Shopping in Munich
Discover 39 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Munich, Germany. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Viktualienmarkt
This large open-air market sells everything from soup to nuts. Just off Marienplatz, here generations of market families continue to hawk their wares from the same location. There are open-air fruit and vegetable stands similar to those scattered around the city, as well as closed stands and little year-round trinket shops. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon on the way to and from work, locals stop by the market to pick up something from dinner. At midday it's a bit slower and therefore better for browsing. Lots of the stands also sell ready-made food, so for those on a budget, this can be a good place to go to for lunch.
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Schrannenhalle
As this structure is just beyond the stalls of the Viktualienmarkt, the two can be easily visited in the same trip. It is open later than the stalls, which close between 18:00 and 20:00, at least in winter. It can also be a more comfortable place to hang out in cold weather. Vendors sell various speciality products, including wine, oils, nuts, cheese, chocolate, nougat, fruits and vegetables, and there is a café where you can get crepes and flammkuchen, another which specializes in mezes, and a Champagne bar. You can see a complete list of vendors on the Schrannenhalle's website, or better yet, just show up and walk through.
Viktualienmarkt 15 Officially, 10:00-20:00 every day but Sunday, when it is closed; however, many stands are open till 22:00 Website -
Kaufingerstraße / Neuhauser Straße
This pedestrian zone stretches from ''Karlsplatz (Stachus)'' to ''Marienplatz'' and is the primary shopping zone for mid-priced goods. Numerous department stores, chains and a few remaining independent boutiques line the corridor. The side streets are less crowded and offer some less homogenized shopping. Plenty of restaurants, open air cafes and beer halls/gardens offer a rest. During the summer, on Saturdays around Christmas and during Oktoberfest, this area will be jam packed with locals and tourists alike and can be unpleasantly crowded.
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Alois Dallmayr
The legendary delicatessen store, known worldwide for their coffee brand, is a must stop on any tour of Munich's ''Alstadt''. With over 6,000 different products on sale, every taste is catered to and customers are attended to by no fewer than 300 employees in blue uniforms. It is worth coming in to experience the old-world charm of shopping, and perhaps pick up a sweet (or salty) souvenir or two. There is also a cafe, a bar and a restaurant on site.
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Theresienwiese
This is supposedly the largest annual flea market in Europe, taking place on the first Saturday of ''Frühlingsfest'' (Spring Festival - occurs in the middle of April) on the same site as the Oktoberfest in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt. There are generally several thousand citizens offering up their second-hand goods while dealers of new wares are forbidden. A yearly highlight for flea market and antique lovers, if the weather is reasonable.
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Hohenzollernstraße
This street in northern Munich has a collection of clothes shops, such as Mazel, Vero Moda, and - especially during the summer in the months approaching the Oktoberfest - numerous shops selling comparatively cheap traditional German clothing (''Lederhosn'' and ''Dirndl''). You can walk down there in about 15 min. At the eastern end of Hohenzollernstraße you reach Leopoldstraße, which is also predominantly a shopping area.
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Elisabethmarkt
A smaller, less touristy and cheaper alternative to the Viktualienmarkt in the Altstadt, it has cute stalls, a good selection of fruits, vegetables and delicacies, a quaint beergarten seasonally and an original feel. This is a good starting point to explore the less commercial parts of Schwabing, there are quite a few interesting boutiques and designers on Elisabethstraße between Elisabethplatz and Leopoldstraße.
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Leopoldstraße
This busy boulevard in the north of Munich has chain stores such as The Body Shop, fast food joints, inexpensive restaurants, cinemas, sidewalk cafes and coffee shops, such as Starbucks. In the side streets you can find a wide selection of boutiques and lesser known local designers. On warm summer evenings along the sidewalks dozens of local artists will be showing and selling their works.
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Hofflohmärkte
This is where particular Munich city quarters encourage their residents to open up their courtyards whereby entire sections of the city become a combination flea market and private courtyard siteseeing—very interesting for viewing corners of the city one usually would not see. The event dates are coordinated by the city. Inquire at local information centers for specific dates.
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Oberpollinger
The luxury department store was built in 1905 and became a Munich landmark due to its unique facade with three gables. It features many of the world's most renowned premium brands of apparel, shoes, accessories, and jewellery, as well as a selection of cosmetics, perfumes. ''Le Buffet'' restaurant on the fifth floor offers a rooftop terrace in the warmer months.
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Auer Dult
Is a week-long market and festivity, that take place three times a year (Spring, Summer and Autumn) in Haidhausen primarily dealing in household goods and antiques but also offering beer and amusement rides. Definitely try to see this if you haven't seen Oktoberfest!
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Christkindltram
A Christmas tram that runs only during Advent through the city center every half an hour (departure is from Sendlinger Tor). The tram is nicely decorated, where people can enjoy Christmas songs and mulled wine (''Glühwein''). One-way ticket costs €1.50.
