Kaufingerstrasse (Munich)

The Kaufingerstrasse is one of Munich’s oldest streets and the city’s busiest shopping district. It is located in the heart of the city centre and winds its way from the central square of Marienplatz to Karlsplatz Stachus. On cheap city breaks in Munich, you are bound to frequent it at some point whether or not shopping is on the agenda. It comprises large imposing neo classical buildings housing large department stores and German and internationally known chain stores offering everything from mainstream fashions, gifts, books, electronics and food. It is Munich’s answer to Oxford Street, however it is fully pedestrianized and boasts a lively atmosphere day and night.

 

It is essentially a place for mainstream high street shopping but the side streets that run off the Kaufingerstrasse are where you will find the real hidden gems and tempting bargains. Stroll down Goethestrasse and Schillerstrasse for exotic Greek and Turkish goodies or a myriad of other streets stocking traditional Bavarian lederhosen, winter woollies, antiques and independent fashion labels. Best buys on short breaks to Munich include colourful ceramics and handmade wooden toys and no visit is complete without taking home an authentic Bavarian stein glass.

 

There is a myriad of cafes and bars to rest weary legs after an hour or two of window shopping. The famous Augustiner Bierkeller is located on the Kaufingerstrasse and is a must for traditional Bavarian hospitality, culture and of course beer with a real X factor. A short hop away is the incomparable   Viktualienmarkt food market, one of the very finest in Europe and a heavenly experience for gourmet food fans. On Christmas city breaks in Munich, you will have a whale of a time on the Kaufingerstrasse with extended opening hours, great festive entertainment and beautifully elaborate window displays everywhere. The aroma of mulled wine and twinkling fairy lights is an experience not to be missed and great fun for kids too.