[Bubble Gum]

Sendlinger Strasse is one of the oldest shopping streets in Munich. It has smaller shops offering one-of-a-kind clothing as well as the larger multi-national chain stores. Many of the stores are family-owned and have survived for generations. The street starts at Sendlinger Tor and reaches just short of Marienplatz. For a quick wander down the street looking at some of the most interesting shops, read on...

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/sendlinger_strasse_munich.jpg[/img]

At this time of year the smell of gluehwein and fried almonds surround the red brick structure of Sendlinger Tor. The Christmas market is currently in full swing there. Arts and crafts such as handmade paper, and jewelry are sold, as well as salty pommes and hot fresh crepes. The 14th century gate stands tall in the center, representing the strength and history of Munich.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/christmas_market_sendlinger_tor_munich.jpg[/img]

The street itself then kicks off with Oma's Koestlichkeiten (#49), a small cozy delicatessen shop filled with imported goodies to satisfy any sweet tooth, including chocolate, pralines, mugs and tea pots from Belgium, Italy, France and the UK.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/kadoh_munich.jpg[/img]

Further down, Kadoh, (#45) sells "ethnic" arts and crafts such as textiles, clothing, furniture, bags, jewelry, candles, paper, and an abundance of wicker products. The faux antiques are imported mainly from Indonesia, and from Bali and China.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/not_couture_munich.jpg[/img]

Sifting through the Not Couture (#41) women's clothing store is a pure delight for fashion fiends who are willing to pay the price to look fabulous. Small Italian labels mixed with Miss Sixty keep twenty-something women well stocked with funky boots, coats, bags, hats, jewelry, accessories and, naturally, clothing.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/stierblut_munich.jpg[/img]

Boys are also provided for on Sendlinger Strasse. Stierblut (#37) offers almost 500 square meters of men's clothing: styles ranging from sporty Adidas sweatshirts and jeans to classy suits and coats, mingled with coffee table books and contemporary CDs.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/kare_city_munich.jpg[/img]

One of the city's most helpful furniture and design stores, KARE, has planted its CityHaus and CityDesignHaus branches midway down the street (#37, 35). A range of gift ideas flock the ground floor with a range of handbags, beaded hippie curtains and candle holders. Home furnishings can be found on the first and second floors, with ornate wooden closets and beds and lamps, leather couches, chairs and bathrooms. In the basement kitchen utensils share the space with an almost hidden ThaiGarden restaurant called Yambai. Warm summer months provide for a spicy meal of chicken sate to be relished under the evening stars in an intimate courtyard.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/stierblut_woman_munich.jpg[/img]

Stierblut for Women (#35), formerly housed in the men's branch up until September 18th, is more Mainstream Munich than unique, and like its male counterpart, sells looks from sporty to classy.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/otto_hierneis_munich.jpg[/img]

Hello Kitty is well represented in this part of town by Otto Hierneis / ISY'S (#33). For the girly girls among us, this Disney store for grown ups offers accessories and clothing from Playboy, Hello Kitty and the Power Puff Girls among other characters. Big plastic jewelry à la '80s, mugs, t-shirts, boots and shoes complete the stock.

Playboy merchandise can also be found at the ISY'S branch across the street. A somewhat eccentric clothing store for men and women its look entails colorful shoes, black Goth petticoats and fur-lined hello kitty skirts. For those who are still stuck in last season's Ashton Kutcher insinuated von Dutch craze, the trucker hats and t-shirts can be found here as well.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/assam_kirche_munich.jpg[/img]

Old European charm can be found hidden deep behind the Asamkirche (aka St. Johann Nepomuk). The 18th century Rococo church is worth stepping into during the day if only to cast a quick glance at the very ornate and intricate golden interior by Egid Quirin Asam.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/asamhof_passage_munich.jpg[/img]

Next to the building is the entrance to the Assam-Hof Passage, which was made in 1983. It meanders through the little tunnel past PGM Art World's paintings, poster and frame shop, into the courtyard adorned with Christmas lights and particular statues.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/pgm_art_world_munich.jpg[/img]

Modern day traffic is drowned out here as nature shops tease your spiritual habits with Feng Shui accessories in Baerbel Drexel and exotic teas from Der Teeladen. The tiny Villanis cafe-bistro entices passers-by with its cute cozy frame-adorned walls, stained glass windows and international cuisine.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/kookai_munich.jpg[/img]

Back on the bustling street, Kookaï (#18), France's answer to H&M and Zara, can take up hours of shopping at a time. Not only does it offer women's and children's clothing from the fashion label and other designers, but also household items from Kookaï Maison. Candleholders, vases, statues, Christmas tree ornaments and Vesace inspired plates and cups fill up the center of the store, with very affordable gift and classy gift and decor options. Even fur-lined tree ornaments are on display for a fashion conscious Christmas.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/sueddeutsche_munich.jpg[/img]

The work and sweat coming from the glass offices of the Sueddeutsche Zeitung (#8) can be picked up from the street. Lights can be seen on in the building late into the night, while busy journalists work away to publish one of the strongest daily papers in Germany.

Sendlinger Strasse ends shortly thereafter right at the heart of the city at the feet of city hall, appropriately finishing off the spree with characteristic Bavarian mom & pop stores.

[img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/sendlinger_tor_munich.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/sendlinger_tor_munich_2.jpg[/img]

[UrbanAngel]

Thanks for the article; I haven't been there recently and didn't know about the new shops. Just one question - what on earth is a "Bavarian mom & pop store" ? A shop for Bavarian mothers and fathers I take it, but selling what?

[pootle]

Sendlingerstrasse will also get Munich's 2nd Starbucks. Due to open at number 27 in April 2005.