Must-see entertainment in Bavaria

  • FC Bayern München

    Munich

    Germany's most successful team both domestically and on a European level plays home games at the impressive Allianz Arena, built for the 2006 World Cup…

  • Bayerische Staatsoper

    Munich

    One of the world's best opera companies, the Bavarian State Opera performs to sell-out crowds at the Nationaltheater in the Residenz and puts the emphasis…

  • Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel

    Munich

    This leading ensemble has gone alternative in recent years, staging Shakespeare, Schiller and other tried-and-true playwrights in 21st-century garb and…

  • Münchner Kammerspiele

    Munich

    A venerable theatre with an edgy bent, the Kammerspiele delivers provocative interpretations of the classics as well as works by contemporary playwrights…

  • Staatstheater

    Nuremberg

    Nuremberg's magnificent state theatre serves up an impressive mix of dramatic arts. The renovated art nouveau opera house presents opera and ballet, while…

  • BR-Symphonieorchester

    Munich

    Charismatic Lithuanian maestro Mariss Jansons has rejuvenated this orchestra's playlist and often performs with its choir at such venues as the Gasteig…

  • Jazzbar Vogler

    Munich

    This intimate watering hole brings some of Munich's baddest cats to the stage. You never know who'll show up for Monday's jam session, and Tuesday to…

  • Café am Beethovenplatz

    Munich

    Downstairs at the Hotel Mariandl, this is Munich's oldest music cafe. It has an eclectic menu of sounds ranging from bossa nova to piano to Italian…

  • Hirsch

    Nuremberg

    This converted factory, 2.5km south of the Hauptbahnhof, hosts live alternative music almost daily, both big-name acts and local names. Take the U1 or U2…

  • Standard

    Würzburg

    Soulful jazz spins beneath a corrugated-iron ceiling and stainless-steel fans, while bands and DJs play a couple of times or more a week in a second,…

  • Deutsches Theater

    Munich

    On wide and bustling Schwanthalerstrasse, Munich's answer to London's West End hosts touring road shows such as Dirty Dancing, The Gruffalo and Mamma Mia.

  • Jazzclub Unterfahrt im Einstein

    Munich

    Join a diverse crowd at this long-established, intimate club for a mixed bag of acts ranging from old bebop to edgy experimental. The Sunday open-jam…

  • Münchner Philharmoniker

    Munich

    Munich's premier orchestra regularly performs at the Gasteig Cultural Centre. Book tickets early, as performances usually sell out.

  • Filmhaus

    Nuremberg

    This small indie picture house, part of the large Cultural Quarter complex, shows foreign-language movies, plus reruns of cult German flicks and films for…

  • Mata Hari Bar

    Nuremberg

    This bar with live music and DJ nights is a Nuremberg institution. After 9pm it's usually standing room only and the party goes on well into the early…

  • Museum-Lichtspiele

    Munich

    Cult cinema with wacky interior and screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (11.10pm Friday and Saturday nights). Shows English-language movies.

  • Münchner Theater für Kinder

    Munich

    At the Münchner Theater für Kinder budding thespians can enjoy fairy tales and children's classics à la Max & Moritz and Pinocchio.

  • Augsburger Puppenkiste

    Augsburg

    The celebrated puppet theatre holds performances of modern and classic fairy tales that even non–German speakers will enjoy. Advance bookings essential.

  • Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz

    Munich

    Spruced up to southern German standards for its 150th birthday in November 2015, this grand theatre specialises in light opera, musicals and dance.

  • Nationaltheater

    Munich

    The Bayerische Staatsoper performs here. Buy tickets at regular outlets or at the box office.

  • Residenztheater

    Munich

    The Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel performs at the Residenztheater.

  • GOP Varieté Theater

    Munich

    Hosts a real jumble of acts and shows, from magicians to light comedies to musicals.

  • Cinema

    Munich

    Cult cinema with all films in English, all the time.

  • EHC München

    Munich

    It's not one of Germany's premier ice-hockey outfits, but EHC München's games at the Olympic ice rink are exciting spectacles nonetheless; the team…

  • Mach1

    Nuremberg

    This centrally located temple to dance has been around for decades, but is still one of the most popular venues at weekends. Mostly mainstream music and a…

  • Theater im Marstall

    Munich

    The Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel performs at the Theater im Marstall behind the Nationaltheater.

  • München Ticket

    Munich

    Tickets for cultural and sporting events in Munich are available from this office within the Neues Rathaus. Enter from Dienerstrasse.

  • Münchner Marionettentheater

    Munich

    The adorable singing and dancing marionettes performing at the Münchner Marionettentheater have enthralled generations of wee ones.

  • Neues Haus

    Munich

    This glass cube hosts performances of the Münchner Kammerspiele.