About a year ago, I dedicated a post to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest outdoor market.
In the comments section, a fellow blogger told me Vienna’s market reminded her of the Viktualienmarkt in Munich. I paid a lot of attention to that tip. Don’t ask me how (I cannot even pronounce that word) but I made a mental note. I had to visit one day. After all, I am a market freak.
The dreamed trip to Munich came quicker than expected. Yes, the market kept coming to mind once I set foot at the train station. After a short stop at the hotel, we started walking towards Old Town.
After taking a glimpse of Marienplatz and Alter Peter, we continued moving towards our objective. A few seconds later, we started to see one beautiful stall after another. It was way better than what we expected!
My husband told me: “You always find the best places!” I accepted the compliment without telling him I had some help with this one (wink, wink).
“Viktualien” is a Latin word that means food. Therefore, the entire term indicates this is a food market. Simple, right?
The market origins date back to the early 1800s when the space used to store cereals in Marienplatz became too small. King Maximilian I ordered the relocation of a certain area. With time, the market expanded and gained notoriety.
The area suffered extensive damage after World War II. After a revitalization sponsored by the government and the help of citizens, Viktualienmarkt reopened in 2005.
If you are visiting Munich, make sure to spend some time at the market.
Table of Contents
8 Reasons to Visit Viktualienmarkt – Munich Best Market
Located in Old Town
If you stop by Munich, I am pretty sure you are going to visit top attractions such as Marienplatz, Alter Peter, and the two town halls. Well, the Viktualienmarkt is steps away from these places and spaces.
What is more, you can see some of them from the market grounds (so, you have a different photographic angle). Other ornate buildings can be seen in the surroundings too.
Open Air and Green
Covered markets with their low lights, cramped stalls, and sharp smells have a certain appeal. Nevertheless, there is something enchanting about a market where you can browse freely without feeling encapsulated.
And, there are trees and plenty of benches to sit down. I am not sure I have seen the market – park – garden concept before. You can get whatever you want and have a picnic right there. Or, if your feet are aching after walking 10 miles, you have a place to sit down and relax.
Spacious
This market covers an area of 244,000 sq ft or 22,000 m2. That means you may not need to turn into a canned sardine to buy something. I am not exaggerating. Have you been to markets with super narrow halls or alleys? I have and it is not fun.
In this market, there is space between halls. I would describe it as a little village where you can walk from one small house to another one. I am sure there are times when this market is bursting with people but in most cases, you should have enough wiggle room.
Plenty of food and vegetables
Ok, I have given you some good information about the market but we are about to get to the best things it has to offer. Get prepared for this, the market has more than 140 stalls offering fruits, vegetables, juices, spices and so on.
Stalls sell plenty of berries, peaches, and bananas. But, it is not only about the products we are accustomed to seeing. I saw carob, mangosteens, and jackfruit. I was very impressed by the variety I got to witness. The place gives you the opportunity for some adventurous eating.
Also, it is nice to see what it is in season. White asparaguses were all over the place when we visited. We had the opportunity to try the delicious morsels covered in béchamel sauce. They tasted glorious!
Local and Regional Products
There are tons of fresh produce on the market but artisan products rule too. To me, places, where you can experience local delicacies, are a must. There are stalls selling cheese, olives, vegetable spreads, honey, dried fruits, wine, sausages, oil, vinegar, mustard, bread and much more.
Many vendors offer samples. This provides visitors an excellent opportunity to taste before committing to buy. Also, it is a good way to start a chat with the sellers. They may give you interesting information about how they create their products.
Prepared Food
Inside the market, you are going to find stores and restaurants. I told you the place feels like a village. You can get everything from Biergarten fare to international options (quiches, pizza, taco salads, soups, etc.). And, yes, sausages are sold in practically every corner.
Unique Souvenirs
Edibles are the market forte. That is not something I have to say. It is expected. The great thing is that there are certain stalls which sell pretty home and bath goods. Those trying to find goods to take back home may score a nice deal in here (and get something locally made).
This is a fun place!
If I have not given you enough reasons, well, let’s just say this market is tons of fun! You can eat drink, sit, relax and chat with locals. And, you can do that pretty much all day and then part of the night too. Tell me if this doesn’t feel like heaven!
Details
- The market is open Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. but most stall close around 6:00 p.m.
- Go early to avoid crowds
- Take cash since many vendors do not accept electronic forms of payment
- There are ATM machines in Marienplatz
- Show respect when taking photos of the stalls. If you see “no photos” signs, please respect that. When in doubt, ask
- Use good judgment when sampling products
- Do not touch fresh product or goods
- Don’t make the same mistake we made. If you are thinking about getting some non-perishables, get them at the moment. We wanted to buy several things and left it for later since we didn’t want to carry the things around. Well, we didn’t have time for later
Other Markets in Europe
- Mercado San Miguel– Madrid
- La Boqueria– Barcelona
- Mercat Central– Valencia
- Naschmarkt– Vienna
- Great Market Hall – Budapest
Day Trip from Munich
- Beautiful Neuschwanstein – The castle that inspired Walt Disney
Additional Resources
Have you visited or would like to visit the Viktualienmarkt? Let me know in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this post, please remember to share!
