This Munich city guide will give you everything you need to ensure the trip of your dreams. Bayern Munich is one of the biggest football clubs on the planet and is at the heart of Bavarian culture. Bayern are a beacon of German and global football. The official motto of Bayern is “Mia San Mia”, translated from Bavarian dialect to English, which means “we are we”. This signifies a deep-rooted sense of confidence, pride, uniqueness and togetherness. This represents the core values of Bayern Munich: their winning mentality, ambition, and commitment to unity. Bayern are one of Europe’s most successful clubs, boasting six Champions League titles with the most recent coming in 2020.
A trip to watch football in Munich is special, and experiencing Bavarian culture and diving into the passionate German football culture is something every football fan should do. Watching football at the spectacular, state-of-the-art Allianz Arena offers visitors an incredible opportunity to see one of the world’s best and visually stunning stadiums. This modern arena is a technological masterpiece and is the only stadium on the planet that can change colour.
This article will provide readers with a comprehensive guide to watching football and exploring Munich, covering stadium guides, tickets, pubs and other things to do.
About Bayern Munich & The Match Day Culture
Bayern Munich are among the world’s most decorated football clubs, but it is by far Germany’s most successful. They have an astonishing 34 Bundesliga Titles. Bayern Munich recently won eleven consecutive titles from 2013 to 2023. Bayern also boast a record 20 DFB-Pokal trophies. The club was founded in the year 1900 and was founded by 11 players, led by Franz John. Bayern Munich’s rise to the summit of German football began in the 1970s, led by legendary defender Franz Beckenbauer. The captain led the club to three consecutive European Cups between 1974 and 1976.
‘FC Hollywood’ or Bayern Munich?
In the 1990s, Bayern Munich were branded with the nickname of ‘FC Hollywood’. Bayern were given this tag due to the massive player egos, off-field scandals and headline-grabbing drama. Bayern had hugely volatile personalities such as Lothar Matthaus, Effenberg and Klinsmann. The personal lives of these players often caused public disputes frequently and filled tabloid news. This is a tag that the club struggles to shift with the media often reviving the concept at every opportunity.
German Football Model (50+1)
Despite being branded ‘FC Hollywood’, Bayern Munich still adhere to the German football fan ownership model (50+1 Rule). This is a regulation in German professional football which demands all clubs have members holding at least 50% of voting rights plus one additional vote. This rule was introduced in 1998 and was brought in to prevent private external investors from holding a majority, ensuring the parent club and its members retain control, maintaining fan culture.
Bayern Munich have 75% fan and member ownership, with a staggering 432,500 members. These members have the power to elect the club’s president and board, vote on major structural changes and ensure the club maintains its identity, keeping the fans as the heartbeat of the club despite the club being one of the world’s biggest. In recent times debate has sparked whether to alter this and allow to club seek heavier external investment in the hope for the club to be able to compete with the economic powerhouse that is the Premier League.
The Sudkurve at Bayern Munich serves as the base for the club’s Ultras and most vocal supporters. From my own personal visit, these fantastic supporters generate an intense and loud atmosphere. Flares, flags and coordinated noise bind to become the powerhouse of the Allianz. On European nights, this becomes even better, and I would highly recommend trying to visit Munich for a night game.
The Allianz Arena- What to Expect
Stadium Overview
When visiting the Allianz Arena, be prepared to be blown away by this modern architectural masterpiece. The Allianz Arena may be best known for its unique EFTE plastic panels, making it the first stadium on the planet with a full colour-changing exterior. The Allianz is a three-tier stadium that allows visitors to have a great view of the pitch, no matter where they are seated. With a capacity of over 75,000, the Allianz is Germany’s second biggest stadium after Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.
Despite opening 21 years ago, the Allianz is still one of the most modern and technologically advanced arenas in world sport. Hosting some of the world’s biggest sporting events, such as the 2012 Champions League final which Bayern Munich featured, losing to Chelsea.
The home of Bayern Munich is located on the outskirts of the city, around 10km north of the centre.
