Chinese Tower
Iconic beer garden and cultural hub in Munich's English Garden, featuring a pagoda tower and lively Bavarian music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Chinese Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic beer garden and cultural hub in Munich's English Garden, featuring a pagoda tower and lively Bavarian music.
"Our favorite beer garden in Munich! Fun atmosphere with great beer and food. "
🎯 Grab a Seat Early
Ample seating is available, but popular spots fill up fast, especially with live music.
🍺 Order at the Counter
Self-service is the norm for food and drinks. Enjoy the communal beer garden style!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Chinese Tower
English Garden, Munich
A majestic pagoda-style tower, the heart of the beer garden, often featuring live Bavarian music.
Bavarian Beer Garden Experience
Surrounding the tower
Enjoy a refreshing beer and hearty local food amidst a vibrant, communal atmosphere.
Live Music & Festivities
Central stage near the tower
Experience authentic Bavarian culture with lively brass bands playing traditional tunes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bavarian Vibe
Culinary Delights & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Grab a Seat Early
Ample seating is available, but popular spots fill up fast, especially with live music.
🍺 Order at the Counter
Self-service is the norm for food and drinks. Enjoy the communal beer garden style!
🎶 Enjoy the Music
Live bands often play, creating a fantastic, authentic Bavarian atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Explore the Garden
The Chinese Tower is within the vast English Garden, perfect for a stroll before or after.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Grab a Seat Early
Ample seating is available, but popular spots fill up fast, especially with live music.
🍺 Order at the Counter
Self-service is the norm for food and drinks. Enjoy the communal beer garden style!
🎶 Enjoy the Music
Live bands often play, creating a fantastic, authentic Bavarian atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Explore the Garden
The Chinese Tower is within the vast English Garden, perfect for a stroll before or after.
💰 Free Restrooms
Convenient and free restrooms are available, a plus for any beer garden visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Chinese Tower for its authentic Bavarian atmosphere, lively music, and delicious beer and food. It's a beloved spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the English Garden. Some minor critiques mention the Schweinshaxe being a bit dry, but overall, the experience is highly recommended for its fun and communal vibe.
"This was our favorite beer garden in Munich! There were several different places to get beer and food, and there were many tables so it didn’t feel too crowded. There was a band playing in the central tower while we visited, and that created a really fun atmosphere. There’s free bathrooms available and a bus station right outside for convenience if you don’t want to walk through the whole garden."
Madeline Klein
"Great place to spend Sunday when everything else is closed. The surrounding garden is amazing and the Biergarten has excellent beer readily available. Despite the crowd, there was ample seating."
Elle Fuller
"We had a good time at this beer garden. Great place to have beer and food. You have a wide variety of food to choose from currywurst to chicken roast to pretzels, you will find it all here."
Shreya Jana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chinese Tower is located in the heart of the English Garden. You can easily reach it by public transport; the bus station 'Chinesischer Turm' is right outside. Many visitors also enjoy walking through the park to get there.
Parking directly at the Chinese Tower is limited as it's within a large park. It's recommended to use public transportation or consider cycling to the English Garden.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk through the English Garden, approximately 30-45 minutes depending on your pace. It's a great way to experience the park.
Taking a bus is very convenient, with a stop directly at the tower. Alternatively, a leisurely walk through the English Garden offers beautiful scenery.
While not directly served by U-Bahn or S-Bahn, you can take a short bus ride from nearby stations like Giselastraße (U3/U6) or Universität (U3/U6) to reach the tower.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Chinese Tower beer garden and the surrounding area of the English Garden is free. You only pay for food and drinks.
The beer garden typically opens daily from mid-morning until late evening, weather permitting. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check closer to your visit.
The tower is primarily a landmark and part of the beer garden experience. There is no separate admission fee to access the tower area or the beer garden.
Yes, the Chinese Tower hosts various events, including traditional Bavarian festivals and live music performances, especially during summer and Oktoberfest season.
Generally, the beer garden operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While there's ample seating, reservations are not typically offered for individual tables.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find classic Bavarian fare, including pretzels, roast chicken, currywurst, Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), and various sausages. There's a wide variety to choose from.
Many visitors rave about the sauerkraut and the Schweinshaxe, though some reviews mention it can be a bit dry. The roast chicken and pretzels are also popular choices.
Expect a selection of excellent Bavarian beers, typically from local Munich breweries like Hofbräu or Paulaner, served in traditional Maß (liter) steins.
Prices are generally in line with other popular beer gardens in Munich. While not budget-friendly, it's considered good value for the quality and atmosphere.
While traditional Bavarian cuisine is meat-heavy, you can often find options like potato dishes, salads, or pretzels that can be suitable for vegetarians. Vegan options might be limited.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic pagoda tower itself, especially with a beer garden scene in the foreground. The surrounding greenery of the English Garden also offers beautiful backdrops.
The tower is often illuminated at night, creating a picturesque scene. The beer garden lights add to the ambiance, making it a charming spot for evening shots.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, while evenings provide a magical atmosphere with the tower and garden lights.
Be mindful of privacy. While candid shots are common in beer gardens, it's respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or groups.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. Professional photography or commercial use might require special permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Food options like pretzels and sausages are usually a hit with younger palates. You can enjoy a relaxed meal while the children have fun in the open space. Just be mindful of the beer garden etiquette and keep an eye on them in the bustling areas.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks is generally not permitted in beer gardens, but you can save by ordering a single beer and savoring it. The real value here is the atmosphere and the experience, which you get without a hefty price tag.
couples
It's a great spot for a casual date, offering a genuine taste of Munich life. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the English Garden before or after your visit, making for a perfect day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of the Chinese Tower
Today, the tower serves as the central point for one of Munich's most famous beer gardens. While the tower itself isn't typically open for public access beyond its immediate surroundings, its presence creates a picturesque backdrop for the bustling beer garden. It's a symbol of Munich's blend of traditional Bavarian culture and international influences.
During warmer months, the area around the tower comes alive with the sounds of traditional Bavarian music. A band often plays from the tower's balcony, adding to the festive and authentic atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike. It's a quintessential Munich experience, combining history, architecture, and lively social gathering.
Experiencing the Beer Garden Culture
It's common to share tables with strangers, fostering a friendly and convivial atmosphere. Don't be surprised if locals strike up a conversation! The vibe is relaxed and communal, perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon with a liter of beer and some hearty food.
When visiting, remember to bring cash, as not all vendors may accept cards. While the food can be a bit pricey, the atmosphere, the quality of the beer, and the sheer joy of being part of this tradition make it well worth it. It's a place where you can easily spend hours soaking in the culture and enjoying the simple pleasures of good food, good beer, and good company.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit