Traveling solo in Munich? From food tours and beer gardens to international meetups and digital nomad communities, here's how to make connections without awkwardly lurking at a bar.
Me and my beloved ceramic beer mug at the Old Wiesn. I liked it so much I didn't want to give it back! Though, honestly, it weighed approximately a thousand pounds.
One of my favorite things about traveling is the people I meet.
I've had some fantastic conversations with strangers in foreign countries, sometimes about things I never imagined discussing over a beer. And occasionally, those strangers turn into friends.
But meeting people when you're traveling alone isn't always easy.
Munich, however, offers some excellent opportunities to connect with people, especially if you're willing to join a group activity instead of waiting for the friendship fairy to sprinkle some of her magic your way.
And if you're visiting for Oktoberfest, I have an additional suggestion: arrive a day or two early and try to meet some people before the festival.
You might find yourself with a new friend or two to sing along with you in the beer tent.
1. Take a Small-Group Food Tour in Munich
Bavarian food is half the fun of Oktoberfest! A table full of hearty festival favorites makes an excellent excuse to settle in, share a meal, and make some new friends.
Food tours are one of my favorite suggestions for solo travelers.
They're social without feeling like organized networking, and the conversations generally happen naturally.
In Munich, you've got an abundance of Bavarian specialties to sample, from pretzels and sausages to regional cheeses, pastries, and beer.
The trick is to choose a shared small-group tour rather than a private experience.
Viktualienmarkt and Beyond Small-Group Food Tour
Approximately 3 hours | Small-group experience
This would be one of my first choices for a solo traveler hoping to meet people.
The tour explores Munich's food culture around Viktualienmarkt and the historic center, with tastings that include Bavarian beer, sausages, cured meats, and other local specialties.
There's enough food included to serve as lunch, and the small-group format gives participants opportunities to talk with their guide and one another.
(Note, this page contains affiliate links. If you book, I will earn a commission at no cost to you.)
Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour
The live bands are the heartbeat of Oktoberfest, keeping the beer tents rocking with everything from traditional Bavarian music to crowd-pleasing singalongs.
Approximately 3.5 hours | Beer tasting and Bavarian dinner
If you're visiting Munich specifically for Oktoberfest, this might be an even better icebreaker.
The tour introduces participants to Bavarian beer culture, including beer tastings, a visit to the Oktoberfest and Beer Museum, and a group dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Sitting down to eat together gives everyone a natural opportunity to chat, and it's a way to experience Munich's beer traditions beyond the festival grounds.
One caveat: the tour involves alcohol, so consider how it fits into your plans if you're also heading to the beer tents that day.
Book the Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour on Viator.
2. Join a Munich Bike Tour
The view from my bike as I explored Munich’s gorgeous English Garden. Cycling through this enormous park was one of my favorite experiences in the city.
Munich is an excellent city to explore by bicycle, especially around the English Garden, where you can ride through enormous green spaces and stop at traditional beer gardens.
This was seriously one of my BEST memories of Munich. It was such a hot, sunny day and people were jumping into the river and lying out in the grass and the vibes were so fun and laid back.
Munich Small-Group Bike Tour
Approximately 3 hours | English Garden and beer garden stop
This tour covers major Munich sights, including historic squares, parks, and the English Garden.
One of its best features for solo travelers is the stop at the Chinese Tower beer garden, weather permitting.
That gives the group a chance to sit together, have a drink, and chat after exploring the city.
There's something much less intimidating about talking to people you've already spent an hour cycling alongside than walking up to a completely unfamiliar table.
Book the Munich Small-Group Bike Tour on Viator.
3. Try a Walking Tour With a Bavarian Food Break
Not everybody wants to get on a bicycle in an unfamiliar city.
And if you're traveling in cooler weather or prefer exploring on foot, a walking tour is another easy option.
One of Oktoberfest's enormous beer tents, each with its own personality, atmosphere, and thousands of people ready for a good time.
Small-Group Local's Tour of Munich
Half-day experience | Maximum 15 participants
This locally guided walking tour explores Munich's history, neighborhoods, and Bavarian culture.
It also includes a break for traditional food and beer at Viktualienmarkt.
The group size is capped at 15, and the tour specifically emphasizes opportunities to meet fellow travelers.
I'd consider it a particularly good introduction to Munich if you're visiting for the first time and want a combination of sightseeing and socializing.
Book a Small-Group Local's Tour of Munich on Viator.
Which Munich Group Tour Would I Choose?
If my main goal were meeting people, I'd probably choose the small-group food tour or the Bavarian beer-and-food evening.
Eating together creates natural opportunities for conversation, and you don't have to worry about keeping up with everyone on a bicycle.
4. Visit Munich's Traditional Beer Gardens
One of the many outdoor beer gardens at Oktoberfest, perfect for enjoying some fresh air, sunshine, and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere between tent visits.
One of the loveliest things about Munich is its beer garden culture.
Traditional beer gardens have long communal tables, and sharing seating with strangers is perfectly normal.
That makes them less intimidating than walking into a restaurant and asking whether you can join somebody's private dinner. Just be aware that some tables are reserved for regular groups, known as Stammtische.
Three Munich Beer Gardens I'd Consider
Communal tables, Bavarian atmosphere, and plenty of chances to make new friends.
Augustiner-Keller
One of Munich's classic beer gardens, conveniently located near the main train station.
Enormous communal seating beneath chestnut trees, traditional food, and a great location for travelers.
