The Viktualienmarkt is Munich's best-known food market, and this tour is the most thorough way to eat your way through it. A guide leads a group of no more than 15 people from Marienplatz to the Schrannenhalle and then spends around three hours among the stalls of the Viktualienmarkt itself, which has operated since 1807. The tastings are generous: the tour description counts more than 20, and lunch, snacks and alcoholic drinks are all included. Reviewers mention beer, mead, vodka, sausages, cheese, pastries and ice cream among the things they tried, and the guide explains who the traders are, how the market works and how Bavarians eat. It is a market-focused tour, so it is a good choice for anyone who likes to meet stallholders and learn what goes into a Weisswurst or a good cheese. The rating is outstanding, with 5.0 from about 460 reviews, and the comments consistently praise the guides and the food. Because the tour is built around the market, it runs best on days when the stalls are open, and the market is closed on Sundays, so plan for another day of the week. Take a light breakfast or none at all, and expect alcohol to be part of the tasting, so it is better suited to adults than to young children.
How to plan your visit
The meeting point is outside the Ludwig Beck department store at Marienplatz 11. The guide holds a BlackBook Tours sign at the top of the stairs at exit C of the Marienplatz U-Bahn station, and the tour ends at the Marienplatz station area. Allow three to four hours, and do not book a restaurant meal straight afterwards. You pick the date at booking, so choose a day from Monday to Saturday.
When to go
Weekday mornings and lunchtimes are the most lively at the market. In summer, midday tours can be hot, and reviewers recommend bringing water and sunscreen. In winter, dress warmly because you spend most of the time on foot in the open market. The market is closed on Sundays, so the tour does not suit that day. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.
Things to know
The tour is in English and capped at 15 people, which keeps the experience personal. Tell the operator about dietary needs when you book, since many of the tastings are meat, cheese or beer. If you prefer a tour that moves through more of the old town, rather than concentrating on one market, the old town food tour listed here is the broader alternative. For a free visit to the market on your own, see the Viktualienmarkt guide and combine it with a stroll to Marienplatz and St Peter's.
What to expect
The experience
A guided small-group walk of about three to four hours, mostly inside the Viktualienmarkt, with over 20 tastings, lunch and drinks.
Best time
Weekday mornings and lunchtimes. The market is closed on Sundays.
How long
Three to four hours.
Tips
Eat a light breakfast. Tell the operator about dietary needs. Bring water in summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who want to meet the stallholders and taste widely at a famous market.
- Families
- Older children who enjoy tasting food, though alcohol is part of the programme.
- Couples
- A good long lunch for two, with plenty to talk about.
- Pair with
- A walk to the English Garden or the tower of St Peter's afterwards.
- Time needed
- Three to four hours.
Good questions
Where does the Viktualienmarkt food tour start?+
Outside the Ludwig Beck department store at Marienplatz 11, with the guide at the top of the stairs at exit C of the Marienplatz U-Bahn.
Is lunch included?+
Yes. Lunch, snacks and alcoholic drinks are included, with more than 20 tastings in total.
How big are the groups?+
A maximum of 15 travellers.
Can I do the tour on a Sunday?+
The Viktualienmarkt is closed on Sundays, so choose another day.
Can I cancel?+
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.