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Mary {The World Is A Book} says
We absolutely loved VIKTUALIENMARKT for all the reasons you listed above. Our hotel was nearby so we made it a point to walk here for lunch and dinner during our week in Munich. They really had the best choices for food. I now regret not coming home with some of those home made souvenirs. Thanks for a great trip down memory lane.
Carol says
Another beautiful post that takes me on a little journey. Indeed the market is a wonderful place to visit.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says
Oh my – I’m positively DROOLING! What a marvelous place, and your photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/12/at-dusk.html
photo cache says
Wow, I have to make a mental note of this too. I love markets and hopefully I will land here someday.
Jo Hedges says
What a promotional tour you did of this insteresting market. I loved the look of the cheeses the best. Greetings from Jo,, South Africa
Lorelle says
I love markets like this Ruth. There is always fresh, homemade produce which you simply can’t beat! 🙂
Buckeroomama says
Wow, what a smorgasbord of treats! I love markets. I don’t recall visiting this when we were in Munich, though. Granted, that was 20 years ago and I was not as “into” markets as I am now.
Molly says
Oh the food all looks amazing
Mollyx
Kay Davies says
Food, glorious food! A wonderful reason for a visit to this market! Prawns (or giant shrimp?) and quiche, in particular, caught my eye amidst all the mouthwatering items.
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
California Globetrotter says
I didn’t realize it had only reopened in 2005! I know it had been around for a long time though! They say you haven’t truly been to Munich until you’ve been to the Viktualienmarkt! I wasn’t very excited when I found that you can also get horse meat there! #CityTripping
jesh stg says
Ah those quiches, to die for! Somehow I missed your last link up last week – I looked in the morning, but it wasn’t up yet, so then I forgot… Munchen was one of the places for conferences for hubby’s job, but can’t remember if I was there. The clock tower is a stunning detail! Thanks for posting:)
Sarah says
Ahhh I loved this market when I was in Munich last month!! It’s just perfect isn’t it?! We went three times lol.
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
I love really good food markets – even just to wander around and gaze at all the wonderful produce on display, although it’s probably rare for me to leave without buying something to eat! This one looks particularly tempting. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Lady Fi says
Mmm – all that fresh produce looks delicious!
Vanessa Brune says
I’ve been to Munich 2 years ago but I don’t think I visited Viktualienmarkt. Gonna have to check it out on my next visit 🙂
jill says
We just booked our flights to Munich for next year – my first time there – and I hope to remember this market like you did and impress my husband, too! Looks like a winner!
Samantha says
Wow all the goodies at the market reminds me of how much fun it is to go around markets on holiday trying all the local foods! I would love to visit the Munich market like you, it sounds great!
Sharon Wagner says
I’m glad its almost lunch after seeing this post!
Sol Solntze says
Oh, that is definitely a market worth visiting. Although I think I;d be a bit grumpy it wasn’t my local for all the fabulous fresh food. Still, plenty else there too!
Elaine J Masters says
I just have to visit the markets in Europe one holiday season. Nice to hear that the lanes are wide and your pictures are wonderful.
Sharon says
Wow — you do find the best places! This market is far more extensive than I would have guessed. So much color and good food. I missed this during my one trip to Munich, but if I ever make it back, this is on my list!
Sheree says
Not gonna lie, I feel pretty hungry now! That fruit looks great, I hope to make it to one of these markets someday! #flyawayfriday
Amanda Keeley-Thurman says
How delicious looking. I love European markets. This ones in Munich looks simply lovely.
Hayley Hornberg says
Ahhh…this is an amazing guide! Every picture of the food had me drooling. We’re going to Munich next Fall and I’m totally putting this on our list. What a great recommendation. #flyawayfree
Kylie Neuhaus says
Wow! What a range of produce!!! I recently shopped at a farmers market and the food tastes so much better than food from a shop!
Esther says
I have very warm feelings towards Viktualienmarkt. Munich was the first trip husband and I took together, when we first met. It was a little rainy and chilly when we arrived in Munich and by coincidence, the first place we ended up in Munich was the Viktualienmarkt. We sat down at one of the bars and had steaming hot goulash soup, we sooooo needed that. I love the photos you took!!
#TravelPhotoThursday
Anna says
I´ve been to Munich only once for a day, haven´t seen the Viktualienmarkt, but loved the city! This fresh food looks amazing… #TheWeeklyPostcard
Lynne Nieman says
This looks absolutely amazing! I’ve read a bit about it for a travel client but I wish I had your post before hand. I’m not officially hungry as well! Great post with some fabulous images!
