Munich: shopping, fairs, discounts, shops

Shopping in Munich is a great opportunity to purchase goods not only from global brands, but also from local manufacturers. Numerous shops, malls and outlets that lure tourists eager to buy something to remember, promise an exciting pastime and affordable prices. It will be useful to find out what you should pay attention to in order to return home with a lot of pleasant purchases even before you start your trip.

Munich stores adhere to a strict rule of price separation of goods. Here it is very difficult to find in one outlet, for example, shoes of an average price level and expensive ones for wealthy buyers.

The opening hours of department stores, boutiques and shops are tied to their location. Basically, they all work from Monday to Saturday inclusive. Moreover, on Saturday, professional shoppers do not recommend going shopping, since you can meet a huge number of people everywhere. On Sunday, Germans are not inclined to go shopping, so most shops have a rest on this day.

Bakeries and grocery stores start the day much earlier than those selling manufactured goods. The opening hours of outlets are basically as follows:

• department stores: Monday – Saturday from 10.00 to 20.00;
• supermarkets: Monday – Saturday from 8.00 to 20.00;
• bakeries: Monday – Saturday from 7.00 to 18.00.

Small shops establish their own individual operating hours, which, by and large, are not too different from the above.

Munich can hardly be called a trendsetter, so if you prefer to keep your finger on the pulse, then it is better to go shopping in Milan, London or Paris. But in the capital of Bavaria, you can buy everything you need at very affordable prices.

Shopping districts of the city

You can shop in Munich with maximum comfort. Everything shopaholics need is located on the main shopping streets of the city: Maximilianstrasse, Kaufingerstrasse, Neuhauserstrasse and some others.

The best shopping spots are located in the central part of the Bavarian capital, between Marienplatz and Odeonplatz and Karlsplatz.

The main trade arteries of Munich became pedestrian zones in the 70s of the last century, largely due to their proximity to the train station. Now you can meet on them strolling townspeople, shoppers and tourists interested in local attractions.

The choice of shops on these streets is simply huge. At the same time, the preponderance is observed towards those who adhere to a democratic pricing policy. These include the famous Mango, H&M, C&A.

But that's not all there is to know about these streets:

• Maximilianstrasse - this part of the city is considered to be the most glamorous and luxurious. The most famous shoe and clothing boutiques, galleries, art workshops are concentrated here. It is here that you can buy luxury wardrobe items and accessories in Prada, Gucci, Chanel and others.
• Theatinerstrasse is a street renowned for its elegance. Many Germans prefer to spend their free time leisurely strolling along its pavement. Numerous cafes and galleries are located in this place for a pleasant rest. One of the most popular shopping centers, Five Courtyards, is also located here.
• Neuhauser Strasse is formed by two streets where famous trade houses and souvenir shops are located. Customers with any wallet size can buy goods here.
• Hohenzollernstrasse - if you want to know where the Germans buy their clothes and shoes, you should know: they go here. This cozy street houses shops of local producers.
• The Kaufingerstrasse is especially popular with tourists due to its moderate prices.

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It is almost impossible to resist the temptation to go shopping in Munich. Therefore, even if you decide to explore exclusively local attractions, it is better to give up right away and take the time directly for shopping.

Shopping centers and shops

The variety of shopping malls in Munich will satisfy even the shopping-satiated shopper. All you need to do is choose the one that suits your pocket. Among the food markets, we will single out two:

• Aldi - here you can buy groceries at a low price, but the assortment is not particularly pleasing to the eye;
• Edeka is a more expensive store, which also includes elite groups of goods.
  

Also, focus on the following stores:

• for industrial goods it is best to go to Olympia - the most famous shopping center in the city. Its construction was timed to coincide with the 1972 Olympics. Today it is the largest shopping center in Bavaria as a whole, with 135 boutiques and shops under its roof. Visitors to this home of trade can also enjoy all sorts of activities that take place under its roof: exhibitions, shows, mo;
• if you don't know what to buy in Munich, head to Riem Arcada. It is located in the eastern part of the city and is a whole conglomerate of boutiques, where those who wish can buy women's, men's and children's clothing, cosmetics, household appliances, perfumes, and books. In total, 120 stores operate on the territory of the center. On three floors of the mall, you will find many cafes and fast foods where you can have a snack and gain strength for new purchases;
• Another store worth seeing is Galeria Gourtmet - a true gourmet paradise. In several of its departments, a huge selection of food products is presented. Moreover, in the wine room you can not only buy the "drink of the gods", but also taste it. Connoisseurs of young wine should definitely come here in November. But those with a sweet tooth can pamper themselves with outlandish desserts from the brands Niederregger, Reber, Lindt. Special attention should be paid to the fish department, which has long gained fame as a local attraction;
• "Five Courtyards" - unites 5 courtyards of different directions, connected by corridors. The total area of ​​the shopping center is 17 thousand square meters, which houses a little more than fifty shops and more than a dozen cafes;
• Karstadt - located near the train station and offers its guests a standard range of goods: men's, children's, women's clothing and perfumery;
• Kaufhof - It can be found in the very center of Munich at Marienplatz. A grocery department should be added to the usual set of departments, where on certain days you can buy chocolate and marzipan at special prices.

