Germany is generally dog-friendly, so you can expect the same kind of experience in Bavaria’s capital as you would in Berlin. Munich has plenty of activities both you and your dogs can enjoy together including spacious parks and famous beer gardens. If you’re thinking of traveling to Munich with a dog, here is what you can expect.
Dog-friendly activities in Munich
Though not all of Munich’s attractions are dog-friendly (like Residenz and Asamkirche), there are still plenty of things you and your pup can do together while you’re in town. Here are some dog-friendly activities in Munich:
Visit Englischer Garten
This massive park is one of the most popular attractions in Munich. The English Garden has tons of trails and great sights including a Greek temple, Japanese tea house, a Chinese pagoda, and an artificial wave where you can go surfing or watch the surfers from the bridge. True to its heritage drinking culture, you can find not one or two or three, but four beer gardens scattered around the grounds of the park. You and your pup will both love the fresh air and the relaxed atmosphere.
Explore the city
Munich is a beautiful city to discover on foot. If you want to learn a little bit of the city’s rich history, you can take your dog on a walking tour of the city. The daily 2.5 hour tour is tip-based and includes most of the city’s highlights like Marienplatz and the Frauenkirche. You’ll even get to watch the clock at the top of the hour. Though you can’t enter Residenz with a dog, you’ll learn a little bit about the Bavarian royal family during the tour. You can also roam around the Hofgarten, the 17th century renaissance garden just outside the palace.
If you prefer to stroll through the city at your own pace, you and your pup can also spend some time at Viktualienmarkt. The large outdoor market has over 100 stalls offering up everything from sausages to souvenirs. Though it’s touristy and can definitely get crowded, it’s a great place for shopping, eating, and people-watching.
Check out Olympiapark
Back during the 1972 Olympics (yes, those Olympics), Munich built Olympiapark. The huge park complex houses the former Olympic village and sports venues like the arena that are still in use to this day. This is a great place to take your dog as there are trails that snake around the park and around the lake. Though you won’t be able to go up the the Olympic Tower with your dog, you can hike up Olympia Hill for a great viewpoint of the area. From April to October, you can also get an ice cold beer at their beer garden.
Of course, drink beer
If you haven’t already noticed, places to stop and drink beer are sprinkled all over Munich. It’s important to note that dogs are not allowed at Oktoberfest should you be traveling to Munich for the famed beer festival. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get to enjoy the festive beer-drinking atmosphere of the festival. Many beer gardens in Munich are dog-friendly, including Hofbrauhaus. Notable for being the venue where Hitler gave his first speech to the Nazi party, the 400+ year old beer hall still hosts live music and serves up some of the best liters of beer in the city. You can enjoy a brew and traditional Bavarian food while your dog relaxes by your side. Get the rotisserie chicken, and thank me later.
Other beer halls in city center that will welcome your furry best friend include Augustiner am Platzl, Lowenbraukeller, and Der Pschorr. You can basically plan your own Oktoberfest tour of the famous local brewers with your dog.
Taking public transportation with your dog in Munich
Though Munich is fairly walkable, especially if you’re staying in city center, traveling with your dog on public transportation is easy. As long as the dog is leashed and muzzled, they can ride on all public transport vehicles for free with your valid ticket.
Where to stay in Munich with your dog
One of the most important things to plan for when traveling with a dog is finding pet-friendly accommodations. Since Munich is pretty big, I recommend staying in the area near the English Garden and Hofgarten. This is close enough to city center to walk and has plenty of outdoor areas for your dog to enjoy.
Though there are plenty of dog-friendly accommodations in Munich, I can only vouch for one which is Unsold’s Factory Hotel. I was a bit nervous about staying in a hotel with our loud and reactive pup, who might easily spend all night barking at noises in the hall. But we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and completely sound proof the rooms were.
Pet-friendly restaurants and cafes in Munich
Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Munich that allow dogs. As a general rule, if it has an outdoor dining area, you’re definitely fine. But many places will also allow you to dine with your dog inside. Here are some of the places where you can grab a bite with your dog:
A great place if you’re looking for a rich American-style breakfast. Get your smothered pancakes and egg dishes here.
Good for German and international dishes and also for brunch.
Catering to both dogs and vegans, SIGGIS is a laid back cafe for smoothies and sandwiches.
Perhaps my favorite stop on this list, this unassuming café that always has a line out the door is known for its incredible Bavarian donuts. If you decide to make the line to dine in, your pup is welcome.
This chain of steakhouses is dog-friendly. Munich locations have an outdoor patio so your pup doesn’t have to be cooped up in a restaurant.
Vets nearby
No one wants their dog to get sick on vacation, but in case the Bavarian sausage is not sitting well with your dog, there are local vets available, some even during emergency hours.
Tierarztpraxis Dr.Maul + Dr.Herget (24 hours as long as you call first)
If you like traveling with your pup, Munich is a fantastic dog-friendly city with plenty to do for you and your dog.
