FROM ITS award-winning international airport to its modern venues, from famous beer gardens to a charming Old Town, Munich offers an outstanding European destination for meetings and incentive programs of every size. Getting there is straightforward, with non-stop flights from most major U.S. cities to Munich Airport. Consistently recognized in the World Airport Awards by Skytrax, Munich Airport earned a 5-star ranking in 2017 for service, cleanliness and ease of navigation, making arrival seamless for international attendees.
Much of Munich’s cityscape blends meticulously restored historic architecture with contemporary design. After rebuilding following World War II, the city restored landmarks while embracing modern venues and public spaces. Streets, parks and promenades hum with cyclists and strollers, and dining ranges from international cuisine to traditional Bavarian specialties. Sustainability is noticeable throughout the city — from urban beekeeping to locally sourced ingredients on many menus.
“Besides having all the benefits of an ultramodern metropolis, Munich offers visitors an incomparable opportunity to take part in the life of the city,” says Janine David-Steinhart, marketing manager, Incentives & Media Relations, Munich Convention Bureau. “With its world-famous Gemuetlichkeit and colorful traditions, it holds a unique position for professional meetings and authentic incentive programs.”
The pedestrian-friendly Old Town anchors downtown Munich with a streetscape that evokes history. Although many of the buildings were rebuilt after wartime damage, they retain historic character, including the 14th-century Town Hall. For a contrast of old and new, the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art showcases street art and contemporary works in a renovated municipal building with a façade by Berlin-based artist Stohead. The museum hosts group functions and serves farm-to-fork food in its café, offering a fresh cultural option for visiting groups.
For luxury incentive programs, the elegant 340-room Bayerischer Hof in the city center provides a refined setting. A family-owned, historic five-star hotel dating to the 1840s, it has hosted notable guests across generations. With 40 meeting rooms and capacity for up to 2,500 attendees, the property serves conferences and gala events alike. Its signature restaurant, Atelier, showcases culinary excellence under head chef Jan Hartwig, who earned three Michelin stars in 2018.
Another major meeting hotel is the 484-room Hilton Munich Park, set at the edge of the Englischer Garten (English Garden). This vast urban park offers riverside greenery, walking paths and traditional beer gardens. The Hilton features a grand ballroom for over 1,000 guests, 21 meeting rooms and a rooftop bar with sweeping park views — a popular location for cocktail receptions. Nearby, the riverfront Seehaus beer garden provides an authentic Bavarian dining experience within walking distance.
Munich Old Town © REGINA BARABAN
The iconic Paulaner am Nockherberg beer garden, reopened after a comprehensive renovation, is well suited to large groups and a variety of functions. Equipped with modern technical infrastructure, diverse entertainment options, on-site brewers and a locally inspired menu, Paulaner can host up to 3,000 guests amid chestnut trees, fountains and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
Munich’s culinary scene is diverse, spanning refined international restaurants, health-conscious options and hearty Bavarian classics like pot roast and potato dumplings. The city has numerous chef-driven restaurants recognized by leading guides; in 2018 several establishments received top marks in the Gault-Millau guide. Unique dining experiences are available in distinctive venues such as BMW Welt, where upscale settings and seasonal menus complement breathtaking architectural views. In that venue, chef Bobby Bräuer serves refined cuisine that earned two Michelin stars in 2018.
For an unforgettable day trip within two hours of the city, Neuschwanstein Castle sits in a dramatic mountain setting in southwest Bavaria near the Austrian border. Built by King Ludwig II in the late 19th century and said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle, Neuschwanstein offers a fairy-tale experience and stunning alpine scenery.
Munich is supported by experienced destination management companies that organize local events across a wide range of venues and formats. For assistance planning meetings, incentives or special events in Munich, the German Convention Bureau’s North American office can provide tailored support.
UNIQUE VENUES
Munich features many memorable venues with flexible conference space and distinctive character. “You can surprise your delegates in Munich with unexpected experiences like climbing the rooftop of the Olympic Stadium or doing leadership training at a state-of-the-art equestrian performance and learning park,” says Linda Nuss, regional manager North America, German Convention Bureau.
Sports venues make dramatic event settings. The 75,000-seat Allianz Arena and the 1972 Olympic Stadium both offer immersive experiences — from stadium tours to roof climbs with panoramic city views. The Allianz Arena, home to FC Bayern Munich, makes a bold visual statement with its illuminated exterior panels and provides versatile meeting and event spaces.
The BMW Welt and Event Forum is another landmark, combining award-winning architecture with adaptable meeting spaces and a memorable backdrop for corporate events. The building also serves as the handover location for new BMW vehicles, adding an experiential element to any program.
For high-adrenaline team-building and incentive activities, the Jochen Schweizer Arena offers lessons in indoor skydiving, wave surfing and other action sports, followed by modern dining and event options on site. These interactive venues help create engaging, memorable experiences for delegates and incentive groups in Munich.