Veröffentlicht von The Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s most famous food market and one of the liveliest places in the city. Located just a few steps from Marienplatz, this open-air market combines fresh produce, Bavarian specialties, international delicacies and one of the most popular beer gardens in central Munich.
If you want to experience everyday Munich beyond museums and palaces, the Viktualienmarkt is the right place. Locals shop here for high-quality ingredients, while visitors enjoy snacks, coffee and traditional Bavarian food.
Munich Food & Beer Tours
Combine your Viktualienmarkt visit with a guided food or beer tasting tour in the Old Town.
Where Is Viktualienmarkt?
The market is located in the heart of Munich’s Old Town, directly south of Marienplatz. It is easy to reach by public transport via the U-Bahn or S-Bahn station Marienplatz.
Nearby attractions include:
This central location makes it a perfect stop during any city tour.
Short video with impressions of the Viktualienmarkt (Youtube)
History of Viktualienmarkt
The Viktualienmarkt dates back to 1807 when King Maximilian I ordered the relocation of Munich’s main food market from Marienplatz to its current location. The name “Viktualien” comes from the Latin word “victualia,” meaning food supplies.
Over the centuries, the market grew from a small farmers’ market into a permanent open-air market with dozens of stalls. Today, it covers approximately 22,000 square meters and includes more than 100 vendors.
Schlemmer-Tour Viktualienmarkt MunichA very popular guided tour in Munich is the gourmet tour over the famous Viktualienmarkt in the city centre. Duration of the market tour about 2 hours, you can try many things for free: Sausage, cheese, fruits and many Bavarian specialities. Well done, entertaining and informative. Our recommendation. >>>>> More Information and Booking |
What Can You Buy at Viktualienmarkt?
The market offers a wide variety of fresh and prepared foods. Highlights include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Cheese from Bavaria and Europe
- Traditional sausages (Bratwurst, Weißwurst)
- Fresh bread and pastries
- Honey, spices and herbs
- Seafood and fish
- International delicacies
Many stalls also sell ready-to-eat snacks, perfect for a quick lunch while exploring the Old Town.
The Beer Garden at Viktualienmarkt
One of the most popular areas is the beer garden in the center of the market. It is shaded by chestnut trees and offers classic Bavarian beers from Munich’s six traditional breweries.
Features:
- Self-service seating
- Rotating beer selection
- Traditional Bavarian snacks
- Relaxed, casual atmosphere
Like most traditional beer gardens, you are allowed to bring your own food if you purchase drinks on site.
Opening Hours
The Viktualienmarkt is open daily except Sundays and public holidays. However, individual stall opening hours may vary. The beer garden usually operates during daytime hours.
Early morning is best if you want to see locals shopping for fresh ingredients. Late morning to early afternoon is ideal for snacks and lunch.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning: Fewer crowds, fresh produce
- Midday: Lively atmosphere, lunch options
- Summer: Best beer garden experience
- December: Christmas market atmosphere
Weekends can be busy, especially in summer.
Special Events and Traditions
The Viktualienmarkt hosts seasonal events such as:
- Maypole celebrations
- Traditional Bavarian music events
- Fasching (Carnival) activities
During Advent, the market becomes part of Munich’s Christmas market scene.
Photography Tips
- Capture colorful fruit and flower stalls
- Photograph the central maypole (Maibaum)
- Take wide shots of the beer garden under trees
- Morning light creates softer colors
How Long Should You Plan?
- 30 minutes for a quick walk-through
- 1 hour for snacks and browsing
- 2 hours including beer garden stop
It’s easy to combine with a visit to Marienplatz and nearby churches.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Central location
- Authentic Bavarian food atmosphere
- Great beer garden
- Excellent photo opportunities
Cons
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Prices higher than supermarkets
- Closed on Sundays
Is Viktualienmarkt Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Viktualienmarkt is one of the best places to experience Munich’s culinary culture in a relaxed outdoor setting. Whether you want to taste local specialties, enjoy a beer in the center of the city or simply explore, it’s a must-see stop.
Our tip: Sightseeing tour through Munich |
| A great possibility to see a lot of Munich in 1-2 days are the so called Hop On / Hop off buses. These are red double-decker buses in British style, which drive on 3 different routes through Munich. You can get off at many stops and continue with a later bus. Tickets for the hop on / hop off buses are much cheaper on the Internet at Getyourguide than on site. More information: Click here |
Viktualienmarkt products
The Viktualienmarkt in Munich is a daily dining experience in the heart of the city of millions. It is one of the most famous and popular places in Munich, both for locals and tourists. Covering an area of around 22,000 square meters, the Viktualienmarkt offers a wide variety of fresh foods and delicacies. Here are some of the products you can find at Viktualienmarkt
Fruit and vegetables Let fresh, seasonal and often local fruit and vegetables steep.
Meat and sausage products From traditional Bavarian specialties to cross-border types of meat.
Meat Colorful meats, both raw for the kitchen and previously prepared.
Fish A wide selection of fresh fish and seafood.
Bread and rolls From traditional German breads to sweet rolls.
Flowers and Shops Several stalls offer fresh flowers, sauces and shops.
Specialty Shops These include shops that offer olive oil painting, spices, teas, coffee, and other specialty foods.
Gourmet stalls Some stalls and small shops specialize in delicacies and gourmet foods.
Beer garden As part of the request there is a traditional Munich beer theater where visitors can take a break and treat themselves to Bavarian delicacies and a cold beer.
International stalls In addition to traditional German and Bavarian products, there are also stalls offering food and delicacies from the world’s colorful corridor.
Link tips:
The Rialto market in Venice, the biggest market in this beautiful city in Italy.
The Campo di Fiori market in the centre of Rome, the famous flower market, where you can also buy food and much more,
The Naschmarkt Vienna, a market mainly for exotic food