Brass bands, twinkling lights and Glühwein… Will Taylor seeks out the best Christmas markets in Munich.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY Cortiina Hotel, Ledererstraße 8, 80331 If you’re looking for a stylish, friendly place to base yourself in the heart of the city then this is the hotel for you. A fine example of refined design, the Cortiina offers unmatched access to the city’s creative scene thanks to its well-connected owners, food connoisseur Rudi Kull and architect Albert Weinzierl, who have a great relationship with the surrounding community.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS Chinesischer Turm Perfect for the magical Christmas experience at a festive market deep inside the famous English Garden.
Kripperlmarkt Stop by these stalls to find ornate cribs and other nativity accessories.
Marienplatz Here you’ll find an abundance of market stalls selling decorations.
Sendlinger Tor Perfect for craft lovers, this market sells a host of homemade pieces.
Stephansplatz The gay ‘Pink Christmas’ market is the city’s most vibrant, with a healthy dose of glühwein and live music performances.
Viktualienmarkt This year-round market gets a festive makeover in December.
FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT Cafe Fräulein, Frauenstraße 11, 80469 As you walk down the street you can’t miss the charming yellow and white striped awning of this café, which is ideal for brunch and allows diners to choose different breads, jams and condiments from a vintage trolley. Cafe Fräulein is small, quaint, with incredibly friendly owners, and very popular with local residents.
Schrannenhalle, Viktualienmarkt 15, 80331 Not technically a restaurant but more a stylish market hall that has a variety of culinary offerings from the Alpine region with little eateries mixed in amongst the stalls. Centrally located, this is the perfect spot to pick up foodie pieces to take home or enjoy a quick, light lunch.
Theresa, Theresienstraße 29, 80333 Distinctly urban, this Munich hotspot is popular with the city’s stylish crowd. Light and airy by day, cosy and atmospheric by night, the restaurant offers a menu of rich meat and fresh fish dishes. Arrive early so you can enjoy a cocktail in the waiting area.
FAVOURITE STORES Abovo, Rumfordstraße 8, 80469
Butlers, Theatinerstraße 14, 80333
Delikatessen, Reichenbachstraße 24, 80469
Koton, Barer Straße 38, 80333
Ladoug, Müllerstraße 30, 80469
Sinneswahn, Hohenzollernstraße 37, 80801
Thiersch 15, Thierschstraße 15, 80538
1260 Grad, Sedanstraße 27, 81667
The Simple Things’ Marketplace editor Will is a freelance interiors journalist and colour addict who has channelled his love for colourful interiors into his blog, Bright.Bazaar. His first interior design book will be published next spring.
Read the full feature in issue 17 of The Simple Things.