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Munich has three of Germany's most exclusive shopping streets as well as flea markets to rival those of any other European city. In between are department stores, where acute German-style competition assures reasonable prices and often produces outstanding bargains. Artisans bring their wares of beauty and originality to the Christmas markets. Collect their business cards—in summer you're sure to want to order another of those little gold baubles that were on sale in December.
Munich has an immense central shopping area, a 2-km (1-mile) Fussgängerzone (pedestrian zone) stretching from Karlsplatz to Marienplatz along Neuhauser Strasse and Kaufingerstrasse, where most of the major department stores are, and then north to Odeonsplatz. For upscale shopping, Maximilianstrasse, Residenzstrasse, and Theatinerstrasse are unbeatable. Schwabing, north of the university, has more offbeat shopping streets—Schellingstrasse and Hohenzollernstrasse are two to try. The neighborhood around Gärtnerplatz also has lots of new boutiques.
A few small shops around Viktualienmarkt sell Bavarian antiques, though their numbers are dwindling under the pressure of high rents. Antiques shoppers should also try the area north of the university—Türkenstrasse, Theresienstrasse, and Barerstrasse are all filled with antiques stores.
If you're looking for something really rare and special and money's no object, try the exclusive shops lining Prannerstrasse, at the rear of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Interesting and inexpensive antiques and assorted junk from all over Europe are laid out at the Friday and Saturday flea markets at Olympiapark (7 am–4 pm), not far from the Olympic Stadium, with hundreds of sellers.
If you want to deck yourself out in Lederhosen or a Dirndl, or acquire a green loden coat and little pointed hat with feathers, you have a wide choice in the Bavarian capital. There are a couple of other shops along Tal street that have new and used lederhosen and dirndls at good prices in case you want to spontaneously get into the spirit of the 'Fest.
Munich is a city of beer, and items related to its consumption are obvious choices for souvenirs and gifts. Munich is also the home of the famous Nymphenburg Porcelain factory. Between Karlsplatz and Viktualienmarkt there are loads of shops for memorabilia and trinkets.
This company's philosophy is all about sustainability. For 40 years, they've been selling handcrafted products of all kinds—from housewares to fashion—which share a few simple standards: high quality, timeless design, and are made to last. Sharing the space is Brot & Butter (Bread & Butter), a delicatessen and food shop.
At this gallery showcasing Bavarian work from craftspeople, you'll find every kind of handicraft, from glass and pottery to textiles.
Ludwig Beck is considered a step above other department stores by Müncheners. It's packed from top to bottom with traditional and new fashion brands, and has an immense beauty, music, and stationary section.
Spielwaren Obletters has two extensive floors of toys, with the usual favorites plus many handmade playthings of great charm and quality.
Munich's Viktualienmarkt is the place to shop and to eat. Just south of Marienplatz, it's home to an array of colorful stands that sell everything from cheese to sausages, flowers to wine. A visit here is more than just an opportunity to find picnic makings; it provides an opening into Müncheners' robust—though friendly—nature, especially at the Viktualienmarkt's Bavarian Biergarten (beer garden).
Shop for both traditional and trendy takes on Bavarian and alpine attire, including Dirndls and Lederhosen.
Set on Türkenstrasse, a street lined with antique shops, this store specializes in 19th- and 20th-century watches, jewelry, and fountain pens, as well as vintage posters, photographs, and cameras.
In Antike Uhren Eder, the silence is broken only by the ticking of dozens of highly valuable German antique clocks and discreet negotiations over the high prices. There is a highly covetable selection of prestige vintage watches to browse also.
For an enormous selection of contemporary and traditional caps and hats from international brands as well as its own Hut-Breiter Munich label, stop by the family-run Breiter, which has been selling hats for over 160 years.
This tiny shop, located in the Viktualienmarkt, specializes in all things chocolate, with more than 120 varieties of chocolates and truffles.
A wide array of artisanal chocolates, truffles, and chocolate spreads, plus delicious hot chocolate, is on offer at this snug shop and café just across from the Viktualienmarkt.
Dallmayr is the city's most elegant and famous gourmet food store, with delights that range from exotic fruits and English jams to a multitude of fish and meats, all served by efficient Munich matrons in smart blue-and-white-linen uniforms. The store's famous specialty is coffee, with more than 50 varieties to blend as you wish. It even has its own chocolate factory. This is the place to prepare a high-class—if pricey—picnic.
This small shop around the corner from the Frauenkirche has been producing handmade candles since 1862. Look for beautifully decorated wedding, christening, and holiday-themed candles.
More than 300 kinds of German and international beers, including many rare styles, are sold at this Gärtnerplatz-area shop.
For Munich's largest selection of dolls and marionettes, head to Die Puppenstube.
For an upscale shopping experience, visit the many stores, boutiques, and eateries of the Fünf Höfe, a modern arcade carved into the block of houses between Theatinerstrasse and Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse. The architecture of the passages and courtyards is cool and elegant, in sharp contrast to the facades of the buildings. Along with outposts devoted to well-known international brands, there are German brands such as S. Baumeister (shoes and accessories) and Friendly Hunting for cashmere.
Across the seven floors of this mid-priced department store, you'll find everything from cosmetics, fashion, and jewelry to greeting cards, office supplies, household items, and toys. The end-of-season sales offer true bargains.
This chocolate shop and café serves chocolate every which way, from delectable chocolates to hot chocolate, as well as seasonal treats.
Spanning six floors, Hirmer has Munich's most comprehensive collection of German-made men's clothes, with a markedly friendly and knowledgeable staff. International brands are also here, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Paul & Shark.
This multistory bookshop has a good-size English-language section, with fiction and nonfiction selections. There are also nearby outposts at Marienplatz (Marienpl. 22) and close to the Residenz (Theatinerstr. 11).
A couple of boutiques and eateries line this 230-foot-long glass-roofed passageway that connects Kaufinger Strasse to Fürstenfelder Strasse.
Both Julie and Stefanie, the owners, have lots of love and passion for one of a kind delicious treats, and it's obvious why this shop is called \"cookie love.\" There is a cookie (set) for every season—from Valentines Day to the Oktoberfest—and the best part: your cookies can be personalized on the spot. They are super cute, but also very yummy. Coffee is served in the open-concept store as well.
Nestled up against the Heiliggeist Church, this small shop carries Lederhosen, loden jackets, and Bavarian lace-up shoes for men as well as traditional outfits for women and children.
Lehmkuhl is Munich's oldest and one of its finest bookshops; it also sells beautiful cards.
This upscale department store has a sizeable section devoted to traditional and modern Trachten-outfits for men, women and kids, including accessories and its own yearly Oktoberfest collection.
This pewter shop sells a variety of handcrafted wares, from dinner plates to serving trays to beer mugs. Mugs come in all shapes and sizes, and are also available in ceramic.
If you've been to the Black Forest and forgot to acquire a clock, or if you need a good Bavarian souvenir, like a Krug (stein) try Max Krug in the pedestrian zone.
For a unique twist on the Dirndl, this shop, owned by two sisters from Cameroon, combines bright African fabrics and embroidery with traditional Bavarian Dirndl styles.
Pick up whimsical German-made souvenirs, from tote bags, aprons, and tea towels emblazoned with Bavarian sayings to pretzel- and dachshund-shaped cookie cutters, at this delightful store.
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