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For a special experience, be sure to visit the Viktualienmarkt, founded in 1807. Formerly a farmers’ market, it has evolved into a shopping destination for gourmets. From Monday to Saturday, you will find daily offerings of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, and flowers, as well as exotic spices and other speciality foods. The market also features a small beer garden under the maypole and several fountains with sculptures portraying popular characters from Munich’s history.

Located in Schwabing, Elisabethplatz was named after the Austrian empress Elisabeth (Sisi). This market, which is closed on Sundays, has been here since 1903 and is the second-largest one in Munich. Along with fruit, vegetables, cheese, sausage, and wine, market stalls offer many homemade specialities. The small market café is especially attractive.

Many made-for-TV films shot in Munich use the permanent market stalls on Wiener Platz in Haid-hausen as a backdrop. Local tradespeople and office workers drop by on their coffee breaks for a quick snack at one of the kiosks.

Munich’s indoor Großmarkt (wholesale market) has a vibrant atmosphere. Opened in 1912, the complex features four large halls. Several excellent restaurants and pubs have established themselves in and around the market.

Church festivals, held here from the 14th century onward, evolved into popular annual fairs (Dulten ), and eventually into three nine-day fairs: Maidult, in late April; Jakobidult, starting 25 July; and Herbstdult, in late October. As aromas of roasted almonds and grilled fish waft through the air, vendors loudly proclaim the virtues of their wares – dishes, candles, patent medicine, and, of course, knick-knacks.

For antique furniture, head to Antikpalast (Rosenheimer Straße 143). The flea and antique market in Daglfing (Traberstraße 1) has a large selection of glass, silver, porcelain, paintings, rustic furniture, and more. Many treasures can also be found at the flea and antique market in Munich-Freimann (Lilienthalallee 29).

Perfect for rummaging and strolling are the giant flea market on the Theresienwiese in April and the largest open-air flea market in Bavaria, on the grounds of the Neue Messe (Alfons-GoppelStraße 3).

Perhaps a sign of the times, second-hand has gone mainstream, and “vintage” stores are springing up overnight.

Christmas markets are a long-standing and utterly charming tradition here. The largest is held on Marienplatz, while those located in Schwabing and Haidhausen offer the best atmosphere.

Monthly horse auctions are held at the livestock hall near the abattoir.