Munich isn’t just about Oktoberfest and hearty sausages—though those are lovely. The city offers a diverse range of lunch experiences that truly showcase its local flavor, culture, and charm. Whether you want to sit down in a historic beer garden, explore vibrant markets, or cycle past royal palaces, Munich makes lunchtime an adventure. One of our favorites is the Lunch Like a Local: Munich’s ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour, which combines walking, history, and mouthwatering street food for a small-group experience that feels authentic and fun.
From lively food markets to scenic boat rides in the Alps, this list captures a broad spectrum of lunch tours—each offering a unique way to enjoy the city and its surroundings. Some tours focus on culinary discovery, others on sightseeing, and a few blend both, like the private trips to Zugspitze or Neuschwanstein Castle. Whatever your style, you’ll find a delicious way to spend your midday break.
Below, we highlight some of the best lunch tours in Munich, covering everything from guided food walks and biking adventures to festival experiences and mountain excursions. All of these are carefully selected for their quality, value, and local flavor.
1. Lunch Like a Local: Munich’s ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour
At number one, this Viktualienmarkt food tour is a standout for its authentic exploration of Munich’s most famous market. Held daily since 1807, Viktualienmarkt is a bustling hub of food stalls, local restaurants, and lively vendors. Your local guide takes you through its history and shares insider tips on the best bites. The tour includes several tastings—ranging from traditional Bavarian dishes to regional specialties—and beverages are included. The small group of just 15 people ensures you get personalized attention and a lively atmosphere. Guests frequently mention the guide’s knowledge, humor, and the variety of foods sampled—making it an ideal introduction for first-time visitors or those wanting an authentic Munich food experience.
A highlight is wandering through Schrannenhalle, an indoor market bursting with local pastries, then enjoying a three-hour tasting session inside Viktualienmarkt. This tour offers excellent value for unique, local eats and insights into Munich’s culinary culture. Perfect for food lovers and curious travelers alike.
Bottom Line: For a genuine taste of Munich’s street food scene combined with local stories, this tour offers unbeatable value and a warm, small-group atmosphere.
2. Munich City Bike Tour + Beer Garden Lunch Stop
If you’re the active type eager to see more of Munich in less time, the bike tour with a beer garden lunch hits the mark. For around $46, you’ll pedal past key sights like King’s Square, the English Garden, and Eisbach Wave, with a guide handling the navigation—no need to worry about getting lost. The route is easy enough for most fitness levels and includes stops at major landmarks such as Konigsplatz and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
A key moment is the break at a traditional beer garden, where you can order a beer or snack (own expense) and soak up the Bavarian atmosphere. The guide shares stories about Munich’s history and contemporary life, making this tour both educational and fun. Guests highlight the relaxed pace, knowledgeable guide, and the chance to see a lot without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers wanting a comprehensive, scenic tour of Munich with a laid-back lunch in a classic beer garden.
3. Munich: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
For a more casual, entertainment-filled lunch, the Hard Rock Cafe Munich offers a lively rock’n’roll ambiance. The set menu includes classic American dishes—think burgers, ribs, and hearty salads—paired with drinks and a side of music memorabilia. The experience is straightforward but fun, especially if you’re craving comfort food with a side of nostalgic rock history. Many reviewers appreciate the large portions and the quick, no-fuss service, making it a good choice for families or groups who want a relaxed meal.
While it doesn’t offer the local Bavarian cuisine of some other tours, it’s a dependable option for those wanting a lively atmosphere and familiar comfort food in the city center. The Rock Shop is an added bonus for souvenir shopping.
Bottom Line: A great option for fans of American-style food and lively atmospheres, especially if you’re traveling with kids or looking for a no-hassle lunch.
4. München: Oktoberfest Experience and Lunch in Tent
No list of Munich lunch experiences would be complete without mentioning the Oktoberfest experience with a tent lunch. For about $142, this tour secures your spot in a traditional beer tent, where you can enjoy 2 liters of beer, pretzels, and local snacks amid the festival’s lively buzz. Your guide helps you navigate the festival grounds, find your reserved table, and provides cultural insights about Oktoberfest traditions. The shared group experience fosters camaraderie—many travelers say it’s the best way to enjoy Oktoberfest comfortably and avoid the stress of trying to find a table on your own.
Guests rave about Boris, the guide, and the chance to sample authentic Oktoberfest fare surrounded by the festival’s spectacle. After the group lunch, you’re free to explore more or soak up the festive atmosphere.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for first-timers or those wanting a hassle-free, immersive Oktoberfest experience with authentic food and drink.
5. Munich: Guided Oktoberfest Experience with Beer and Lunch
For a comprehensive Oktoberfest day, the guided experience combines a walking tour of the festival with a reserved seat inside a popular beer tent. It costs roughly $226 per person and includes a traditional Bavarian lunch, a large stein of beer, and plenty of festival atmosphere. The tour begins with insider insights into Oktoberfest’s history and highlights, then moves into the tent for a sit-down meal.
