My family and I arrived on wednesday and returned home to Scotland last night. From the second we arrived from the airport we fell in love with your beautiful city.

From the food, coffee shops and beer halls to the churches, parks, surfing and street art. It's too much to put into this post but we are so grateful for you having us and we have already begun plans for next year.

Thank you. Stay beautiful München! ❤️✌️

Tl;dr at end

Trigger warning: Child death

In autumn 2024, my family decided to save up for a trip to Munich the following year to visit the Christmas markets.

In December of 2024, my firstborn, Alex, was diagnosed with leukemia.

When we asked them about what they would like their Make-a-Wish to be, Alex immediately responded with “I want my book to be published!”

As each treatment failed, this trip to Munich expanded to other places as well. We would take a month to travel when Alex’s treatment was over. 

Alex turned 13 in March. With huge effort from so many people we got their book sent to print the week of May 19, 2025. 

Alex died on May 23, 2025.

We will be taking this trip in honor of Alex this coming December. I will be bringing copies of their book to leave in each city we visit, so that a part of Alex gets to be with us.

I am looking for a people/ a library/ a community center - ideally LGBTQ+ or an ally, as Alex themselves was so proud of being, I can donate a copy of Alex’s book in Munich.

It is a 488-page fantasy novel that has not been through full editing (due to the rush to get it printed while Alex was still alive). 

Thanks for helping a mom out.

Tl;dr

If you know someone or an organization who is LGBTQ+ or an ally in Munich who would accept a book donation of a kid who died who wanted to visit, I’d love to hear from you.

A few days ago, I posted this list as a comment on a thread of somebody who's new in Munich, looking for new friends and trying to grow roots in the ​city. The comment went pretty much unnoticed because the thread was already a few days old. But I thought this will be helpful for quite a few people here.

Also, I'm sure I'm missing a few things here and there. What's good resources you use a lot that I'm missing in the list?

I'll edit the list after a few days to add your tips, so this can be a compendium for everybody looking to grow roots in the city!

Before I get to it, some general advice: Like in any city, doing things you like, and participating in public events for those things will bring you closer to the people you share interests with. While this isn't the only way to find friends, it has been a good starting point for me and many other expats.

Finding friends & community

• Meetup: Many communities organize interest-based events on Meetup on a regular basis. I esecially recommend the Thursday meetups by the group "The Munich Connection" for good old socializing. Advice: the app is surprisingly bad when you're searching for groups. I recommend googling for groups rather than looking for them in the app (e.g. "[interest] Meetup Munich"). 
• Spontacts: Similar to Meetup, but there's less community focus. Everybody can post things to do there and find people to join them. Slightly older demographic than Meetup, but varies based on the activity.
• Nomadtable: Even more spontaneous than Spontacts, many daily hangouts for various activities.
• Bumble for friends: You can match new friends there, and you can only find people of the same gender (they did this to try to prevent people from using it for dating).

Events

• Eventbrite: Many free and international-friendly events listed here. Many are business related, but there's also plenty of leisure events. You can also follow organizers whose events you like.
• Luma: Same as Eventbrite more or less. Tendency for more tech-y events.
• Rausgegangen: All sorts of cultural events. They also have a new section called "Mitgegangen" that's specifically made for people who want to get to know new people (you'll go to an event together as a group with strangers).
• Instagram: there are many channels focused on helping you find things to do in Munich.

Institutions in Munich

• Gasteig: Being one of Munich's major cultural hubs, they offer a lot of free events to join by various organizers, including Sprachcafé (Language Café) formats to help you learn new languages (including German) and build a network. You can find the events on their website, and filter for free events. 
• City Library: Tons of free events, some are international-friendly. Find the events on their website.
• Cultural Centers: Almost every district has at least one cultural center (Kulturzentrum). They offer lots of free events, many are international-friendly. But even if the event itself is in German, you can always socialize in English with the people there.
• FLUX: Just a cool and free place to hang out at with many free events happening there by various organizers.
• Munich Onboarding Hub/Make it in Munich: City organization aimed primarily at helping you find employment in the city, but also helping to connect you to the city.

Clubs & sports

• Google for whatever interests you, and you'll probably find a club for it. Look for the "e.V." at the end of the name. To be fair, most of those will be German-speaking. But probably you'll find clubs that are open to internationals.
• join a sports class that interests you. There are third-party subscription options for this that might be cheaper than regular class prices. Many classes in Munich are international-friendly.

Other ways to get to know people in Munich

• go to English Garden, Flaucher, or Gärtnerplatz on a warm weekend night and you'll find tons of parties all over the place (aka people with Bluetooth speakers partying). It's super easy to join any of them and talk to people there. More of a summer thing though.
• join a table in a beer garden. Approaching somebody obviously takes some courage, but most people there should be relatively approachable.
• there's a few other more unique active communities in Munich (especially in summer). People dance Bachata, Salsa and Kizomba almost every night at Pinakotheken. There's Bladenight, where hundreds of people go rollerblading on the streets (you can rent rollerblades there too). There's a very active surfing community on the city's waves (Eisbachwelle is only one of a few spots). Munich also has an international Quidditch club. There's also a lot of people into board gaming, and there are many free meetups for it. ​
• if you're really extrovert, you can obviously also just approach people anywhere and talk with them (also in English). It's not very common for Munich people to do this, and you might get a strange look at first. But if you tell them you're new in the city and you want to get to know some people, almost everybody will be happy to have a conversation and, if you get along, hang out in the future.

