No doubt about it – when you think of Munich, you don't just think of beer gardens and football fever; the city's exclusive shopping streets are sure to come to mind, too.
No other city in the world has so many international luxury labels nestled side by side among established, traditional brands. These include a number of former Purveyors to the Court, some of whom still sell their exquisite products today, including the watchmaker Andreas Huber, the jeweller Hemmerle, shoemaker Eduard Meier, fabric warehouse Radspieler and delicatessen Dallmayr.
When you decide to hit the shops in Munich, you’ll also get a free tour past some of the city's most beautiful sights. If you feel more at home in exclusive flagship stores, then look no further than Maximilianstrasse. This street is famous around the world and Munich's most expensive location. Shopping fans can focus on the first half of the boulevard, the section between the Nationaltheater and Altstadtring.
The Residenzpost building, right at the entrance to Maximilianstrasse, is home to Louis Vuitton's Munich “Maison”, one of the city's most exclusive addresses. New York-based architect Peter Marino designed the store in the style of a grand villa – similar to the Maison flagship stores in Paris and London.
As well as French Haute Couture, you'll also find almost all major international luxury fashion and jewellery brands along Maximilianstrasse. Fashion labels such as Armani, Chanel, Dior, Escada, Hermès and Gucci, jewellers like Bulgari and respected art galleries – anyone who’s anyone from the world of glitz and glamour can be found here.
And of course, even if your budget does not quite stretch that far, Maximilianstrasse is still a wonderful place to stroll. The architecture and impressive ambience alone are worth a trip.
And of course, even if your budget does not quite stretch that far, Maximilianstrasse is still a wonderful place to stroll, soaking up the flair of luxury living and marvelling at the chic items on show in the artfully dressed windows.
The architecture and impressive ambience alone are worth a trip: Alongside Brienner Strasse, Ludwigstrasse and Prinzregentenstrasse, Maximilianstrasse is one of Munich’s four most important grand boulevards: In the 19th century, King Maximilian II commissioned his architect Georg Friedrich Bürklein to design the street in the unique “Maximilian style”, bringing together elements from various style movements including Neo-Gothic and Renaissance.
Directly off Maximilianstrasse, you'll find a the courtyards of Maximilianhöfe, a distinct shopping area in itself where Italian labels like Brioni, Bottega Veneta, Ermengildo Zegna, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana showcase their premium collections. If you’re on the lookout for a quiet spot to sit after a trip down the hustle and bustle of Maximilianstrasse, then look no further than these courtyards: The benches in the interior courtyard are the ideal spot to take a break from shopping.
A little further down on Perusastrasse – the section of road that extends on from Maximilianstrasse towards Theatinerstrasse – the shopping experience continues with traditional British elegance from Burberry, Italian fashion and accessories by Prada, American jewellery by Tiffany and exclusive leather goods by the Munich brand Etienne Aigner.
Hanging gardens, tranquil, accented inner courtyards and an immense, suspended sphere created by artist Olafur Eliasson transform a trip to Fünf Höfe into a treat for the senses.
Right around the corner, the Fünf Höfe area (Five Courtyards) on Theatinerstrasse invites visitors to shop in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The arcades, which were designed by star Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, are home to premium designer stores, including Patrizia Pepe, Muji and Karl Lagerfeld, as well as a number of cafés, bars and restaurants.
Hanging gardens, tranquil, accented inner courtyards and an immense, suspended sphere created by artist Ólafur Elíasson transform a trip to Fünf Höfe into a treat for the senses.
Visitors to Munich will find another luxury hotspot waiting for them on Maffeistrasse: This is where the traditional Munich brand Lodenfrey sells luxurious traditional dress and designer fashions over six floors. Just a little further down the road, the Theresa boutique stocks the most sought-after designer labels from Saint Laurent and Prada to Céline.
Not far from Maximilianstrasse and Theatinerstrasse, just a short walk across the square at Odeonsplatz, you’ll find the Brienner Quartier and its classical buildings, reflecting the elegance of high-class shopping culture.
During the Regency period, a number of exquisite shops were established directly beside the Residenz palace, some of which are still family-owned today. Why not take a gentle stroll through the area and experience the unique blend of the traditional and the modern for yourself? At the same time, you can browse bespoke shoes, designer fashion, premium antiques and modern art.
The brands showcasing their premium products in the Brienner Quartier include the leather brand MCM Lederwaren & Accessoires, Woolrich and Iris von Arnim.