Many reviews mention the relaxed camaraderie, the quality of the food, and the opportunity to meet fellow travelers. It’s well-suited for first-time Oktoberfest visitors who want a guided experience that keeps things simple and fun.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a full, guided Oktoberfest experience with local food, beer, and plenty of festival storytelling.
6. Private Tour to Zugspitze with Cable Car-Tix, Lake Eibsee & Lunch
A mountain adventure, this private Zugspitze tour offers a scenic escape into the Bavarian Alps for about $800 per person. It includes a cable car ride to Germany’s highest point at 2,962 meters, where panoramic views are unforgettable. You stop at Lake Eibsee for photos and a traditional lunch in the Panorama Lounge, making it a perfect mix of sightseeing and dining. The private guide enhances the experience with insights into the region’s natural and cultural history.
Guests love the personal attention, the flexibility of timing, and the stunning scenery. It’s ideal for travelers who want a stress-free, immersive mountain day without the group rush.
Bottom Line: A top pick for nature lovers and families wanting a private, scenic mountain day with an included Bavarian meal.
7. Private Zugspitze & Neuschwanstein Castle, Skip The Line & Lunch
This full-day private tour combines two Bavarian icons: Neuschwanstein Castle and Zugspitze, offering a seamless experience that’s perfect for history and scenery enthusiasts. Starting with a guided visit to the castle, you’ll enjoy fantastic photo opportunities and insider tips on Ludwig’s fairy-tale creation. Then, a private shuttle takes you up to Germany’s highest point for breathtaking views, with a traditional Bavarian lunch included. The tour skips the long lines and provides personalized service, making it a favorite for families and romantic couples.
Reviewers mention Sepp as an outstanding guide who handles all logistics smoothly. The combination of castles, mountains, and authentic food makes this full-day trip a top choice.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a private, all-in-one Bavarian adventure with top sights and cultural bites.
8. Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Lunch
A scenic train trip and personalized city tour, the Salzburg day trip combines cultural highlights like Mirabell Palace, Mozart’s residence, and Fortress Hohensalzburg. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and a local guide makes sure you hit the best photo spots and learn about Salzburg’s history in depth. The included Austrian lunch adds a satisfying midday stop before returning to Munich. Reviewers appreciate the intimate atmosphere and the guide’s knowledge, making it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed, personalized experience over large tour groups.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a focused, high-quality tour of Salzburg with a delicious local lunch.
9. Private Tour to Lake Königssee and Salt Mine Berchtesgaden with Bavarian Lunch
This full-day, all-inclusive private trip is a favorite for nature and history lovers. It includes boat rides on Königssee and the underground salt mine, along with a traditional Bavarian lunch in a local beer garden. The private guide makes the experience smooth, explaining the region’s geology and history while taking you to scenic spots. The boat trips on the lake and in the salt mine are highlights that make this tour both relaxing and visually stunning.
Guests like the personal attention and the combination of outdoor scenery, underground adventure, and authentic food—making it suitable for families and intrepid travelers.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a comprehensive, scenic, and cultural tour with included meals and private transport.
10. Private Tour to Neuschwanstein & Linderhof, Skip The Line & Lunch
This full-day private trip to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace offers a seamless experience for lovers of castles and royal history. After exploring Ludwig II’s iconic fairy-tale castle, you’ll enjoy a Bavarian lunch included in the tour. Then, visit Linderhof Palace, Ludwig’s personal retreat, with time to walk through the gardens and admire the Moorish Kiosk. Guided and skip-the-line access makes this tour efficient and comfortable, especially for those who value personalized service.
Reviewers single out Sepp for his thorough knowledge and smooth handling of logistics. It’s ideal for couples or history buffs who want a stress-free, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for castle lovers and those seeking a private, comprehensive Bavarian royal tour.
How to Choose Your Perfect Munich Lunch Tour
When selecting a lunch experience in Munich, consider your budget, interests, and the kind of day you want. If you’re a foodie wanting authentic local flavors, the Viktualienmarkt food tour is hard to beat. Active travelers might prefer the bike + beer garden, while history lovers will love the full-day Neuschwanstein and Zugspitze combo. For those interested in festivals, Oktoberfest tours provide an immersive experience with included food and drinks, but they do sell out early.
Practical tips: book early for popular dates, especially Oktoberfest tours or mountain excursions. If you’re on a tight schedule, private tours offer flexibility and comfort, but group experiences often provide better value.
In The Sum Up
Munich offers an impressive range of lunch experiences that go beyond eating—these tours connect you with Bavarian culture, history, and the stunning scenery surrounding the city. For a truly local taste, the Viktualienmarkt food tour is unbeatable. Active explorers will enjoy the bike tour, while history fans might prefer the private castle or mountain trips. Festivals like Oktoberfest provide an all-in-one celebration, perfect for first-timers eager to dive into Bavarian traditions.
Whichever tour you choose, booking ahead is wise—Munich’s best lunches fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Whether you want a relaxed meal, a scenic adventure, or an immersive festival experience, there’s an option for everyone to enjoy the city’s midday delights.