Two men are sitting on benches in a beer garden in Munich. On the table between them are beer mugs and pretzels.

Munich Guides: highlights for LGBTQ* visitors

Top tips for LGBTQ* visitors

There's always something to discover in Munich – whether you have four hours to spare or 24, a long weekend or even a whole week. Here are a few highlights from the city’s LGBTQ* scene!

Discover the LGBTQ* scene in Munich:

- The LGBTQ* scene in Munich
- LGBTQ* nightlife: Parties, bars and clubs
- LGBTQ* dates and events
- Other events in Munich

 

The LGBTQ* scene in Munich

The LGBTQ* scene in Munich has a long history: as well as being one of the first cities to hold Christopher Street Day celebrations (the German and Swiss equivalent to Gay Pride), the Munich-based political party Rosa Liste was the first gay and lesbian electoral group in Europe to take up seats on a local council, in the 90s. But much earlier than that even, at the end of the 60s, the Ochsengarten opened here: one of Germany's first leather bars. Its visitors since then have included Freddie Mercury, who would go there for impromptu birthday celebrations and drag parties. Many LGBTQ* events and venues were and still are based in the Glockenbachviertel district, though a number of queer locations and events can also be found in other areas of Munich.

Video: LGBTIQ

LGBTQ* nightlife: Parties, bars and clubs

If you're looking to start your evening in a cosy bar, the Glockenbachviertel is still the best place to go. Although there are not as many specifically gay bars and clubs here as there were in the 1980s and '90s, there are several venues in the area which always attract a good crowd. Younger revellers in particular are very comfortable partying in mixed bars these days. Wednesday is generally known as “gay day”, when the area is buzzing with young people and the bar is open for the evening at the Diversity Café, a queer meeting place for young people and adults aged up to 27.

Another popular meeting spot for pre-drinks is Kraftwerk, as happy hour drinkers can grab a €1 beer or enjoy a cocktail offer. Located at the corner of Müllerstrasse and Thalkirchner Strasse, this cafe-bar is particularly lively in summer – clientele come for coffee, cake and snacks during the day, and drinks and burgers in the evenings. If it’s too busy for you there though, you could try your luck at the Ksar Bar on Müllerstrasse – a pub that always brings in a lot of gay patrons on Wednesdays. For the slightly older crowd, gay bar Café Nil is a comfortable spot which opens at noon and offers a menu featuring simple dishes such as schnitzel, alongside its drinks offering.

The Edelheiss in Glockenbachviertel is all about traditional Bavarian dress and an older crowd. It gets crowded during Oktoberfest, though for the rest of the year it's a fine place to enjoy a relaxed drink at the bar and the traditional ambience. It's worth knowing that bearded punters get their second beer on the house here, every Thursday after 8.00 pm! Visitors are drawn to Bar Rendezvous on Müllerstrasse for its summer terrace and soundtrack of cheery pop “schlager” music. Though it's not a particularly big place, when the karaoke gets going the atmosphere here is like no other!

Anyone who lives for happy hour and a breakfast of Weißwurst (Bavarian veal sausage) should definitely pay a visit to Bar Zur Feuerwache. Bar Ochsengarten has survived through the gentrification of the neighbourhood, having opened as Germany’s first leather fetish bar for men in 1967 – and you can still have a great evening here! Munich's largest dark room, Camp bar, is located beside Ochsengarten.

If you want to go dancing, you should head to lively Club Prosecco, which you'll find on a side street off Müllerstrasse. There are regular Gay Schlager music parties here, but the venue also draws a crowd for its After-Oktoberfest, Easter and Christmas events. The Blitz Music Club, found on the same island as the Deutsches Museum, is very LGBTQ*-friendly – and its top-notch line-up makes it one of the most popular techno clubs in the city, where revellers can party until dawn. There are no limits on the outrageousness of outfits at the Blitz – you can even go topless if you like. Though there are always gay and lesbian clubbers here, the venue also holds two monthly events which are especially geared towards the LGBTQ* scene: Playground and Cruise.

As well as the many clubs which are part of Munich's LGBTQ* scene, there are also various regular club nights which take place in different venues around the city. One relative newcomer to the scene is Lovers Munich, a young party collective whose regular balls – which include dance contests and dressing-up events – are very popular. If the Lovers aren't in residence at the Senatore Bar or Utopia, you can probably spot these living works of art wandering around the Kunst Block Balve art and cultural venue. This is where the collective organises its regular CREAM event, Munich’s first sex-positive party. And of course, let’s not forget Jenny tanzt, Munich's largest gay party which takes place every few weeks in the Oberangertheater or in the Isarpost! You can dance the night away to pop and Schlager hits here – but we recommend you arrive early, as these parties are always popular. The drag scene is also well represented in Munich. The performances of Vicky Voyage, Ruby Tuesday and other drag artists, who entertain the audience with comedy, revues, drag shows and readings, have become legendary.