Fairs and Markets

If you want to buy something cheap, go to Munich markets and fairs. When it comes to food, the Germans prefer everything that is natural and organic.

The largest retail outlet in the city, where you can buy quality goods, is the Viktualienmarkt. Its area is 22 thousand square meters.

In addition to shopping, shoppers will find plenty of entertainment and events, such as Beer Days, Gardener's Day or the opening of the asparagus season.

If you prefer to shop at flea markets, then this is the place for you:

• Theresienwiese is the largest flea market not only in Germany but in Europe as a whole. It is held in mid-April. It is strictly forbidden to sell new things here; goods that have already been in use are put up for sale.
• Olympiapark - open all year round, located in a convenient location under the vault of trees.
• Messegelände Riem - An airport was once located on this territory. Now there is a flea market every Saturday.

Outlets

Those who come to Bavaria on a shopping tour prefer to buy goods in one place, without wasting time on moving and sightseeing. And Munich generously gives them this opportunity:

• Outlet in the town of Ingolstadt. It is only one hour away from the Bavarian capital. Outlet-village Ingolstadt is a whole village created exclusively for those who do not want to be distracted by other activities while shopping. More than 100 stores of both well-known world brands and local manufacturers are located on its territory. However, the prices here are much lower than in the same stores, but in the city center - discounts can sometimes go up to 60%;
• Classic outlet - located on Leopoldstrasse. Sometimes you can get a discount in this place up to 70%. Such a bonus is possible due to the fact that many stores receive goods directly from manufacturers.

German stamps

Foreign tourists are especially interested in goods produced in German territory. And this is not surprising, because not only high-quality clothing is produced in Germany, but also sports equipment, household appliances and much more. We offer a short overview of German marks that make sense to pay attention to:

• Bergzeit is a favorite destination for avid skiers and those who like to dress outdoors. Here you can find products ranging from backpacks to equipment for professional climbers.
• Bellybutton - products for children. The store is located in the old part of the city at Weinstrasse, 6. Its assortment includes clothes for pregnant women and newborns, childcare products, furniture, gifts. Here you can choose a wardrobe for a child of any age. The founders of this boutique are women who themselves are mothers with many children, and therefore understand very well what exactly this category of customers needs.
• Hugendubel is a famous bookstore in Germany. It was founded back in 1893. Today, the small family business has grown into a large network of about 40 stores throughout Germany. In addition to purchasing books, customers are offered Internet center services.
  
• Angermaier - here you can buy traditional clothes in a typical German national style. For more than 60 years, this brand has been offering to choose a wardrobe for all occasions. At the same time, most of the products are a combination of elegant cut and handicraft.
• Eckerle is a place on the Teatinerstrasse where connoisseurs of quality menswear gather. The store occupies over a thousand square meters and is spread over 4 floors.
• Jeans by Kaltenbach is the best place in town to pick up a complete denim wardrobe.
• Yousefy - plus size clothing.
• Franziska Kriines is a "hot" place for women. It is here that all the best collections of lingerie, swimwear, home clothes are collected.
• Müller is a great selection of inexpensive but very good cosmetics.
• Rossmann - small household appliances: hair clippers, manicure sets and other little things from their own manufacturers Alterra and Rival de Loop.
• Bottles & Glashaus - glass products for home and interiors.
• Hoeffner is one of the largest furniture stores.
• Iris von Arnim - cashmere clothing.
• Deichmann is a shoe supermarket.

Seasonal sales

Sales in Munich is a question that worries shoppers around the world. It is important to remember that although these events are called seasonal, discounts on certain goods can be found almost at any time of the year.

Discount rates peak only in some months - November, January, April and August. The reason for this is the desire of store owners to quickly get rid of the collections of the outgoing season in order to show their customers new arrivals.

In addition, you should take into account the fact that each store sets the sales schedule individually. Therefore, the dates when you can buy goods profitably, saving a couple of hundred euros, or maybe a whole thousand, may differ in different outlets.

The first to open the season are chain stores - Zara, Mango, H&M. Designer stores follow. The last to sell their goods are elite salons and boutiques. Later, the shops located on Maximilianstrasse announced discounts.

The amount of the discount usually grows gradually and reaches its peak when it is already necessary to lay out a new collection, and the old one has not yet left the shelves. But keep in mind: the higher the discount, the smaller the choice of models and sizes.