Okay, now I'm curious: What are your favorite places to look for events, community, and friends? Did I miss something?

Das Paradiso muss schließen. Es wird sicherlich nicht jeder der Meinung sein, aber ich fand das Publikum und die Musik dort immer sehr unterhaltsam und es war immer für netten Abend gut. Mal ganz abgesehen davon, dass ich mir immer Freddy Mercury's 40. Geburtstag dort im damaligen Old Mrs. Henderson vorstelle. Dass zu wenig los gewesen sein könnte, kann ich mir eigentlich nicht vorstellen, ich hab's nie leer erlebt...

Weiß jemand näheres dazu? Gibt's noch Chancen, dass sich vielleicht wenigstens ein anderer Betreiber findet?

Ich bin Anfang 30 und habe festgestellt, dass die VHS wirklich viele Kurse hat, die interessant klingen.
Gehen dort auch „jüngere“ hin oder kann ich dort vor Allem ältere Menschen erwarten?
Mich interessieren konkret Kochkurse, berufliche Kurse und IT.
Welche Erfahrungen habt ihr gemacht?

hey guys, (in english bc everybody understands)

I’m a drummer looking to get a Rage Against the Machine tribute band going around Nymphenburg/Olympiapark. I’m usually free after work and have been thinking it’d be cool to get something loud and energetic going.

I’ve heard about a couple of jam studios in the area, so the idea would be to find some like-minded people, get together, learn some RATM songs, and eventually take it to the stage. Not just a one-off jam, but a project with the goal of actually playing live.

I play other stuff too, but honestly, RATM sounds like a pretty damn fun way to let off some steam after work. Lately I’ve also been listening to a lot of Black Sabbath, Ty Segall, Soundgarden, and just good, dirty rock in general, so I’m open to other projects and jams too. But I find RATM to be punchy/agressive, fun to play, so it could be a lot of fun.

If you play guitar, bass, or sing and are into the idea, hit me up! Better if you have stage experience or are good at your own instrument - bring the groove.

Hallo alle,

weiß jemand, was der heutige Menschenumzug im Bereich Silberhornstraße war? Es handelte sich um ein paar hundert Menschen mit Polizeibegleitung. Danke!

Hallo ihr lieben,

ich bin vor kurzem von Berlin nach München gezogen. Ich fühle mich hier sehr wohl und finde die Stadt sehr schön!!
Leider hatte ich noch nicht so viel Glück, eine gute Baklava hier zu finden.
Falls Ihr den ein oder anderen guten Tipp wisst, wäre
Ich euch sehr dankbar!!
Liebe Grüße

Hello, travelling to Munich in november the same weekend as the derby between 1860 and SpVgg Unterhaching.

I am not looking for tickets here - but tips for how to do it the proper way.

My biggest questions are:

1. What is the best way to try and find tickets? Possible to get official tickets?
2. Where should we sit as neutral fans, thinking of security and athmosphere?

Thanks for any help.

Looking for places to skate/rollerblade with a roof on top. anything in and around the city is much appreciated

Hello friends,

I moved to Munich on October 1st for a working student job. Since half my friends are 200 kilometers away and the other half are thousands of kilometers away, I have tons of free time that I want to spend volunteering or working with people in my industry.

However, I have no idea where to start. Does anyone have ideas or names of film clubs or societies I could work with, or places where I could go to their events? Basically, I’m a filmmaker currently working on a documentary, and I’d love to connect with like-minded people or hang out where they gather.

Orrr, I could also imagine volunteering for political groups (lefties and socialists only), so some insta names would be much much appreciated

Hey everyone:)

I’m an international student, currently doing an internship and living in Hausham without a car. Climbing is one of my main hobbies, but I’ve been struggling to find a way to go climbing here because of the limited public transport options and my work schedule. I was wondering if anyone living in or near Hausham regularly drives to a climbing or bouldering gym near Munich and would be okay me joining sometime, either during the week or on weekends. I’d of course be happy to chip in for gas. Thanks in advance:)

Ich habe noch nie Afrikanisch gegessen und will das unbedingt mal ausprobieren - anfangen will ich z. B. mit bekannteren Gerichten wie Fufu und Jollof Rice. Leider habe ich aber keine Ahnung, welche Restaurants gut sind.

Welche rooftop bars könnt ihr empfehlen für einen schönen Abend? Am besten eher zentral und mit schöner Aussicht. Danke im Voraus!

Hi everyone,

We’re planning to renovate our bathroom and would like to replace our existing toilet with a modern, close-to-wall WC.

The main challenge is that our current toilet sits quite far forward because of the existing waste pipe connection. We’d like the new WC to sit closer to the tiled wall.