Allison says
How did I miss this the two times I was in Munich? You do find the coolest markets! #FlyAwayFriday
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) says
What a fabulous market to visit and I must make a note to remember to visit on my next trip to Munich. The stunning photos with amazing fruit and vegetables and let’s not forget the cheese and flowers plus so much more. You have now made me hungry… lol. ? I pinned this for later. #feetdotravel
Victoria says
Yes I have heard a day at the Market in Munich is a fun experience! There is so much in Munich that I barely got to pass by on my walking city tour thought- but will make it a must stop next time I am in this city!
Deborah Regen says
Aaaaaahhhhh! I love this! Your photos and descriptions are great – I feel like I am there too. What beautiful produce, specialty foods, and locally made gifts. This market gives one another reason to visit Munich.
Deborah Regen says
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Anda says
I love Viktualienmarkt! My cousin lives in Munich and I often visit her. This is one of the places I always make sure to visit every time I am in Munich. Some years ago I went there over Christmas and they had some winter specialties they I didn’t see in summer. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Felicia Broccolo says
This looks so nice! I love all of the pictures you included! I would love to visit this market 🙂
budget jan says
I love that it is such a relaxing place with plenty of room and places to sit. I can totally see how it would be possible to stay there all day and all night. Your photos really show it to perfection. I found myself lingering over the cheese photographs and the sausages too!
Yvette Benhamou says
I love going to local markets to sample a little (too much) of the regional delicacies. This place looks incredible. Love the photos.
Varsha says
Great information. I live in Munich and Viktulianmarkt is my favorite place for shopping. Thanks for sharing this post.
#FlyAwayFriday
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
I’ve never been to Munich. Now I have eight reasons just to visit its market. Sounds fantastic! I need to book flights… #citytripping
Zara @ Backpack ME says
I love visiting markets too! I must admit, though, that I’m usually not too excited about visiting markets in Europe.. ’cause I generally find them less exciting compared to those in Asia or Latin America. But this is such a big generalization, of course! And, actually, this market looks pretty good, with tons of variety and colors! 🙂
Travel Lexx says
Viktualienmarkt is one of my favourite spots in Munich too – I always make time to visit it and grab some fresh food or a beer. Last year I was there around Christmas and we had some gluhwein and delicious currywurst! Fantastic photos!
Lara Dunning says
Love visiting markets and see all the farm-fresh goods, local products, and vendor food stalls. Walking around a market with all the colors and aromas is such a fun experience, and at this one, I’d be sucked right into the cheese! Would love to go on an empty stomach and eat my way around the market. 🙂
Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) says
Wow the town looks beautiful and the fresh produce looks sooooo delicious! I really hope to visit that side of the world one day.
Sherrie says
Munich is one of the places I plan to visit when I go to Germany and I love outdoor markets like this. Kind of amazing that it was damaged during WWII but they didn’t revitalize it until 2005! Looks like a great spot to visit.
Shona says
This a fantastic market. The fresh produce looks amazing and like you, I love checking out the local delicacies so if there are samples I’m in. Great post and beautiful pics as usual! 🙂
Agness of Fit Travelling says
This market seems exceptional and it definitely has a lot to offer, Ruth. I really hope to explore Munich soon and cross this market off my bucket list. Is it open all year long?
Ilana says
I always love to stop there when in Munich, at least for some little food tasting and maybe a beer too!
Sherab Tenzin says
Hi,
Munich surely has looks which travelers would love to explore. And as you mentioned, Marienplatz and Alter Peter look very towering and beautiful. Would love to visit Munich.
afisindhu says
Thanks for sharing this outstanding post. Keep writing and stay blessed. 🙂
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World says
Oh I do love a food market. We always try to hit one up on our travels. It is such a great way to see what the locals eat, what is available and find affordable food! This looks right up my alley – such diverse choices too! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Kana says
Oh my goodness Ruth! Visiting local markets is one of my favorite things to do! The produce looks so fresh and yes please to all that cheese! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday – hope to see you for the 1st one of 2018 tomorrow! xo
Janine says
This market looks amazing. I am a believer in supporting local and there would be no hesitation in buying all that cheese! I need to head back to Munich. I was only there briefly. Thanks so much for coming out to the Christmas Fly Away Friday. Happy new Year and see you tomorrow!
kiran v bakale says
The market is good
Jessica says
Wow, what a cool market! I haven’t made it to Munich yet, but I’m definitely itching for a return trip to Germany. Your photos are gorgeous! It definitely looks like a fantastic place to meander and explore for a day. The cheeses and meats especially look delicious! Thanks for sharing all of those great tips, can’t wait to go!