Viktualienmarkt

What is the Viktualienmarkt?

Once a humble farmers’ market, open-air Viktualienmarkt now has around 100 stalls selling everything from locally roasted coffee and vegetables from Bavaria, to gooey French cheese and exotic fruits. Many locals head here for lunch, with options including Italian-deli style sandwiches and modern Hungarian cuisine.

Is it worth visiting?

It’s certainly worth it for the food, but that’s not the only reason people come here: in the middle of it all is a beer garden which serves beer from Munich’s six main breweries on rotation, and in our opinion, it’s one of the best spots in the city for excellent people-watching. 

How expensive is Viktualienmarkt?

Prices vary depending on the produce. The delicate handmade cakes and pastries from stylish patisserie Lea Zapf will set you back more than a bakery pretzel, for example, but are worth every sweet crumbly bite. A cheap lunch option would be a Leberkässemmel (meat in a bun) for around 3 euros, while the popular baked potatoes from Caspar Plautz start from €7.50. 

What days (and times) is it open?

The market is open from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm, but some stalls close earlier or stop serving hot food after lunchtime. A number are also closed on Mondays. 

Time Out tip

If you’re in town over late November or December, the Viktualienmarkt hosts an annual Christmas Market, Alpenwahn, complete with carols, home-made cards and gifts and lashings of glühwein (mulled wine).

What can I find nearby? 

Thanks to its central location, the market is close to many of Munich’s main attractions, including Marienplatz, the Neues Rathaus and the Frauenkirche. Climb the tower of St Peter’s Church for great views of the city and the market below.