The most popular streets in Munich are overflowing with exceptional shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks. Many of these thoroughfares are focused in and around the historic city centre, so you can easily make your way around on foot and by public transport.

As Germany's 3rd most populous city, Munich’s streets and squares regularly come to life with live events and festivals. Whether you’re looking to glimpse back into the Middle Ages or party with young and trendy locals, there's a vibrant street brimming with activities for you to make the most out of your stay. Read on for our favourite streets and squares in Munich.

  • 1

    Sendlinger Strasse

    Discover historic monuments and great dining

    Sendlinger Strasse
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Sendlinger Strasse is undoubtedly one of Munich’s most famous streets, renowned for its stylish boutiques, trendy cafes and proximity to many of the city’s celebrated landmarks. Situated to the southwest of the city centre, this strip is bursting with activity from dawn to dusk. Here, you’ll find well-known fashion brands such as Superdry, Levi’s and Quiksilver.

    However, dining is also a major focus, with the vibrant Hackerhaus brewpub featuring traditional Bavarian decor and cuisine. With storied monuments like the Sendlinger Tor (a 14th-century city gate) and St Peter's Church just a quick walk away, you won’t have a problem spending a few hours along Sendlinger Strasse.

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  • 2

    Rindermarkt

    Find glamorous shopping malls and tourist landmarks

    Rindermarkt
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Rindermarkt is a pleasant street and square sitting just south of the city centre. Recognised as one of Munich’s oldest streets, it was once a cattle market, which makes sense considering that’s what Rindermarkt directly translates to in English. Now, you’ll find plenty of shopping and dining options along this popular route.

    Just around the corner from Rindermarkt is Galeria München Marienplatz – a sprawling department store featuring dozens of local and international brands. The stylish Kaufingertor Passage also features high-end cafes and stores beneath a modern glass roof. Plus, landmarks like Lion’s Tower and the 200-year-old Victuals Market are just a few steps away.

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  • 3

    Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauser Strasse

    Browse high-street shops and chill out in relaxed cafes

    Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauser Strasse
    • Food
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    The interconnected Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauser Strasse are some of the most bustling streets you’ll find in Munich. Stretching west from the city centre, this lively pedestrian pathway is lined with shops dedicated to high-street fashion brands, ranging from Zara and Snipes to Jack Wolfskin and Urban Outfitters.

    This part of the city has many excellent cafes and restaurants. Rischart is a great spot for coffee and pastries, while Augustiner Stammhaus is a much-loved Bavarian restaurant situated inside a historic brewery featuring fascinating Art Nouveau architecture. Head to the Karlsplatz Station to access the area with ease.

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  • 4

    Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse

    Aristocratic landmarks and world-class dining

    Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse
    • Food
    • History
    • Luxury
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse is in Munich Old Town, running across its luxurious north-western fringe. With this part of the city famous for its age-old architecture that rises above the streetscape, aristocrats have built grand palaces and public buildings in this glorious neighbourhood over the last few hundred years.

    Here, you’ll discover an array of local luxury brands selling everything from jewellery to delicate chinaware. As you might expect, there is also a fine selection of restaurants, including the ultra-refined cuisine at Pageou and contemporary cocktails at Barista. Alongside museums and galleries, Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse offers endless activities.

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  • 5

    Residenzstrasse

    Explore historic monuments and high-end shopping

    Residenzstrasse
    • History
    • Luxury
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Residenzstrasse is a charming pedestrian street linking the stunning square of Max-Joseph-Platz to Odeonsplatz to the north. Spanning both sides of this lengthy pathway are grand historic buildings, with many ground-floor storefronts dedicated to lavish goods, such as jewellery and leather products.

    However, most visitors to Munich wandering Residenzstrasse are there to admire the striking monuments. You can find the 18th-century Preising Palace, a Rococo-style mansion, and the western wing of the Munich Residenz, which once served as the royal palace. In addition to restaurants and cafes, Residenzstrasse is a great spot for a stroll.

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  • 6

    Tal Street

    Tour this medieval-era road to find shopping and dining

    Tal Street
    • Food
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Tal Street runs from Munich Old Town near the Marienplatz central square east to the historic Isartor city gate. While it’s not so obvious these days, this route was once part of the medieval salzstrasse (salt road), which saw people and goods travel from Austria to Switzerland via this section of Munich.

    Tal Street now offers wonderful shopping with fashionable vintage stores and department malls providing plenty of retail options. There is also a fine selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, including the beloved Hans im Glück burger chain. Plus, the iconic Hofbräuhaus München is just around the corner.

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  • 7

    Maximilianstrasse

    An opulent side of Munich

    Maximilianstrasse
    • History
    • Luxury
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Maximilianstrasse is where the wealthy go shopping in Munich. Recognised as one of the city’s royal avenues, work began on this stunning road in 1850 after King Maximilian II of Bavaria commissioned it. Starting at Max-Joseph-Plat, it runs from east to west past several impressive galleries, museums, and parks.

    Maximilianstrasse is believed to have the highest retail rents in Germany, with glamorous brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Louis Vuitton all having opulent retail stores along this strip. Meanwhile, there is a stellar collection of local boutiques, jewellery stores, and hotels, including the 5-star Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten.

    Map
  • 8

    Theatinerstrasse

    Roam historic squares and discover upscale shopping malls

    Theatinerstrasse
    • History
    • Luxury
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Theatinerstrasse is a prominent pedestrian street that connects the historic market square of Odeonsplatz with Marienhof. Part of Munich Old Town, it’s a popular destination for those looking to glimpse the city’s classical landmarks, including the towering Feldherrnhalle monument and the vast Wittelsbacherplatz square.

    Theatinerstrasse is also well-known for its luxury shops, with the likes of Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani and Massimo Dutti stocking attractive clothing and accessories. Meanwhile, the upmarket Fünf Höfe shopping complex presents even more shopping and dining options while featuring stylish courtyards and passages decorated with modern art.

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  • 9

    Hohenzollernstrasse

    The creative side of Munich with artsy dining and shops

    Hohenzollernstrasse
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Hohenzollernstrasse runs from east to west through Munich’s ultra-cool Schwabing district to the north of the city centre. Stretching for around 2 km, both sides of this busy boulevard feature creative stores operated by the city’s top makers, designers, and curators, such as Bertrand Workwear, Kostüme Breuer, and Kunst Oase.

    Hohenzollernstrasse’s dining scene is just as good, with standouts like HeimWerk Schwabing, Bodeguita and Royal Healthy Slices specialising in local and international cuisine. With historic landmarks and cinemas like Monopol Kino also within close proximity, wandering the length of Hohenzollernstrasse introduces you to the best Munich has to offer.

    Map

    photo by Rufus46 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Schellingstrasse

    Shop, eat and party alongside Munich’s young and cool

    Schellingstrasse
    • Nightlife
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Schellingstrasse is a vibrant street in Munich’s appealing university district of Maxvorstadt. This inner north borough is renowned for its cultural landmarks, stylish boutiques, and hip pubs. Its youthful residents have no shortage of activities to enjoy throughout the day and late into the evening.

    Along Schellingstrasse, you’ll find chic vintage women’s clothing at Fräulein Spitzbarth and an impressive collection of quirky homewares and gifts at Breitengrad. Head to Ginkgo in the evening for colourful cocktails and tapas in a cool setting. Alternatively, the nearby underground Tumult features live rock gigs and affordable drinks.

    Map

    photo by Maximilian Dörrbecker (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Hudson Brown | Contributing Writer