Travellers heading to Munich should leave extra space in their luggage – or even arrive with empty suitcases. A shopping tour through the city promises not only extraordinary finds, but also a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in Munich's culture and history.
Munich rightfully describes itself as an international metropolis – and the range of shopping opportunities is correspondingly diverse and varied. And yet, the city has always remained deeply connected to its historical roots. The history of some shops even dates back to the medieval founding era. As Munich residents are very loyal when it comes to supporting local businesses and value their ties to the region, the city offers many unique shopping experiences and product offerings that cannot be found elsewhere.
The first port of call on a real Munich shopping spree is the Fußgängerzone (pedestrian street), founded in 1972, which is home to some of the city's most venerable department stores. Luxury fashion specialist Oberpollinger, with its almost 120-year history, is the youngest among them – a testament to the enduring tradition these stores uphold until today.
From exquisite fashion and accessories at Ludwig Beck to hand-picked household goods at Kustermann, or luxurious traditional attire and designer fashion at Lodenfrey: a stroll through these department stores is a feast for the senses. Many even have a café, restaurant, or a rooftop terrace, from which you have stunning views of the old town.
Traditional and high-quality craftsmanship can be found in the Old Town – not only in its department stores, but also in numerous specialised shops, including those of the Königlich Bayerische Hoflieferanten (Royal Bavarian Purveyors).
For example, Ed.Meier, whose first-class footwear is constantly being reinterpreted with special editions of customised lasts. The shoes are not only designed for strolling along Munich's tarred streets, but also for mountain trekking or crossing beer puddles at the Oktoberfest. Now in its 13th generation of family ownership, the Meier family has even outfitted royalty with suitable footwear.
The everyday lives of most locals may not revolve around caviar snacks and opera premières.
With this equipment, you can explore Maximilianstrasse, Munich's most famous boulevard, in style: boutiques from almost every international luxury brand are lined up alongside Munich originals, like the family-run jeweller Hemmerle, whose stunning creations regularly cause a sensation at art fairs and auctions.
With so much luxury, you might think that there is hardly room for anything else in the city centre. Far from it! Because although the wellheeled are comparatively well represented in Munich, the everyday lives of most locals do not take place between caviar snacks and opera premières.
The vast majority are more drawn to the nearby Alps – and so the range of specialised outdoor shops is also large. At Sport Schuster, for example, you can buy everything you need to conquer Munich's local mountains – and much more. When the Nanga Parbat was first conquered in 1953, Hermann Buhl, who was an advisor at Sporthaus Schuster at the time, was also there. The family business has maintained the tradition of employing real alpinists to this day to offer unique advice.
But even those who want to cross the Sahara (Globetrotter), need a customised and perfectly fitting ski boot (blacksheepsports), or want to imitate the locals on the Eisbachwelle (river wave)with their own surfboard (SantoLoco), will find what they are looking for in Munich.
Or you can also head to areas in Munich where there are smaller, unique shops. Surprisingly, you don't have to stray far from Maximilianstrasse, just a few steps behind Odeonsplatz (square).
Here, you'll find collections from regional tailors and manufacturers from Bavaria and northern Italy.
Behind it lies the Luitpoldblock, right next to the Literaturhaus, where two younger Munich labels have recently reopened their own shops after a long search. Public Possession – actually a dance label run by the two Munich residents Valentino Betz and Marvin Schuhmann, who also host parties in the Luitpoldblock (which are probably as impressive as their clothing) – sells elaborately designed T-shirts, jackets, shorts and, of course, records.
Right next door, A Kind Of Guise offers men and women wear in its newly opened shop. Each collection is dedicated to a different country in the world and is made from unusual materials, such as teddy fleece, or specially embroidered fabrics. So far, so global – and this perspective perhaps explains the popularity of the collections in cities like London, Berlin and Paris.
Yet, while the inspiration and fabrics come from across the globe, the production stays firmly rooted with regional tailors and manufacturers in Bavaria and northern Italy. Part of A Kind Of Guise's identity is to remain true to its Munich origins and reinterpret them: There are always special editions for the Oktoberfest, including traditional woollen jackets, lovingly crocheted brooches and handknitted socks.
One particularly charming souvenir shop in the historic Ruffinihaus has a fitting name: “Servus Heimat”, which means “Hello Home“.
A similar mix of global and local can be found at Studio 163, a cashmere store where local manufacturers transform Mongolian wool into elegant dresses, cardigans and pullovers. Barbara Klara Giandomenico, who founded Studio 163 in 2016, prioritises certified manufacturers, transparent supply chains, and Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics.
One of her shops is located in the time-honoured Ruffinihaus, a stunning building complex between Marienplatz (main square) and Sendlinger Tor (gate). Built by the city of Munich between 1903 and 1905, the Ruffinihaus now houses artists and unique shops that might otherwise struggle with Munich's high rents. One particularly charming souvenir shop in the historic Ruffinihaus has a fitting name: “Servus Heimat”, which means “Hello Home“.
Studio 163 has a second location on Jahnstrasse, in the centre of the trendy Glockenbach district. Just one intersection further towards Isar River is Nora Khereddine's shop of the same name, where she curates minimalist and select design objects. These include treasures from her travels in Morocco and simple, yet functional oak shelves and bowls, handmade by artist and carpenter Fritz Baumann in his Munich workshop.
For unique jewellery, Tragbar offers a collection made from upcycled gold and silver.
Just one tram stop further on, near Gärtnerplatz (square), is the chic and visually minimalist shop Naturkosmetik München – NKM. What started with owner Mareike Peters' Instagram posts about natural products, has resulted in many followers ordering her items. NKM now produces cleansers, toners, and serums, made from sustainable and regional ingredients from around Munich. The concept is so successful that NKM is now also represented in Hamburg and Berlin.
Also based in the Glockenbachviertel is jewellery designer Saskia Diez, whose avantgarde and minimalist pieces are renowned far beyond Munich. She favours sustainable materials and local production and her creations are expressive and timeless, making them suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Not far from her studio on Zenettistrasse is Tragbar, a jewellery shop where four women focus on upcycling new jewellery from recycled gold and silver.
Speaking of upcycling: In Munich's second-hand shops, you can discover unique clothes, shoes and accessories; you just have to know where to start. One of the bestknown shops is Macy Munich, located on Johannisplatz in the Haidhausen neighbourhood. Tucked between nostalgic film posters, you'll find dresses and other classics.
This is the ideal starting point to shop around Gärtnerplatz (square): from Haben Will in Reichenbachstrasse to Alva Morgaine's Wunderkammer and Cat With a Hat, or Alexa's second-hand fashion. The Exit Store on Pestalozzistrasse, for example, specialises in modern brands: Gucci, Acne, CLOSED, msgm, Dr. Martens or Salomon. New items can be discovered as convenient ready-styled outfits on Instagram.
For those who like it more exclusive, Capricorn offers luxury items, such as jewellery from Louis Vuitton, suede boots by Isabel Marant or Balenciaga sneakers.
An absolute insider tip among Munich locals is the Weißer Rabe, a second-hand shop in Obersendling and Westend. Here, you will find not only clothes, but also crockery, household goods, and toys. It is said that there are people who have set up their household in the “Rabe”. A special highlight: this shop employs people who need support and would otherwise struggle to find a job. And that is not only exemplary, it also has, well: style.
