But much earlier than that even, at the end of the 60s, the Ochsengarten opened here: one of Germany's first leather bars. Its visitors since then have included Freddie Mercury , who would go there for impromptu birthday celebrations and drag parties. If you're looking to start your evening in a cosy bar, the Glockenbachviertel is still the best place to go.
Although there are not as many specifically gay bars and clubs here as there were in the s and '90s, there are several venues in the area which always attract a good crowd. Younger revellers in particular are very comfortable partying in mixed bars these days.
The Edelheiss in Glockenbachviertel is all about traditional Bavarian dress and an older crowd. It gets crowded during Oktoberfest, though for the rest of the year it's a fine place to enjoy a relaxed drink at the bar and the traditional ambience. It's worth knowing that bearded punters get their second beer on the house here, every Thursday after 8. Though it's not a particularly big place, when the karaoke gets going the atmosphere here is like no other!
Munich's largest dark room, Camp bar, is located beside Ochsengarten. There are regular Gay Schlager music parties here, but the venue also draws a crowd for its After-Oktoberfest, Easter and Christmas events. There are no limits on the outrageousness of outfits at the Blitz — you can even go topless if you like.
One relative newcomer to the scene is Lovers Munich , a young party collective whose regular balls — which include dance contests and dressing-up events — are very popular. If the Lovers aren't in residence at the Senatore Bar or Utopia , you can probably spot these living works of art wandering around the Kunst Block Balve art and cultural venue.
