Shopping
From international designer brands and to work from local
designers to traditional Bavarian handicrafts and wares,
shopaholics can enjoy plenty of variety in Munich. Typical Bavarian
gifts include
Trachten (traditional clothing) such
as Lederhose, while the most popular souvenirs
are still Bierkrug (beer steins) and pewter-ware.
The two main shopping districts are Neuhauserstrasse and
Kaufingerstrasse in Munich's historic city centre. Department and
chain stores abound in this pedestrian-only shopping area where
everything from clothing and accessories to electrical goods and
sports equipment can be found. Head to
Maximilianstrasse,Theatinerstrasse, or Leopoldstrasse in Schwabing
for independent shops and trendy boutiques selling all the latest
local designer clothing. Second-hand stores can also be found in
Schwabing and some real gems can be found if you look hard
enough.
The modern Fünf Höfe shopping mall is a great place to
find everything under one roof, while the Sunday flea market at
Kunstpark Ost provides more alternative buys with second-hand
goods, antiques and old bric-a-brac lining the stall fronts. For
great food markets, the vibrant Viktualienmarkt behind the
Marienplatz sells everything from cheese and spices to poultry and
game. Browse through the stalls and let your senses come alive to
the fragrances of spices and aromas of delicious fresh foods. The
market is open Monday to Friday and even features a Biergarten
where weary shoppers can take a load off, rest their legs and enjoy
an ice cold refreshment.
Most stores are open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and on
Saturday until 4pm. VAT is 19% and included in the price of good.
Non-EU visitors can claim this back by shopping in stores
displaying the Tax free Shopping logo.