Explore Augustiner-Keller →Hirschgarten
An enormous beer garden in a green park, popular with local families, groups of friends, and visitors.
A lovely way to experience everyday Munich away from the tourist crowds. There's even a deer enclosure nearby!
Explore Hirschgarten →Chinesischer Turm
The Chinese Tower beer garden is one of Munich's most recognizable outdoor drinking spots, right in the English Garden.
Especially lovely on a sunny afternoon. Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride through the park, and perhaps catch some river surfing elsewhere in the garden.
Explore Chinesischer Turm →How Do You Actually Start a Conversation?
I understand. Talking to strangers can be hard for introverts like…some of us.
I get it. I really do. But I also love to have a good time and socialize with other humans. (I’m introverted, not devoid of the urge to form connection.)
My advice? Lean into the communal seating. Asking if you can squeeze into a table of friendly-looking people—a perfectly normal thing to do in this setting—makes striking up a conversation feel way more natural.
And you don't have to drink alcohol to participate in beer garden culture. Order something nonalcoholic if that's what you prefer. They even have non-alcoholic tankards of beer!
Oktoberfest isn't just for twenty-somethings! I loved seeing older festivalgoers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, proving that the love of good beer, music, and a proper celebration never gets old.
5. Join an International Meetup in Munich
If you're hoping to meet people who actually live in Munich, rather than just other tourists, organized social groups are worth investigating.
Two established communities I'd look at are:
München International Meetup Group
This group welcomes international residents, travelers, students, professionals, and digital nomads.
Its organizers specifically say that many participants attend alone and that hosts help newcomers make introductions.
Another established international social community, with activities including drinks, hiking, sports, movies, and cultural events.
Before signing up, look at each event's description and typical audience. Some meetups are geared toward particular age groups or interests, so choose one that actually sounds like your crowd.
6. Find Your Digital Nomad Community
Watching people attempt the Oktoberfest Toboggan is hilarious, and a great way to meet fellow travelers. Crowds routinely gather to watch (and laugh).
If you're working while traveling, Munich has coworking spaces and creative communities that may offer opportunities to connect beyond tourist activities.
I know how easy it is to spend hours working alone in a café when you’re on deadline. But sometimes it's nice to be around people who understand what it's like to work from different cities and countries.
A couple of places I'd investigate:
Impact Hub Munich: A coworking and entrepreneurial community in Sendling, with events and opportunities to connect with other professionals.
Munich Urban Colab: An innovation and entrepreneurship hub offering workshops, events, and opportunities to connect with Munich's creative and technology communities.
I'd look specifically for workshops, networking evenings, or open community events.
A coworking space full of people silently wearing headphones isn't necessarily a great place to meet friends.
A social event hosted by that same space could be.
7. Going to Oktoberfest Alone? Make Friends Before You Arrive at the Beer Tents
As the night wears on, the Oktoberfest beer tents get louder, livelier, and a whole lot more crowded.
Here's the strategy I'd recommend if you're planning a solo Oktoberfest trip.
Get to Munich one or two days before your first Oktoberfest visit.
Use that time to explore the city and participate in something social.
Maybe you book the Bavarian food-and-beer tour. Maybe you take the bike tour and get chatting with someone during the beer garden stop. Or perhaps you join an international Meetup evening.
If you meet people you genuinely enjoy, mention that you're planning to visit Oktoberfest. You might discover they're going too. And suddenly you have the possibility of meeting familiar faces at the festival!
Of course, it won't always work.
Some people will have other plans. Some will be leaving Munich the next morning. And occasionally you'll spend three hours with a group of perfectly pleasant strangers without finding anyone you particularly want to see again.
That's traveling.
But even if you don't make a festival buddy, you'll have enjoyed another part of Munich.
My Experience Meeting People at Oktoberfest
The excitement starts before you even reach the festival grounds, as crowds of women in colorful dirndls make their way through Munich toward Oktoberfest.
When we attended Oktoberfest in 2026, my son and I found people generally welcoming at communal tables, especially earlier in the afternoon.
We simply asked the servers where the unreserved seating was, then approached tables that looked friendly.
Later, I ventured out alone and ended up partying with a group of women at the Pschorr Bräurosl tent.
We had a wonderful time. But I also experienced unwanted attention from men, particularly as the evenings progressed and people became increasingly intoxicated.
That's why I recommend solo female travelers make connections earlier in the day and keep their own transportation and safety plans.
Having new friends around can make the experience more enjoyable, but remember that people you've just met are still strangers. Read my full solo female travel guide here.
Is Munich a Good City for Solo Travelers Who Want to Meet People?
Singing along at Oktoberfest and having the time of my life!
I think Munich offers some excellent opportunities, particularly if you're willing to join activities rather than simply sightseeing alone.
The traditional beer garden culture makes sharing tables normal. Small-group tours offer easy introductions. And the city's international communities provide opportunities to meet both residents and fellow travelers.
You don't need to spend your whole trip surrounded by people, either. One of the pleasures of solo travel is choosing when you want company and when you don't.
My advice is to schedule one or two social activities early in your visit, then leave the rest open to spontaneity.
And if Oktoberfest is part of your itinerary, arriving a little early could be an especially good idea.
You might find your festival crew before you've even ordered your first Maß.
Planning a Munich trip? Read my Oktoberfest First-Timer's Guide for our real costs, beer-tent recommendations, and tips for finding seats without reservations. Then pop over to my accommodation post for advice on when to book and where to stay without spending a fortune.
