This Once-Industrial Munich Neighborhood Buzzes With German Beer Tents, Coffee Shops, And Art Galleries

On the west side of Munich, the world's most walkable city, you find Schwanthalerhöhe, a dynamic district that has traded its industrial past for a creative present. Formerly known as the city's industrial engine, Schwanthalerhöhe — also called Westend by locals — now brims with art studios, vintage breweries, and stylish coffee houses. Once a gritty hub of factories, this area has been transforming since the 1980s, as old industrial buildings were restored or replaced with parks, modern homes, and multicultural hot spots. Today, the neighborhood's lively streets invite you to explore its preserved beer heritage, indulge in German coffee culture, and discover art-filled alleys thriving with creative energy. 

Schwanthalerhöhe is conveniently situated between Munich's city center and the Oktoberfest grounds. Here, locals and visitors gather at legendary neighborhood venues like Augustiner Bräustuben. This iconic brewery offers an authentic local experience in a historic beer hall. For coffee connoisseurs, Schwanthalerhöhe is just as exciting, with artisanal cafes serving up handcrafted beverages from ethically-sourced beans. Another beloved Westend pastime is browsing street art, chic German shops, and treasured art galleries.

Schwanthalerhöhe is easy to get to by public transit from München Hauptbahnhof, Munich's Central Station. It's also a 30-minute drive from Munich International Airport (MUC), but may be slightly longer with traffic. Let's discover the hidden magic of Schwanthalerhöhe and why it belongs on your Munich itinerary.  

Munich is known for its abundance of beer gardens — there's even a beer garden in the Munich airport. Beer culture is on full display in Schwanthalerhöhe. While exploring the place, anchor your visit at Augustiner Bräustuben, the city's oldest independent brewery, still in operation since 1328. Here, you can sample Augustiner Helles straight from the barrel and dig into classic Bavarian meals. For a festive ambiance, venture to the rustic Löwenbräukeller, where Oompah bands and communal tables deliver that Bavarian buzz. Slip into cozy local institutions like Wirtshaus Eder for schnitzel and house brews in a friendly, old-school setting.

No brewery tour would be complete without mention of the beer festival, Oktoberfest. Each fall, Theresienwiese on the edge of Schwanthalerhöhe becomes a global magnet for revelers, filling the air with the scent of Märzen beer and grilled sausages.

The neighborhood's renaissance goes far beyond beer. Schwanthalerhöhe's former factories and 19th-century workers' dwellings have morphed into leafy courtyards and quirky cafes. Coffee aficionados will love Stray Coffee Roasters for its single-origin espresso and delicious Franzbrötchen pastries. Also popular is Marais Soir, a French-Mediterranean spot on bustling Parkstrasse Street. Don't miss a stop at Notting Hill Cafe, which blends modern decor with craft coffee and delicious treats. 

Schwanthalerhöhe is also known for its art scene, which flourishes in galleries like Köşk, located in a repurposed library with free exhibitions and hands-on workshops. The cozy and communal spot is a city-run cultural initiative in Munich's Westend that offers exhibitions in fine arts, media arts, and performing arts. Just over a mile from Köşk is The Space by Schönbuch Gallery, an exhibition space where arts and innovation meets home design. Creative Director Carolin Sangha uses her travel-inspired palette to produce stunning displays of Schönbuch furniture and accessories. Westend is also just 2 miles away from Kunstareal, Munich's most famous hub of museums, art galleries, and cultural exhibitions.

The artistic heart of Schwanthalerhöhe spills onto the streets, with Donnersberger Bridge serving as a vibrant open-air gallery. Since 2012, the bridge's concrete pillars have been transforming into a graffiti haven. Over 60 artists, including talented creators like Beastiestylez and Loomit, have covered over 21,000 square feet underneath the bridge with colorful comic figures and mythical creatures paying tribute to Munich's spirit. Much like the graffiti-filled "outdoor art gallery" in Glasgow, Westend is truly a living work of art, blending the city's industrial past with its bold, creative future.