Munich

🛒

Shopping for Essentials

Key options for purchasing daily essentials like groceries, pharmacies, and household goods in Munich.

Sections

1. Groceries

Munich offers a wide range of options for grocery shopping, from budget-friendly supermarkets to specialty stores and farmers' markets.

Supermarkets

  • Aldi, Lidl, and Netto: These are discount supermarkets offering affordable prices on basic groceries, including fresh produce, dairy, bread, and pantry staples. Expect to pay around €0.80–€1.50 for a loaf of bread, €1.50–€2.50 for a liter of milk, and €2–€4 for a kilogram of apples.
  • Rewe and Edeka: Mid-range supermarkets with a broader selection of products, including organic and international items. Prices are slightly higher than discount stores, but the quality and variety are excellent.
  • Bio-Supermarkets (e.g., Alnatura, Denn’s Biomarkt): These stores specialize in organic and sustainable products. A kilogram of organic apples might cost €3–€5, and organic milk around €1.50–€2.50 per liter.

Specialty Stores

  • Asian, Middle Eastern, and African Stores: For international ingredients, visit specialty stores like Asia Markt or Turkish supermarkets in areas like Sendling or Haidhausen.
  • Bakeries (Bäckerei): Munich is famous for its bread and pastries. Local bakeries like Rischart or Hofpfisterei offer fresh, high-quality baked goods. A pretzel (Brezn) costs around €0.50–€1.50.

Farmers' Markets

  • Viktualienmarkt: Located in the city center, this iconic market offers fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and flowers. Prices are higher than supermarkets, but the quality and experience are unmatched.
  • Weekly Markets: Smaller farmers' markets are held in neighborhoods like Schwabing or Gärtnerplatz. Check local schedules for market days.

Cultural Tips

  • Bring your own reusable shopping bags, as plastic bags are rarely provided and cost extra (€0.10–€0.50).
  • Supermarkets often require a €1 coin deposit for shopping carts.
  • Stores are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping accordingly.

2. Household Items

For household essentials like cleaning supplies, kitchenware, and basic furniture, Munich has several options:

Budget Stores

  • dm, Rossmann, and Müller: These drugstores sell cleaning products, toiletries, and some household items. A bottle of dish soap costs around €1–€2, and laundry detergent €3–€6.
  • Tedi and Kik: Discount stores offering inexpensive household goods, decorations, and small appliances.

Department Stores

  • Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt: These large department stores carry a wide range of household items, from cookware to bedding. Prices are mid-range to high, depending on the brand.

Furniture and Home Goods

  • IKEA: Located in the outskirts of Munich (e.g., Brunnthal or Eching), IKEA is a popular choice for affordable furniture and home decor.
  • Höffner and Segmüller: For higher-end furniture and home goods, these stores are worth exploring.

Cultural Tips

  • Germans value quality and durability, so even budget items are often well-made.
  • Recycling is taken seriously. Familiarize yourself with the local waste separation system, as you may need specific bins or bags for different types of waste.

3. Clothing

Whether you need everyday wear, seasonal clothing, or something more formal, Munich has options for all budgets.

Budget-Friendly Stores

  • Primark: Located in the PEP shopping center, Primark offers very affordable clothing and accessories.
  • C&A and H&M: Popular for reasonably priced, casual clothing for all ages.

Mid-Range and High-End Stores

  • Zara, Mango, and Esprit: These stores offer stylish, mid-range clothing.
  • Maximilianstraße: Munich’s luxury shopping street, featuring brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel.

Second-Hand and Vintage

  • Oxfam and Humana: Great for affordable, second-hand clothing.
  • Vintage Stores in Glockenbachviertel: This trendy area has unique vintage shops for one-of-a-kind finds.

Seasonal Considerations

  • Munich winters can be cold, so invest in a good-quality winter coat (€100–€300) and sturdy boots (€50–€150).
  • For traditional Bavarian clothing (e.g., Dirndl or Lederhosen), visit specialty stores like Angermaier or Lodenfrey. Prices range from €100–€500 depending on quality.

4. Personal Care Products

Personal care items are widely available in Munich, with options for every budget.

Drugstores

  • dm, Rossmann, and Müller: These stores are the go-to places for toiletries, cosmetics, and over-the-counter medications. A bottle of shampoo costs around €2–€5, and toothpaste €1–€3.

Pharmacies (Apotheke)

  • For prescription medications and specialized skincare products, visit an Apotheke. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can provide advice. Note that over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen are more expensive (€5–€10 for a small pack).

High-End Beauty Stores

  • Douglas: A chain store offering premium cosmetics, perfumes, and skincare products.
  • Sephora: Located in department stores like Galeria Kaufhof, Sephora carries international beauty brands.

Cultural Tips

  • Pharmacies are closed on Sundays, but there is always an emergency pharmacy (Notdienst) open. Check online or at the nearest pharmacy for details.
  • Germans prioritize natural and organic products, so you’ll find many eco-friendly options.

5. Shopping Procedures and Payment

  • Payment Methods: While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, some smaller stores and markets prefer cash. Always carry some cash (Euros) with you.
  • Tax-Free Shopping: If you’re a non-EU resident, you can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €50. Ask for a tax-free form at the store and present it at the airport when leaving the EU.
  • Store Hours: Most stores are open Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Shops are closed on Sundays, except for some bakeries and convenience stores at train stations.

6. Local Considerations and Cultural Tips

  • Eco-Conscious Shopping: Munich residents are environmentally conscious. Use reusable bags, avoid excessive packaging, and recycle properly.
  • Customer Service: German customer service is efficient but not overly friendly. Don’t mistake this for rudeness—it’s just a cultural norm.
  • Queues: Germans value order, so always wait your turn in line.
  • Language: While many store employees speak English, learning a few basic German phrases (e.g., “Haben Sie das in meiner Größe?” – “Do you have this in my size?”) can be helpful.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to shop for essentials in Munich. Whether you’re looking for groceries, household items, clothing, or personal care products, the city offers a variety of options to suit your needs and budget. Enjoy your time in Munich!