Best Section for Atmosphere
From my visit to Munich, I was sitting opposite the Sudtribune (Ultras section). The south stand led the stadium’s atmosphere throughout, orchestrating the stadium’s noise. The atmosphere was led by the Ultras and the unbelievable Union Berlin away supporters who were sitting up in the sky but still generated great noise. Where I sat was a standing-only section, and this contributed to a fascinating atmosphere where sections were quiet with others being exceptionally loud.
Your choice of seat will depend on what you look for. If you wish to have a relaxed time, then sitting in the ultras of standing areas won’t be for you. Stewards are very strict and will not let you sit down, even at half-time. The closer to the pitch you are, the more involved you will feel with the atmosphere.
Stadium Facilities & Entry Process
The entry process is very simple and efficient while still prioritising safety for all supporters. Quick pat down and walk through the metal detectors will be done in minutes and allow you to carry on to enter the stadium.
Once inside the stadium, explore the fantastic open concourse and indulge in some local food and beer. Germany is one of the few European countries that still serves alcohol, which is a huge part of the supporters’ match day culture.
- Selections: Options typically include Original Munich Hell (Lager), Weißbier (Wheat Beer), and Radler (shandy), as well as non-alcoholic versions.
- Average Cost: Expect to pay between €5.50 and €5.70 for a beer.
- “Fan Special”: You can often find deals such as six beers and a giant Bavarian pretzel for around €36.50.
- Cup Deposit: There is typically a €2 deposit on reusable plastic cups, which you get back when you return the cup to a kiosk.
I would recommend arriving around 60-90 minutes before kick-off to ensure you get the full Bayern Munich match day experience. Soak up the pre-match atmosphere and embrace the club’s unique fan culture.
How to Get to the Allianz Arena
The quickest and easiest way to get from the city centre to the Allianz is via the city’s efficient metro system. Take the U6 Line to Fröttmaning. I travelled from the heart of the city centre from the Odeonsplatz station, taking around 20 minutes. Once you reach Fröttmaning, leave the station and do your 15-minute walk to the stadium. You can’t miss it—the stadium will be glowing (Red for Bayern). If you have a match ticket, travel is free, and if you go for a tour the Metro Line will cost roughly 4 euros.
Post-match travel can take more time as all spectators leave at the same time, which generates longer queues, so keep this in mind. There is frequent transport back to the centre so you don’t need to worry about getting stranded.
Getting Tickets for Bayern Munich & Stadium Tours
Due to phenomenal demand and Bayern’s global reach and appeal, tickets are very difficult to acquire. The 75,000 allocation sells out for every home game to its large membership base. Despite this, there are alternative avenues to pursue to get tickets. The official ticket request portal on the FC Bayern Ticketshop offers various ways to try.
The lottery system was put in place to offer all aspiring visitors an equal opportunity to watch Bayern. You can submit a request for tickets around 4-6 weeks before kick-off. For major Champions League games and Der Klassiker (Borussia Dortmund) tickets go to the 430,000-strong member community. Making it virtually impossible to get access to these matches.
The club’s official ticket exchange is your best and safest bet if you don’t luck out on the lottery system. This is the only legal resale platform where season ticket holders sell seats they can’t use at original prices (plus a small fee). Success in this avenue requires perseverance as tickets do crop up but you need to be quick. Availability peak 2-10 days from match day.
If you are visiting from abroad and want a guaranteed seat without the lottery stress, then hospitality offers an expensive but safe route to guarantee entry and avoid unnecessary stress. I personally used P1Travel to facilitate my visit to Munich.
Avoid using third-party sites, as this can result in being denied entry and paying extortionate rates above face value.
Stadium Tour Alternative
Due to the high demand and potential chance of failing to acquire tickets then stadium tour of the Allianz Arena gives you the chance to delve deeper into the club’s illustrious and lucrative history. Further your understanding of the club’s history and connect on a deeper level with the club. I did the stadium tour on my visit, and I would highly recommend doing this. Go behind the scenes into the clubs’ changing rooms and walk around pitch side after walking out of the tunnel like your favourite player.
The tour guide was fluent in English and helpful with any questions I had. To cement your football trip of a lifetime do the tour!
