Munich doesn’t have a traditional weekly market in the city center like other German cities, but instead has a permanent market where you can shop almost every day. The Viktualienmarkt in the heart of the city is, of course, no secret tip simply because of its location, but is considered one of Munich’s most famous landmarks. Now, as part of the Global Tastemakers Awards , it has earned a spot among the top 10 markets in the world. After all, the Viktualienmarkt is more than just a tourist hotspot, and it’s worth taking a second look.
Over 200 years of history
The Viktualienmarkt was established in 1807 and replaced the previous market at Schrannenplatz, as that one had become too small. Over the decades, the market transformed and continued to grow. The permanent stalls have been in place since 1870; before that, they were reassigned daily. After the end of World War II , there were plans to close it due to severe damage, but fortunately , the Viktualienmarkt managed to survive. As a result, the former food market for daily needs became a destination for foodies.
Today, it covers approximately 22,000 m² and features more than 100 stalls divided into seven sections. Along with the market at Wiener Platz, the Elisabethmarkt, and the Viktualienmarkt Pasing, it is one of four permanent markets in Munich. As such, it is open Monday through Saturday and offers you the opportunity to shop and dine here. Incidentally, the name derives from an old term for food. That is why Pasing also has its own Viktualienmarkt, or food market, since it was still a separate town when the market was founded.
Discoveries at the Viktualienmarkt
Even though the Viktualienmarkt is now on the pricier side and is considered a market for foodies, you can still find everyday groceries here , such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and bread. But there are also more unusual stalls here, like the “Saure Ecke,” where you can get all kinds of pickled cucumbers and antipasti. The Wörle horse butcher shop, on the other hand, is the only place in all of Munich where you can still buy horse meat today. In addition to individual food items, you can also purchase ready-to-eat meals like sandwiches, soups, or juices at the Viktualienmarkt and enjoy them right there on one of the many seats. Or you can sit down in the beer garden in the heart of the market, where you can sample all the beers from the six Oktoberfest breweries. In addition to food, the stalls also offer flowers, souvenirs, and decorative items.
If you’d rather stick to water, you can refill your bottle at one of the seven fountains scattered throughout the area. The figures on the fountains depict various local personalities: Karl Valentin, Liesl Karlstadt, Ida Schumacher, Roider Jackl, Elise Aulinger, and Weiß Ferdl are all on display. And don’t overlook the Maypole, as it depicts scenes from Oktoberfest as well as the dancing Schäffler. People still dance at the Viktualienmarkt itself today when the market women make their appearance during Carnival. And there’s plenty to discover around the market as well, such as Café Frischhut, Eataly, and the Alter Peter.
🕐 Hours: Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
