Shopping in Munich
Shopaholics are in for a treat in Munich. The city’s shops combine international names and designer goods with traditional Bavarian crafts.
The main shopping areas are Neuhauserstrasse and Kaufingerstrasse, both lined with large department stores and international chains. Smaller, more exclusive boutiques can be found around Maximilianstrasse and Theatinerstrasse.
Typical gifts might include examples of traditional clothing (Trachten), such as Lederhosen for men and Dirndl for women; beer mugs (Stein); wood carvings (Holzschnitzereien); pewter-ware (Zinn); the famous Nymphenburg porcelain and speciality foods such as Lebkuchen, Christmas Stollen, and marzipan.
A shopping-paradise par excellence begins just behind the University and lovers of literature in particular will feel at home in the antiquarian shops round Schellingstrasse.
Shopping suggestions
I would start at Karlsplatz (Stacchus) and walk down to Marienplatz, then you can check out the area around the opera for boutiques and the like. I know best about shopping for men in Munich and can suggest some things I like, Oblätter the large toy store at Karlsplatz, Saturn which is on the right as you walk to Marienplatz and Hirmers for mens’ clothing on the left near the Marienplatz.
There are large department stores including Kaufhof, Galleria Kaufhof, and large Sports shops just behind Marienplatz. There are two Hugendubel bookstores, one at Marientplatz and one at Stacchus both with cafes, they have English books too.
Opening Times – larger shops, department stores and supermarkets.
Monday – Friday: 09.00 – 20.00
Saturday: 09.00 – 18.00
Opening Times – small shops
Monday – Friday: 09.00 – 18.30 and may close for lunch
Saturday: 09.00 – 12.00
Mehrwertsteuer (VAT) of 19% is included in the price of purchased items, visitors from non-EU countries are entitled to a tax refund of up to 10%. Participating stores display a Europe Tax-Free logo.
Money
The currency is of course the Euro and there are cashpoint machines (ATMS) from the Deutsche Bank at Marienplatz and Stachus (Karlsplatz).