Below, I will attach the link to book the tour.
- Museum & Tour price: £22
- https://fcbayern.com/museum/en/tickets/museum-tour
Best Areas To Stay In Munich for a Bayern Match
On my trip to Munich (February), I stayed in the Hilton Hotel in Munich City Centre. I managed to get this hotel and flights as a very good package deal, and my hotel was in a great location to stay in. Link below.
From my visit to Munich and exploring the city I am also going to recommend a few more locations worth considering.
Aldstadt (Central & Walkable)
Being in the old town allows you to fully immerse yourself in Bavarian culture at the heart of Munich. Staying in this area means you are within walking distance of Marienplatz and the famous food market.
Staying here allows you to travel via the U6 line to the Allianz Arena within 15 minutes. But staying here comes with higher pricing. This area of the city commands the highest prices, so staying here will depend on your budget. It is also one of the busiest parts of the city, so not the quietest.
Scwabing
Scwabing like Aldstadt is on the pricer side but offers visitors a great stay. Widely considered the birthplace of Munich’s modern nightlife, Schwabing is one of the best nights out in the city. Staying here is for people who like a fast-paced and nicer standard of holiday.
You’ll find authentic Bavarian taverns sitting right next to trendy cocktail bars and student hangouts.
Near Frottmaning
This is the convenience option, and I would only recommend staying here if you are doing a quick visit and going purely for football. Staying in this area means you are right on the Allianz Arena doorstep. This is also a much cheaper option for accommodation due to the area’s desolate and ‘ghost town’ atmosphere.
Best Pubs & Beer Halls Before the Game
Munich is a city with an incredible roster of bars and pubs. Beer culture in Germany is unmatched and is a huge part of the supporters match day routine. On a match day, the pubs and bars will be full of Bayern fans preparing to head to the match.
I would recommend visiting Hofbräuhaus München, which is one of the world’s most famous beer halls. Founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V, it was originally a brewery for the royal court. As of today, it is a three-tier beer house at the epicentre of Bavarian culture. It is known for its lively atmosphere, traditional music and a vast array of delicious beer. This location is considered more touristy and not optimal for an authentic Bavarian experience, but despite this, I would highly recommend visiting.
Alternatively, for those seeking a more authentic experience, visit
Augustiner-Keller. This is another iconic beer destination in the city. It is just a short walk from the Central station and is often preferred by locals for being less touristy and serving beer directly from traditional wooden barrels.
Things to do in Munich Beyond Football
Munich is a city which offers far more to visitors than the world-class football and beer scene. Turning your trip from a quick football trip to a full weekend is something every visitor should consider. Munich is a fantastic city with so many great activities to do.
Explore Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz & The Old Town
Marienplatz is the central square and historic heart of Munich. This area serves as the city’s main gathering point. The main building is a huge neo-Gothic building that fills the square. It houses the city government and features a 260-foot tower. It is also a great hub for transport to other various locations across the city via the metro. Marienplatz is the epicentre of the bustling shopping and nightlife scene of the city. This really is the heartbeat of the city, covering all bases.
Odeonsplatz
Odeonsplatz is considered by many locals to be the ‘Italian square’, inspired by Italian architecture and restaurants. This area of Munich is less busy and has more charm and a chill atmosphere than the bustling Marienplatz. The square is framed by the bright yellow Theatinerkirche (a 17th-century Baroque church) and the Feldherrnhalle, a monumental loggia modelled after the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence.
BMW Welt & Olympiapark
The BMW Welt is a futuristic brand experience centre and delivery hub located in the northern region of the city, next to the Olympic Park. It is a large-scale showroom for the latest models of BMW, perfect for car lovers. Germany is globally recognised as a leading engineering country and is an industrial powerhouse. The BMW Welt is different to a ‘normal’ museum. It focuses on the present and future of mobility through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.
Entry to the main exhibits is completely free for visitors, making it a must-do activity. Visitors can sit in most displayed vehicles, test out new technologies, and even see motorcycle stunts where riders drive down the indoor stairs.