The NY Club is another firm fixture on the gay club scene, as it is Munich's only exclusively gay club. Freddie Mercury has danced here! The crowd is very young, especially on Fridays, and the music is poppy. Saturdays draw a somewhat older crowd, as the DJ plays house and electro music. Just a stone's throw away, LGBTQ* parties are held every first Friday of the month at the Palais Bar & Club. For after-hours drinks, you can head to Pimpernel, which is open daily and plays house and techno. Although it is not explicitly a gay venue, the club is extremely LGBTQ*-friendly.

If you're looking for lesbian club nights, you could head to DJanes Delight, for example – though the crowd here is a little older. A younger, more eccentric crowd can be found at the regular She-La night, which takes place in the G3 Club & Lounge. Other key events for gay women include the Amazonas party nights and 8below's regular Uschi Einhorn nights and Pink Heaven parties for very young guests. The Harry Klein also organises the Marry Klein feminist club festival every year: an entire month during which there are exclusively women on the turntables, and which is very lesbian-friendly. For regular updates, you can subscribe to the mailing list for the events organised by the feminist WUT collective or the LeZ centre (lesbian and queer centre).

 

LGBTQ* dates and events

One of the most important events is CSD Pride Week, which has always taken place in Munich in June or July in recent years. The CSD PolitParade starts on 22 June at 12 noon at Mariahilfplatz, the CSD street festival in Munich city centre will be celebrated from 22 June to 23 June with a programme on two stages, several beer gardens, information stands and a party area.

Further Highlights in 2024 include the Rathaus-Clubbing on 22 June, where there will be celebrations on six indoor and outdoor dance floors in the New Town Hall on Marienplatz, the Rainbow Concert on 13 June with the Rainbow Sound Orchestra Munich (RSO-M) and an ensemble of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra in the Old Town Hall and a performance on 16 June by the D'Schwuhplattler for their 25th anniversary in the Volkstheater for all friends of the Bavarian Schuhplattler. As every year, there will also be plenty more concerts, parades, film events and parties, as well as several cultural and show stages throughout the city centre and in the Glockenbach district. It's worth taking a look at the entire programme of PrideWeeks events.

Munich's first Christopher Street Day took place in 1980, when a small political parade of 150 gay men and 30 lesbian women marched with placards through the city before heading to the beer garden at the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) for drinks. CSD was first celebrated in Berlin, Cologne and Bremen in 1979, with Munich joining just a year later.

And of course, the world's largest folk festival also has plenty of LGBTQ* events on the calendar. There is the Rosa Wiesn for example, a series of gay Oktoberfest events which traditionally kick off on the first Sunday of the festival, which is known as Gay Sunday. On the same day, gay and lesbian festival-goers gather in the Bräurosl festival tent from midday to celebrate together. People are generally big fans of the community here, where the motto is: “A bisserl Leder braucht a jeder!” (Everybody needs a bit of leather!) Rosl Montag, which takes place on the first Monday of Oktoberfest, is another popular gay and lesbian meet-up during the festival. The Prosecco-Wiesn takes place on the second Monday of Oktoberfest every year, in the Fischer-Vroni festival tent – though if you don't have a reservation, you have no hope of getting in! Revellers come together again on the last day of the festival, meeting at the food counter in the Schottenhamel tent to mark the end of Gay Oktoberfest.

There are also a number of places and venues where the LGBTQ* scene holds events during Fasching – Munich's week-long carnival season preceding the start of Lent, known elsewhere as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. On Rosenmontag, the Monday before Lent begins, prizes are awarded for the most beautiful and elaborate costumes at the city's largest gay Fasching ball. The event is organised by Sub (Schwules Kommunikations- und Kulturzentrum München/Gay Communications and Cultural Centre Munich), the Munich Lions' Club and the Forum Homosexualität, and takes place in the Oberangertheater. The big Fasching party day is Tuesday, when gay and lesbian partygoers congregate at the Viktualienmarkt food market to celebrate at the “entrance” to the Glockenbachviertel district – where the Altstadtring meets Reichenbachstrasse. After that, they will move on and continue the revelry in front of the Deutsche Eiche hotel or at the Fasching street party between Gärtnerplatz and Reichenbachplatz.

