A So-Called Tourist Trap In Munich Is The Best Place For Authentic Bavarian Beer And Cuisine

Usually if something is called a "tourist trap," it is best to avoid even if it is a globally recognized attraction. However, such attractions all over the world are usually famous for good reasons. Although travel expert Rick Steves urges people to go off the beaten path, there are some so-called "tourist traps" that even Steves loves. Therefore, building the perfect European travel itinerary does not have to mean ruling out major tourist hotspots. This is definitely true in the beloved city of Munich in southern Germany.

Munich (München in German) is located in Bavaria, a region characterized by lederhosen, must-see German castles, and Oktoberfest. This globally recognized festival originated in Munich, leading tourists to seek out some of the region's famous beer. Perhaps Munich's most famous watering hole is Hofbräuhaus München. Some may call it a tourist trap, but it really is a sight to behold, and with 1,500 seats on the ground floor alone, you're likely to mix and mingle with locals and tourists alike. Hofbräuhaus is exactly what you might imagine when thinking about Germany. While you sample authentic beer and German food, you can enjoy lively performers in traditional German clothing singing and playing instruments among the painted interior filled with classic decor. 

Hofbräuhaus dates back to 1589 when its beer was only to be served to members of the Bavarian court. It was not even open to the public until King Ludwig I made it so in 1828. This king also had a major hand in Munich's architecture and established what became Oktoberfest in 1835. With this background, Hofbräuhaus definitely feels like a step back in time despite renovations over the centuries.

Among the culinary favorites of Hofbräuhaus are sauerkraut, giant pretzels, roast pork, cheese spaetzle, and bratwursts to name a few. Hofbräuhaus has its own butchers and bakers so food is served fresh every day. Beers vary from light and citrusy radlers to dark and malty "weisse" wheat ales, and many are closely intertwined with Hofbräuhaus history. For example, you can still order Hofbräu Dunkel, the first type of beer ever brewed at Hofbräuhaus in the 1500s. As previously mentioned, this beer hall is popular among tourists. After all, even the HB logo finds itself at Oktoberfests all around the world. It may take a while to get your food and drinks at Hofbräuhaus if you arrive at a busy time.

Despite occasionally long wait times, Tripadvisor reviewers lauded the sense of community at Hofbräuhaus, as you can sit wherever there is an open seat at its many shared tables. Its overall fun atmosphere is what many reviewers enjoyed most. Reddit users echo this sentiment. "The food we got was phenomenal, the beer was obviously good and the atmosphere was eclectic with multiple couples around us all talking to each other in different languages," explained u/Triple10X. "We went to a few smaller beer halls, but felt that Hofbrauhaus was the best one."

Hofbräuhaus is just around the corner from Marienplatz, one of Munich's most iconic locales. It is hard to miss this part of town thanks to the large, ornate building that takes up one side of the square. This building (pictured above) is famous for its Glockenspiel, among the largest in Europe. Tourists tend to gather in the square at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m. to watch the glockenspiel characters dance like those of a massive cuckoo clock. Perhaps start the day or evening with the Glockenspiel before heading to Hofbräuhaus for its classic and long revered German food and beer.