Munich isn’t just about history and beer; it also shines during the holiday season with its wonderfully festive markets and lively shopping scenes. Whether you’re hunting for traditional Bavarian crafts, indulging in seasonal treats, or exploring the city’s iconic squares, Munich offers a variety of guided tours that make shopping and festive exploring easy and memorable. We love the Original Munich Christmas Market Tour with Festive Wine and Food, which combines local traditions with charming markets—and plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm.
For those with a serious appetite, the Munich Christmas Market Food Tour with Tastings offers a delicious way to explore Munich’s culinary delights. And if your focus is on soaking up the city’s sights along with its festive spirit, the Munich:Christmas Market Hopping with Sightseeing Tour provides a quick, scenic overview of Munich’s illuminated landmarks. No matter your interests—be it crafts, culinary treats, or cultural highlights—these tours make exploring Munich’s markets both fun and informative.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best shopping and market tours in Munich covers a broad spectrum: from Christmas market explorations filled with mulled wine and handmade gifts, to food tastings that introduce you to Bavarian flavors, and sightseeing combined with market visits. Each experience is tailored to different interests and budgets, whether you want an intimate small-group adventure or a quick overview of the city’s festive highlights. Dive into the details below to find the perfect match for your trip.
1. Original Munich Christmas Market Tour with Festive Wine and Food
At number 1 on our list, the Original Munich Christmas Market Tour with Festive Wine and Food is a standout for its immersive, small-group experience. For around $150, this 3-hour tour takes you through Munich’s most iconic holiday markets, including Marienplatz and Theresienwiese, where the city’s largest Christmas market is held. Your guide will handle the logistics—so no stressing about navigating these bustling stalls—and you’ll enjoy a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and tasting.
What makes this tour special is the focus on local traditions, including alpine Christmas customs and historical insights about each market. You’ll sample mulled wine (Glühwein) and local treats, with ample time to browse artisan stalls for unique gifts and souvenirs. The small group size guarantees a more personal experience, and reviews highlight how knowledgeable and fun the guide is. It’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic, festive experience without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: If you want a friendly, comprehensive tour that captures the magic of Munich’s Christmas markets, this experience delivers a well-rounded taste of tradition and holiday cheer.
2. Munich Christmas Market Food Tour with Tastings
For around $151, the Munich Christmas Market Food Tour with Tastings is ideal for food lovers eager to explore Munich’s culinary holiday offerings. This 3-hour guided stroll takes you through key markets like Marienplatz and the Residenz courtyard, with a focus on the best seasonal bites and local delicacies.
What sets this tour apart is the all-inclusive approach—you won’t need to pay on the spot. You sample regional snacks, baked goods, and festive drinks, including a hidden gem of a stall that locals love. The guide shares stories about Munich’s food traditions, legends, and the history behind each dish. Guests rave about the donuts and the warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for travelers wanting a foodie-focused experience.
Bottom Line: If you want to taste your way through Munich’s Christmas markets while learning about Bavarian food culture, this tour offers excellent value with plenty of treats and insider tips.
3. Munich: Christmas Market Hopping with Sightseeing Tour
At just about $52, the Munich: Christmas Market Hopping with Sightseeing Tour is a budget-friendly way to see the city’s holiday sparkle. This 2.5-hour tour takes a small group through key landmarks like Frauenkirche, Stachus, and the Munich Residence, all dressed up for Christmas.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of Munich’s festive spots. The guide provides stories about Munich’s famous squares and churches, along with a warm drink to enjoy the wintry atmosphere. The focus is on visual delights and cultural highlights, with enough time for photos and quick visits. Reviews mention the tour’s friendly pace and the personalized feel, making it a good choice for first-timers or those short on time.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a short, lively introduction to Munich’s holiday sights and want to avoid spending the whole day, this tour hits the mark.