Other exciting events in Munich include the Queer Film Festival, which has taken place annually for the last few years. The Sub centre also organises many regular events, such as the colourful Hans-Sachs-Strasse street party, which attracts 10,000 visitors and has become a highlight for the entire city. Held on warm summer days in August, the event fills the streets with dancing, drinking and celebration. All the other street parties in Glockenbachviertel are also LGBTQ*-friendly, of course! Another highlight of the year is the Pink Christmas gay and lesbian Christmas market, where visitors can expect to enjoy mulled wine, bratwurst and Christmas music, as well as Schlager music shows, drag artists and a prosecco bar. However, the Christmas market has become very commercialised in recent years, and has long lost its hidden gem appeal.

Other events in Munich

The Munich LGBTQ* scene is not solely made up of nightlife and festivals such as Oktoberfest though; there is a wide variety of other events to discover. Queer movie night at the Arena cinema takes place on the second Wednesday of every month, while Mongay at the City cinema sees a gay film screened every Monday. If cabaret is more your thing, don't miss the drag shows at the Oberangertheater. The Deutsche Eiche hotel is another legendary venue; a place where patrons can not only recall famous historic guests as they eat in the restaurant, then sweat it out in Germany's largest men’s sauna (the best time to go is Sunday midday and afternoon), but also relax on what is perhaps the most beautiful roof terrace in the city. The Underground in Obersendling is another great venue; it's a fetish club which attracts a somewhat younger crowd, and where parties usually have a motto and a dress code.

The Galerie Kunstbehandlung on Müllerstrasse houses a collection of contemporary gay art. For some uniquely Bavarian fun, there’s always the Schwuhplattler, the world’s first homosexual Plattler folk dancing association. Aspiring members are invited to audition on the first and third Friday of every month. The association also makes appearances at parties all over the city – check their website for a list of dates and venues. It is not only Bavaria which can be welcoming to everyone, but the Catholic Church can too, as proved by the queer Mass which is held in St. Paul's Church on the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest fairground) every second Sunday.

A summer hotspot for the scene is Flaucher beach on Gay Island. You can swim and spend time with others here – and naturism is also permitted at these places along the Isar. The best way to reach the island is from the Flauchersteg pedestrian bridge – but you'll need to wade through the water twice, so be warned! At the newly launched Queer Brunch at Café Regenbogen, diners can gorge themselves on the all-you-can-eat buffet, toast drag queens with prosecco and also do some good: all proceeds go towards the Münchner Aidshilfe AIDS charity!

 

 

Text: Anja Schauberger; Photos: Christian Kasper, Redline Enterprises

 

Also interesting: More LGTBQ-friendly events and dates can be found at muenchen.de!

A child points to a screen in an exhibition about bees at the Natural History Museum.

Munich Guides

Great activities for families

Munich is one of the most popular destinations with children. These are our suggestions for families at any time of year and in any weather!

Munich is one of the most popular destinations with children. These are our suggestions for families at any time of year and in any weather!

A young woman is smiling at English Garden in Munich.

Itinerary suggestions

Sustainable visit and more in Munich

Discover Munich consciously and mindfully and make a contribution to a sustainable future.

Discover Munich consciously and mindfully and make a contribution to a sustainable future. Our suggestions for a sustainable visit to Munich.

A couple is sitting on a picnic blanket at Nymphenburg Schlosspark in Munich on a sunny day in autumn.

Suggestions for your stay

Great activities for nature lovers

Numerous parks, beautiful lakes in the surrounding area, many excursions into the countryside. Our tips for nature lovers.

Numerous parks, beautiful lakes in the surrounding area, many excursions into the countryside - here are some great activities for nature lovers.

A couple is watching the sunset at the Olympiapark in Munich.

Romantic Places in Munich

Munich for lovers: 20 tips

Discover the most romantic places in Munich and have a lovely time together. 

Love is no solo; love is a duet! We’ve put together 20 tips for partners and budding lovers. Discover the most romantic places in Munich and have a lovely time together.

The Nymphenburg Palace Canal and Nymphenburg Palace against a cloudy sky

Munich in the rain

Good ideas for bad weather

Inclement weather lures visitors to museums and cafés. And it provides a nice opportunity to discover other thrilling places.

Inclement weather lures visitors to museums and cafés. And it provides a nice opportunity to discover other thrilling places. Some tips for rainy days in Munich.

A dog barks in a meadow on the Isar in Munich

Suggestions for your stay

Munich with your dog

Would you like to take your dog with you on your trip to Munich? The city is very dog-friendly with its extensive parks and many green spaces. All the important information and tips can be found here.

Would you like to take your dog with you on your trip to Munich? The city is very dog-friendly with its extensive parks and many green spaces. All the important information and tips can be found here.

A woman is pulling her suitcase at the airport in Munich.

Luggage Storage in Munich

Luggage Storage Tips

Munich is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. Here, you can store your suitcases and bags safely.

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a favourite travel destination for guests from all over the world. Here, you can store your suitcases and bags safely.

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...

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.

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.