After-work drinks in Munich: How to turn a business trip into a city break

Are you in Munich on business? Then make the most of the time between appointments and the end of the working day to explore the city right where your working day ends. It’s really easy to do in Munich: the Hofgarten and Viktualienmarkt are just a short walk from the Old Town. Along the Isar, you can stretch your legs in the great outdoors between two meetings. To the north, the English Garden and the Olympic Park beckon, and after a day at a trade fair, there’s time for a stroll through Riemer Park. But here’s the best Bavarian tip for your after-work time in Munich: take it easy. Instead of trying to tick off as many things as possible, enjoy a specific, typically Munich activity – in a relaxed and ‘gmiatlich’ way, as the Bavarians say – for example, in a beer garden. So let’s get on with it!

Munich works well for bleisure when your location and after-work plans fit together. An appointment in the city centre requires different planning to a day at the trade fair in Riem. For central appointments, the Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor offers a convenient base: the Sendlinger Tor stop is a hub for several underground and tram lines. From there, you can plan a visit to the Old Town, lunch and evening activities without having to go out of your way. That way, after a long day’s work, there’s still time for some relaxed sightseeing.

Where your working day ends often determines how your evening begins. Whether it’s in the city centre, north of Munich or at the exhibition centre: it’s best to find an after-work activity close by. That way, you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself, without your evening turning into a stressful to-do.

Old Town/Sendlinger Tor: After an appointment in the city centre, a stroll through the Hofgarten is just the thing: this Renaissance garden, with its fountains, flowerbeds and arcades, is just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle. Afterwards, you can head towards the Viktualienmarkt and soak up a bit more of Munich’s atmosphere amongst around 100 stalls. Just don’t turn up too late, and don’t plan to visit the market on a Sunday.

Main Station/Maxvorstadt: The area around the Main Station is well connected by S-Bahn, U-Bahn and tram, allowing you to reach appointments in various parts of the city quickly. If you’ve got time for a bit of culture afterwards, it’s well worth a detour to the Pinakothek der Moderne, where art, graphic design, architecture and design come together. On Thursdays, the museum is open until 8 pm, making it a great place to visit even after your last appointment, especially if the Munich weather isn’t playing ball.

Haidhausen/Isar: After an appointment in the south-east, why not take a stroll along the restored River Isar with its idyllic banks and gravel bars? Afterwards, head on to Haidhausen, where historic inns and numerous restaurants around Wiener Platz invite you to enjoy dinner. The Motel One Munich-Deutsches Museum on Rosenheimer Platz is a good starting point for this and has a direct connection to the S-Bahn.

Schwabing/Parkstadt: After an appointment in the north of Munich, a detour to the English Garden is a great idea, where the Monopteros, the Eisbach wave and the Chinese Tower are among the best-known attractions. It’s best to pick one destination rather than trying to explore the entire 375-hectare park in one go. Afterwards, you can round off the evening at the rooftop bar of the Motel One Munich-Parkstadt Schwabing, which is open daily from 6 pm to 1 am and, weather permitting, also features a terrace.

Messe/Riem: After a day at the trade fair, it’s worth spending the rest of the evening in Riem straight away, rather than travelling all the way across Munich again. In Riemer Park, which was created on the site of the former airport, paths wind through lush greenery to the lake and up to the viewing hill. The Motel One München-Messe is situated right next to the Messestadt West stop on the U2 line and can be reached quickly from there.

Tip: City centre or stay in the neighbourhood?
If you only have an hour, it’s best to stay nearby. With 60 to 90 minutes, you can easily visit a destination in the surrounding area, and it’s only worth heading to another neighbourhood if you have more time. After all, the less time you spend changing trains, the more of your evening you’ll have left.

A relaxing ‘bleisure’ day usually only needs one good experience alongside your work. Depending on where your appointments are, you can plan the rest of your evening accordingly and, if necessary, book in advance for dinner, guided tours or events. For walks and other outdoor plans, it’s best to stay flexible and have an alternative ready in case of bad weather.

Whether it’s a stroll along the Isar, a visit to the English Garden or a trip to a museum: Munich has plenty to offer after work – whether on your own or with colleagues. Rather than trying to cram in as much as possible, it’s best to focus on one experience and then leave time for dinner afterwards.

1. The Isar between Museum Island and Reichenbach
Bridge After your last appointment, a stroll along the Isar is a great option, past the gravel banks and with views of the Munich skyline. The freely accessible riverbanks are ideal for a quick break on your own or a relaxed walk with colleagues. In the event of high water, icy conditions or darkness, you’d be better off choosing a different after-work activity.

Time required: 45–90 minutes
Neighbourhood: Haidhausen/Isar
Suitable for: alone or with
others Bad-weather alternative: Pinakothek der Moderne

2. English Garden
After your last appointment, a stroll through the English Garden is a particularly good option, especially if you’re coming from Schwabing. In the southern part, you can walk to the Monopteros or the Eisbach wave and simply explore a section of the sprawling park to round off your evening. Entry is free and the park is open at all times, though in stormy weather you should postpone your walk until another day.

