

Alte Utting: Dancing into the sunset on a ship

The Alte Utting as a location is as unusual as the live programme is varied, on several days of the week: One evening a jazz combo pulls the crowds, the next a singer-songwriter entertains, or a swing band with brass instruments gets your feet moving. On the disused steamship, parked on a former railway bridge in the Schlachthofviertel (district), you can watch the sunset or have a cosy chat in the stern and bow saloon. Cultural events are frequently held in the remodelled engine room. Does that sound crazy? Well, it is!

Music style: everything!
Dates: several times a week, see the event calendar
Atmosphere: cosy and boisterous, guests of all ages and international
Special features: sunset from the captain’s deck   

Also interesting: Gans am Wasser

Lost Weekend: One of everything – and vegan, please!

There is a constant in and out of professional musicians and amateurs here: On the regular open-stage nights, the floor is open to anyone who wants to share their music. On Latin nights you can sway your hips to South American rhythms, on other evenings, DJs spin. Lost Weekend is located opposite Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and is an institution in Maxvorstadt (district) – especially for (international) students who use the café to study during the day and in the evening to toast with aperitif variations.

Music style: constantly changing, there are also comedy nights and pub quiz evenings
Dates: several times a week, see event calendar
Atmosphere: the audience is young and international
Special features: food and drinks are completely vegan

Also interesting: Minna Thiel

Mister B.'s: Live-”boazn”, formerly known as Jazz-Stüberl

This special place, once nicknamed “Munich's smallest jazz bar“, was founded by a New York local, Alex Best, who himself stood behind the bar counter for years. During the pandemic, the bar unfortunately had to close, but was reopened in January 2023. Behind the new concept are the operators of the “Xaver's“, a modern bavarian tavern at Gärtnerplatzviertel (district). Bands perform from Thursday to Saturday, sometimes a jazz combo, sometimes a singer-songwriter. The atmosphere is always cosy, because there is no real stage – the musicians perform in the shop window, so to speak.

Music style: changing, focus on smaller combos
Dates: Friday and Saturday
Atmosphere: relaxed! It can be loud, but also sometimes very quiet, depending on the musical genre
Special features: the approx. 3 sqm “stage“ in the window

Also interesting: Substanz

Import Export: Sound check with the whole world

Anyone who spends an evening at Import Export will notice that solidarity is not only written in capital letters on the homepage, but is also lived on site. With its selection of artists, the multi-funded live venue offers a place where art and music can be experienced across genres and styles – and don't be surprised if a large part of the audience speaks English. Import Export is located in the exciting Kreativquartier district, which not only houses studios and offices, but also hosts regular events.

Music style: as long as it's unique! You will find everything from percussion artists to psychedelic sounds and unusual DJ sets.
Dates: almost daily, it's worth taking a look at the extensive event calendar
Atmosphere: warm, open vibe that attracts an international crowd
Special features: the focus is on transnational cooperation

Also interesting: Gans Woanders

Jazz bar Vogler: An institution of good taste

The Vogler has been a venue for jazz, soul and Latin music since 1997. With its solo evenings and performances by big bands, the bar in the Gärtnerplatz district is a very popular meeting place for fans of refined live music. With its dim lighting, it is reminiscent of New York basement clubs, where you can either sit in cosy seating areas or directly at the bar. By the way, the owner Thomas Vogler himself usually tends the bar and mixes the drinks until late in the evening. There are only few places with a long standing and excellent reputation – but Jazzbar Vogler is definitely one of them.

Music style: Jazz, Latin and Soul
Dates: several times a week, see Instagram and newsletter (can be subscribed to on the website)
Atmosphere: generally relaxed, volume depends on the respective live act
Special features: the whole range of international stars on the music scene

Also interesting: Jazzclub Unterfahrt

Kilian's: Irish exuberance in the heart of the city

The list would be incomplete without an Irish pub like Kilian's, which has enriched the Munich music scene for over twenty years. Musicians perform here five times a week: From Thursday to Saturday, larger bands provide a great atmosphere, and on Mondays and Wednesdays, there are concerts ranging from Irish folk to rock. And for those who prefer to sing themselves: Karaoke evenings are also part of the programme.

Music style: Irish folk, but also pop, rock or RnB
Dates: several times a week, see event calendar
Atmosphere: loud and laid-back
Special features: host Paul is a musician and occasionally performs on the stage himself

Also interesting: Kennedy's

 

 

 

Photos: Frank Stolle, Kongress Bar, Lost Weekend, Mister B's, Guoling Photography, Kilian's
A man and a woman record a podcast in a laundromat.

Munich Podcasts

A feast for the ears

Many Munich museums and institutions have their own podcast. An overview.

Many Munich museums and institutions have their own podcast. Here we present a few examples that are particularly worth listening to.

A man and two women, one of whom has a small child on her lap, in a sitting position but without a seat in a room lined with red granite.

A sneak preview of Munich's 2024/2025 gallery exhibitions

Hungry for art

You'll definitely want to catch these exhibitions in Munich's museums and galleries in 2024 and 2025!

From the Old Masters to the new young things: Munich's museums showcase art from all branches and eras. Here are some exhibitions that you'll definitely want to catch in 2024 and 2025!

A wall with graffiti in Munich.

The writing's on the wall

Get graffitiing!

Munich has long been the cradle of the European graffiti scene. Our author once painted graffiti himself, and today looks back on a quite exceptional piece of work.

Munich has long been the cradle of the European graffiti scene. Our author once painted graffiti himself, and today looks back on a quite exceptional piece of work.

Fountain in Grottenhof of the Residenz photographed through a window of the Residenz in Munich.

Royal Munich

Bisou, Bisou with the Sun King

The story of Ludwig II is a legendary tale: an account of a glamorous time that played out not only in Neuschwanstein, but also directly within the Munich court – the Residenz palace in the city centre.

The story of Ludwig II is a legendary tale: an account of a glamorous time that played out not only in Neuschwanstein, but also directly within the Munich court – the Residenz palace in the city centre.

Neuschwanstein Castle in the surrounding region of Munich.

Hiking guide

Royal wanderlust

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria’s castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

Endless Staircase in Munich.

Art in public spaces

At second glance

Some public art in Munich is unknown even to the locals. We present six works of art that can often only be discovered at second glance.

Some public art in Munich is unknown even to the locals. We present six works of art that can often only be discovered at second glance.

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.

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...

Book now!

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.

Order now!

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.

Bikes stand in the green grass in the English Garden in Munich
Rental bike 1 day

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

Book now for 26 €!

With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

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.

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.