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Marienplatz
Big & commercial market, it stretches across the shopping street, so you can mix Christmas market shopping (and eating) with "normal" shopping. If you walk south towards Sendlinger Tor, you'll reach more traditional woodcarvers' stands.
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Maximilianstraße / Residenzstraße / Theatinerstraße
These streets around the Opera (''Nationaltheater'') in the city center are the place to go if you are looking for high end luxury goods. All of the usual international suspects and some local designers and clothiers are present.
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Kaufingerstr/Neuhauser Str
One of the main shopping streets of Munich. This is the place to go for medium- to high-end clothing retail, however, there are plenty more stores than just clothing stores like the large retailers Karstadt and Kaufhof.
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Karstadt
This department store was erected in 1904/05 and is a big store for almost everything. Today it is past its glory but still very popular with shoppers before they head off to the train. Usually packed on Saturdays
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Schellingstraße
The neighborhood west of the main university campus offers nice studenty clothes shops, small book stores, hip cafés and eats (e.g. the ''Pommes Boutique'' in Amalienstrasse with their fantastic Belgian fries)
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Tinissima
A jewelry lovers paradise featuring beautiful creations by local designer Christine Berger. Fun original rings, earrings, chains and bangles, all created from solid silver and tarnished 900 carat gold.
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Daller Tracht
In this huge store you can get traditional Bavarian leather trousers (''Lederhosn'') and dresses (''Dirndl''). The assortment includes everything from the more economic choice to the top-notch model.
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Sport Bittl
This is the headquarter of a chain of huge sports wear and sports utilities stores, specialized in mountain sports and biking. At the outlet store here you can often get considerable discounts here.
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Flea market at Messegelände Riem
At the site of the former airport, where in recent years the new convention grounds and residential neighborhood has bloomed, one also finds the current longest running weekly flea market.
Sat 06:00–16:00 (only if there is no trade fair taking place!) Website -
Quittenbaum Art Auctions
If you want to have some fine art for yourself, or you are just interested in feeling the atmosphere of auctions, that regularly exceed €100,000, you should visit this auctioneer.
Theresienstraße 60 Website -
Lauche & Maas
This shops offers everything for the traveller, who likes to go off the beaten path - from standard backpacks to equipment for your next tour through the deserts of the world.
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Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory
Offers beautifully handcrafted porcelain. The factory was founded in the early 1700s to create porcelain for the Royal family and is located on the Nymphenburg palace grounds.
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Words' Worth
When it's time for you to leave Munich and you still need something to pass the time on the road, this English book store offers a huge selection of fiction and non-ficton.
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Flea market Olympiapark
Fine weekly flea market throughout the year, breaking only when there are events in the Olympic Stadium. Taking place in the nicely tree-shaded parking lot of the stadium.
Fri & Sat 07:00–16:00 Website -
Second hand Sports
As you might have deduced from the name, you can get second hand sporting goods in this store, especially used bikes, skis, and snowboards.
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Pasing Arcaden
Pasing Arcaden is a huge shopping area with numerous clothing stores, supermarkets, electronics stores, and fast food joints.
Josef-Felder-Straße 53 Website -
Gärtnerplatzviertel
The area around beautiful Gärtnerplatz is for vintage lovers. You can find local designers and other quirky shops.
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Goldbraun
Here you will find a nice assortment of jewelry, most from an own collection, combined with fine chocolate.
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Olympia-Einkaufszentrum
Munich's largest shopping centre with a large variety of department stores, boutiques and food stores.
Mo-Sa 09:30-20:00, Closed on Sundays Website -
Riem Arcaden
A huge shopping center close to the city limits, where you can find almost everything.
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Farmers' market
Local products sold by farmers. Traditional meeting place for locals and elder people.
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Kaufring
Large department store offering fashion, jewellery, books and household supplies.
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pep Neuperlach
The pep is a huge department store with over 80 shops, restaurants, and cafés.
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Classic Outlet
A cloth store with huge rebates on classic design labels like D&G or Lacoste.
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The Munich Readery
The store is the largest second hand book shop for English books in Germany.
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Galeria-Kaufhof
Large department store, located at the Rotkreuzplatz subway station.
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mira
A huge shopping mall with over 70 stores at the city limits.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Munich: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Munich is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Munich's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 39 shopping spots in Munich sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Munich
Munich's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Munich often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Munich sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Munich
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Munich's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Munich prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Munich close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Munich, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Munich.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Munich light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Munich
The most meaningful souvenirs from Munich are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Munich
Like most cities, Munich's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Munich
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Munich — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Munich
Where to shop in Munich?
Munich has 39 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Munich.
What souvenirs to buy in Munich?
The best souvenirs from Munich are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Munich?
Yes, Munich has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Munich?
Munich has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Munich?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Munich. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Munich as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Munich is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Munich.
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