Time required: 60–90 minutes
Neighbourhood: Schwabing
Suitable for: exercise, solo or in a group
Bad-weather alternative: BMW Welt

3. Hofgarten and the
Old Town If you’ve finished your working day in the city centre, the Hofgarten offers a lovely opportunity for a short break between work and dinner. Passing the arcades and the Temple of Diana, you can then continue through the Old Town towards the Viktualienmarkt. If it rains, the walk through the gardens will simply be a little shorter.

Time required: 30–60 minutes
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Suitable for: a short break, on your own
Bad-weather alternative: Pinakothek der Moderne

4. Pinakothek der Moderne
If the weather isn’t on your side, the Pinakothek der Moderne offers a great alternative to a stroll through the city. Under one roof, you can discover art, graphic design, architecture and design – on Thursdays even until 8 pm, whilst the museum closes at 6 pm on other opening days. An online ticket can make your visit more relaxed.

Time required: 60–120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Maxvorstadt
Suitable for: culture, on your own or with
others Booking: An online ticket is recommended

5. Gärtnerplatz
Around Gärtnerplatz, it’s easy to extend your evening: Gründerzeit façades and the State Theatre give this circular square its special character, whilst the surrounding streets are home to numerous restaurants and bars. The square itself is freely accessible at any time, though you’ll need suitable weather to sit outside. If you’d like to go for a meal afterwards, it’s worth booking a table, depending on the restaurant.

Time required: 60–120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Gärtnerplatz
district Suitable for: Dinner or a drink
Booking: sometimes
required Bad-weather alternative: indoor dining areas in the neighbourhood

6. Wiener Platz and Haidhausen
If you’re finishing your working day in south-east Munich, you can spend your evening around Wiener Platz. The small market and the historic inns give the neighbourhood its special character; in the surrounding streets around Wiener Platz and Pariser Platz, you’ll find numerous restaurants. If you’re planning a visit to the market or dinner, it’s worth checking the respective opening hours beforehand.

Time required: 60–120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Haidhausen
Suitable for: Dinner, on your own or with a group
Booking: sometimes
required Bad-weather alternative: Restaurant instead of an outdoor get-together

7. Hofbräukeller on Wiener Platz
Bavarian cuisine and a beer garden beneath old chestnut trees make the Hofbräukeller the perfect spot for an after-work get-together in Haidhausen. In fine weather, you can sit outside in the beer garden; the dining rooms are open all year round. A booking is recommended for dinner.

Time required: 90–120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Haidhausen
Suitable for: Dinner with colleagues
Booking: recommended
Bad-weather alternative: Indoor dining areas

8. Olympic Park and Olympiaberg
Architectural history meets lush greenery here: the famous tent-shaped roof is a reminder of the 1972 Olympic Games, whilst the freely accessible Olympiaberg offers sweeping views across the grounds. The park is open 24 hours a day, free of charge, making it ideal for a spontaneous after-work stroll. Good to know: The Olympic Tower is expected to remain closed until the end of 2027.

Time required: 60–90 minutes
Neighbourhood: Olympiapark
Suitable for: architecture, views, solo
visits Bad-weather alternative: BMW Welt

9. BMW Welt
The architecture alone makes BMW Welt a special stop in the north of Munich: Behind the striking glass-and-steel façade, you’ll find the latest car models and insights into the future of mobility. Admission is free, though bookings may be required for guided tours and events. Opening times for the building and exhibitions may vary.

Time required: 60–90 minutes
Neighbourhood: Olympic
Park Suitable for: indoor, solo or in a group
Booking: for guided tours/events
Bad-weather alternative: already indoors

10. Rooftop One Bar
For an after-work drink with a view, you don’t have to go far in Parkstadt Schwabing: Right at the top of the Motel One München-Parkstadt Schwabing, the Rooftop One Bar offers panoramic views and a roof terrace. The bar is open daily from 6 pm to 1 am; if the weather’s right, you can also spend the evening outside.

Time required: 60–120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Parkstadt Schwabing
Suitable for: drinks, colleagues
Booking: enquire
for groups Bad-weather alternative: indoor area

It’s best to choose your hotel based on where your appointments are taking place. For meetings in the Old Town, the Motel One München-Sendlinger Tor is a good choice; if you’re arriving or departing by train, a hotel near the main station is particularly convenient. If you’re drawn to the Isar or Haidhausen after work, the Deutsches Museum location is ideal, whilst the Parkstadt Schwabing offers short journeys for appointments in the north of Munich and the Motel One München-Messe for trade fair days.

Discover all Motel One locations in Munich here.Discover all Motel One locations in Munich here.Discover all Motel One locations in Munich here.