Bayern Munich Away Day Guide for Manchester United fans

Sophie Hurst
23 hours ago
5 min read

The city is buzzing with anticipation for a night where two teams will fight for a semi-final spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and whether you’re here for the football, the city, or a bit of both, there’s plenty to fill your day. Bayern Munich take on Manchester United in the second leg of this quarter-final on April 1st, and if you want to make the most of your time, a little planning goes a long way.

The match itself promises intensity. Bayern will be very keen to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2018/19, and they will be fired up by home advantage. Manchester United, meanwhile, are on a historic run and will be relying on their travelling supporters to help push them over the line. Their Lionesses, including the ever-dangerous Jess Park, Maya Le Tissier, and hopefully a fit Ella Toone, will be looking to keep their European dream alive, while Georgia Stanway enters her final months at Bayern after three years with the club. Pre-season saw Bayern edge a 3-2 win, but when it comes to knockout football, anything can happen.

Exploring Munich Before the Match

If you have time before the game, Munich offers a mix of cultural landmarks, green spaces, and football heritage that can easily fill a morning or afternoon. The city centre is compact and walkable, and its streets are lined with stunning architecture, buzzing cafés, and historic squares. Marienplatz, the main square, is a must-see: the neo-Gothic Old Town Hall and the Frauenkirche cathedral are the ultimate spot, giving the centre an unmistakable Bavarian charm.

If you’re a culture lover, then you’ll want to head towards the Kunstareal, Munich’s museum district. From classical paintings and sculptures to contemporary exhibits, this area is packed with world-class collections. Even if you only have an hour, it’s worth wandering through a couple of galleries to experience the mix of history, art, and culture that Munich does so well.

If you prefer being outdoors, the Englischer Garten is perfect for a slow stroll, and it’s not just a park, it’s the proper Munich experience. You can watch surfers riding the Eisbach wave, enjoy a riverside Bavarian beer, or simply find a quiet patch of grass to breathe before the match. Nymphenburger Schlosspark, the palace gardens, is equally impressive, with its fountains, lakes, and detailed architecture, giving you a taste of the city’s historic side.

Matchday at the Allianz Arena

For this Champions League quarter-final, Bayern have opted to host the match at the Allianz Arena, one of the most recognisable stadiums in world football. With a capacity of around 75,000, it’s a dramatic step up in scale from Bayern’s usual home at the FC Bayern Campus, and it sets the tone for what is expected to be a huge European night.

The stadium is iconic, and for every match the exterior panels are lit up, glowing red for Bayern matches and visible from miles around. Bayern have made a habit of drawing impressive attendances for major women’s games here, and the sense of occasion is unmistakable.

The Bayern Museum is right there too, and if you’re into football history, it’s a must-visit. Germany’s largest club museum, it traces Bayern’s journey from its foundation in 1900 to the modern era. Inside, you’ll find the Hall of Fame, a dazzling trophy collection, interactive exhibits, and a cinema showing club highlights. Entry is €12, and a visit usually takes around an hour to an hour and a half. For the ultimate football experience, upgrade it to the Arena Tour. You’ll walk through the players’ tunnel, see the pitch up close, explore the press conference room, and even stand in the middle of the Südkurve stands.

Getting Around

Travel in a new city can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling luggage, maps, and schedules. Munich is thankfully straightforward once you know the options. From Munich Airport, the S-Bahn S1 or S8 offers a 40-minute ride into the city centre for €13.60, with trains running every 10 minutes; perfect if you want a stress-free, environmentally friendly route. The Lufthansa Express Bus is another solid choice for roughly the same price and travel time. Taxis or Ubers, while pricier at €70-90, are great if you prefer a door-to-door option or are travelling in a group.

The Allianz Arena sits to the north of Munich, slightly outside the city centre, but the journey there is simple and well-signposted on matchdays.

From central Munich, the easiest route is via the U6 underground line. Head to Marienplatz and take the U6 in the direction of Garching-Hochbrück. After roughly 16 minutes you’ll reach Fröttmaning, the dedicated station for the Allianz Arena. From there it’s a short walk to the stadium, where the glowing exterior will guide you the rest of the way.

If you’re travelling directly from the airport, driving or taking a taxi is the quickest option at roughly 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport is also possible via a combination of S-Bahn and U-Bahn connections, but the route through the city is usually simpler for most visitors.

Although the stadium sits outside the centre, the area is designed for matchday crowds, with transport links and plenty of space for supporters gathering before kick-off. Once the lights of the Allianz Arena come into view, you know you’re close.

Where to Stay

Your accommodation choice depends on what kind of experience you want. If you want to be in the heart of the city, with walking access to landmarks, restaurants, and nightlife, the city centre is ideal. Mid-range options like Am Markt offer a comfortable, central base, while hostels like Georg Kronawitter Platz are budget-friendly and social. For something a bit more luxurious, Doco Munich offers modern, sleek rooms right in the city.

If you’re primarily here for football and want to stay close to the stadium, the Holiday Inn Express Munich North is convenient, as are a variety of nearby Airbnb options that allow you to step out straight into matchday energy.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Spots

Munich is widely regarded as safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ travellers. The Glockenbachviertel area is the hub, with a collection of bars and clubs that cater to queer communities and allies alike. Prosecco, NY.Club, Cafe and Bar Edelheiss, and Fame Munich are all popular, offering great drinks, music, and spaces to celebrate a win or just hang out post-match. Munich’s queer scene may be smaller than Berlin or Cologne, but it’s established and easy to get into if you know where to look.

Language Tips

Even a few words in German can make a big difference when navigating the city and interacting with locals. Simple phrases like “Ja” for yes, “Nein” for no, “Danke” for thank you, and “Bitte” for please will go a long way. Knowing how to ask for directions with “Wo?” can save you a lot of stress, while “Entschuldigen Sie” (excuse me) is polite to add too. Adding these small touches makes the city feel more accessible and shows respect for local culture.

Making the Most of the Day

Whether you’re wandering Munich’s streets, exploring museums, enjoying the city’s green spaces, or diving into the matchday energy at the Allianz Arena, this away day promises a bit of everything. From pre-match sightseeing to immersive football experiences, followed by drinks or a night out in Glockenbachviertel, Munich delivers both on and off the pitch. It’s a full day of football, culture, and city life that will make this Champions League quarter-final one to remember.