There are also differences in focus: the sale usually begins with women's clothing (in December), but men's at very pleasant prices can be bought until February. To make your shopping successful, consider the following features:

• winter sales do not take long and last from November to January. At the end of autumn, fashion brands can be bought with a 30% discount, at the beginning of winter the discount reaches 50%, and after the new year it can already be as much as 70%. Some stores are extending the sale until mid-February. At this time of the year, the schedule depends on weather conditions, so it may shift by a couple of weeks, starting in October;
• the start of the summer discount season is in May. At this time, storefronts are reporting a 30 percent drop in prices for their products. In July, everything can be purchased at half the price, and by August prices are completely reduced by 70%.

It should be borne in mind that many high-end stores arrange sales mainly behind closed doors, that is, only for their customers.

Pre-Christmas trade in Munich

Another important event in Germany is preparation for Christmas. Throughout this period, an extraordinary fairytale atmosphere reigns in Munich, all kinds of fairs are held everywhere on the streets of the city. Shops are also getting ready for the holiday, trying to please their customers with a small price reduction (by 30%). The Christmas sale starts in November and peaks in the early days of the new year.

On the eve of Christmas, shopping becomes not only pleasant, but also spectacular, exciting, colorful. The most famous is the fair, which is held at Marienplatz from the last Friday of November until 24 December. The event is opened by the mayor of the city, at the same time the lights on the city Christmas tree are lit.

In addition to the main city square, the Christmas market also covers the surrounding streets, and you should definitely visit the Rindermarkt square. A "nursery market" is usually set up here, where the largest sale of Christmas toys, gifts and decorations in the country is set up.

What to bring as a gift from Munich

If you want your gift to be unforgettable, pay attention to the following types of goods:

• telephones and electronics. Do not forget that the largest AppStore in the country is located in the Bavarian capital. Moreover, the prices in it are almost two times lower than, say, in the same store in Moscow. The only drawback of the purchased product is the inability to be serviced under warranty at home;
• clothes. It is worth replenishing the wardrobe in Munich not only because of the lower prices, but also because all goods produced in Europe and for the European consumer are of higher quality;
• shoes. Despite the fact that this group is inferior to Italian models in terms of elegance, it can hardly be blamed for its excellent quality. The Germans prefer shoes that are comfortable, practical, and durable;
• sport equipment. In this matter, the Germans have no equal. And lovers of mountaineering and mountain skiing should go exactly here;
• Food. Local people prefer organic food. Pay special attention to honey, marzipan, beer;
• cosmetics. Very inexpensive but high quality cosmetics are produced here;
• German porcelain Nymphenburg. The factory for its production was founded in Munich in the 18th century;
• symbolism of the Bavarian football club. The nearest fan shop is located at the station square;
• beer paraphernalia and beer itself. The main gathering place for Munich people is the Hofbrauhaus pub. A specialized store can be found next to it.

Tax-free registration

A huge bonus for foreigners is the refund of part of the value of the goods according to the tax-free system. The amount of compensation depends on the category of goods and can range from 7 to 19%. To get your money back, you need to follow a series of steps:

1. Find a store with a Tax Free sticker.
2. Purchase products worth at least 25 euros.
3. Fill in a special form at the checkout (for this you need a passport).
4. Go through customs control at the airport by presenting a completed receipt, passport and tickets.
5. Put a stamp on the receipt during control.
6. Exchange this document for money at a special counter or issue a refund to a bank card.

Most often, such operations are carried out by the Global Refund company.

To avoid mistakes when going through this procedure, read our article "Tax-free registration".

There are two ways to organize a short shopping trip to Munich:

• prepare for the trip yourself;
• use the services of intermediaries.

The first route guarantees cost savings and the ability to plan the route yourself. In the second case, you will have to fork out for agency services, but you will save yourself from all the formal procedures.

As a rule, companies selling shopping tours offer their clients an all-inclusive package, starting from the selection of the route and ending with the opening of a visa.

However, it should be borne in mind that contacting intermediaries is not a guarantee that a visa will certainly be opened for you.

To enter the country, you will have to apply to the German consulate for permission to enter the country. To do this, you will need the following package of papers:

1. Visa application.
2. International passport.
3. Insurance.
4. Financial guarantees.
5. Confirmation of accommodation reservation.
6. Round trip tickets.
7. Photo.

Summarizing

The capital of Bavaria is known all over the world not only for its historical monuments and sights, but also as a place for perfect shopping. All the most popular shops are concentrated in the main streets of the city, which flow towards Marienplatz.

When shopping in Munich, remember that:

• most shops are closed on Sunday;
• you can buy goods cheaper in outlets or shopping centers. Elite and brand stores located in pedestrian zones are more targeted at a wealthy buyer;
• special attention in Munich should be paid to goods from local producers. Their quality is not inferior to world-famous brands, but the prices will pleasantly please;
• it is very beneficial to come here during the sales seasons, which usually take place in winter or summer. At this time, you can update your wardrobe with a discount of 30 to 70%;
• when entering a store, you need to pay attention to the presence of a tax-free sticker. This means that by issuing a special receipt at the checkout, you will be able to return part of the money spent at the airport.

And be sure to take into account the local flavor when choosing gifts for loved ones: you need to bring something from Germany with a German accent.