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Inside Allianz Arena. (Photo: Alamy)

Health + Fitness

A Soccer Fan’s Guide to Munich: The Ultimate FC Bayern Tour

Munich is the center of the universe for many soccer fans, and that’s not just because it’s home to Germany’s most successful team, FC Bayern Munich. The locals live and breathe soccer here, and there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in Fussball fandom.

FC Bayern Munich is part of the Bundesliga, the number one German football league, and has won plenty of international titles — including the storied Champions League titles of 2001 and 2013, as well as more national titles and national cups than any other German team.

The team’s home stadium, Allianz Arena, is located just north of the city center. So book a room nearby, such as at the Munich Marriott Hotel, which has its very own Champions Sportsbar where you can watch games and connect with other fans.

Scoring Tickets to a Match

Tickets are only available from the official FC Bayern website, which also offers fans the chance to reserve tickets for specific game dates as they become available. Tickets are in demand and normally sell out, so plan early.

Plus, Marriott Bonvoy members can score a package deal that includes a two-night weekend hotel stay, tickets to an FC Bayern home match at Allianz Arena and fan swag, including an FC Bayern football scarf.

No tickets? There’s Still Plenty to See

If you can’t get in on game day, there’s still plenty to do at and near Allianz Arena, including a visit to FC Bayern Erlebniswelt, Germany’s biggest club museum, with trophies and jerseys on display, as well as interactive exhibits with videos, photos and stories from the club’s impressive history, beginning with its founding in 1900.

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Be sure to visit FC Bayern Erlebniswelt. (Photo: FC Bayern Munich)

A combination, or “Kombi,” ticket will also get you on the 60-minute, behind-the-scenes tour, where you can visit dressing rooms and the players’ tunnel and even learn about the cutting-edge architecture of the stadium, built in 2005. Visitors should also take time to check out the extensive FC Bayern store in the arena.

You can also see more of the city — and learn about how it has nurtured this exceptional soccer team — on the special FC Bayern soccer tour, which starts in the city center and includes a visit to Allianz Arena.

If you have time, pay a visit to FC Bayern’s former home, the Olympic Stadium, which offers a daredevil rooftop tour ending in a ride down Europe’s longest zip line, as well as views of the city and the Alps.

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Take the rooftop tour. (Photo: Getty Images)

Munich Is Soccer City

Fans who can’t make a match may be able to score seats to something just as special: a glimpse of FC Bayern team members on their very own training grounds. Training sessions are free to attend and usually take place at least once a week, but check the schedule before heading there.

Afterward, grab a drink while you analyze the players’ strengths and make predictions for the season at Paulaner Treff, a classic biergarten (beer garden) catering to FC Bayern fans.

If you can’t get out to the stadium, you’ll still be like a kid in a candy store at the FC Bayern Store, just steps from Munich’s central square, Marienplatz, where you can pick up jerseys, jackets and all sorts of souvenirs emblazoned with the FC Bayern logo.

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Shop for fan gear. (Photo: FC Bayern Munich)

Raising a Glass to FC Bayern

Eating and drinking while watching soccer on TV is a beloved German pastime, and Munich has plenty of bars and restaurants for you to do just that, with communal tables for easy fan interaction and big TVs that show every header, corner kick and penalty kick in adrenaline-charged detail.

Courtyard by Marriott is the proud hotel partner of FC Bayern and shares football fans’ passion for the game. Marriott Bonvoy members have the unique opportunity to experience exclusive access to sporting events through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.