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Viktualienmarkt
Munich's year-round open-air food market beside Marienplatz, on its site since 1807, with more than 100 traders, a maypole and a beer garden.
At a glance
- Type
- Food market
- Area
- Altstadt, Munich, Germany
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Sunday)
- Official site
- muenchen.de
Good to know
- Free entry
- Beer garden
- Market stalls
- Closed Sundays
Why we recommend it
Viktualienmarkt is Munich's best-known food market and one of the easiest places to get a feel for everyday life in the old town. It has stood on its present site, a few steps south of Marienplatz, since 1807, when King Max I Joseph ordered part of the city's main market moved here from the overcrowded central square. It has grown since then to more than 100 traders spread over about 18,600 square metres, and in 2014 the market tradition was added to Bavaria's inventory of intangible cultural heritage.
The stalls sell mainly fruit and vegetables, but you will also find butchers, game and poultry dealers, fishmongers, cheese and dairy counters, bakers, spice and tea sellers, honey, wine and flowers. Prices reflect the central location, so this is a place for quality rather than bargains. It is a good place to put together a picnic for the Englischer Garten or to buy edible souvenirs such as mustard, spices or honey.
At the centre of the market stands a tall maypole, a popular meeting point; the first pole here went up in 1962 and it is replaced every few years. Around the market are six fountains honouring Munich comedians and folk singers, including Karl Valentin and Liesl Karlstadt. The beer garden under the chestnut trees is unusual in that it rotates the beer it serves between Munich's six large breweries, changing roughly every five to six weeks. You may bring your own snack from the stalls, but drinks must be bought there.
The market suits everyone, from food lovers to families looking for a break between sights. Weekday mornings are the best time to see the traders at work without the lunchtime and Saturday crowds. The city lists the market as open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 8:00 to 15:00, closed on Sundays, although individual stalls set their own hours and some close earlier. Allow an hour to wander and snack, longer if you sit down in the beer garden.
The nearest stations are Marienplatz, for the S-Bahn and U3 and U6, and Isartor on the S-Bahn. St. Peter's Church overlooks the northern end of the market, and the Hofbräuhaus and Sendlinger Straße are both within a short walk.
Viktualienmarkt FAQs
When is Viktualienmarkt open?
The city lists Monday to Friday 8:00 to 20:00 and Saturday 8:00 to 15:00. It is closed on Sundays, and individual stalls set their own hours.
Is it free to visit Viktualienmarkt?
Yes, entry is free.
Can I bring my own food to the beer garden?
Yes, you may bring your own snack, but drinks must be bought at the beer garden.
Which beer does the Viktualienmarkt beer garden serve?
It rotates between Munich's six large breweries, changing roughly every five to six weeks.
How old is the market?
It has been on its present site since 1807.
How do I get to Viktualienmarkt?
Walk a few minutes south from Marienplatz station or west from Isartor station.
What should I buy at Viktualienmarkt?
Fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, honey, spices, tea and flowers, or snacks for a picnic.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings are quieter than lunchtimes and Saturdays.