One of the more popular places in Munich for teens and young adults is the Kultfabrik, an old, light industrial area that is now a club and pub park. Living 4 is just one of the dozens of clubs in the Kultfabrik. (Kevin Dougherty / S&S)
One of the more popular places in Munich for teens and young adults is the Kultfabrik, an old, light industrial area that is now a club and pub park. Living 4 is just one of the dozens of clubs in the Kultfabrik. (Kevin Dougherty / S&S)
In Munich, there are plenty of nightclubs for teens and young adults in the Kultfabrik, an old, light industrial area. One such place is “Boomerang," an establishment with décor from the Australian Outback. (Kevin Dougherty / S&S)
MUNICH, Germany — It’s a sprawling metropolis of 1.4 million people with more bars than you can raise a stein at.
Ask a resident of Munich to recommend a nightspot and you’re likely to get several suggestions, and probably a qualifier or two, such as: “It depends what you want.” For a lot of single U.S. servicemembers and civilians, the wants regularly consists of atmosphere, affordable drinks and amorous opportunities.
In Munich these days two of the most popular late night centers for fun and frivolity are the Kultfabrik and Maximilianplatz. The former is a gritty old noodle factory, while the latter is situated in a more showy upscale setting.
“On Fridays and Saturdays, thousands of people come here,” Alex, a taxi driver of Montenegrin parentage, said as he drove toward the Kultfabrik.
Still referred to as Kunstpark Ost by some, Kultfabrik was said to be the biggest party park on the continent. Wherever it ranks, the site is definitely a magnet. There are dozens of establishments, ranging from a Mexican cocktail bar and a place that plays Gothic rock to table-dancing clubs and, in warm weather, an outdoor joint called Bamboo Beach, with sand to boot.
“Kultfabrik is a playground for adults,” said Jennifer Jaesrich, a waitress at Kantine, located in the old factory cafeteria.
If you go to the Kultfabrik some night, take a cab to and from. It’s the safest, smartest move, given the time of day and the environs.
Maximilianplatz in the Altstadt is a more conventional and venerable setting.
Over the years one of the most popular clubs for dancing and drinking is Nachtcafe, which on weekends is open until 6 a.m. Rock and jazz are favored. Another excellent hangout is 089bar, a club geared toward the late 20s and 30s set. The walls are white, red is the favored lighting scheme and the music often lasts deep into the night.
One of the hottest new clubs along Maximilianplatz is baby!, a perky place painted pink with cool furnishings and chandeliers.
See previous After Hours reviews here.
Kultfabrik and MaximilianplatzMunich, Germany
Hours: Many bars in Munich stay open late. The range is 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. The Kultfabrik doesn’t come alive until 10-11 p.m. Nightclubs along Maximilianplatz follow suit.
Drink prices: Most drink specials are geared to the ladies, especially at the Kultfabrik.
Cover charge: Some clubs at both locations have no cover charge, while others do. A door charge can range from 3 euros to 5 euros, though it could run higher on certain nights.
Clientele: Young, young, young — patrons in their late 20s to early 30s can look dated at the Kultfabrik. If you are that age, it’s best to hit Maximilianplatz.
Dress: Casual. But some clubs in Maximilianplatz require a higher standard.
Location: Maximilianplatz is in the Altstadt; the Kultfabrik is situated right next to the Ostbahnhof. Taxi drivers know where to go.
Web: Kultfabrik, Maximilianplatz has no Web site.