$52.24 per person
4. Munic:h; Paul’s Bavarian Food and Market Tour
For around $136, the Munic:h; Paul’s Bavarian Food and Market Tour offers a cook’s tour of Munich’s traditional eateries. This 2-hour walking experience takes you through historic local restaurants like Hackerhaus and the Viktualienmarkt, sampling a starter, main, and dessert at different spots.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on authentic Bavarian dishes and stories behind them. Your guide, Paul, shares entertaining tales about Bavarian cuisine and local life while you enjoy hearty, traditional foods. It’s an excellent pick for travelers who want to combine culinary delights with cultural insights and explore Munich’s food scene beyond the markets. The reviews praise Paul’s friendliness and knowledge.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a taste of authentic Bavarian cuisine and want to learn about Munich’s culinary heritage, this tour offers a flavorful experience.
5. Munich Christmas Market Small Group Tour with Gingerbread Heart
At about $133, this Munich Christmas Market Small Group Tour with Gingerbread Heart delivers a cozy, intimate experience that lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. Led by a guide, you’ll visit four of Munich’s popular markets, including Karlstor, Marienplatz, Residenz, and Odeonsplatz.
The tour is well suited for travelers who want a short, guided holiday walk with plenty of festive cheer. Highlights include gingerbread hearts, local stories, and a postcard as souvenirs. The small group size (up to 8 people) makes it easy to ask questions and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors seeking a quick, charming glimpse of Munich’s markets and a chance to pick up some holiday treats.
6. Munich: Christmas Market Hopping with Sightseeing Tour
This Munich: Christmas Market Hopping with Sightseeing Tour costs about $53 and lasts around 2.5 hours. It focuses on iconic landmarks like Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and the Residenz, all decorated for Christmas.
This tour is best for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with market visits without a long commitment. The guide offers interesting facts about Munich’s historic sites and festive traditions, making it a practical choice for first-time visitors. The tour’s emphasis on visual highlights and local stories makes it accessible and engaging.
Bottom Line: A quick, affordable way to enjoy Munich’s Christmas lights and learn about its history, especially if you have limited time.
$53 per person
7. Munich: Christmas Market Magic Walking Tour with a Local
Costing about $95, this Munich: Christmas Market Magic Walking Tour with a Local is a 1-hour personalized experience. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore Munich’s markets and uncover hidden corners, local traditions, and seasonal specialties.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, intimate experience and enjoy learning from someone who truly knows Munich. The guide shares local tips on where to eat, drink, and shop for authentic Bavarian souvenirs. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed, conversational stroll.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting an authentic, personal look at Munich’s holiday traditions.
$95 per person
8. Munich: Private Christmas Market Tour
Finally, the Munich: Private Christmas Market Tour offers a tailored experience for about 1.5 hours, allowing you to explore Munich’s Christmas markets with a dedicated guide. The private format means you can customize the route and pace, focusing on the festive sights and tastes most interesting to you.
Ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, personalized experience, this tour allows deep dives into local Christmas traditions, courtly history, and sampling of Lebkuchen (gingerbread). The reviews highlight how knowledgeable and accommodating the guides are.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting complete flexibility and a private guide to focus on their specific interests.
How to Choose Your Perfect Munich Market Tour
When selecting the best Munich shopping or market experience, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. Want a comprehensive, festive adventure? The Original Munich Christmas Market Tour offers an all-in-one experience. If your main goal is to sample Bavarian foods, the Food Tasting Tour is ideal. For a quick overview, the Sightseeing and Market Hop provides a balanced introduction.
For travelers who enjoy personalized attention, the Private Christmas Market Tour or the Local Guided Experience can be a great fit. Budget-conscious visitors or those with limited time might prefer the Cost-effective Market Hop.
Booking early is recommended, especially during the busy Christmas season, to secure your preferred time and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts
Munich’s shopping and market tours cover everything from traditional Christmas markets and festive food tastings to cultural sightseeing. If you’re after a comprehensive, festive journey, the Original Christmas Market Tour is hard to beat. For a culinary adventure, the Food Tour provides delightful tastings along with local stories. And if you prefer a quick, scenic overview, the Market Hop with Sightseeing is a budget-friendly option.
No matter your choice, Munich’s markets are a joyful experience that brings the city’s holiday spirit to life. Booking early will help you enjoy these festive treasures without stress.