On June 11, the Men’s World Cup kicks off once again, marking the start of the world’s biggest soccer tournament, and suddenly even non-fans are taking an interest in the popular sport. To avoid sitting alone at home in front of the TV, public viewing offers the perfect communal experience to enjoy the games together with others. Since the World Cup is taking place in North America this year, many of the matches will be held late at night or in the early morning hours due to the time difference. In light of this, the City of Munich has granted restaurants a special permit for their outdoor dining areas, allowing them to operate until 1 a.m. and then again starting at 6 a.m. So nothing stands in the way of your public viewing from June 11 to July 19. To help you navigate the wide selection in Munich, we’ve put together a list of cool spots for you here.
Hofbräukeller
Beer gardens are, of course, the absolute classic among public viewing venues. And where better to watch than in what is said to be the most beautiful one in the entire city? The beer garden at the Hofbräukeller on Wiener Platz offers four TVs right in the outdoor area, where you can watch all of Germany’s group stage matches as well as any games kicking off before 10 p.m. If the weather happens to be bad, you can simply move inside, as there are two more TVs in the pub.
Backstage
Backstage is an absolute paradise for soccer fans, as soccer is shown around the clock in up to 10 areas here. In addition to a big screen, there are several TVs and monitors where you can watch the matches at any time with free admission. You can even grill your own food and help yourself to drinks from the vending machine when the bar is closed. There are also parties for Germany’s matches where you can celebrate together—regardless of the result.
Movie Night at the Olympic Lake
You can experience soccer with a movie theater atmosphere in the Olympic Park, as the open-air cinema transforms into a public viewing spot for Germany’s matches. Here, you can combine a movie theater experience with a sporting event on the big screen, complete with popcorn and nachos. With your ticket, you’ll receive a free beer, which you can use to either toast a victory or drown your sorrows—if it lasts that long. There’s also a great atmosphere at the Nachtbiergarten, where music is played for you. You can choose whether to watch the game in the lounge, on a love seat, in a recliner, or on the picnic lawn. This way, you can make the public viewing your very own personalized experience.
Killian’s Irish Pub
Pubs and soccer just go hand in hand. Killians will be showing all matches that end during the Irish pub’s regular opening hours throughout the World Cup. On weekends, you can watch the games here until 2 a.m. When the weather is nice, the beer garden also invites you to watch soccer, but only until 10 p.m. If you’re interested in more than just the German team’s games, you’re in great hands here. Plus, the pub food is the perfect accompaniment to the matches, since many of the dishes are great for sharing with fellow fans.
Hopfendolde
The Hopfendolde near Münchner Freiheit is already a cult favorite in its own right and attracts customers with affordable drink prices. During the World Cup, soccer fans will get their money’s worth here, as all matches will be broadcast on a total of 14 screens indoors and outdoors. Plus , you can get a liter of Tegernseer light for just €5.50—a price Oktoberfest visitors can only dream of. If you’re going alcohol-free, you can also get water in a beer stein for just €4.
Eventfabrik
You can enjoy soccer under the open sky on a big screen with free admission in the Werksviertel. At Knödelplatz, a 45-square-meter screen awaits you, where you can watch not only Germany’s matches but almost all the others as well. There’s also a variety of street food like burgers and currywurst, plus Budweiser beer in 3-liter towers. There’s no shortage of long drinks, aperitifs, and non-alcoholic beverages either.
Muffatwerk
Visitors to the Muffatwerk can look forward to watching the Germany games in the beer garden when the weather is nice. On rainy days, however, the broadcast will take place indoors. In addition, starting with the quarterfinals, selected matches not involving Germany will be shown. If Germany makes it to the semifinals or even the final, you can watch those games throughout the Muffatwerk.
Stadium on Schleißheimer Straße
Of course, Germany’s most famous soccer bar is a must-visit when it comes to public viewing in Munich. The Stadion on Schleißheimer Straße embodies soccer culture and shows up to three games simultaneously throughout the year, sometimes even with its own commentator. Needless to say, you’ll be able to watch all World Cup matches here on two big screens and four additional TVs, so you won’t miss a single moment.