Olympic Park
My visit to the Olympic Park was made even better by the weather. The white park is coated in snow. The snow-topped buildings and frozen lake gave the Olympic Park a very unique feel.
The Olympic Park is absolutely worth visiting and was one of my personal favourite activities. The Olympic park boast stunning visuals of the city via the Olympic Tower, which stands at a staggering 291m. Once you reach the summit, you can see panoramic 360-degree views of the city and can even see the Alps on a clear day.
This is a perfect place to visit during the day before heading to the Allianz to watch Bayern Munich.
- The Tent Roof: Even with the stadium closed, you can walk around the exterior of this engineering marvel. It was the first of its kind, using a “web” of steel cables and acrylic glass.
- The Olympic Village: Walk through the nearby “Bungalow-Dorf,” where students live in tiny, colourful houses. It’s a unique piece of urban design.
- Roof Climb & Abseil: (Check seasonal availability) Even during renovations, guided tours sometimes allow you to walk on the tent roof and zip-line across the stadium bowl.
- The Hall of Fame: Located inside the Olympic Hall, you can see the handprints of music and sports legends who have performed there.
Visit the English Garden
The English garden is one of the world’s largest urban parks, spanning over 900 acres in the heart of the city, making it larger than New York’s Central Park. It is named “English” because it was designed in the naturalistic English landscape style. When I visited the gardens, it was mid-February, and the temperature was around -7 degrees. To my surprise, there were two individuals River Surfing at the southern entrance. It is a permanent wave that facilitates surfing all year round.
This 25-metre wooden pagoda is the centrepiece of Munich’s second-largest beer garden, which seats 7,000 people. A brass band often plays from the tower’s upper floors. There is also a scenic lake where visitors can rent rowboats and pedal boats. Due to the park’s size (5.5 Km), renting a bike is a popular way to navigate the park and enjoy the fresh air.
Dachau Concentration Camp
Visiting Dachau Concentration Camp is a sombre and sad reminder of the devastating events of World War II and the Holocaust. This concentration Camp is worth visiting for those interested in history. Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp, opened in 1993. The preserved bunkers, crematorium, and extensive museum provide a visceral, honest look at the Holocaust that books simply cannot replicate. It is a historical site that promotes reflection and honours the tragic loss of over 41,000 innocent lives.
How expensive is a Bayern Munich Away Day?
Below, I will be sure to give you my cost breakdown for a 4-night trip to Munich, staying in the Hilton Munich City hotel (4-star).
February.
- Flights + Hotel= £250
- Ticket= £50
- Spending= £300
Total cost= £600
This trip can be done significantly cheaper. It is based on a hotel stay of 4 nights; shorter trips and booking lower-quality hotels, or using Airbnb, are cheaper alternatives.
Is Munich Safe to Visit for Football Fans?
Yes, Munich is extremely safe and often considered Germany’s safest city. It has ranked as the safest city for the last 49 years, so visitors are perfectly safe to visit and relax without the worry of crime. From my own experience, the statistics are true; it was exceptionally safe and clean, contributing to a safe and enjoyable trip.
Final Verdict- Is Bayern Munich Worth the Trip
Absolutely.
Embarking on a football adventure to the heart of Bavarian culture and watching one of Europe’s biggest football clubs is essential for all football lovers. The unique culture and passion the supporters have were inspiring and infectious. Visiting the Allianz Arena on match day and doing a stadium tour allowed me to enhance my understanding of the club’s glorious history and have an unforgettable football trip. This is a must-do for all football fans.
In terms of the best time to visit, this differs from the recommended time for a general tourism visit. The football season in Germany runs from August to May. This means summer visits will not work for football travel. For nicer weather, I would recommend visiting from August to October and April to May. Visiting in October allows visitors to experience one of the world’s most famous beer festivals, Oktoberfest.
Overall Match Day and City Ratings
| Category | Score (1-10) |
| Atmosphere | 8 |
| Fan Culture | 8 |
| Ease of Obtaining Tickets | 5 |
| Safety & Comfort | 10 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
| Local Beer | 10 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
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