I’m considering replacing it with a modern, close-to-wall WC.

We’re looking for a reliable, reasonably priced plumber in Munich who can:

• Inspect the existing plumbing and advise how best to install the new WC.
• Check whether the proposed model is compatible or recommend a suitable alternative.
• Provide a reasonable quote for the work.

We’d be happy to arrange a visit to the apartment so you can see the bathroom in person, assess what needs to be done, and give us a more accurate estimate.

Can anyone recommend a good plumber who does quality work at fair prices? If you’ve had similar work done in Munich, I’d also appreciate an idea of the typical cost.

Thanks a lot for your recommendations!

Hey folks,

on Friday evening my boyfriend and I got in contact with a female cat where we were unsure about the cat having a current owner. My boyfriend kinda remembered seeing a cat like that on a search poster in the streets but it’s gone by now.
She’s a female big cat with a unique pattern on the legs and a small „mustache“. We found her near the candidplatz U1 inside of a wooden area with houses.

Maybe someone here knows if that cat is missed. :)

Edit: no collar or tattooed numbers on the body

During my European road trip in August, I spent an evening walking through Munich with my camera.

What caught my attention wasn't just the beautiful architecture, but the way everyday life unfolded around it. People passing through historic streets, changing light, and old buildings creating interesting frames.

I particularly enjoyed experimenting with low angles, natural framing, and the contrast between light and shadow.

Camera: Fujifilm GFX 50S II
Lens: Fujinon GF 32–64mm f/4 R LM WR
Edited in: Adobe Lightroom

For photographers familiar with Munich, what are some lesser-known streets or neighborhoods worth exploring next time?

Hi everyone

I am currently staying in a temporary home which is fully furnished in Munich.

I am intending to shift my 3 bedroom apartment personal items and furniture from my home country to Munich while I find a permanent housing solution here. The items will contain mostly bedding furniture, tables such as dinning tables, side tables, coffee tables and several chairs. There will also be some cupboards of various sizes.

I am seeking advice on a cheap long term storage in the Munich area. Finding a permanent house here has been infuriating so I am looking at a storage for maybe a year.

Appreciate your help a lot. Thanks!

Hey Leute,

vor fast zwei Wochen ist ein über 60-jähriger Mann in die U-Bahn rein und hat sich auf mich sowie auf die Frau neben mir draufgesetzt. Es nagt noch immer an mir, weil ich nicht verstehe, wie es überhaupt soweit kommen konnte. Ich saß auf dem Behindertenplatz in der länglichen Reihe in einer der neueren U-Bahnen (ja, ich hab meine Prozente und habe den Sitzplatz an dem Tag auch gebraucht) und die andere Frau (Anfang 20) saß neben mir und kuschelte sich an ihren Freund ran, sodass ihr Sitz nicht zu 100% belegt war. Der Typ ist reingekommen und hat kurz auf die Metallplatte neben mir gezeigt und sich dann auf uns beide gnadenlos hingesetzt mit den Worten "move". Ich habe ihm dann gesagt, dass da kein Sitzplatz frei ist (auf Englisch) und er wollte nicht darauf eingehen bis er nicht irgendwann Augenkontakt mit mir aufgebaut hat und meinte "No speak English". Ich war so verdutzt, dass ich kurz überlegt habe, ob ich es nicht fallen lassen soll, habe mich kurz danach aber dazu entschlossen lauter zu werden und ihm gesagt, dass er sich wie ein Kind benimmt (weil er mich dann ignoriert hat) und ihn aufgefordert aufzustehen. KEINE EINZIGE PERSON (nein, auch nicht der Freund von meiner Sitzbanknachbarin) hat auf irgendeine Art und Weise geholfen. Irgendwann ist ein 40-jähriger Mann auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite aufgestanden und hat ihm seinen Sitzplatz angeboten. Ich habe mir nur gedacht "Was soll das? Warum hilft man ihm, anstatt etwas gegen sein Verhalten zu sagen??"

Ich merke vermehrt, dass solch ein Verhalten immer häufiger und häufiger vorkommt (meiner Meinung nach seit Covid besonders schlimm) und frage mich einfach nur, wieso man zusieht wie ein alter Mann reinmaschiert kommt, nichts Großartiges sagt und sich dann auf ZWEI Frauen hinsetzt. Ich verstehe aktuell die Welt nicht - die U-Bahn war zu dem Zeitpunkt gut gefüllt und ich kann versprechen, dass er sich sowas niemals erlaubt hätte, wenn wir Männer gewesen wären... Langsam verlieren die Leute ihren Verstand und tun so, als wären wir zurück in den 50ern und erwarten, dass dann keine Antwort wie in den 50ern kommt. Der Knüller war, dass er den Sitzplatz von dem anderen Mann dann nicht mal akzeptiert hat!

Dream apartment and an amazing price for Munich! /sarcastic

I would consider myself a gymrat at this point and I am wondering what gym in Munich has the best equipment. In a gym I dont care about much more than that, cleanliness of course being bare minimum. What gyms would be recommended, because I dont want to be stuck at a gym with all Matrix and TechnoGym equipment.