Munich is home to over 40 markets, with more than 120 traders: each one is unique and has its own story. Here is a little guide to the market week, which – take note! – only runs from Tuesday to Saturday.
On sunny afternoons, the market on Josephsplatz is almost like a little street festival: children run riot between up to thirteen stalls; locals chat in groups; and people toast each other with their after-work beers as they sit on the benches in the middle.
To go: Cherries, damsons or apples – the selection of fruit on offer varies with the season, and is all sourced from the Geiger fruit farm in Lower Bavaria,. Fresh juices and hearty liqueurs are available year-round.
To eat on the spot: Cherries, damsons or apples – the selection of fruit on offer varies with the season, and is all sourced from the Geiger fruit farm in Lower Bavaria,. Fresh juices and hearty liqueurs are available year-round.
To relax: The Joseph-Spielplatz playground is not just for kids. The benches or the grass are a great place to sit and take it easy.
Josephsplatz, 12 noon to 6 p.m.
A great location, lots of space and a wonderful backdrop – no wonder Mariahilfplatz is home to several markets. The farmers’ market, comprising around eighteen stalls with fine regional and truly seasonal produce, takes place here every Wednesday; while the weekly market is held in the square on Saturdays. The Mariahilfplatz is also the location for the traditional Auer Dult market, which takes place here three times a year.
To go: A very special selection of meat products. From quail and young pigeon at Leserer’s poultry stall, to fresh beef and lamb at Fischer’s butcher.
To eat on the spot: Johann Zollner’s Holunderkücherl (elderflower pancakes) are an absolute must in early summer, and the apple version is just as good during the rest of the year.
To relax: If you’re looking for something a little more peaceful, why not make a picnic of your purchases and enjoy it along the banks of the Isar, located a mere five minutes away?
Mariahilfplatz, 7 a.m. to 13 p.m.
Lehel’s splendid streets make it one of the most beautiful districts of Munich. The little market in St-Anna-Platz, with its fifteen or so stalls, blends seamlessly with this idyllic setting. Shopping here feels like visiting a quaint little village corner shop. Everyone knows each other, has a chat and exchanges advice – in the open air.
To go: The goat’s milk products from the Etzlstorfer farm in Deutenhausen have won multiple awards – and you can taste why!
To eat on the spot: Many locals come to the market just for Plöckl’s fantastic cakes. These are baked in a farmhouse in the countryside near Dachau.
To relax: You can really take things easy with a glass of wine from Franconian vintner, Gut Hassold, in your hand. In summer, a Silvaner will go down nicely, and in winter, why not enjoy a hot, sweet glühwein to warm you up?
St. Anna Platz, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Ackermannbogen market is the youngest of Munich’s markets and – just like the new district of the city that it is located in, not far from the Olympic Park – it is still growing. And yet its ten or so stalls offer all the heart of a market needs, from sausage and vegetables to midday snacks.
To go: Turkish Obatzda (a Bavarian soft cheese delicacy) – it is worth buying this from Sadak for the fiery mix of cheeses alone, not to mention the seafood and olives it contains.
To eat on the spot: There is a touch of hipsterism about the stall offering filtered coffee, strawberry tarts and quiche.
To relax: Water fountains spray out of the ground directly behind the market stalls – great fun for kids on hot days.
Ackermannbogen, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
During the week, you hardly notice this inconspicuous spot between Brudermühlstraße and Thalkirchnerstraße, but it plays host to one of Munich’s best markets on a Saturday. The twelve stalls offer everything from honey to South Tyrolean delicacies – and the quality of everything is top notch.
To go: The Bantschow family stall boasts the best fruit and vegetables of the season, as well as flown-in rarities such as mangoes.
To eat on the spot: If the classic Grillhendl (grilled chicken) isn’t hearty enough for you, you can find crisp knuckle of pork and spare ribs at Hertel.
To relax: This isn’t the most comfortable spot, but luckily Flaucher island, a verdant, peaceful oasis, is just around the corner.
Resi-Huber-Platz, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
