New Year’s Eve in Munich: The best places for watching the fire

Several people at a New Year's Eve celebration hold up burning sparklers and champagne glasses.

The same procedure as every year – right after the Christmas holidays the New Year’s Eve knocks on the door. Just in time for the end of the year, we would like to recommend the best places for the undisturbed or cozy common view of the fireworks over Munich in our first blog post. Wherever you are going to enjoy the New Year’s Eve we wish you a joyful and a happy new year 2011!

In the middle of the hustle and bustle

Do you prefer to celebrate the New Year’s Eve in Munich with as many people as possible? These are the right places for you:

1. Marienplatz

The Marienplatz in Munich is still the heart of the fireworks- and party-lovers who want to celebrate in central Munich’s old town. Only a few places in Munich let you be “closer” to the fireworks. At the same time you should watch out for firecrackers or look for a quieter place on the edge.
View of the fireworks: good
Community factor: very high
New Year’s Eve romance: low – medium
Approach: Metro and train Marienplatz

2. Angel of Peace (Friedensengel)

High above the Prinzregentenstraße stands the Angel of Peace. Considering the unique view towards the old town the place has developed to one of the most popular places for watching the fireworks in Munich. Apart from local residents tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy the beginning of the new year together.

View of the fireworks: very good
Community factor: very high
New Year’s Eve romance: medium
Approach: Metro Lehel (15 min walk) or bus Friedensengel/Villa Stuck

3. Leopoldstraße

Since the 2006 Football World Cup in Germany – at the latest – the Leopoldstraße has secured its reputation as the informal outdoor party mile of Munich. New Year’s Eve is celebrated here since many years. No later than midnight the guests of the many surrounding bars and restaurants go out on the street to raise a glass to the New Year and watch the fireworks.

View of the fireworks: good
Community factor: high
New Year’s Eve romance: low
Approach: Metro Münchner Freiheit or Giselastraße

Quiet and romantic

If you don’t want to spend the New Year’s Eve in Munich in the midst of the masses we recommend you places that are a little off. To reach these places you will have a small walk from the nearest public transport station, but you will be rewarded with a unique view over the city.

1. Monopteros

The Monopteros in the English Garden in Munich is probably one of the most idyllic public places to enjoy the fireworks in a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Away from the bustle of the inner city you can enjoy a fantastic view over Munich. Moreover you will also see the professional fireworks of the famous club P1 in some distance.

View of the fireworks: very good
Community factor: low
New Year’s Eve romance: high
Approach: Metro Universität (10 min walk), Tram Tivolistraße (10 min walk), Bus Chinesischer Turm (5 min walk)

2. Olympic Mountain (Olympiaberg)

There are certainly quieter places than the supposed “secret-tip” Olympic Mountain. Nevertheless the walk up the mountain will still be rewarded with a 360° panoramic view over the rooftops of Munich and the fireworks.

View of the fireworks: very good
Community factor: medium
New Year’s Eve romance: medium – high
Approach: Metro Olympiazentrum (20 min walk), Tram Infantriestraße (15 min walk)

3. Bavaria

While the statue Bavaria stands over the Munich Oktoberfest in September it is also a great vantage point for watching the fireworks over the city on New Year’s Eve. As space is limited and with not so many restaurants and bars in the surrounding area it is a quieter place to enjoy the night.

View of the fireworks: good
Community factor: medium
New Year’s Eve romance: medium – high
Approach: Metro Schwanthalerhöhe (10 min walk) or Theresienwiese (10 min walk)

4. Gasteig

Because of its elevated position the Munich Gasteig also guarantees a good view to the city center and the adjacent Müllersche Volksbad – an imposing neo-Baroque Art Nouveau building. As a special highlight the fireworks at midnight are accompanied by the music of the philharmonic orchestra.

View of the fireworks: good
Community factor: medium
New Year’s Eve romance: medium – high
Approach: Train Rosenheimerplatz or Isartor (10 min walk), Tram Gasteig

5. Nymphenburg creek (Nymphenburger Kanal)

The Nymphenburg creek developed to one of the fireworks hot spot. Visitors have free choice here: Who stands at a more remote spot enjoys New Year’s romance with a great view to the Nymphenburg Palace. Party-lovers enjoy the fireworks in a large community around the Gerner bridge.

View of the fireworks: good
Community factor: medium – high
New Year’s Eve Romance: medium – high
Approach: Tram Schloss Nymphenburg, Metro Gern (20 min walk)