Oberpollinger, Ludwig Beck or Kustermann - anyone who wants to explore Munich's long-established department stores starts the shopping tour at Karlsplatz-Stachus or Marienplatz.
Here you can explore numerous major department stores and stroll through the subsidiaries of renowned chains for fashion and footwear along with the obligatory trifle in a souvenir shop.
Once regarded as little more than an audacious experiment when Germany’s first pedestrian mall was established in 1972, the “Fußgängerzone” has become an indispensable feature of Munich. By now almost the entire Old Town has been reserved as a shopping area for the exclusive use of pedestrians. It is hard to believe that almost all long-distance car traffic once passed through the city gates and right across Marienplatz!
Neuhauser Strasse 18
This listed building was constructed in 1905, and today it is home to Oberpollinger, one of the most luxurious department stores in Germany. On the ground floor of the store you will find the luxury boulevard, a “street” of separate branded boutiques selling international labels such as Gucci, Prada, Dior and Burberry. And if you are in search of a facial or body treatment, expect to be pampered in the beauty lounges. In addition to various top brands for women, men and children, the store offers an extensive range of shoes, home & living items and accessories. Tip: The roof terrace of the store’s LeBuffet restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the old town.
Kaufingerstrasse 28
Whether it’s business or casual, Hirmer men’s fashion store in the pedestrian zone has the perfect outfit, no matter what the occasion. The businesswear department on the third floor is very popular, stocked with a huge selection of suits and business shirts, occasionwear and wedding attire, as well as exclusive labels such as Burberry, Armani and Paul Smith. You can find the perfect shoes to go with your new purchase on the second floor, while on the fourth floor you can explore over 1,500 square metres of men’s fashion in large sizes, for men of stature. To round off the shopping experience, the store offers services such as made-to-measure clothing, tailoring and alterations, ironing and a porter service. For a break from their shopping sprees, customers can treat themselves to a hearty snack or a glass of wine in the store’s day bar.
Viktualienmarkt 8 and Rindermarkt 3-4
Everything you need for a beautiful home: Kustermann, located near the Viktualienmarkt, has been inspiring customers with its elegant, traditional products for over 220 years. The family-run business is a brand whose renown and popularity extend far beyond Munich. Spanning more than 5,000 square metres, it is the largest German specialist store of its kind, bursting with handpicked products and practical items for the home. You will find elegance and essentials, trends and tradition represented at the highest quality, whether you are looking for chinaware, cutlery, household dishes and cookware, glass, ceramics, electrical appliances or tools.
Sendlinger Strasse 3
Breuninger fashion store in Sendlinger Strasse has a large selection spanning more than 500 designer brands, and is synonymous with personal consultation and service. The extensive range of brands for men and women is presented over six floors: fashion labels such as Cambio, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger and Boss for women, and Marc O'Polo, Joop!, Hugo, Belstaff and Off-White for men, as well as a wealth of other brands – avid shoppers are sure to love it. The store also sells high-quality bags, shoes, sunglasses and jewellery.
Maffeistrasse 7
Traditional Munich department store Lodenfrey presents a range of luxurious traditional dress and designer fashions over six floors. At Lodenfrey shoppers can find the latest trends from the world of fashion, as well as traditional styles and classics to suit every age group. The store’s large selection of traditional dress and loden cloth garments is renowned the world over. Customers can also browse a range of beautiful accessories for the home: high-quality cushions, blankets, books, decorative items and scents from selected designers. The “glasshouse” on the first floor offers a special atmosphere: it’s a bright, airy space revealing a view of Munich’s Frauenkirche towers through its glass roof.
Marienplatz 11
A Munich institution: this department store on Munich’s Marienplatz celebrated its 150th birthday in 2011. At Ludwig Beck, a selection of fashion from international catwalks, elegant leather goods and accessories, young newcomer labels, and evening wear with cosmopolitan flair, are housed across seven storeys. The beauty department is a veritable guide to upcoming trends on the cosmetics scene. In the music department – which has received the ECHO award multiple times – staff can offer advice on questions related to their selection of classical, jazz, and world music, audio books, children’s entertainment, opera DVDs and music books: a collection that is unparalleled in Europe.
Kaufingerstrasse 1-5
Galeria Kaufhof on Marienplatz stocks exclusive brands and all the latest fashions. In addition to perfumes and cosmetics, the store also boasts a wide range of fashion, travel and business luggage, accessories, stationery and household items as well as electronics. The restaurant on the 5th floor offers a stunning view of the Munich Rathaus (Town Hall) and the Frauenkirche, as well as a selection of Bavarian and international specialities. Delicacies from all over the world can be found in the gourmet department in the basement.